HOW TO MAKE BODY LANGUAGE WORK FOR YOU IN A JOB INTERVIEW

Successful body language can prove the difference between failing the interview and passing it with flying colours. 

• APPEARANCE

Be smartly dressed and if possible wear the dress code of the current employees of the company for the interview, this will send a signal of sense of belonging to the interviewer. Remove every facial hair it can portray you as been aggressive, sluggishness shows that you are lazy. Have a good hear do, don’t chew gum and use a good deodorant. 

• FIRST IMPRESSION

When facing the panel, be composed and calm, this will send a signal of you having ability to work under pressure. Have a firm but not aggressive handshake, whilst maintaining eye contact and a friendly warm smile. Let interviewer take the lead by initiating the conversation but avoid one word answers and be concise.

• POSTURE

Don’t slouch on the chair, sit upright with both feet comfortably on the floor and lean towards your interviewer in order to show attention and keenness. Crossing legs or arms act as an obvious defensive barrier and is an unfortunate comfort zone, doing this will send a message to your interviewer that you are uncomfortable or you are in a pressurized environment. Fidgeting like tapping feet on the ground, playing with hair or showing general inability to keep hands still. Fidgeting is a sign of nervousness like touching of face, neck and head also betray a sense of dishonesty.

• EYE CONTACT

Keep very good eye contact with your interviewer, if you stare wide-eyed, you send an impression that you are afraid. Possibly drop your eye contact when one of the interviewer want to receive a call, this will show a sign of respect to the interviewer’s privacy.

• COMMUNICATION SKILL

If you have a bad communication skill, you may have to learn it if you intend searching for a job. Bad pronunciation and intonation can easily piss your interviewer off, try to polish your English before you go for an interview.