Your body language is very important during an interview. Body language is a nonverbal form of communication that is at times very subtle and other times blatant. When body language is delicate or understated it can sometime be a quick glance or dilated pupils. Blatant body language is in the way you hold you head, a roll of the eyes or crossed arms in front of your body. Nonverbal cues can communicate up to 40% of what person is saying to another during a conversation or exchange of words so what your body language says is very important.
Body language can clearly state what another person’s meaning or intention is as well as confuse another’s verbal communication or cues. Your body language and what it says is critical when you are in a job interview so be careful about what you are intentionally or unintentionally communicating to your prospective employer.
Overt body language consists of specific posturing of your body. Imagine that when you are seated across from your job interviewer you don’t want to slouch or not make eye contact. Slouching or not sitting up and attentive reflects that you are disinterested in what the other person is saying. Not making eye contact is read by many as having something to hide or lying about something.
Sitting up straight not only communicates that you are interested in what another person is saying, attentive, but that you are confident. Confidence is displayed in what and how you are saying something, but then again is also nice to have that added piece of body language that says the same thing.
Body language can be used to show emphasis on a subject or subject matter. Nodding of the head, outstretched arms can all enhance a statement or a story. However, during a job interview you don’t want to make too many sweeping gestures or talk too much with your hands or fingers. You can also communicate negatively with your hands or arms. Crossing your arms in front of you can display that you are not a team player or one that enjoys the company of others or want them close.
Remember that body language is very important and says a lot about a person that cannot be communicated or you don’t want communicated to others. If you take the time to dress well for the interview, also take a moment to watch your body language.
Pretend you are at an interview and watch yourself answering your interview questions seated in front of a mirror, you may be surprised at what you are saying with your body language and weren’t even aware of.
great article on body language
