Your flawless CV and cover letter have landed you a highly coveted job interview. It is now time to make an impression in person. To do that, you need to understand the importance of body language in an interview. The way you present yourself and your body language during an interview can have just as much of an impact on the outcome as your ability to perform the job.
Face-to-face discussion is less than 35% verbal, according to the experts. Nonverbal communication accounts for more than 65% of all communication. The things you do not say, from your facial expressions to your actions, can frequently convey more than the spoken word.
Nowhere is this more evident than during a job interview. Body language during an interview, whether in person or on video, may make or break your chances of securing your dream job.
Pay attention to your body posture in an interview
Slouching is a red flag, whether in person or on video. It demonstrates a lack of self-assurance and regard for interviewers. This can be seen as bad body language in an interview. Leaning forward and sitting on the edge of your chair is usually considered favourable body language.
It will demonstrate that you are truly interested in what the other person is saying. Just be careful and never encroach on the interviewer's personal space by leaning in too close. If you are doing a virtual interview, make sure the camera is at eye level and that you are visible from the waist up. Seeing your facial emotions and hand movements will help you make real human connections. These are considered to be good body language in an interview.
Do not fidget with your hands.
Even over video, nervous motions during an interview might be distracting. Fidgeting with your hands, twirling your hair, or bouncing your leg are bad gestures during the interview. Even if your leg is not visible on camera, the rest of your body will be moving, which will cause the interviewer to become distracted. Keep your hands away from your face. Candidates who constantly touch their faces are thought to be untrustworthy and dishonest. Rubbing your head or neck, on the other hand, gives the impression that you are bored or indifferent.
Maintain eye contact as a third body language suggestion.
When it comes to video, one of the most common mistakes people make is looking at themselves during the interview. Attempt to gaze into the camera instead. You can practice by pretending to be a person in front of the camera or hiding your self-view during virtual meetings. That will have a significant impact on how you interact with the interviewer.
The same rule applies if you are talking to someone face to face. You do not want to be stared at. However, maintaining eye contact demonstrates good etiquette and makes applicants appear personable and appealing. "Good eye contact in an interview implies you are interested and appreciative of the employer's time," says Susan Constantine, a body language specialist. Poor eye contact is regarded impolite and can make a candidate appear uninterested in the job, the interviewer, or the wage provided, to name a few examples."
Smiling is good, but not too much.
According to a study by Northeastern University's psychology department, smiling can have a detrimental effect on job candidates. It is especially hazardous to those who work in sectors that are regarded as more serious, such as reporting, management, and data entry. Smiling was not as detrimental to applicants for jobs perceived as more friendly, such as teaching or sales. That is not to argue that you should never grin. In general, smiling at the start and finish of a job interview is suitable. However, if you smile the entire time, you may appear inept.
Practice active listening
Active listening is an important part of an interview, whether virtual or in person. Pay attention to the tone of your interviewer's speech, as well as his or her facial expressions and body language. If your concentration begins to wander during the job interview, remind yourself to focus. Using nonverbal indicators to express understanding, such as nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward, is an important active listening method. Consider using verbal affirmations like "I see," or "I know," to add to the dialogue. A sense of empathy for the other person is also an important part of active listening. Demonstrate concern for the interviewer by asking precise clarification questions.
It is said that making a first impression takes only 7 seconds. To communicate the right message, practice utilising good body language in an interview. A few minor adjustments will go a long way toward improving your chances of acing the job interview.
Hiring managers prefer to meet relaxed and confident candidates while discussing important topics. In a nutshell, here is a list of important dos and don'ts to assist you to succeed in completing the interview with confidence and poise.
Don'ts
• Scratch or rub the back of your neck or your head. You will appear uninterested, distracted, and uneasy.
• Fidget with your hands on the table or drum with your fingers. It will give the impression that you are easily distracted.
• Rubbing the bridge of your nose, the corners of your eyes or the side of your face will make you appear shady or untrustworthy.
• Place your arms in front of your chest and fold them. You will come across as unapproachable.
• Slouch down in your chair or rock back and forth. You will appear indifferent and lethargic.
• Keep crossing and recrossing your legs. You will come across as jittery and uneasy.
Do's
• Prepare yourself before going into the interview. Find a mirror, adjust your clothes, and inspect your appearance for neatness.
• Shake hands with your interviewers by standing up.
• When greeting and saying goodbye to your interviewees, use a firm handshake and genuine eye contact
• Sit up straight, keep your hands above the table, and position yourself to make eye contact and talk effectively with all interviewers.
• Throughout the interview, use positive gestures like nodding, agreeing, and smiling when appropriate to show your excitement.
• Keep your cool until you are out of the building, loosen your ties, loosen your collars, and change out of your interview shoes.
Positive body language stems from self-assurance, which you can only achieve if you are prepared to demonstrate your abilities and ask the right questions. As a result, adequate preparation is the first and most important stage in projecting the appropriate body language.
