"Body language can have a big impact on the way you're
perceived by others, especially at work," Rosemary Haefner, chief human
resources officer for CareerBuilder, previously told Business Insider.
"It can seem silly but there are psychological reasons
behind it, so thinking about how you're carrying and expressing yourself at the
office shouldn't be forgotten," she said.
Here are 12 tricks to keep in mind during your next
interview:
Shake hands:
According to Amanda Augustine, career advice consultant for TopResume,
we should always begin a job interview by shaking hands with the interviewer. As
you are likely to be remembered to a large extent by doing that, and also make
your interviewer friendlier and more open.
"A firm handshake can help you demonstrate confidence,
create a bond, and become more memorable to your interviewer — all in less than
three seconds," Augustine tells Business Insider.
Maintain good eye
contact:
According to Heidi Grant Halvorson, trust is the very first
thing people look for when they first meet you, and maintaining a good eye contact is one of the effective way
to help them make such determination.
Thus giving your interviewer a good eye contact while
shaking hands and maintaining steady- but not excessive eye contact through the
interview will be a plus to you, according to Augustine.
"Constant eye contact is often considered to be an
attempt at intimidation and can make the recruiter feel anxious, so be sure to
look away if you feel yourself staring intently for too long,"
Sit up straight:
According to Augustine: "If you lounge back in your
chair, recruiters interpret it as a sign of your disinterest in the open
position or that you're not taking the interview seriously, neither of which will
help you land the job". "In addition, slumping over in the chair can
indicate a lack of confidence."
She rather recommends a sitting posture as if there was a
string tied from the top of your head to the ceiling. As sitting up straight is
perceived as a sign of intelligence, confidence, confidence, and credibility.
Lean in slightly from
time to time:
According to Amy Glaser, senior vice president of Adecco
Staffing USA Leaning forward in your chair demonstrates to your interviewer
that you're involved in the discussion.
However, Augustine warns against leaning too far over the
table, as such could crowd the interviewer and seem invasive. "Remember,
you want to indicate your interest, not invade the interviewer's space".
Mirror your
interviewer:
Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at
CareerBuilder in her view said that while your default should be to sit up
straight, aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer's, known as
mirroring, demonstrates admiration and agreement.
Keep your arms and
legs uncrossed:
Try as much as you can to keep your arms and legs uncrossed
as doing so makes you appear defensive or guarded, Augustine says.
Find a place for your
hands:
Your hands should not be stuffed in your pockets, or wildly
gesturing halfway across the table, Augustine says. Instead, press the
fingertips of your hands together to form a church steeple, which is a display
of confidence.
Nod:
Nodding proves how interested you are in the conversation
and your agreeability, and it also expresses that you understand what someone
is saying, as advised by Glaser.
"Some people naturally nod while listening to speakers
or in conversation, but if you're not one of those people, be conscious of
opportunities to nod," she suggests.
"However, don't overdo it or you'll come off looking
like a woodpecker," Augustine warns.
Smile:
"A genuine smile is often contagious and can
immediately create a more positive environment," Augustine says.
According to J.T. O'Donnell, the founder of career-advice
site CAREEREALISM.com and author of "Careerealism: The Smart Approach to a
Satisfying Career," warns against the perils of "resting crabby
face," which you may not even realize you're exhibiting. If you suffer from
"resting crab face," she suggests putting your watch or ring on your
other arm or finger. Then, "each time you notice it in the interview,
remind yourself to smile a bit so you don't look angry".
Walk with purpose and
energy:
"I don't mean you have to power walk up to the
reception area or skip and whistle a happy tune, but do not strut," says
Randall, the author of "Don't Burp in the Boardroom."
Be graceful:
When your interviewer invites you to sit, ease into it.
Don't plop yourself into the chair, Randall says.
Address everyone:
In his view, Haefner suggests that "If you have more
than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both
people with your gaze (without looking like a tennis spectator) and return your
attention to the person who has asked you a question.
No comments:
Write comments