Eight essential body language tips for job interviews

Eight essential body language tips for job interviews 8 Essential Body Language Tips For Job InterviewsPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie Chun When you walk into a job interview you want to exude confidence, ability and professionalism so the last thing you want is for your unconscious body language to undermine the impression youre trying to convey. Body language is immediately observed but unconsciously performed. Check out these tips to ensure that you come across exactly as you wish and dont let your body sabotage you 1. Stand tall Nothing contributes more to an impression of confidence than good posture so make a conscious effort to walk with your head high and shoulders back, and sit with a straight back (while remaining relaxed and natural). You dont want to skulk into an interview with stooped shoulders and your head down, then slouch down in your chair you might as well be wearing a sign saying, I dont deserve this job. 2. Firm handshake Weve all heard about the importanc e of a firm handshake, and this oft-repeated advice still holds true. Theres something decidedly unimpressive, if notlage distinctly creepy, about the dead fish handshake just dont try to overcompensate with a bone-crushing handshake that will make your interviewer wince in pain. 3. Maintain eye contact The ability to maintain eye contact is another indicator of confidence, honesty and openness. Staring at the floor or ceiling will make you appear lacking in confidence, distracted and like youre not listening or perhaps like you dont even care. Also be aware of too many sidelong glances, which can make you look shifty. Astute observers of body language can apparently detect liars from their eye movements (such as looking up and to the right), as well as other body language giveaways. Eye contact can be maintained for up to 10 seconds, but its important not to stare too intently that will just creep your interviewer out. 4. Relaxed but professional body position Maintain an ope n but professional stance and sitting position. Dont sit on the edge of your chair instead sit up straight, leaning slightly forward and with your hands relaxed in front of you. Cross your legs at the ankles or keep both feet on the floor (crossing your legs may come across as too casual). Also be sure not to cross your arms, as that will make you appear closed and defensive. 5. Dont fidget No matter how nervous you may be feeling, try not to fidget in your chair or with your hands. Its highly distracting and will make you look not only nervous, but possibly cagey. Dont touch your hair, face, neck or mouth, or play with your jewellery, cufflinks or handbag. Maintaining an air of relaxed calmness will give the most favourable impression. 6. Smile Interviews are a serious business, but thats no reason not to smile. Smiling will show that youre relaxed and confident, as well as generally pleasant. No one wants to work with a dour sourpuss. Keep in mind that theres a difference betwee n a forced smile and a natural one, so as much as you can, try to relax and smile as naturally as possible. A natural smile involves all your facial muscles, including your eyes, while a forced one will move your mouth but leave your eyes unmoved. Either that or youve overdone it with the botox. 7. Deep breathing Deep breathing will help you relax and prevent you from appearing breathless and nervous. Try to breathe deep into your diaphragm instead of just shallowly into your chest. Youll be surprised by how much this will help to calm and ground you. 8. Avert possible catastrophes Drink some water (bring a bottle with you) before you go into the interview room so your mouth isnt too parched. Its hard to speak confidently, or speak at all, when your mouth is as dry as the Atacama Desert. And finally, dont forget to wear a lightweight shirt (with a jacket) that breathes so you dont get too hot and sweaty when being asked those tricky interview questions (and remember to wear antipe rspirant). Having a Nixon moment during your interview is not going to do you any favours in landing that job. 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