Pass Your Interview: Body Language

Interviews are terrifying.  You are trying to impress someone that, in a sense, holds your future in their hands.  You're all dressed up, you're practicing your answers to the common interview questions (praying they don't ask that one question), and you have a copy of your resume in hand.  You are ready to go- or so you think.  It may seem like you have prepared all you can, but there is a vital part of the interview that you have overlooked: your body language.

From the second you walk in until the moment you leave the office, your body language is speaking volumes about who you are.  Do you give a strong firm handshake? Do you look the interview in the eye? Are you fidgeting with your hands? Are you flailing your hands? Are you sitting too casually? Or do you seem stiff? All of these things are adding to the interviews view of you.  Sure you dressed up in a nice suit, but when you come in and slouch in the chair it is apparent that the suit is just for looks.  Here are some tips to help you pass the interview with body language:

1. Always give a strong handshake.  Employers associated weak handshakes with weak personalities.  This is often the first thing a potential boss will notice.  Make sure it leaves a good impression.

2. Hand movement: Some hand movement shows the employer that you are in fact a living human being, but moving to much can make you seem like a lot to handle.  There isn't  a perfect amount of movement, just be aware of how much you are moving.

3. Eye contact: If you are anything like me, eye contact for long periods of time is hard and uncomfortable.  If you feel the need to look away, I feel it is better to look up like you are pondering instead of looking down like you are embarrassed.

4. Posture: Sit upright, showing your professionalism, but not stiff.  Once again, you want the employer to know that you are human and you are capable of relaxing a little bit, but you don't want to seem lazy.  Balance is key.

If you focus on these 4 aspects of body language, as well as everything you did to prepare for the interview, you'll be fine.