There are a lot of things to consider in your interviews. You have to plan what to say about yourself, prepare to answer the most common questions, think of questions to ask the interviewer and consider the ways you’ll follow up. But there may be one more aspect to your interview that you’re not considering. What does your body language communicate to a potential employer? Face to face communication is always more powerful than talking over the phone or through email. The reason for that is entirely based on body language. Here are some ways you can use your body language to impress at your next interview.
Handshakes and Greetings
While we may be experiencing a change in the way we greet one another for a while, it’s always good to know how you shake hands. A good handshake will be firm but without too strong a grip. However, as we shift into a post-COVID-19 paradigm, verbal greetings may be best. A simple nod and smile should convey what a handshake communicated in the past.
Mirroring
One great way to use your body language to communicate your interest in the job is to mirror the other person. This means that you lean forward when they lean forward. You nod when they nod. It’s these simple things that let the speaker know you’re on the same page, and it can go a long way for them to relate to you.
Maintaining Calm
It may sound like common sense in an interview, but you must maintain calm confidence in an interview. This means tempering your nerves. Before an interview, do deep breathing exercises to ground and center yourself. And while you may not have the intention to, make sure you don’t lose your temper at any point in the conversation.
Avoiding Arrogant Postures
Body language communicates many things, including your confidence. And confidence is a good thing, but arrogance isn’t. Several postures convey arrogance rather than confidence. These are generally postures that make you take up more space. Lounging your arms on the back of a seat, slouching, and setting your feet wide apart are all postures that communicate you think you’re better than the speaker.
Are you ready for your next interview?
Call CornerStone Staffing for more interview opportunities; our expert team can match your skills to an opportunity you will love.
