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Body Language Essentials
5 things you need to practise before the interview
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It is said that most hiring decisions are made in the first 60 seconds of a job interview.
But at that stage you've hardly spoken. So what are they basing their decision on?
Your body language...
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Research has shown that only 7% of the message we send out is based on the actual words we use. The rest is down to body language and tone of voice.
Just think how important that is in a job interview!
So it's no wonder that a nervous candidate is unlikely to get the job offer...
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| The 5 main areas of impact are: |
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1. First Impressions: How you stand |
Do you appear confident? Or are you more of a shrinking violet?
Nerves automatically make us slouch, as though we're trying to make ourselves smaller.
Before the interview, practise standing tall, with your back straight and your head up. This is a really essential part of that first impression.
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2. Your smile and initial eye contact |
A gentle, relaxed, confident smile is a critical part of the first impression in a job interview.
It's really important to make eye contact and then smile.
We're not talking interrogation-style staring out the interviewer here. Simply look at their eyes for a few seconds, but only for as long as it feels comfortable.
It's important to smile, because it helps your eye muscles relax. This will give you a more confident appearance, all of which helps with that vital first impression.
If you're not sure about this, try it in front of a mirror. Eye contact without smiling can almost seem threatening - not a good start to a job interview.
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3. Handshake |
Your handshake is one of the most important parts of a first impression. A firm (but not vice-like) handshake, good eye contact and a relaxed smile give you a confident start.
If you're not sure about your handshake, ask for feedback from a friend.
If you know you're one of those unfortunate people for whom job interview nerves means clammy hands, try to wipe them on a hankie before the interviewer arrives. Otherwise subtly wipe your hand before shaking. It's worth practising this so the interviewer doesn't notice.
If you can't wipe your hands, then at least make your handshake confident. There's nothing worse than a slightly limp, damp handshake. If you've got a positive, confident style, the interviewer won't remember anything else...
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4. How You Sit |
No matter how confident or relaxed you feel, you're not in the pub! That means no slouching - even if the interview's going well.
We've interviewed candidates who lean back on their chairs and almost rest a foot on the table. It says to the interviewer that you're arrogant and probably won't fit in.
If you're nervous, hiding in your chair won't work either. No matter how much you want it to swallow you up, you'll still have to complete the interview.
The best advice is to sit up straight, but comfortably. Interview chairs aren't always the greatest, so just do your best.
Remember that eye contact!
And if you need to move your chair or readjust your seating position to get more comfortable, just do it. It's better to move a few times than wreck your interview chances because all you can think of is that your bottom's going numb!
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5. Avoid Fidgeting |
Did you know that fidgeting is seen as the number one sign of lack of confidence?
So fumbling with your pen, your notes, your tie or watch will give you away.
But what if you're a compulsive fidgeter? What can you do?
Focus on the interviewer and answering the questions. Find somewhere comfortable to rest your hands and mentally relax them. A little hand movement is fine, as are small hand gestures, if that's how you normally talk. But arm waving and pen tapping are a big no-no. |
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| Also check out: what to wear to a job interview. Make sure you dress to impress and don't wreck your chances! |
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