6 Simple Body Language Tips For Your Job Interview

6 Simple Body Language Tips For Your Job Interview

By Florence Mukunya

How important is the correct body language for your job interview?

If you are preparing for an interview you have probably read on the how to dress for interviews and also prepared on the most common interview questions and how to answer them. But did you know that your non verbal communication also matters in a job interview? You could be telling the interviewer how comfortable you are but you face tells a different story.

Melody Mwendwa an interview preparation coach at Corporate Staffing Services says that this is one major issue she has to deal with even when she is conducting her own interview training.

“I always find candidates moving in their seats and others touching their faces and these are some of the areas I am trying to work on with my candidates.” Says Ms Mwendwa

Highly recommended: Why Body Language Is Important In A Job Interview

6 Dos and Don’ts body language tips for your job interview

1. Do a Firm handshake

If you enter the interview room and the interviewer offers his/her hand for a handshake do not ignore it. Secondly you should offer a firm handshake not too tight and again not a limp handshake which shows lack of interest or fear.

Also do not go in for a hug, remember you are supposed to keep this as professional a possible.

2. Do make eye contact

Making eye contact with your interviewer is the best way to show that you are actually paying attention to the questions they are asking. However do not stare at your interviewer which could end up putting them in an uncomfortable situation also do not let your eyes wonder which could also mean that you are losing interest on the particular topic of discussion.

3. Do Smile

Ever heard of the common saying that a smile goes a long way? Smile when appropriate, also when the interviewer happens to crack a joke you can laugh a little again not too loud, this shows that you are paying attention to what is being said. Remember you also do not want to portray yourself as an uptight individual.

4. You can nod your head to show attentiveness

Nodding your head when an interviewer says something goes along away, it gives him or her confirmation that you are actually communicating.

5. Do not slouch

When you are offered a seat, sit up. Do not slouch and do not even be tempted to put your elbows on the interviewers table. Remember you do not want to give a picture of someone who is taking the interview too casually.

6. Do not play with your body parts e.g. the hair or ears

This portrays someone who is nervous you know like what a little girl would do if caught stealing sugar. If you are feeling nervous instead of playing with your hair which is too obvious, you can have a small rubber band on your wrist that you can discretely pull on, remember I said discretely

“The topic on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable when it comes to body language cannot be exhausted,” says Ms Mwendwa.

She also adds on other general things that a candidate should not do in an interview room which includes: chewing gum, putting your hands in your pockets, tapping your finger or your pen on the interviewers table.

Do you get nervous during interviews? Contact us for interview preparations

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email: florence@corporatestaffing.co.ke