IMPROVING BODY LANGUAGE FOR AN INTERVIEW
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Very few people realize the importance of
non-verbal communication during an interview.
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You may be saying all the right things, but the
panelists often look at what your body is telling them.
A. WHEN YOU WALK
IN
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Tidy up yourself before walking in and don’t
enter adjusting your clothes.
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If there is someone to direct you to the
interview room, follow the person.
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It shows that you understand and respect
protocol.
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Greet everyone in the room by making soft eye
contact with each.
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When you extend your hand to greet, come across
as trustworthy, rather than confident.
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Do so with your palm facing upwards as it
indicates sincerity and honesty.
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You can keep your portfolio on the table, but a
briefcase or a bag should be on the floor.
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Keep the belongings on your left so that you are
free to shake hands.
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Don’t keep anything on your lap, which might be
seen as trying to create a barrier around yourself.
B. AT THE TIME OF
INTERVIEW
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Do not take a seat until you are offered one.
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Sit in a way that you occupy as much space in
the chair as possible.
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Sit straight, but not as if a steel rod has been
inserted in your spine.
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Keep both feet on the ground, as it allows one
to use both hemispheres of one’s brain equally well.
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Do not cross your legs, since you could be seen
as being unsure of yourself.
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Don’t sit with one leg bent backwards, as it
shows you are impatient or nervous.
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If you keep your head straight, it shows you are
neutral to what is being said.
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Even tilting your head slightly to one side
indicates a positive attitude as you are telling the interviewer that you are
ready to listen.
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However, make sure you don’t face the panel with
your head pointing downwards, as it signals a negative and judgmental attitude.
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Also, don’t nod too much as it denotes
nervousness and a desperate attempt to agree with the panelists.
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Eye contact is crucial and should be as natural
as possible.
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If you don’t look at the interviewer in the eye,
it implies that you are a shy person, who is unsure of himself.
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On the other hand, staring at a person without a
break can be intimidating.
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Hold eye contact for about 10 seconds before
looking at other members of the panel.
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Make random eye contact with others before
returning to the person who asks the question.
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At some time, you could look away as you try to
think of what to say.
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However, avoid looking down, which is a sign of
embarrassment or shame.
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Rolling up your eyes or looking away while
speaking indicates that you are unsure or shy.
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Never cross your arms when you are being
interviewed.
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It is a sure sign of a closed mind or
defensiveness, implying that you disagree with what the interviewer is saying.
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Keep your hands in your lap or on your knees,
but don’t grip them tightly, which indicates you are tense.
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If you cover the mouth with the thumb pressed
against the cheek, it’s a sure sign of lying.
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Rubbing lightly below the nose or eyes, touching
your ears or scratching your neck can also be indications that you don’t
believe what you are saying.
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If you press the fingertips of your hands
together to form a church steeple, it suggests confidence.
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Clenching your hands together might be seen as a
sign of frustration or self-control.
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Concealing your hands under the table indicates
that you have something to hide.
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Tapping your fingers is another negative action
as it shows impatience and nervousness.
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Shrugging of shoulders signifies that the person
is willing to unload the problems or is detached.
C. AFTER THE
INTERVIEW
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After the interview is over, don’t let go of
your composure.
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Gather your belongings calmly, get up slowly but
smoothly, and nod your head.
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If it is not possible to shake hands with
everyone, do so at least with the head of the panel and the person who brings
you in.
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Walk out of the room in a smooth and steady
manner without hurrying.
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Even if you slipped up during the interview, a
confident good-bye could help improve the impression.