Body Language in Job Interviews
Feeling excited, feeling nervous? Could it be that you’ve just finished with your application
for language jobs abroad and you’ve just been invited for an interview?
Well first off – Congratulations!
You have successfully overcome the first few obstacles involved in applying and qualifying
for language jobs abroad. All that’s left is to let your skills and personality shine so that the
hiring manager takes you on board.
We know, it’s easier said than done – But don’t worry – it’s not as bad as you think. Job
Coconut is here to guide you through with our top notch interview tips – Check out what the
most important interview questions are and how to combat interview nerves.
Back to body language – One of the most important parts when it comes to sitting an
interview is being able to convince the interviewer that you are confident and interested in
the job. Of course you can do this by saying all the right things, but you also have to make
sure that your body is saying the same thing as your mouth.
Studies have actually shown that you can communicate more through your body language than through what you say. This is why body language in Job Interviews is so important. It will have an impact on the manager’s perception of you and the likelihood of getting the job.
Your wait has finally come to an end! Here are our Tips for good
Body Language in Job Interviews.
Posture
Try to keep a neutral position. Don’t slouch but also don’t lean forward to much because that might come across as too aggressive. Instead try to sit up straight in you chair without being uncomfortable.
Eye Contact
There are different opinions about this. Some advice you to hold a direct eye contact and some say to avoid too much eye contact. We would recommend holding eye contact with your interviewer but don’t over-do it. You shouldn’t stare into your interviewer's eyes the whole time. Instead try to look at different parts of their face to show interest.
Arms
Crossed arms over your chest might seem defensive, arrogant and uninterested to your interviewer. Also don’t keep your hands behind your back. If you want to seem approachable keep your arms by your side when standing or place your hands in front of you on the table or your legs depending on where you are sitting.
Hands
Like we said you should keep your hands in front of you but you shouldn’t keep them in one place for the whole interview. Try to use them when you are speaking. Using gestures will make you seem more engaged in the conversation and honest. Speak with you hands - You’ll find you might do that already which is great - that’s one less thing to worry about.
Nod
Another way of showing interest is nodding your head to things your interviewer tells you. But try not to look like a bobble-head doll. Sometimes when we are really focused we tend to nod to everything someone says - just try to nod once in a while.
Smile
In addition to nodding to what someone says you should try to smile from time to time. It will show your agreement and it makes you seem more approachable.
Mirror
Copying some of your interviewers movements will make you seem more likeable to them. Try taking a sip of water when they do or smile when they are smiling. However you should be careful with this because they shouldn’t notice that you are mirroring them.
Feet
Try to keep your feet on the ground. It will help you to keep you balance and it will look more confident. You should also try to cross only your ankles instead of your legs. When you want to switch them it will be less obvious.
Walk
Not only your body language during the interview counts. Also your entrance and your exit will make an impression. So walk confident with your shoulders back and you neck elongated because this will influence the interviewer’s judgement.
With these Tips you should be good to go for your next interview. Try practicing these Tips at home before you go to the interview and keep them in mind during the Interview.
Most importantly - relax! An interview is just a conversation and you have had lots of those before.
