Body Language

It’s not just what you say in the interview that counts. Your body language can give so much more away without you realising it. Here are some vital body language signals you need to be aware of.

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1. Choose a good position within the room
At an interview, you will normally be directed to a specific seat. However, interviews can often be conducted in oversized environments (e.g. a meeting room with a table for eight when there are only three of you). Make sure you choose a seat which enables you to see everyone without having to rotate your head too much. In most cases, it may be best to hover around to see which chairs the interviewers are aiming for, before making your selection. If there is a window, choose a chair that faces it so that your face is lit from the front, unless there is good lighting all around. If you have your back to a window, the interviewers can’t see you properly.

2. Maintain a good posture
If you are being interviewed at a table, make sure that you are not sitting too close to it. as a rule of thumb if you let your arms fall loosely on the table in front of you, your elbows should be slightly off the edge. If your elbows are actually on the table then you are too close. If you have to lean forward to put your hands on the table then you are too far away. People who place their hands below the table come across as having something to hide. Plant both feet on the ground so that you remain stable. Keep yourself upright, with a slight forward slant and relax your shoulders. Avoid slouching, it implies a lack of confidence. If there is no table (or only a low table), then rest your hands in your lap.

3. Don’t be afraid to ‘own the space’
Just because you are under observation, you shouldn’t recoil in the corner. It’s okay to stand or sit with your legs slightly apart; in fact it’s a sign of confidence.

4. Limit your hand and arm movement
It’s okay to move your arms and hands around to express yourself. Your personality and enthusiasm are important. However make sure that such movements do not become distracting and take the focus away from your face. To achieve this, make sure that your movements are limited to the area directly in front of you, never higher than your chest, and never under the table. If there is no table, you can let your hands go as far down as your lap. If your hands go outside towards the left or right, your interviewers will follow them and may stop concentrating on you. If your hands go over chest level, you will most likely obscure your lips or eyes. If you have a tendency to fidget in a distracting manner, intertwine your fingers and rest your hands on the table. Whatever you do, never cross your arms. It will make you look unreceptive, guarded and lacking in confidence.

5. Smile
A nervous smile is better than no smile at all. No one wants to recruit a grumpy person or someone who looks like they are not enjoying themselves. Good interviewers will understand that you may be nervous and will make attempts to put you at ease. Make sure you reward their efforts with an easy smile. No need to overdo it. It is not a contest for straight teeth, but simply a reasonable attempt to engage with them. You should also smile lightly when you are being introduced to each member of the interview panel to help to build a good rapport. It is perfectly acceptable to laugh if the situation warrants it, but avoid making jokes as you could end up being the only one who finds them amusing.

6. Maintain eye contact
If you do not make eye contact, you will come across as evasive and insecure. On the flip side, if you stare at people too much, you will make them insecure. If you are being interviewed by just one person you will have no choice but to look at them. If you are being interviewed by more than one person then look mostly at the individual asking you the question, and occasionally glance aside to involve the others.

7. Beware of props
If you have a pen with you, avoid fiddling with it. It will only end up flying in the wrong direction. Similarly, if they offer you a drink, make sure that you can cope with it and that you won’t start crossing your legs half-way through the interview. Generally you should avoid picking up any drink if you can. Other than the fact that it may end up down your shirt, the movement of water in the glass will reveal how nervous you are.

8. Mirror the interviewer’s behaviour
Mirroring (i.e. acting similarly) to someone is an indication that there is a connection between you. It should happen automatically but you may be able to influence it too and give the interviewer the feeling that you are getting on. For example, if the interviewer is sitting back then you may want to sit back a little too; if he leans forward, you may lean forward too. Be careful not to overdo it and do not mirror instantly, otherwise it will look like a Laurel and Hardy sketch.

9. And relax…
There is no point having brilliant body language if you actually don’t know what you’re talking about. Bear in mind that body language is a reflection of your level of confidence. It is important that you build your confidence up through good preparation and can go to the interview relaxed. You will be surprised of how much of the above you can do naturally.