JobsBroadway Career Blog

Your body language says too much about you

Posted May 25th, 2008 by admin

Blogger :  Sam Chee @ JobsBroadway.com

 

 

 

First Impression

 

Before a candidate starts to speak, employer will have about 30% judgment about you. From the way you strode into the interviewer’s room, the way you sit, the way you greet and offer a handshake to them gives certain impressions about you.

 

 

Commonly found bad body language includes:

Ø       Slouching when walking or sitting

Ø       Fidgeting

Ø       Cross your arms or legs

Ø       Improper eye contact

 

 

 

Here are a few ways to win your interview through body language

 

 

1) Walk and Sit straight

 

Slouching when walking or sitting shows lack of confidence. Always walk or sit straight the minute you walk into the interview building and when you are waiting in front of the interview room.

 

A poor posture can suggest you are too casual or indifferent. Some candidates tends to sit side way and put their arm on the hand rest. It shows that “I am not bothered” sign to the interviewer. Always put your back side at the very back of the chair and naturally you will lean slightly forward to show interest in conversation.

 

 

 

 

2) Stop fidgeting

 

Many candidates are unaware that they fidget during conversation. Either their legs started shaking vigorously or their hand started playing with their documents can distract interviewers.

 

One interviewer once had an interview with a lady who played with her hair throughout the whole interview says, “I wish I can grasp her arms and ask her to stop, I barely get 30% of what she is telling me.” Some candidates have this unconscious habit of parting and closing their lap when answering question. Not only it distracts, it may be offensive to a lady interviewer too.

 

Sit in front of the mirror and pretend that you are answering questions; you will notice some unconscious fidgeting. The best way to stop a fidget is to sit with your ankle crossed, and put your hands on your lap.

 

 

 

 

3) Show openness during conversation

 

A candidate starts to cross his arms when the interviewer asked him why he changed job so often. Not only interviewers find it hard to believe your answer, they will get a wrong impression that you are not people that open to negotiation or challenge. Worst, you are sending a signal call “rebellious” to interviewer. During interview, smile and relax when answering question, node occasionally to indicate attentiveness.

 

 

 

 

4) Maintain good eye contact

 

Eye contact indicates how much you indulge in a conversation. I would say 90% of the time is focus on the interviewer’s eye. 100% is too much and can be treated as an “eye-stalker”.

 

For those who fear looking into interviewer’s eye, here’s a trick, look at their nose or lips instead; it is a good way to avoid interview fright.

 

 

 

 

Good body language leaves a lasting impression for the interviewer. That impression might be your key to get hired.

 

 

 

 

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Tags: * JobsBroadway.com, body language, Interview Tips, Sam Chee