It's Not Just Your Words That Count on an Interview

After spending countless hours searching for your dream job and polishing your resume and cover letter, the opportunity to show your professionalism in a job interview is the final step in your job search. An interview can make or break your chances of landing the job, so you should know how to nail the interview by using both carefully selected, polished and sincere words and positive body language that displays your personality and professionalism.

You're likely to be nervous when sitting down for a job interview with a potential employer. Build strategies to calm your nerves so you avoid distracting nonverbal behaviors while meeting with a hiring manager. Fidgeting is one of the most common signs of nervousness, but it can also communicate that you are not prepared or have something to hide. Pay close attention to your posture and your hand gestures. Avoid playing with your hair, tapping your fingers on the table or crossing and uncrossing your legs. Maintain an upright position, engage the employer with eye contact and keep a smile on your face to show that you are confident about what you are saying.

You may be eager to impress the potential employer but if you seem to be overcompensating during the job interview, it may startle the hiring manager. Avoid rambling on and on or wild hand gestures. Instead, show your excitement by maintaining an interested gaze with direct eye contact. Offer the potential employer a firm, yet subtle handshake and keep your composure with a modulated and assertive tone of voice when answering interview questions. Avoid using a loud voice when you are excited and try and pitch your laughter so it is not loud and jarring if the interview is going well and laughter is appropriate for the conversation you are having. Hiring managers pay close attention to how you answer the questions during an interview as well as the content of your answers, and they watch your body language right from the moment you walk in the door.

Even if you find yourself disinterested or bored during the job interview, don't let it show. Nonverbal behaviors are often easy to misinterpret; if you are looking at your watch, gazing around the room or fidgeting with your wardrobe or hair instead of tuning in to what the interviewer has to say, you'll give off nonverbal cues that you would rather be somewhere else. Be present during the interview at all times.

The job market can be very competitive and employers often have many choices when determining who to hire. Show that you are the best candidate for the job by communicating your professional nature by verbal and nonverbal means during the job interview. You are in the spotlight while you're being interviewed, so show your best side from the moment you walk in the door.

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