What your body language says during an interview
Posted May 13, 2013 & filed under Interviewing
Sometimes you can verbally say all the right things during a job interview and still not walk away with the job. If the interviewer is faced with the difficult task of narrowing down a list of exceptional candidates, he or she may look at what is being said through body language to disqualify an otherwise strong candidate from consideration. According to 2,000 surveyed bosses, the difference between who does & doesn’t make the final cut often comes down to several nonverbal mistakes.
• Your Handshake: 26% of bosses surveyed view a weak handshake as a bad sign from the start. In an instant, before you even say anything, you can be categorized as a weak or strong candidate. A firm handshake, not soft & not crushing, sends a message that you are confident (without being aggressive) and considerate (without being weak-willed). No message from your body language is stronger.
• Your Eye Contact: One of the biggest body language mistake that a job seeker can make is to avoid eye contact. 67% of bosses surveyed say this is one of the most common interview mistakes that impacts their consideration. Failure to keep eye contact suggests uncertainty. Your experience & problem-solving skills may sound strong but if you cannot look your interviewer straight in the eyes, you suggest nervousness or intimidation. That is why you should always make a conscious effort to confidently meet your interviewer’s gaze.
• Your Smile: According to 38% of bosses surveyed, another major body language mistake is the failure to smile during an interview. While trying to convey professionalism, some job seekers may inadvertently sabotage themselves with an unflinching, stoic expression. Ultimately, bosses want to work with amicable employees who are agreeable to work with on any project. A friendly smile lights up a welcoming sign that suggests cooperation without a single word.
• Your Posture: 33% of bosses surveyed view bad posture as a negative sign of a job seeker’s character. This body language mistake can suggest laziness or a weak constitution. If you cannot hold yourself upright for a brief interview, how can you hold up to job responsibilities during long work days? You may be a diligent, hardworking professional but anything shy of a strong posture can send all the wrong signals.
• Your Physical Movement: Too much physical movement during an interview is often seen as a warning sign to anyone reading your body language. Of the 2,000 bosses surveyed, 33% complained about too much fidgeting, 21% complained about job seekers constantly touching their hair or faces, and 9% complained about too much hand gesturing. These types of movement suggest anxiety, tension, or a highly distractible nature. With physical movement, less is more. The less you move around in your seat, the less likely you are to fall under speculative scrutiny.
Your body language throughout the interview can just as important as response to any question. Conscious control of both your body language & responses is a key component to job seekers success because without it, the messages you send may be lost in translation.
by James Walsh
Source: AOL Jobs
