Body language is a form of non-verbal communication, and it is vital to communicate effectively in a job interview.
During an interview, you will inadvertently give out non-verbal cues, and those can make more of an impact than the words you use.
Confidence is typically conveyed through body language, as is your stress level. An employer will get a sense of your personality and how you perform under pressure by gauging your body language.
So, how can you ensure you are conveying the right messages?
We suggest sitting up straight and leaning forward slightly, as well as maintaining eye contact. Eye contact is the best way to connect with your interviewer, so don’t be afraid to use it when they are speaking. If you don’t, you’ll appear uninterested.
Be mindful of smiling; don’t force a smile or smile continually. A sincere and friendly smile will prove you are approachable, but a fake smile will do the opposite.
Fidgeting is a sign of anxiety, so don’t play with your pen or papers, bite your nails or tap your feet, as the interviewer will sense you are restless and uneasy. Appearing relaxed is easier said than done, especially when you’re nervous, but it is often a matter of assuming a comfortable position.
Use hand gestures to show that you’re enthusiastic, but don’t overdo it, as it can be distracting.
If you are offered a drink, it’s a good idea to accept it. It can be used to buy time to answer a difficult question, and accepting it shows you are relaxed.
Be mindful of the signals you are sending out. You may want to try filming yourself to analyse your body language.
This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as Be body confident.
