A first impression is a lasting impression so you want to make sure its a good one, and having good body language is a sure-fire way to ensure that you start off on the right foot. It exudes confidence, creates a strong presence, and tells the recruiter that you mean business in your interview with them. You want to leave your interview with the recruiter saying to themselves “We have to hire them!”, and one way to help you get to that point is to make sure you are looking your best when you walk through the door. Today we have a few tips for making sure you exhibit good body language to maximize your first impression, not only in interviews, but in any situation you may face.
Eye Contact
Studies have shown that around 67% of people fail to make eye contact during their interviews; which means only one in three people are making appropriate eye contact. You want to make sure you are one of those three. Steady, natural eye contact not only shows your interviewer that you are actively listening, but it also communicates confidence. Be careful not to blankly stare unblinkingly at your interviewer either though (it creeps us out!). You want to take small breaks from eye contact, perhaps by glancing down at your resume, to keep your confident eye contact from becoming a Michael Myers-esque stare. Its a balancing act, but with enough practice, its a skill that will already put you ahead of most other interviewees.
Confident Body Posture
Your interview body language is all about communicating confidence, even when you might be feeling nervous. Beyond eye contact, the most effective way to exude confidence is to maintain good body posture. How you hold yourself is one of the first things an interviewer is going to notice about you from the moment you walk into the room. You will want to avoid using defensive posture such as crossing your arms and hunching your shoulders. Be sure to sit up straight, hold your head up, and relax your arms and shoulders into a natural position. There are even studies that show that good posture not only makes you appear more confident, but actually makes you FEEL more confident as well. You can find out even more in the video below, courtesy of TED Global and Amy Cuddy:
Handshake
The art of the handshake (and it is an art) is one that any professional should put time into mastering. A good, firm handshake starts your interview on a high note as it communicates strength and confidence. Developing the perfect handshake can be tricky. You don’t want to have a limp “dead fish” handshake, but you also don’t want the person shaking your hand to feel like they’ll need to get an X-ray afterwards either. Find a comfortable middle ground that lasts only two to three pumps and is coordinated with a verbal greeting or introduction.
No Fidgeting
If there is one thing that points to you being nervous in an interview, its too much fidgeting. You might as well be sitting under a flashing neon sign that says “I’m Scared”. There’s nothing wrong with changing your sitting position but playing with your hair, bouncing with your leg, tapping your pen, or squirming too much not only tells the recruiter you’re nervous, but can also send the message that you’re impatient, not interested in the position, or just want the interview to end. Try to minimize any nervous ticks you might be susceptible to. Keep your hands in your lap and apply a little pressure to your legs by pressing your feet into the ground to stop them from bouncing.
Be Well-Groomed
Looking good is one of the quickest ways to start feeling good, and this translates to interviews as well. It gives us a boost of confidence, which is just what we need before an interview. Before you go in for your meeting with a recruiter, be sure to be well-groomed. DO NOT just roll out of bed, look in the mirror and think “yeah, this outfit works” and show up in your pajamas. (THIS HAS SERIOUSLY HAPPENED!) Get a haircut if needed, make sure your nails are clean and trimmed, brush your teeth, and make sure you’re freshly shaven or that your facial hair is clean and neat. Being clean-cut is a great way to make a good first impression. Combine this with good posture, a firm handshake, and steady eye contact and you’ll be sure to WOW your interviewer.
–Tyler Geeve, Staff Source Marketing/Recruiter Assistant