Interviews are our worst fear realized; Every little thing we say and do is being carefully judged. So, our body language matters as much as the language we’re speaking when answering questions. But, there’s good news. Body language is as much for you as it is to impress them. Your body sends messages internally while it’s sending messages externally to those around you. The way you sit, gesture, and your facial expressions all send messages from your body to your brain to help relax you or empower you. According to psychologytoday.com, “[people] who assume a couple of superhero-type stances for a grand total of two minutes feel more powerful and act that way: Stand like a superhero, feel like a superhero, act like a superhero.” Empower yourself to feel more confident before, during, and after the interview with your body language.
Eye Contact
I know our parents taught us it’s polite to keep eye contact during a conversation, that it’s appreciated to eternally lock eyes with those talking to us. They would say it’s part of “active listening.” When done correctly, it is appreciated. However, the locked-eyes look is not. It can seem aggressive at best and creepy at worst, giving off the wrong vibe during the interview. Proper eye contact can help create a sense of warmth and friendliness between you and the interviewer. Maintain soft eye contact, in a natural manner, while they’re talking. When they’re done talking or pausing, look at your notes or write some down to give them the pause they need. Less aggressive eye contact also helps relax you during the interviewer, as it takes more energy to focus your eyes on them.
Hand Gestures
With hand gestures during an interview, subtly is your friend. Clenching fists and wildly gesturing with your hands outstretched are considered forceful and unpredictable. Calmly laying your hands in your lap or clasping fingers tells the interviewer you’re a good listener and open to hearing new ideas. Additionally, clasping your hands together by only touching fingertips (open-prayer gesture) is acceptable. This sends the message that you’re thoughtful and a problem-solver. It’s best to practice these simple movements at home while you practice for your interview, to build and improve muscle-memory so that these will be more natural. Moreover, our nervous energy travels to our hands in stressful situation (like an interview). Relaxing our hands tells our brains to calm down and helps mellow us while we answer the interviewer’s questions.
Posture
For proper posture, keep the psychology of the superhero stance on your mind. When you take your seat, sit up straight and to the back of the chair. This position sends uplifting messages to your brain to boost your confidence and mood. While answering questions, lean slightly forward to allow the interviewer to hear you better and create a closer connection. It will be tempting to cross your arms, but practice keeping your arms down to avoid crossing them. Crossed arms over your chest closes off the interviewer and seems defensive. Also, open arms tell your mind and body that you are open in your attitude and mentally adjusts to help you feel more comfortable.
Your Legs
You now know what to do with your hands, so what do you do with your legs? Just like with crossing your arms, it’s not a good idea to cross your legs. It sends the same defensive message. Likewise, crossing one leg over the other’s knee looks too casual and tells the interviewer that you’re not taking the opportunity seriously. While sitting up straight, position your legs linearly and keep both feet firmly planted on the floor. It displays confidence and professionalism to the interviewer while also telling your brain the same thing. This position immediately puts you in a more boss-like mood that extends into the vibe of the interview.
The Handshake
It’s the first thing parents and mentors teach you: the handshake. We know to shake the interviewer’s hand before and after the interview by way of greeting and farewell. Too gentle of a handshake can seem passive, but too firm a handshake can seem aggressive. You want the happy medium that says you’re assertive and confident, but humble. That nervous energy that travels to your hand can be channeled and will give you more control. That control will boost your mood to end strongly after the interview. Your handshake can affect your mindset as much as it does theirs when considering you.
Don’t forget to breathe! You’ll do great. Having a positive mindset is the first step. Positive self-talk and confident body language will help you nail your interview. For more interview preparation advice, keep following our blog, and check back at pdxMindShare for career news and current job listings.
