INTERVIEW SUCCESS
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Mastering your body language can make or break your interview success . It ' s not just what you say , but how you say it that truly communicates your confidence and competence .
Everyone gets a little nervous about job interviews . What should you do to prepare ? Practice ? Script answers to the interviewer ’ s potential questions ? All good , but the most important thing you can do is prep your body language .
What you say is not as important as how you say it .
Are you communicating all of your best traits in an interview ? What are your interview body language and nonverbal behavior saying to the interviewer ?
DON ’ T BLOCK
If you bring your resumé to your interview — whether you ’ re in person or on Zoom — a common body language mistake people do is hold it right in front of them . Holding your resumé out front creates a barrier between you and the interviewer , breaking rapport . Instead of blocking yourself , hold your resumé out to the side . Not only does it prevent the block , it also opens up your body naturally since your hands are out to the side . It makes you look friendlier and more relaxed .
DON ’ T SELF-TOUCH
Are you a fidgeter ? Fidgeting comes in many forms :
• Playing with your fingers
• Biting your nails
• Picking at your lips or keyboard
• Wiggling around your car keys or earrings
• Adjusting your tie or watch
• Spinning your ring on your finger
• Bouncing your feet
Whatever you do , don ’ t bring your fidget spinner to the interview .
One recent survey even found that hiring managers skipped hiring applicants 26 % of the time because they fidgeted too much . That number may be a bit extreme , but if only those fidgeters knew what I ’ m about to tell you … they may have gotten the job .
HERE ’ S MY SECRET TO CONTROLLING YOUR FIDGETING : LEARN TO HIDE IT .
Instead of fidgeting , try wiggling your toes . Nobody will know except you ! Try to keep your hands empty . Holding pens and even your watch might tempt you to start fidgeting . And if you really want to get rid of that fidgeting for the long term , learn how to break that bad habit forever .
Pro Tip : Want to really master your video calls ? Body language on video is harder to see — there ’ s lag , bad lighting , and the unfortunate case of some interviewers forgoing their pants . Don ’ t make these mistakes !
RELAX WITH YOUR HANDS ON THE TABLE
Most likely , you ’ ll be sitting at a desk or your office computer . When you ’ re not gesturing with your hands ( or fidgeting ), your natural resting place should be on the table . But most people nervously hold their hands together with their fingers intertwined .
People may intertwine their fingers and hold them close when they are nervous . This also acts as a barrier between you and the interviewer . Instead , imagine the table as your natural rest spot — whenever you ’ re done gesturing , simply return your hands to the table in a neutral position .
I like to keep my arms bent at a slight angle , lightly resting my palms on the table , with no tension and fully relaxed . Make sure there is a gap between your hands so you aren ’ t blocking your interviewer . This helps avoid any awkward “ What should I do with my hands !?” moments that may arise and keeps you open .
HAVE ONE BAG
This might sound crazy , but research has found that when people carry more than one item , they look disorganized , messy , and scattered !
• If you are a man , carry one briefcase .
• If you are a woman , have one purse and leave your notes or resumé inside .
Also , jackets count . If possible , have the receptionist or secretary take your coat and hat before you walk into the interview .
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