Job Interview Body Language Techniques; The Dos And Don’ts

By Lilian Wamaitha

The saying that “it’s not what you say but what you do” couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to job interviews.

Your body language can make or break your interview and so you have to pay careful attention to it, the moment you enter into that room.

It won’t matter how qualified you are or what kind of smooth talker you are, if your body language is rotten it reflects a whole new other person from the one seated across the table.

I sat down with Ms. Lucy Mutungi, a professional Interview Coach at Corporate Staffing Services to get an in depth look into this topic.

Here are some of the interview dos and don’ts that you should always be aware of.

Find Out >>> The Worst Mistakes People Make in a Job Interview

4 Interview Dos

1. Make eye contact

“This is one of the most important body language that you should always observe in an interview. It shows that you are paying attention and interested in what is being said,“says Ms. Mutungi.

However, in a panel interview it would be confusing who you are supposed to pay attention to.

When prompted with a question maintain eye contact with the person asking the question and when answering glance from time to time at every member of the panel.

2. Use your hands

Subconsciously of course.

Use your hands when making gestures to make a point.

It would be very boring if you are just speaking and your hands are just on the table or on your laps the entire time.

Use of gestures during a conversation makes it more interesting.

However she insists that you should not bite your nails, its shows that you are nervous and unsure about yourself.

3. Smile

Smile and nod when it is appropriate and laugh only when the person interviewing you does.

You want to prove to them that you have a good personality and are paying attention to what is being said.

Listen attentively to what is being said and avoid interrupting. Maintain the right tone of voice all the time.

4. Mirror

It will add you some pointers if you could watch and copy the positive gesture of the interviewer.

Mirroring maybe a posture or a nod creates a common ground between you two and you are able to open up and talk about your experience.

The 3 Interview Don’ts

1. Do not move about

This is the most annoying habit of job seekers that Ms. Mutungi says she had observed.

Some of the peculiar behaviors including tapping their fingertips on the table or arm rest and swinging their legs.

This according to her is a sign that you are bored and don’t care much about what is being said.

Instead, maintain attention and your focus on the interviewer.

Keep your legs planted firmly on the ground and avoid moving about in your seat.

Ask HR >>> I Get Interviews But No Job Offers, What Could Be the Problem?

2. Touching your face

Men may be tempted to keep touching their beard and women to play with their hair.

Excessively touching your hair or rubbing your nose portrays that there is something you are hiding and you should not be trusted.

The same goes with rubbing your neck, head or just sitting with your arms crossed.

All personal gestures should help you nail the interview. Let your shoulders remain relaxed and facing the direction of the interviewer.

3. Do not slouch

The wrong body posture can make you look uninterested and bored.

You may be slouching because you are probably cold but try to maintain a straight body posture.

Siting straight on the seat shows that you are confident and paying attention.

When it comes to interviews, it’s not just what we say that determines whether we go on to the next stage or not. It is also in the things we do.

So much can happen in an interview and many are times you will walk away thinking that you nailed it only to never hear from them again.

Body language should be the most important thing you pay attention to.

Read On >>> 5 Things Interviewers Notice When They Meet You

Do you have any queries or comments? Leave then in the comment section below.