Pay attention to what message your body language is sending. It's more important than you'd think.
Did you know that over half of the information we gather about another person is communicated without even a single word uttered? When we talk with others, whether we are aware of it or not, our posture and mannerisms are telling them the story of who we are and what we are all about. When you are looking for a job, you want to make sure that your body language tells everyone that you are a confident professional.
That's why it is very important to think about what your body language says about you. When you are preparing for your interview, learning how to control your body language can go a long way toward making a better impression.
Here are body language cues that make you seem more professional:
- The classic handshake- There is no replacement for giving a good handshake. It is a simple thing to do, and it makes a clear statement of your professionalism. Most men know this, but there are still many women who are reluctant to shake hands. A good handshake is firm but not overly gripping. Try to avoid holding a handshake longer than a few seconds, but always follow the other persons lead.
- Use open posture. Don't cross your arms or legs- Crossing or folding your arms is something that you might do automatically when you are cold or nervous. But, to the observer, this same body language is often interpreted as being aggressive or angry. Sitting with your legs crossed gives the image of having a closed attitude. Instead try to keep your posture open and non-threatening.
- Stop squirming and fidgeting - Fidgeting can be a sign of nervousness and insecurity. Unfortunately, the stress of an interview is the perfect time for nerves to get the better of you and make you do things like tap your foot or other habits without even realizing it. If you catch yourself doing this during an interview, take a deep breath and try to stop. To an interviewer, fidgeting is distracting and makes you seem less trustworthy, exactly the opposite of what you want.
- Pay attention to your chair- Your interview might not always take place in a formal office. That means might be offered a chair that has wheels and swivels. Watch out, because when you are nervous and anxious, it is so easy to rock the chair from side to side to side or wiggle it without even realizing it. If you do this the whole time, especially if the chair is a little squeaky, you will drive the interviewer nuts.
- Mimic the interviewer's body language- Are they leaning in slightly when they are talking to you? Then you should lean in too. Copying someone's body language is a great way to increase trust and build rapport.
- Smile- There is just no substitute for a great smile. It really is the best way to communicate enthusiasm and positivity. It doesn't matter how badly you need the job, how nervous you are or how anxious you are about the interview going well, be sure to take a deep breath and smile.
Taking control of what your body language says about who you are is all a part of polishing and fine tuning your professional image. If you aren't sure what is appropriate watch other professionals and pay attention to how they use their body and gestures and what it says about them. This will give you a better idea of what great body language looks like.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for ManufacturingWorkersBlog. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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