What does your interview body language say? Does it say you're confident, smart, and enthusiastic—or just the opposite? Only a small percentage of communication involves actual words: 7%, to be exact. In fact, 55% of communication is visual (body language, eye contact) and 38% is vocal (pitch, speed, volume, tone of voice).
The world's best business communicators have strong body language: a commanding presence that reflects confidence, competence, and charisma.
It is easy for an interviewee to focus on answering the interviewer’s questions, but interview body language plays a vital role in the interview process.
Enter with confidence: The interview begins from the minute the interviewer sees the interviewee. The dress, manner and posture of the interviewee are immediately evaluated, and this first impression may last throughout the duration of the interview process depending on its level of impact. Thus the interviewee should ensure that the entry into the interview room displays a great level of confidence, yet not cockiness, and shows that he is well-prepared for the interview.
Sit up straight: When sitting down to begin the interview, it is important to be aware of interview body language immediately. Just as important as the posture is during entry, it is imperative that the interviewee remains upright and confident while sitting. This not only makes the interviewee seem confident, it also shows respect to the person interviewing him and is a display of interest and enthusiasm.
Facial expressions: During an interview it is important not to make an excessive display of facial expressions. Smiling is a good way to seem enthusiastic and to come across as a sociable individual, but there should be caution in that this should not be exaggerated to an exasperating degree. The most effectual facial expression to achieve effective interview body language is to maintain a mild smile throughout. This means that the smile should be natural and not seem forced in any way.
Hands and arms: Interviewees often tend to fiddle with their hands and place their arms in irregular positions. The simplest bearing to maintain is to have the hands either relaxed at the side or to have a notepad upon the table and take notes every now and then. With the latter approach, the hands should remain firmly set upon the table when the interviewee is not taking any notes. The main point is that the arms should not be folded as this is bad interview body language; it is like saying that you do not want to be involved in the interview and you want the interviewer to stay away from you.
Moving around: Remaining calm and avoiding excessive movements is essential to the success of an interview. Any display of anxiety will show through and negatively affect the impression made, so this should be controlled as far as possible. There are few things worse than having someone constantly move around, shifting from side to side or making impulsive gestures throughout the interview. Any of these things are bound to make for a failed interview and a lost opportunity.
Eye contact: Interview body language differs from casual situations only in the fact that it is essential to be consciously aware of it at all times during an interview, while a casual situation may allow for less attention. Thus the same crucial factor applies to interview body language - maintain eye contact throughout. Eye contact draws your listener into your conversation, and this is exactly what you need in an interview.
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