At the finest of times, preparing for a job interview is stressful. So, what are your options? When should you attend the interview without appearing overly enthusiastic? What should you say when the company asks how much you believe you should be paid?
While arriving unprepared for an interview is never a good idea, how you present yourself as a possible employee is far more crucial—first impressions matter, and whether or not you create a good one.
Body language is a nonverbal method of communication that goes beyond maintaining proper posture and eye contact. For example, somebody’s language clues implicitly communicate that you’re nervous or apprehensive. Conversely, confidence is shown by good body language, which sets the tone for the remainder of the interview.
Indeed, your importance of body language in an interview is significantly more crucial than your CV’s qualifications or the rehearsed replies you offer to interview questions.
To help you understand the concept, we’ve listed some of the most typical interview body language do’s and don’ts. Continue reading to learn how to use body language effectively.
- The eyes are the essential nonverbal communicators. When someone stares you in the eyes, it means they are telling the truth, are interested in you, and are excellent. Conversely, if someone’s gaze is often drawn away from yours, it’s a sign that they’re unpleasant, untrustworthy, bashful, or uninterested in you. The lower face, brows, and forehead show fury, while the eyes show fear. Your expression can and will betray your remarks during an interview if you don’t maintain control. Furthermore, a pleasant grin is always welcomed.
- Sitting in a closed stance communicates disinterest or disdain, such as with crossed arms and legs. The open stance and forward-leaning, on the other hand, convey attention and enthusiasm. For example, sit in a chair that reduces the physical space between you and the interviewer during an interview, and lean forward. Leaning back on a chair may give the impression to the interviewer that you are uninterested in the job or the interview.
- Hands and feet- You’ve learned the proper facial expressions, but don’t forget about your hands and feet. They will also assist you in expressing your ideas and opinions. Don’t wrap your fingers or knuckle crack. Don’t swap leg positions or tap or swing your foot incessantly. Your interviewer might be looking for these indications to help them decipher other ambiguous communications. Instead, place both feet on the floor in a comfortable position. It would help if you utilised delicate hand movements to accentuate points rather than drumming fingers and cracking knuckles.
- Provide a concise response. To others, this point may appear counterintuitive. After all, isn’t the point of an interview to sell yourself through words?
- To some extent, this is correct. Confident people use ten words to say what an anxious person may speak in 100 words, and they do so considerably more successfully. Excessive chatting is a symptom of anxiousness, and it takes time away from an interviewer adequately evaluating your application. Relax and provide concise answers to queries. Most crucial, keep on topic and respond to the questions.
- Improve your listening skills. Some people consider listening to be an art form, but it isn’t. So instead, you should nod now and then to show that you’re paying attention and agreeing with what the interviewer says.
It’s also critical to be sincere about hearing the interview. For example, your facial expressions will signal indifference in the interview and, more likely, in the position if you pretend to listen or merely wait for the interviewer to cease talking.
- Leave in the same condition as you observed it. It’s critical that you leave the interview in the same calm, confident, and relaxed state as you entered it.
In most circumstances, parting handshakes and a gracious farewell will suffice. But, even if you have somewhere to be, you should avoid gathering your belongings and dashing out the door.
Hopefully, you will be better prepared for your following job interview after reading this list of the importance of body language in interview guidelines. Natural, upbeat body language shows that you believe in yourself and your value as a candidate.
Concentrate less on suppressing your natural bodily movements—it will cause more harm than good! When possible, it’s more necessary to stay away from performing certain things. It’s best if you appear relaxed, confident, and poised.
