A Body Language Primer Dr. Saundra K. Ciccarelli

   The best way to monitor your body language is to practice in front of a mirror—believe it or not, it helps you look natural and comfortable. Come up with some interview questions that you want to ask.

Run through the interview with a friend.

   Before the interview, make sure you look presentable—hair neat, hands washed, tie/pantyhose adjusted.

Your handshake should be firm and confident, but avoid a painful squeeze or a “dead fish” quality.

Make eye contact with the interviewer while saying hello.

    Sit down in the chair the interviewer indicates.

Sit all the way on the seat—if you are on the edge, it says you are nervous.

Sit up straight, lean slightly forward—this indicates that you are interested and listening.

Don’t get closer than 20 inches from the interviewer: it’s an invasion of personal space.

   If you want to come across as friendly and open, tilt your head slightly to one side.

If you want to seem self-assured and authoritative, keep your head positioned straight.

Depending upon the point you are trying to make, you can shift between these positions.

 ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ DON’T: Wring your hands—hold them loosely in your lap or put them on the table Fiddle with your hair or face Put your hand behind your head Touch your nose or lips (indicates lying) Wave your hands around too much—indicates uncertainty Fold your arms across your chest—closed and defensive Point—it’s seen as aggressive

 ◦ DO: Hold your hands loosely in your lap or put them on the table  ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ What about my legs?

Too much leg movement is distracting and speaks of nervousness—never let them see you sweat!

Crossing legs up high = defensive Resting one leg or ankle on the other = too casual and possibly arrogant Instead, cross at the ankles or keep flat on floor

   When the interviewer is talking, make direct eye contact to show you are actively listening Blink at regular intervals and nod your head every now and then to avoid the appearance of an aggressive stare When YOU are talking, hold eye contact about 10 seconds and then look briefly away and then back—if you maintain eye contact too steadily while talking, it can be seen as a challenge or lecture to the interviewer

   Don’t look down constantly, you’ll seem submissive or insincere Okay to look down while taking notes, but remember to look up and establish eye contact when you are speaking or when asked a question If you are interviewed by a panel, look at and direct your answer to the person who is asking the question

  ◦ Boredom: Resting head on hands, fiddling with hands, losing eye contact.

How to counter: Wrap up what you are saying and move on, ask “Is there anything else you would like to know about….?” ◦ Feeling uncomfortable: Crosses arms, leans away How to counter: Check the personal space and move back if too close—if there’s no table or desk between you, make it 2 to 3 feet.

  ◦ ◦ Irritation: drumming fingers and rubbing the face.

How to counter: Make sure you are answering the question asked and not going off the point Losing interest: leaning sideways, not responding to facial cues, fiddling with objects on desk How to counter: Return to the subject you were on when you last had them engaged, or ask them a question

  Be careful about mirroring, the process of adopting the same posture as the interviewer. If you do it too obviously, it can be seen as mocking.

Instead, if they are formal, you should be formal. If they are casual, you can be a little more casual—but not too much!

 ◦ ◦ ◦ No matter how the interview seems to go, go out strong: A firm, confident goodbye handshake Keep that confidence going as you walk out of the building Don’t “let go” until some distance away

  CareerBuilder.com: The interview: body language do’s and don’ts.

Suite101.com: Body Language during interviews: Job interview tips and examples.

 Best-Job Interview.com: Interview body language that sends the right message.