A strong resume and good answers to your interviewer's questions certainly play a role in the success of your job interview, but your body language may mean the difference between landing a job and continuing your search. According to several studies by famed researcher Albert Mehrabian, 55 percent of communication between individuals is nonverbal, while only 7 percent is spoken words. Good interview posture tells a potential employer that you are interested and capable.
Impart a positive impression on your interviewer by keeping your posture moderate. According to Karen Friedman, author of "Shut Up and Say Something: Business Communication Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Influence Listeners," leaning back in your chair indicates that you do not like someone. However, leaning forward in your chair makes you appear too eager. Good interview posture is characterized by standing or sitting up straight, which tells the interviewer you are polite, credible and confident. Be careful not to slouch, lean your body to one side or lean towards the door, which gives the impression that you are ready to leave.
To keep your body language looking natural, it may help to imagine that you are being held up by a single string from the top of your head. Practice this for several days before the interview to help it come naturally. Do not sit on the edge of your chair, which makes you look uneasy. Instead, lean slightly against the back of your chair. If multiple individuals are conducting the interview, turn your body and lean in towards the individual who is speaking to express interest.
Feel free to loosen up your body language, keeping your hands free to make gestures as appropriate. According to Kelly Decker of the consulting firm Decker Communications, keeping your hands in your lap makes you appear timid, but folding your hands on the table in front of you is more acceptable. Crossing your arms is a definite Interview body language taboo, making you appear defensive and unconfident. Also avoid harsh gestures such as pointing and chop-like motions, which often appear aggressive.
One last element of body language that goes hand in hand with your posture is eye contact. Although it is common knowledge not to avoid eye contact entirely during an interview, staring is just as ineffective because it feels aggressive and awkward. Look your interviewer in the eye, especially when important topics are being discussed, but break away occasionally to keep things relaxed and comfortable.
In general, you should keep your body language, including posture, gestures and eye contact, as moderate as possible. On top of everything, never forget to smile because this signals to your interviewer that you are friendly, confident and comfortable. Practice good posture whenever you can, and maintain your posture on the job to continue imparting a positive impression.
(Photo courtesy of Ambro / freedigitalphotos.net)
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