It can take anywhere between five and 30 seconds for a person to form an opinion
of you. When you’ve only got a short time to sell yourself, this can be the deciding
factor in whether you get the job.
The old adage that ‘actions speak louder than
words’ may seem cliché, but when more than 60% of first impressions are formed by
body language, it still rings true.
Body language: interview do’s:
1. Walk in confidently
– Look as professional as possible from the outset. As soon as you walk into the
building you’ll begin to be judged on your behaviour. 2. Deliver a firm handshake
– Keep it firm, but try not to crush their fingers. Remember to let go. 3. Sit up
straight – Avoid being too stiff, but try to sit up straight, keeping the small
of your back against the chair. Keep your legs straight and as still as possible.
It’s ok to lean forward slightly every so often, as it shows the interviewer that
you’re listening, but don’t overdo it. 4. Keep eye contact – Maintaining eye contact
shows the interviewer you’re not intimidated, and that you’re taking everything
in. If you feel uncomfortable, look away for a few seconds or try looking at their
nose. Around 10 seconds of good eye contact at a time is a good guideline. 5. Smile
– Recruiters seldom employ miserable people. It’s ok to be nervous, but a smile
can go a long way. It makes you look more relaxed, comfortable and personable. To
put it simply, it will make you more likeable. Other things to do: turn your phone
off, keep your head up, keep your feet still.
Body language: interview don’ts:
1.
Be arrogant – Walking into an interview thinking that you’ve already got the job
can be detrimental. Remember: arrogance and confidence is not the same thing.
2.
Offer a weak handshake – A weak handshake not only indicates a lack of confidence,
it can also be very awkward. Try and mirror your interviewer’s handshake, and apply
the same amount of pressure. N.B. It is never acceptable to high-five.
3. Slouch
– Bad posture can make you look bored and uninterested. The same goes for crossing
your arms and legs, this can often be seen negatively. Effectively, you are closing
yourself off from the situation.
4. Stare – It’s always important to maintain eye
contact, but there’s definitely a limit. Don’t make it too intense. There’s a fine
line between being attentive and being frightening. Remember to blink.
5. Play with
your pen/hair – It seems so obvious, but as with most body language, you often don’t
know you’re doing it. Be aware of any bad habits you have before your interview,
and if you’re not aware of any, try asking a few (good) friends. Just try not to
take it personally…
6. Fidget – Try to avoid moving around too much. Nervously
moving your feet or constantly changing position will only make you look awkward
and uncomfortable.
Other things not to do: chew gum, keep your hands in your pockets,
zone out, tap your finger, tap your pen, go in for a hug.
Remember: recruiters will
only see how you behave; they won’t see how you’re feeling. By getting an interview,
the prospective employer already thinks you can do the job on paper. Now it’s up
to you to show your confidence and use body language to your advantage.