Blog Post: Interviewing Success: How to Use Body Language During the Interview

Do you have 1) confident posture, 2) a firm handshake while making direct eye contact withthe interviewer, and 3) a warm smile? Hopefully the answer to all three is "yes." Now, let's move onto the interview itself.

Wait until you are asked to be seated, then do so. Uncross your legs  and sit upright. Avoid any distracting mannerisms, such as rubbing  hands, cracking knuckles, biting nails, or playing with hair. All of these are inappropriate and may indicate nervousness on your part.

Even though you may, indeed, be nervous, do what the Sure deodorant commercial says and "Don't let them see you sweat." Resist the temptation to let the interviewer know you're nervous; keep it your secret, as you want to appear as confident and self-assured as possible.

Avoid looking over the interviewer's head while answering questions. Make direct eye contact. This shows you're not afraid of answering the question. If you're seated in a chair that swivels, be sure not to move it nervously from side to side.

Observe the interviewer's body language and subtly match it. As an example, if he or she leans in a bit while speaking and uses the hands in gesturing, do the same. We tend to like people who are like us.

When the interview is over, gracefully rise from the seat, extend a firm handshake while looking the interviewer directly in the eyes and smile—just like you did when you first entered. The interviewer may still be watching you, so be sure you're walking confidently out of the room and down the hallway.

Keep in mind that we are visual beings, so how you look and how you use your body language are very important factors in determining the way you will be perceived by the person interviewing you.

Marsha Freedman
Express Yourself Communications
Trainer, coach, and professional speaker
See website for free article on visualization,
as well as learning resources for presenters: www.xprself
mfreedman@xprself.com
To sign up for my free weekly writing tips newsletter, click here                                               or send an e-mail to tips@basic-learning.com