Let Your Body Talk: Interview Tips

Body language is hugely important for making an excellent first impression. If you are easily intimidated or unnerved, practising a confident pose will help to calm you and mask your anxieties. We all know the importance of a firm hand shake and warm introduction, but remember that downward facing palm shows dominance, as an upward facing palm shows submission. A level sideways palm is demonstrable of equality.

Proximity can tell a person how comfortable you are in their space, although this must be professional and there may be cultural exemptions to this rule. Usually there will be a table separating the interviewer and interviewee. This will allow your bottom half to display some tension whilst you concentrate on your top half.

A lowered head can indicate that you are shy, hiding something or even thinking to yourself, none of these inferences are desirable.

Crossed arms suggest nerves or a lack of ease with your own body. This pose also closes you off to social influence. It is best to keep your arms uncrossed for the duration of the interview. In addition a closed hand or hand to your mouth shows irritation or nerves. Keep arms down or out and palms turned up to exhibit openness and confidence. Keep your shoulders loose. Breathe deeply and slowly to assist relaxation.

Remember interviewers maybe nervous themselves as generally interviewing not a commopractise. The most assured candidates are the most likely to make the interviewer feel at ease and will therefore stand out.
Avoid putting your hands on your hips as this displays impatience or fatigue.

Eye contact is essential; although you should not stare relentlessly, continuous eye contact is important. Avoid long breaks of eye contact, staring into space or looking to the side; this can be a display of dishonesty or lack of interest. Squinted eyes are symptomatic of confusion or trying to understand what is being said. If you find yourself squinting be sure to follow up with a request for clarity. It is better to ask questions as it shows a desire to be knowledgeable and clear. Moreover your eyes should smile along with your mouth in order to be genuine.

Assertive body language is smooth and under control. Movement and voice are used harmoniously and in time, despite perhaps speaking passionately. Maintain a lack of extremes in your voice. However, the sound should not become monotonous; variations in volume and pitch should be well executed and display warmth and friendliness.

Holding a similar pose to the interviewer demonstrates an interest in establishing a rapport with them. Although be wary not to mirror movement.

An interviewer will be looking for “the one”. Aim to demonstrate your capabilities and personality with a smile, a relaxed pose and good eye contact. You want to convey an engaged, confident disposition at all times. Your charisma may determine your suitability to the position.