PROPER BODY LANGUAGE IN JOB INTERVIEW: 8 Ways to Read and Make Body Movements for Maximum Success in Job Interviews

 Body language is the unspoken or non-verbal mode of communication that we do in every single aspect of our interaction with one another. It involves gestures, mannerisms, and other bodily signs. Body language is like a mirror that tells us what the other person thinks and feels in response to our words or actions. In real life situations, most of the messages that we convey to other people are transmitted through body language.

Body language doesn't only involve the mouth but the whole body as well. We use this language all the time, but we are not aware of it, therefore, we miss the awesome power of applying it. The ability to use body language in a positive way and to read other people's minds through their body language separates the men from the boys. Body language is a great tool to our overall personality development. It is the unspoken tool to a successful life.

Read on and find out how you can read and utilize body language in your job interview to secure your dream job.

In this jet age of computers and cyber technology, the days when job seekers has to write the handwritten application letter to earn that job interview has gone. Most employers now prefer applicants to apply online, for this reason, more job seekers are looking to the net for their job opportunities. However, one thing remains the same - the body language of the applicant during job interviews and how they make the first impression as they step their foot inside the interview room. Here are some tips to having the proper body language during a job interview.

Your Personality

From your body language, an interviewer may know whether you are confident or not, whether you are a loner or team player, the shy type or the friendly type, or even whether you are telling the truth or not. They can easily tell if you are capable of handling the job, if you are dedicated, or if you’re someone who can get along with other employees. The interviewer will not only pay attention to what you say when asked questions, but also on how you say it. This is because they are generally looking for responses from you that match their qualifications. Your own body language in relation to how you can decode the body language of your interviewer will determine the thin line if you will get the job or not.

Punctuality

This is the most important aspect of any job interview – arriving on time. Job interview is considered as a very important appointment, and lateness is a big crime that may cause you to lose the job opportunity. Your attitude regarding time will send the wrong messages to the employer, and will tell a lot about your lack of professionalism. Being stuck in traffic is an unconvincing or unbelievable and complete unforgivable excuse. It is never good to be a minute late to a job interview instead be early by one hour.

First Time Encounter

When you meet the interviewer in the room or he comes to meet you, do not offer your hand for a handshake unless he offers his hand. Shake hands firmly, but don’t be too hard (squeeze) or too soft. Follow as he led while maintaining eye contact.

Proper Body Posture

Your body posture is very important during job interviews. To interview well, you can adopt the following stance. Once your are offered a sit at the beginning of the interview, sit up straight in your chair with your back leaning against the back of the chair. Don’t move sideways or slouch in your chair as this may be perceived by the interviewer as a lack of interest or boredom. On the other hand, sitting on the edge of your chair shows that you feel uneasy and nervous with the situation.

It is advisable to lean forward a little when the interviewer is saying something. To show keen interest and attention in what the interviewer is saying. You can tilt your head a little when necessary to show that you are listening closely.

Proper Gestures

Put your hands on the armrest of your chair or just place them loosely on your lap. This will also help you to make hand movements to support what you are saying. Crossing your arms will be perceived as a defensive move. You may nod your head occasionally while speaking to give more meaning to what you are saying or to exposit on a subject. Also spice up the conversation with hand movements. Your hand gestures should show the interviewer that you are comfortable with the interview.

However, too much hand gesture at the beginning of the interview is not good. Start with small and add them gradually throughout the interview. Watch your interviewer’s hand movements as well. Do use your hand as much as they use their own hands, especially when making a point or clarifying something. If they don't make many movements, do the same thing as them. Follow their lead, which is mirroring. To establish rapport, it is important to adjust your gestures to that of the interviewer. Avoid shuffling your feet, toying with a pen, biting your nails and tapping your fingers across the desk. They are some of the acts that irritate interviewers.

                         

Panel Interview

The worst form of interview for many job seekers is the panel interview. Many prefer to be interview by one person instead of a group, especially when it comes to who you should look at during the interview. It is important to maintain eye contact with all the interviewers at an equal extent. Looking at them uniformly will help you establish their trust and gain composure throughout the interview process.

Maintain eye contact with the person asking or saying something until he ceases speaking. This indicates that you're listening attentively. You can also nod your head once he looks at you to encourage him to continue speaking. When answering a question, look first at the one that asked, and then take turns looking at each of the other interviewers as well. Again, direct yourself to the person who asked the question when you want to prove a point, when you want to emphasize something, and when you are done answering.

Your Interviewer’s Body Language

It is very important to observe the body language of your interviewers. That is to say that as you are being aware of your own body movements, it is also important to be aware of the body movements of your interviewers. You will get to know how well you are coming across to your interviewers through their body gestures. This helps you to know whether you are doing well or you need to change your approach at an early stage before they give you the thumbs down.

For instance, the interviewers will show their annoyance through body language when you do something that displeases them. If they shake their heads, sigh, look down, or fold their arms and lean back, it is sign of fretfulness or discontentment. This gives you a chance to shift your strategy.

It’s Okay to be Nervous

You can increase your chances of passing an interview with your ability to use body language in a positive way and to read other people's minds through their body language. You can use this knowledge to hide your anxiety a little, however, this is something you shouldn’t worry much about. During an interview most applicants are tensed up but would not want the interviewer to know about it. Nevertheless, being nervous at this stage is completely understandable and normal. If you act like a happy-go-lucky person and doesn’t show any sign of nervousness, you will be perceived as not very interested in the job. So to some extent, your nervousness indicates how valuable getting the job is to you.

Interviewers does not only use interview to determine who among the applicants is most capable of performing the job well, but also use it to get to know more about the applicants. It's a first encounter with an individual you don’t know. If that’s the case, then the interviewer (who could be your boss) should actually feel the same way as you are. Nervousness often accompanies excitement.

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