Using body language in an interview

If you bear in mind that your potential new boss has approximately 30-60 minutes to decide whether or not they want to hire you, your body language has a very important role to play in your interview! Your body language can have a significant impact on how you’re perceived as a candidate and an employee, so you need to make sure you are using it to your advantage. You need to be making a good first impression so that the interviewer will remember you – in a good way!

Here are our top body language tips for that all important job interview:-

• Firstly, try to relax. If you’re feeling a bit nervous whilst you are waiting to go in for your interview, try the 4-2-4 breathing technique. Slowly breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, then slowly breathe out for 4 seconds. Do that a couple of times and it will reduce your heart rate and bring your stress hormone levels down.
• The all-important handshake! What is a good handshake? Too firmly can make you look arrogant and too weak can make you look like a pushover. Try something in-between and practice at home on friends and family.
• Don’t slouch. Make sure your posture is perfect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head held high. Sit up straight and keep your hands either on your lap or on the table in front. Many people believe that keeping your palms facing up is a sign of openness and honesty! Folded arms can make you look defensive and unapproachable so avoid if possible.
• Don’t fidget. No nail biting, touching your face, twiddling your ear or playing with your hair! Not only will it be distracting to your interviewer but it will also make you look nervous and unprofessional. Fidgeting can be a sign of boredom or impatience so try to keep both feet planted firmly on the floor to avoid moving around too much during the interview.
• Look interested! A nod or smile will let your interviewer know you are keen and engaged with the conversation. Express an interest in the position and the company and keep focussed. Make eye contact with your interviewer so they know you are paying attention. Listen carefully and be enthusiastic.
• Act professionally. You want to show them you have a personality and that you can fit into their company so listen to what they are saying and try not to interrupt. Focus on keeping your tone of voice even and polite. Don’t use slang or swear words and speak clearly and concisely at all times.

It’s really as simple as that! So remember…..relax, hold your head up high, be polite and enthusiastic……and you’re good to go! And don’t forget to smile! But most of all be yourself. Let your personality shine out and win them over so they don’t forget you!

For more advice or information on the interview process or if you need help finding your new career, call one of our dedicated consultants on 0333 3449 444. We are a professional Recruitment Agency based in Leeds and have been connecting businesses with great talent for 25 years.