Best Body Language Tips, one must know, learn, understand and practice in daily life to get desired results in any field. Studies have shown that your body language communicates more to another person than what you say or the tone of your voice. This is even truer when you are interacting with a stranger, as one naturally sizes up someone new. For that reason, your body language during a job interview has a large effect on the hiring manager’s perceptions of you and consequently, your likelihood of being hired.
Whether you’re going to your first job interview, you’re out of practice, or you’re generally nervous about interviews, make sure your body language doesn’t give away your fear and apprehension. Stay aware of these general body language tips that can help you through your interview process.
Appearance counts during interviews. Not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself. Even if your responses to questions are flawless, the wrong body language can send the wrong signal and sour how you’re perceived.
As you enter the venue for your interview, make a conscious effort to have good posture. Stretch your back, talk long strides, don’t droop your shoulders, and keep your head high. When you enter with confidence, chances are you’ll deliver and exit with confidence too.
Most likely, the handshake will be your only moment of physical contact with the interviewer. Studies say that handshakes play a significant role in first impressions, so make it count.
As body language is frequently as a lie detector, it is hard to fake your body language and most of us cannot make our bodies do everything we want when we are nervous. The key is not to fake it! The trick is being relaxed and connected with your body during an interview.
Hold the person’s attention and present a pleasant personality. Practice your smile beforehand. You don’t want to force a smile. Your smile and eye-contact is what will make your audience engaged in the discussion and comfortable in the interaction. Don’t slouch or tuck your limbs close to your body. Sit in an erect posture, with your chest open and your spine aligned to the back of the chair. But don’t take this to the extreme.
If you’re offered a choice of seating, opt for the straight-backed chair. Cushioned chairs and couches may be comfy, but it’s hard to sit gracefully within them.
You can’t continue an interview with a parched throat or a breaking voice. If you need something in your hands to keep you focused, consider holding a pen. You could also use the pen to take notes during the discussion if required. So keep a pad handy too.
Stopping the natural gestures may lead to an awkward appearance. Just make sure your motions don’t become so enthusiastic that they distract from your words.
Don’t be in a hurry to leave, but at the same time don’t continue to keep sitting in your chair even after the interviewer has communicated the completion of the interview. Time yourself to get up with your interviewer and gather your belongings carefully, without any rush.
With body language, things fall apart for everyone, what makes the difference is those who bring it back together naturally. That way you let your body language contribute to you getting your next job.
