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Interview Advice - Body Language - A CV Centre Guide
If you've been selected for an interview then you have clearly impressed your prospective employer - your next challenge is to maintain their positive perception of you when they get to meet up in person. A good interviewer is carefully trained to make an informed assessment of a candidate based not only on what they say but also on how they present themselves. And body language may prove to be a key factor in their decision-making process. It is therefore essential to come across as confident, enthusiastic and capable of rising to the challenge, even if you really feel anxious and nervous and would rather be somewhere else!
Positive Actions
There are a variety of positive actions which can be used successfully in interview situations and these include:
Firm, Friendly Handshake - not too hard as this implies arrogance and not too limp because it suggests weakness
Eye Contact - this is essential when trying to convey trust and confidence but should not be overdone as this can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and suggest over familiarity
Keep Your Chin Up (literally and metaphorically!) - smile with open lips and tilt your head slightly to show that you are attentive
Palms Visible - this indicates openness and sincerity
Touching Fingertips Together - this conveys a sense of authority
Negative Actions
Here are some obvious - and some not so obvious - examples of negative traits and how your body language can give them away:
Defensiveness - crossing your arms
Nervousness - locked ankles, fidgeting, playing with hair, biting nails
Doubt - rubbing eyes or nose
Arrogance/Over Confidence - brisk and erect walk, hands clasped behind head
Boredom - feet tapping, looking down, slouching, head resting in hands
Aggression - hands on hips and pointing with the index finger
Top Tips
Try turning the tables on the interviewer and assessing their own body language - perhaps even try imitating them to strengthen any possible connection between you. However, try not to copy negative body language and remember to be subtle about it! If the interviewer thinks that you are on their wavelength, they are likely to immediately become better disposed towards you. Also, their body language can give you a clear indication of what the interviewer thinks of what you are saying - if they are displaying signs of boredom, you should try to direct the subject away from your current line of thinking.
First impressions are vitally important and this applies not only to your body language but also to the way that you are dressed, etc. Interviewers can make decisions very quickly so make sure that you walk into that room as if you really want the job.
An interviewer is much more likely to look favourably on a candidate with whom they feel they have developed a rapport, so try to be friendly without being over-familiar. It is a fine line.
Further Help
We can offer no better recommendation than to get hold of a copy of the book "Great Answers To Tough Interview Questions" which, despite its title, actually covers every single aspect of the job-hunting process. It’s the best book on the subject, is sponsored by The CV Centre, and is available from them for just £12.50. Of course, to get to the interview stage you do need an outstanding CV and there really is no substitute for taking advantage of in-depth professional experience. The CV Centre is the UK's leading CV consultancy; their CVs are carefully crafted to have the strongest possible appeal to potential employers, rather than being just an uninspiring typed summary of an individual's basic information. Their team of consultants also has a broad range of previous experience within recruitment and personnel management, which enables them to produce CVs of the highest standards. Find out how The CV Centre's professional CV writing services can help to maximise your chances of getting the job you deserve.
The CV Centre - www.ineedacv.co.uk
