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Your Body Language for a Successful Job Interview

Guest post by: Cecile Peterkin

Article Overview: Preparing for a job is much more than showing up on time and having the right answers. Your body language for a successful job Interview often speaks louder than your words.

Your Body Language for a Successful Job Interview

Job Interview success depends on more than what you say. What you do can also determine whether you become a new employee or another candidate steps out of the unemployment line. Pay close attention to your body language, for a successful job interview.

Attention to Details

During the interview, the person(s) conducting the meeting will be looking, as well as listening. Sometimes, what is not said speaks louder than the actual spoken words. Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to the following details:

• Clothing
• The Handshake
• Feet Positioning
• Seating
• Arm Position
• Space between you and the Interviewer
• Eye Contact

In fact, if the position is truly desirable, your body language for a successful job interview is worth practicing.

Professional Interview Tips

The "Do’s" and "Don’ts" of successful job interviews have been compiled by knowledgeable people that normally sit behind the desk. The advice is almost universal; and, it begins with the clothing chosen for the occasion.

Clothing

It is vital to wear something physically and emotionally comfortable. People who feel good about how they look tend to experience a more successful job interview. Of course, it is also important to dress appropriately for the appointment. While some individuals feel at ease in their best bathrobe and slippers, or shorts and a t-shirt, looking like a future employee of the company is a better plan.

The Handshake

Something as seemingly simple as the handshake can ultimately set the tone of a successful job interview. In general, it’s best to wait for the person conducting the interview to offer his/her hand first. When a hand is extended in greeting, grasp the entire hand firmly and palm up, so not to appear aggressive.

Feet Positioning

Sitting up straight, with feet planted firmly on the floor, is the best posture for a successful job interview. Women should avoid crossing their legs, and men should not sit with their legs too far apart. Casually sitting with ankle resting on the knee is definitely taboo.

Seating

The best interview tips suggest waiting until a seat is offered by the interviewer. In the event a person is left standing, it is important to ask which seat to take. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to sit where all participants of the meeting are clearly visible.

Arm Position

Amazingly, one of the most coveted interviewing tips regards arm position during the meeting. Typically, with so much at stake, people tend to have trouble knowing what to do with their arms and hands. So, the best rule of thumb is basically to do nothing. Relax. Allow the arms and hands to rest naturally in the lap. Of course, animated hand gestures while speaking is still a good idea, as long as it is not overdone.



Space between you and the Interviewer

While it shows an interest in the conversation to lean slightly forward, it’s never a good idea to crowd personal space. Job interview success often depends on appearances. So, it is vital not to give the perception of being aggressive. Allow 30-36 inches of space between the interview participants. However, leaning into the conversation, with enthusiasm for the potential position, is a great attribute.

Eye Contact

Finally, maintaining eye contact is vital to a successful job interview. When addressing and individual, look him/her straight in the eye. It conveys honesty and a straightforward personality, which is a much desired trait in good employees.

In short, preparing for a job is much more than showing up on time and having the right answers. Your body language for a successful job Interview often speaks louder than your words.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

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Article Tags: interview tips, job interview success, successful job interview



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