Importance of body language at an interview

Do's and Don'ts

Your heart feels ready to leap out of your chest. Beads of sweat build on your forehead. Your mind is racing.

It's not a full-blown interrogation - although it may feel like it - it's just a job interview. While it's no secret that job interviews can be nerve-racking, a lot of job candidates spend a significant amount of time worrying about what they will say during their interview, only to blow it all with their body language.

Because watching your nonverbal cues, delivering concise answers and expressing your enthusiasm at once can be difficult when you're nervous, here's a guide to walk you through it:

The old adage, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it,” still holds meaning, even if you’re not talking. You need to effectively communicate your professionalism both verbally and nonverbally.

Have them at "hello"

Before you walk into the interview, it's assumed that you will have done the following: prepared yourself by reading up on the company and recent company news; practised what you'll say to some of the more common interview questions; and followed the "what to wear on your interview" advice. So you're ready, right?

Some managers claim they can spot a possible candidate for a job within 30 seconds or less, and while a lot of that has to do with the way you look, it's also in your body language. Don't walk in pulling up your pantyhose or readjusting your tie; pull yourself together before you stand up to greet the hiring manager or enter their office. Avoid a "dead fish" handshake and confidently - but not too firmly - grasp your interviewer's hand and make eye contact while saying hello.

Shake your hand, watch yourself

If you are rocking back in your chair, shaking your foot, drumming your fingers or scratching your... anything, you're going to look like your going to look the type of future employee who wouldn't be able to stay focused, if even for a few minutes.

It's a not a game of charades, it's a job interview. Here's what to do (and not do):

Don't:

Rub the back of your head or neck. Even if you really do just have a cramp in your neck, these gestures make you look disinterested.

Rub or touch your nose. This suggests that you're not being completely honest, and it's gross.

Sit with your armed folded across your chest. You'll appear unfriendly and disengaged.

Cross your legs and idly shake one over the other. It's distracting and shows how uncomfortable you are.

Lean your body towards the door. You'll appear ready to make a mad dash for the door.

Slouch back in your seat. This will make you appear disinterested and unprepared.

Stare back blankly. This is a look people naturally adapt when they are trying to distance themselves.

Do:

Sit up straight, and lean slightly forward in your chair. In addition to projecting interest and engagement in the interaction, aligning your body's position to that of the interviewer's shows admiration and agreement.

Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested expression. Nod and make positive gestures in moderation to avoid looking like a bobblehead.

Establish a comfortable amount of personal space between you and the interviewer.

Invading personal space (anything more than 20 inches) could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable and take the focus away from your conversation.

Limit your application of colognes and perfumes. Invading aromas can arouse allergies. Being the candidate that gave the interviewer a headache isn't going to do anything in your favour.

If you have more than one person interviewing you at once, make sure you briefly address both people with your gaze (without looking like a tennis spectator) and return your attention to the person who has asked you a question.

Interruptions can happen. If they do, refrain from staring at your interviewer while they address their immediate business and motion your willingness to leave if they need privacy.

Stand up and smile even if you are on a phone interview. Standing increases your level of alertness and allows you to become more engaged in the conversation.

Say goodbye gracefully!

After a few well-thought-out questions and answers with your interviewer, it's almost over, but don't lose your cool just yet. Make sure your goodbye handshake is just as confident now as it was going in. Keep that going while you walk through the office building, into the elevator and onto the street.

Once safely in your car, a cab or some other measurable safe distance from the scene of your interview, it's safe to let go. You may have aced it, but the last thing you want is some elaborate end-zone dance type of routine killing all your hard work at the last moment.CareerBuilder.com

When you shake hands

Get the gesture right, however, and you'll project respect, trust, energy and sophistication. Here are five things to consider:

It is business custom in the world to shake hands during introductions or at the start or conclusion of a meeting. Usually the person of higher social status will initiate the shake. While germaphobe Donald Trump avoids handshaking, you should never reject a handshake as it is a gesture of wanting to bond. (Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer, if you must!)

What's the best way to shake? To give a proper shake:

1. Extend your right hand to meet the other person's right hand, pointing your thumb upward and extending your arm at slight downward angle. (You should be standing about 18 inches from the other person.)

2. When your thumb joints come together, wrap your hand around the other person's hand.

3. Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently once. Hold the handshake for two to three seconds (or, if you wish, you can pump your hand up and down two or three times) as you look them in the eye, smile and say a few words.

When shaking a person's hand for the first time, it's usually best to let them determine the length and firmness of the handshake. Follow their lead and maintain pressure until they release.

What should you do with your left hand? When John F. Kennedy was running for President, he commissioned a study to find the most effective handshake. This resulted in his signature double handshake: the left hand cupped under the clasped hand. For most people, though, it is safest to leave it relaxed by your side upon first meeting. Some people like to put their left hand on the other person's elbow or shoulder or place it over the top of the handclasp.

With this move, however, you can come off as too touchy-feely or invading a person's personal space.

How can you ensure whether your hands are "shakable?" You want to offer a dry, warm palm. If you're at a gathering, hold your drink in your left hand so that your right one is available (and room temperature).

If you've just come in from the cold, rub your palms together to warm them. If you're feeling clammy, keep a handkerchief handy for wiping.

If your palms are excessively sweaty and you are often called upon to shake hands, you may want to speak with your doctor. You may have a condition called hyperhidrosis that is medically treatable.Practice makes perfect To see how your handshake comes across, try it out on a few friends, and ask for their feedback on your timing, grip and technique. Then, practice until you get it right, so that you know you'll be putting your best foot.....er, hand forward.