communication body language

body language communication

Gone are the days when the job seeker has to write the handwritten application
letter to earn that job interview. In this age of computers and cyber
technology, most employers prefer applicants who apply online, and more job
seekers are looking to the net for their job opportunities. But one thing
remains the same - the body language of the applicant during job interviews and
how they make the first impression as they step inside that interview room.

Your Type of Person
Based on your body language, an interviewer may know whether you are confident
or not, if you are the shy type or the friendly type, if you are a loner or a
team player, or even if you are telling the truth or not. They can tell if you
are capable of handling the job, if you are devoted, or if you’re someone who
can get along with other employees. Based on their questions, the interviewer
will not only pay attention to what you say, but also on how you say it. The
interviewer generally will find responses from you that match their
qualifications. How you can
decode the body language of your interviewer in
relation to your own body language will determine the thin line if you get that
job or not.

Be Punctual
This is the most important aspect of the job interview – arriving on time. The
job interview is deemed as a very important appointment, and being late is a
cardinal crime with gravity that may cause you to lose that job opportunity.
Your attitude regarding time will send the wrong messages to the employer, and
will tell a lot about your lack of professionalism. Being stuck in traffic is a
very lame and downright unforgivable excuse. It is better to be early by one
hour than to be a minute late.

 

The First Encounter
When the interviewer comes to the room to meet you, do not offer your hand for a
handshake unless the interviewer offers his hand. Shake hands firmly, but do not
squeeze. Maintain eye contact.

Proper Body Posture
Body posture is important during job interviews and you can adopt the following
stance. At the beginning of the interview, sit up straight in your chair, with
your back leaning against the back of the chair. Do not slouch or move sideways
in your chair because it might be perceived by the interviewer as a lack of
interest or boredom. On the other hand, sitting on the edge of your chair can
impart a message that you are a little nervous and that you feel uneasy with the
situation.
When the interviewer says something, it is advisable to lean forward a little.
This shows interest and attention in what the interviewer is saying. You can
tilt your head a little to show that you are listening closely.

Proper Gestures
Do not cross your arms because this might be perceived as a defensive move. Just
place your hands loosely on your lap or just put them on the armrest of your
chair. By doing this, you will also be able to make hand movements to support
what you are saying.

While speaking, you may nod your head occasionally to expound on a subject or to
give more meaning to what you are saying. Hand movements can also help to spice
up the conversation. The interviewer would think that you are comfortable with
the interview process if you make hand gestures.
Too much hand movements at the beginning of the interview may not be a good
idea. The proper way is to add them gradually throughout the interview.
Be aware of your interviewer’s hand movements as well. If they use their hands a
lot to make a point or to clarify something, you can do the same thing as well
(Remember mirroring?). When they don't make many movements, do the same thing as
them. It is important to adjust your gestures to that of the interviewer to
establish rapport.

Be alert to unintentional gestures that you may make sometimes due to tension.
Some of the acts that may irritate the interviewer could include:
Tapping your fingers across the desk.
Shuffling your feet.

Biting your nails.
Toying with a pen.

Body Language of Your Interviewers
Observing the body language of your interviewers is as important as being aware
of your own body movements. The body gestures of your interviewers can give you
an indication of how well you are coming across to them. This can serve as a
signal to change your approach at an early stage before they give you the thumbs
down.

For example, when you did something that displeases the interviewers, they will
show their annoyance through body language. When they sigh, shake their heads,
look down, or fold their arms and lean back, you can take this as a sign of
discontentment or irritability. The interviewers might not consciously notice
that they’re exhibiting their body movements at first, so you still have a
chance to shift your strategy.