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For job seekers, few things are more frustrating than going on interview after interview and not getting hired. They have the perfect resume and cover letter reflecting their education, qualifications and experience, yet for some reason they don’t get the job. Could it be that there is something wrong with their body language? Conny Manero explains.
If you’re the perfect job candidate on paper but haven’t managed to get yourself hired, you might want to take a closer look at your body language. Or, ask a friend to help you with a mock interview and to give you some feedback.
According to Daisy Wright, author of the book Tell Stories, Get Hired, “An interview is a form of story-telling. You need to capture your audience’s attention and convince the hiring manager to choose you.”
Posture
The reception area of some companies is equipped with cameras, enabling the Human Resources department to evaluate a job candidate long before the interview gets under way. Keep this in mind when you enter a company: Interact with the receptionist and behave in the waiting area.
If you chose to stand, don’t slouch and resist pacing the room; should you chose to sit, don’t fidget, and don’t check your hair, make-up or clothes.
Handshake
When you first meet the interviewer, do you give a firm handshake? Many people are so nervous they forget to shake hands with the person, or give a handshake that resembles a dead fish. Make sure your hands are dry and warm.
Eye Contact
Do you make eye contact? Eye contact is very important. If you don’t make eye contact, the interviewer might get the impression that you have something to hide. If you are wearing glasses, never glare at the interviewer over the rims of your glasses.
Hands and Arms
Do you cross your arms in front of your chest? Not a good idea, this makes you look defensive. Hold your hands in your lap or on the armrests of the chair, but don’t hold on for dear life.
“Your body language is a key to your overall success.”
– Body language expert Mark Bowden
Showing the palms of your hands from time to time is a good idea. According to the experts, this is a sign of honesty.
When Standing or Sitting
In the event that you are standing during the interview, never put your hands in your pockets or bounce from one leg onto the other.
What about when you sit down? Do you slouch? Interviewers often say “Make yourself comfortable,” but that doesn’t mean to get too comfortable. You should always sit up straight. Resist crossing and uncrossing your legs, and never bounce or shake a foot. According to Mark Bowden, Canadian author and body language expert, “Your body language is a key to your overall success.”
And mind your knees! Are they pointing to the interviewer, or away from him? Knees that point to the interviewer make the statement that you agree with what the interviewer is saying, while knees that point away from him show that you are being defensive.
Pay Attention
Don’t let your attention wander by looking out the window or around the room. You are supposed to be concentrating on what is being said.
At the end of the interview, stand, and when thanking the interviewer for inviting you, give him another firm handshake and smile. Your charm might just win him over.
Conny is a writer living in Toronto. She’s an avid reader, a keen ten-pin bowling player, and an advocate for shelter animals.
Hiring managers, how important is body language to you? We’d like to hear from you! Leave a comment below.