Interpreting Body Language

It is vital that you are aware of the signals that your body language communicates to your interviewer.

Very obviously the first thing to examine is your handshake. This is your initial contact with your interviewer and a limp handshake will do nothing to advance your chances of success.

Clasp the interviewers hand firmly, smile confidentially and make eye contact. A point to note is that the interviewer should initiate the handshake as they make the initial introductions.

Remember that your interviewers are analyzing your behavior to gain an insight into your personality, ability and flexibility.

Our body language speaks volumes about they way we are feeling or what we are thinking. It is very possible to judge a persons honesty and integrity by their actions as much as their words.

Your handshake should be polite but warm, open and friendly.

Wait until you have been offered a seat and then sit down ensuring that you maintain a comfortable distance between you and your interviewer.

Once you have been seated the interview will commence. It is easy to become distracted at this point as you begin to formulate answers to anticipated questions.

Focus on the interviewer and actively listen to what they are saying. The interviewer will be watching you intently throughout this time to see how you are dealing with your nervousness and waiting for you to begin your part in the proceedings.

It is important to maintain eye contact with your interviewer throughout the interview. If you continually shift your glance away from them it can give the appearance of disinterest or worse still it may give the impression that have something to hide.

Be careful that you do not stare at the interviewer in your desire to maintain good eye contact as this can appear disdainful and belligerent.

Smile at your interviewer when the opportunity arises indicating an open friendly personality. One concern we have when we say this is that many people have made the mistake of grinning ridiculously throughout the entire interviewer leaving the interviewer with little choice but the wonder at the sincerity and mentality of the candidate seated before them.

Be aware of your head movements. In everyday conversations we have witnessed people who are so interested in making their own point that they do not listen to the point that is being made to them. Don't fall into this trap. Listen to each question and take a moment to ponder your answer. If you nod your head slowly in acknowledgement of a point that is put to you it indicates interest and demonstrates that you are considering the point before answering. This is a positive response to an interviewer who will be encouraged to continue with their conversation.

Crossing your arms over your chests sends a negative signal to your interviewer. It demonstrates nerves and a degree of in approachability.

Fidgety hands can be a terrible distraction to an interviewer. Beware of the following telling gestures.

* Jangling coins.
* Tapping a pen.
* Adjusting your tie.
* Picking at imaginary fluff on your clothes.
* Running your hands through your hair.
* Scratching.

These gestures are annoying for an interviewer. At the end of the interview these will be what your interviewer associates with you rather than your performance.

The way you are seated is particularly important. Do not slouch or assume a relaxed posture. The correct way to sit is to sit back in your chair, keep your back straight and face your interviewer at eye level. You may sit slightly forward when asked a question as this indicates interest and friendliness on your part. As we have just discussed be conscious of your hands. If your chair has arms it is best to relax and leave your hands on the arms of your chair. If not leave your hands in your lap.

If you feel more comfortable crossing your legs the best way to do so is to cross your legs at the ankle and angle your legs away from the interviewer. For men in particular a tip is not to rest one ankle across a knee as it indicates a wilful or stubborn personality.

Avoid tapping your foot against the floor as it signifies nerves and can be distracting to the interviewer.

So as you prepare for the interview remember a few key points.

* Firm Handshake
* Maintain good eye contact but avoid staring
* Good Personal Hygiene
* Be aware of your hands and feet.
* Don't fold your arms
* Be open and friendly
* Firm Handshake

As you prepare to leave the interview, once again give a firm handshake, give an open and confident smile and thank your interviewer for their time.

One last tip is not to comment on personal items in the office. Remember the old mistake that people have made when complementing children in a photograph who are boys and not girls. It may sound like a cliche or a scene from an old Cary Grant/Doris Day movie but believe us it has happened.

A simple mistake at this point can have grave consequences. Be professional at all times and mirror your interviewers behavior.

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