Did you know that when you are in an interview, around 90% of the message you send out is non-verbal communication so it’s worth bearing in mind that sometimes it’s not what you say…it’s what you don’t say!
You could have all the well rehearsed answers in the world, but your body language could give the game away without you even knowing. You want to come across as professional, confident and enthusiastic, but how are you really coming across?? You might be coming out with the ‘right’ answers, but meanwhile, the rest of your body is having a conversation of its own! Your legs, eyes, hands, arms and posture could all be telling a completely different story.
You only get one chance to make a first impression so, to start with, walk confidently into the interview room and avoid ‘dressing’ as you go in. By that, we mean don’t play with your tights, pull your trousers around or adjust your tie en route. You’ll have a bit of time before you go in, so do any last minute adjustments beforehand! Fiddling and faffing aren’t the right ingredients for a good impression.
After your well executed confident walk, you will need to overcome the dreaded handshake. You want it to be confident and firm, not knuckle crushing, limp or sweaty.
If it’s cold outside, try and take a minute to get some life and warmth back in your hands before you go into the interview so they don’t think they’re shaking hands with an ice cube.
We understand you’ll be nervous and this is going to affect how you would normally behave. However… scratching, shaking your foot, hair twisting and fidgeting are all signs of a lack of focus so are best avoided. Holding your hand behind your head or touching the back of your neck can be seen as a sign that you are annoyed or unsure. It’s also recommended that you avoid touching your face during an interview. Touching your nose or lips is widely recognised as a sign that you are telling porkies…so best not to do it in an interview. Take deep breaths, focus and keep yourself calm.
Eye contact will stand you in good stead. Avoid letting your eyes wander around the room, and focus on the interviewer to show interest. Don’t stare at them though – you don’t want to scare them or for them to think you are a bit strange!
Although we recognise that folding your arms is sometimes a comfortable position to sit in, it’s not a recommended interview pose as it gives off a defensive and uninterested vibe – which really isn’t something you want to come across (or maybe you do!). Although you may think it is a good thing to show you are relaxed in the interview, slouching back in your chair is another one to avoid if you want to come across as interested in the job. “Perching” may make you come across as tense and uncomfortable.
Throwing in the odd hand movement to emphasise your points is ok, but avoid doing it at the very start of the interview if possible. Being animated is a good way to show the interviewer that you are feeling relaxed – but don’t overdo it. If you think you may use your hands too much (or be over-animated), try practising answering some questions at home in the mirror and see what you do.
We recommend nodding and showing an interested expression during the parts of the interview where you aren’t talking and are listening to the interviewer. BUT…don’t do it too much as you don’t want to look like the Churchill Dog. It’s not a good look in an interview (unless you are interviewing for Churchill maybe!). Tilting your head slightly is a good thing to do as it shows you are open and friendly. On the other hand, keeping your head and neck straight demonstrates self-assurance and authority.
Seating can sometimes create an issue, so make sure you get yourself a good seat with a clear view of everyone in the interview room. You don’t want to choose a seat where you have to strain your neck should they talk to you – and the back of your head won’t give them a good impression of you either. Once you’ve got your seat sorted, you want to be sitting up straight to show your confidence, energy, self control and interest – and will also help you remain focussed during the interview. Make sure that you spread and share your focus if there is more than one person interviewing you. You want to ‘open’ the discussion up instead of just keeping your attention directly on the person who posed the question. Looking at the others shows that you are including them in your response.
Your voice is another thing to be aware of. You should speak clearly, concisely and confidently, at an audible volume (not too loud and not too quiet). Speed is important too. You don’t want to rush through your answers as though you are stuck on fast forward, but you don’t want to be too slow about it either. Avoid being too colloquial as well by the way – you are aiming to pull off professional not pub.
Don’t forget that you can also use these body language tips to your advantage. If you see that the interviewer is doing any of them, it may give you a better idea of where you are in their estimation and how you are doing in the interview. If you see them with crossed arms, then you could take this as an opportunity to know you’re maybe a bit behind and need to pull out your top trump card to win them back before the interview is over. If in doubt, take your body language lead from the interviewer. There is a term called ‘mirroring’ which, if you are unsure, could help you pitch yourself at the right level for the interview.
The “goodbye” is almost as important as the “hello”. You want to leave the room on a positive, high note with another confident (and firm enough) handshake. You may be feeling pleased that the interview is over, but it’s not finished yet. Walk away confidently and try to avoid tripping over your own feet as you walk away. You want them to see and remember a confident and professional person leaving the building. Only when you get in your car or around the corner you can let it all go, do a little victory dance and relax!
Good luck.
