What is Body Language? And why is it so important at Interview?

The purpose of this page is to define body language and the basic principals to follow.

So that poor body language does not let you down at interview.

Body language forms a single part of what is termed “Nonverbal Communications” a broad and complex subject for which there are many scientific studies and supporting books and articles.

For my purpose I will refer to it simply as body language,
meaning body movement,
posture,
facial gestures and
eye contact.

Why is it so important at Interview?

Now I’m no expert in body language, but I can read the basic’s as I believe we all can.

Therefore this is something that can “give us away” at interview, unless we are prepared and practiced.

The big NO! NO!, don’t lie at interview. It takes a huge amount of training to become an accomplished liar, just watch politicians (no I’m not saying all politicians are liars) on TV facing tough questioning.

They are trained to avoid downright lying, in favour of “reframing” the question (answering the question THEY want to answer).

Basically if you lie, some type of involuntary movement will give you away.

The obvious movements that give it away being, you scratch your nose, or look away when answering.

Anyway not to get bogged down on lying, body language can be read by most interviewers to a basic level, so lets not let this aspect of your interview let you down.

Body Language DO’s (and a few don’ts)

Body Movement
Try to cut out excess body movement (fidgeting), it conveys nervousness, or impatience, or boredom.

If using your hands to emphasise a point, use the whole hand with palm open to the interviewer. Making a fist can be seen as aggressive, pointing is a definite NO.

Handshake should be firm (a slight squeeze) with two or three firm pumps up and down will do the trick. Whatever you do; don’t present the interviewer a leaf of wet lettuce to shake.

A weak handshake is considered the sign of a weak personality.

Whilst sitting put your arms on arm rests or on your lap, don’t cross your arms, as this is seen as very defensive.

You can also read your interviewer, if they cross their arms, they may be not in agreement with your answer – proceed carefully.

When walking, and moving think calm steady movements, purposeful, with poise and grace.

Steady calm breathing will aid smooth unrushed movement.

Posture
Drill sergeant advice here – Stand tall, straight spine, shoulders back, chest out, chin up. A strong open, and confident posture, for men and women.

When seated, straight spine, incline slightly forward toward the interviewer. Sitting forward conveys attention and interest. Sitting back can convey the opposite.

My all means cross your legs if you wish though retain the straight spine and slight forward inclination.

Facial Gestures

SMILE… A smile is universal language for trust and friendliness. It say’s you are happy and approachable. If you need to – even practice smiling. It is absolutely vital to creating rapport with your interviewer.

I am not talking Cheshire cat, or demonic grin, nothing so over the top that it will be obviously insincere.

Just get the corners of your mouth facing upwards, with maybe a glimpse of teeth if you’re comfortable.

Anything less will be read as you not being happy and comfortable, and though an interview is not easy, you must convey positive emotions.

Be careful not to use any gestures that may be considered rude, rolling your eyes back if you disagree, or slight shaking of the head, downturn of the mouth. You can always ask friends or loved ones if you have any to be careful of.

A slight (not manic) nodding of your head suggests agreement; this can be a positive gesture to agree with what the interviewer is saying.

Eye Contact

Again very important. Try to maintain eye contact wherever possible. This is not staring, simply look into the eyes or at a point, just above and centre of the eyebrows.

Answer questions looking the interviewer in the eye.

Ask questions in the same meaner.

Looking around when conversing is seen as lack of interest, or even rudeness.

A great first impression

Stand up straight, shoulders back, head held high and proud, nice friendly smile, good eye contact (feel like your smiling with your eyes as well – if that makes sense?).

Greet them with the smile, firm hand shake, eye contact and saying whatever greeting your comfortable with –

for example "Thank you for seeing me today, I have been really looking forward to this interview and meeting you".

Your off to a great Start – Keep up the good work!

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