6 Tips for a Better Interview - Watch Your Body Signals
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Posted By:
Joe Turner In: Job Seeker - Interview
While it's a no-brainer to focus on how best to answer those
typical interview questions, don't forget to pay some attention
to that other 85% of what you're communicating non-verbally. It
can pay dividends after your interview when you realize your
body often speaks louder than your words
The job market has tightened, the economy is down, and you’ve
got to find a job, now. You have a job interview coming up and
you need every possible advantage to win that job. What do you
do?
Recent studies have shown that employers will form an opinion of
you within the first 10 minutes of the interview. But here's the
kicker, it's not always based on what you actually say, but it's
on something we term "body language". For instance, 85% of what
you communicate is not with words. It's through the tone of your
voice, the way you sit and a wealth of other messages that your
body involuntarily sends. This is according to Greg Hartley, a
body language expert who earned his chops with 20 years as an
interrogator in the US Army.
With this in mind, here are six do’s and don’ts on the art of
non-verbal communication to give you a winning advantage in a
job interview.
1) Be Real From the Start
When you greet your interviewer, smile a real smile that engages
your eyes, and offer a firm handshake. Say something like, “I’m
pleased to meet you” to provide a positive anchor.
Janine Driver, a body language expert also known on the Internet
as the "Lyin’ Tamer", states that maintaining good eye contact
shows respect and interest. She advises that in the U.S., 60%
eye contact is ideal. She suggests focusing on the upper
triangle of the face from the left eyebrow across the bridge of
the nose to the right eyebrow. Avoid staring at the other
person’s forehead, lips and mouth.
2) Watch the Excess Energy
The more energy you have, the more will need to be vented. This
often results in mannerisms Hartley terms "adapters". What this
means is that excess energy gets dissipated into fidgeting, a
definite sign that you're nervous or ill at ease. While it's
easy to say, "watch the fidgeting", Driver suggests you never
touch your face, throat, mouth or ears during an interview. The
interviewer may feel that you’re holding something back,
typically, the truth. Although this is a false assumption, to
try to establish credibility, it’s necessary to avoid touching
your face.
3) What to Do With Those Hands and Arms
Driver says that clasped hands are a signal that you are closed
off. A palm-to-palm gesture with one thumb over the other thumb
sends the signal that you need the interviewer’s reassurance.
To come across as confident, receptive and unguarded, have your
hands open and relaxed on the table. When your body is open, you
project trustworthiness.
Avoid crossing your arms over your chest. When you do, you
signal that you are close-minded, defensive, or bored and
disinterested.
4) Crossing Those Legs
Don’t cross your legs. According to Driver, this posture creates
a wall between you and your interviewer. It can also become a
distraction when you keep crossing your legs back and forth.
Crossed ankles are a “no-no” because you are signaling that you
want to be elsewhere.
5) Posture
A straight posture is imperative during an interview. Pull your
shoulders back and sit up straight. You’ll give yourself a burst
of confidence and allow for good breathing. This can help you to
avoid, or at least reduce, feelings of nervousness and
discomfort.
6) Finger Gestures
Bet you never thought you had to worry about your fingers during
an interview. Driver suggests that steepling your fingers makes
you look arrogant. She also says to never point your index
fingers like gun barrels. These are the types of aggressive
messages you want to avoid sending.
Summary
While it's a no-brainer to focus on how best to answer those
typical interview questions, don't forget to pay some attention
to that other 85% of what you're communicating non-verbally. It
can pay dividends after your interview when you realize your
body often speaks louder than your words.
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