Job Interviewing - Body Language
Sitting with your arms crossed can be seen as an arrogant or defensive gesture, so try to avoid this. Likewise for leg positions, both feet flat on the floor or the low-cross, where your legs are crossed over at the ankles is a good option. Having your legs crossed higher up can be construed as a defensive or arrogant gesture. Alternatively, if this doesn’t feel natural to you, another option is to put your feet one in front of the other, with your back foot raised with only your toes touching the ground. This body language conveys a ‘ready for action’ stance.
If you are a person who uses their hands a lot while speaking, try to keep this to a minimum. This will not only distract the interviewer from your words but will break your eye contact. The less you use your arms and hands, the more powerful you will appear in the interview.
‘Mirroring’ the body language of the interviewer/s is also a good technique - as like people attract. If you reflect back the body language of the interviewer, you are more likely to make a positive impression and put them at ease.
Job Interviewing – Final Tips
- Allow enough time to get to the interview so that you won’t arrive feeling stressed or hot and flustered. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early. If you have spare time, sit somewhere nearby to gather your thoughts, and reflect on the possible questions that you may be asked. If you are running late always ensure that the recruiter/ employer is notified, an apology extended, and an estimated time of arrival provided. If circumstance ‘beyond your control’ prevent you from getting to an interview or meeting on time, call earlier rather than later.
- Take as little as possible with you. You don’t want to be fumbling around with folders, bags and pens when the interviewer comes to greet you. One folio / satchel with a pen and paper, with any questions you may wish to answer is ample.
- When you greet the interviewer/s, always initiate the handshake, as it will make you appear confident and friendly. Make sure your hand-shake is strong and forthright and for as long as the interviewer shakes for.
- Avoid tapping your feet, or shifting in the seat, which can reflect nervousness and apprehension.
- Be prepared. The basis of preparation is performing in-depth research about the role and company well before the interview. You can often review the company via the internet or request more information from the recruiter before the interview. Your task is to find out as much as you can about the culture and goals of the organization, including the size, various locations, the type of people who may be employed there and in what capacities.
Looking and acting the part in an interview sends a strong message to a recruiter or potential employer that you will be able to perform on the job. Confidence when coupled with your existing abilities will make you a much stronger candidate than someone who on paper has the same or slightly more experience than you, but poor body language skills and image.
Organizations are now placing more emphasis on candidates with strong people skills - having the pre-requisite technical skills is not enough. Subconsciously, poor body language may equate in some interviewers minds with poor people skills and potentially poor work performance. In particular the more senior you become, the more likely it is that interviews and roles will center on your people skills. This is especially true at the high income end of IT jobs. In fact, it’s one of the main factors that separate candidates in occupations such as Business Analysts and Project Managers, from the pack.
Most people under-sell themselves in interviews, seeing it as a competitive situation requiring fight or flight responses. Instead we recommend that you practice projecting a strong confident image. Relax and try to make the most of this experience to highlight your skills, experience and personal strengths. You may only get one chance to make an impression so make that opportunity count!