Body Language at an Interview

Interviews - Body Language - A CV Centre Guide

Interview Tips by The CV Centre, the UK's leading CV consultancy.

If you've been selected for an interview then you have clearly impressed your prospective employer - your next challenge is to maintain their positive perception of you when they get to meet up in person. A good interviewer is carefully trained to make an informed assessment of a candidate based not only on what they say but also on how they present themselves. And body language may prove to be a key factor in their decision-making process. It is therefore essential to come across as confident, enthusiastic and capable of rising to the challenge, even if you really feel anxious and nervous and would rather be somewhere else!

Positive Actions

There are a variety of positive actions which can be used successfully in interview situations and these include:

Firm, Friendly Handshake - not too hard as this implies arrogance and not too limp because it suggests weakness

Eye Contact - this is essential when trying to convey trust and confidence but should not be overdone as this can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and suggest over familiarity

Keep Your Chin Up (literally and metaphorically!) - smile with open lips and tilt your head slightly to show that you are attentive

Palms Visible - this indicates openness and sincerity

Touching Fingertips Together - this conveys a sense of authority

Negative Actions

Here are some obvious - and some not so obvious - examples of negative traits and how your body language can give them away:

Defensiveness - crossing your arms

Nervousness - locked ankles, fidgeting, playing with hair, biting nails

Doubt - rubbing eyes or nose

Arrogance/Over Confidence - brisk and erect walk, hands clasped behind head

Boredom - feet tapping, looking down, slouching, head resting in hands

Aggression - hands on hips and pointing with the index finger

Top Tips

Try turning the tables on the interviewer and assessing their own body language - perhaps even try imitating them to strengthen any possible connection between you. However, try not to copy negative body language and remember to be subtle about it! If the interviewer thinks that you are on their wavelength, they are likely to immediately become better disposed towards you. Also, their body language can give you a clear indication of what the interviewer thinks of what you are saying - if they are displaying signs of boredom, you should try to direct the subject away from your current line of thinking.

First impressions are vitally important and this applies not only to your body language but also to the way that you are dressed, etc. Interviewers can make decisions very quickly so make sure that you walk into that room as if you really want the job.

An interviewer is much more likely to look favourably on a candidate with whom they feel they have developed a rapport, so try to be friendly without being over-familiar. It is a fine line.

Further Help

Learn new ways to improve your interview technique at CV-Library.co.uk.