The Importance of Body Language when Interviewing for Jobs

How to Get the Job You Want

The majority of body language researchers believe that body language, or non-verbal communication, is 55% of the first impression that we give of ourselves. Knowing that it makes sense that we put a lot of emphasis on making sure that we give off the right non -verbal clues when going for a job interview.

No matter how you feel the day of that important interview you must make an effort to hold your head up high and put a smile on your face. Act as if you are on top on the world and your body language will show it. When your interviewer comes to the reception room to greet you stand up as they approach you and confidently shake their hand and say, "I am very glad to meet you." Continue to the interviewers office with your head held high. Wait for them to tell you where to sit and then sit down at the same time they do. This shows that you have respect for their position and that you are willing to take directions.

When you sit down it is important that you not cross your arms in front of you. Sit relaxed with your hands in your lap. When we cross our arms in front of us it appears that we are barricading ourselves from others. You want to portray a person who is approachable and open to the ideas of others. Crossing your arms in front of you seems to say, "I am closing you out, and I will do it my way." This is not what an interviewer wants to see or hear from a prospective employee.

It is a well-known psychological fact that people hire people like themselves. You will want to take your verbal clues from your interviewer. The technique of "mirroring" is a great way to gain the favor of the interviewer. Take your clues, subtlety, from the person who is interviewing you. When they move forward in their chair, you move forward ever so slowly. When they sit back, you sit back. You never want to be obvious about it, but you want to make it appear as if you are totally in sync with the person. Your body language, then, conveys the fact that you are both "on the same page."