Mind Your Body Language

In the process of preparing for a job interview, many applicants forget about the non-verbal factors that influence the outcome — namely, body language. While it may seem insignificant in comparison to well-rehearsed answers and impeccable research, the way you carry yourself can make a big impact on a potential employer. In extreme cases, poor posture and distracting physical behavior can cost you the job before the interview even begins.

Posture

Your posture communicates a great deal about your personality and professional style. If you lean too far forward into the interviewer's space, you can come across as aggressive or confrontational. Slouching, on the other hand, makes you seem lazy or uninterested in the job interview. According to a recent study about body language mistakes, 56 percent of employers know whether a candidate is a good fit in the first five minutes of an interview, long before you've even begun delivering your rehearsed answers. Try sitting back in your seat with your neck held up and your shoulders square. To align your body, imagine there is a string attached to the top of your head pulling upwards.

Eye Contact

Body language doesn't apply just to the position of your body; it also includes eye contact. When it comes to meeting a potential employer's gaze, balance is key. Don't stare straight into the interviewer's eyes the entire time, but don't avoid looking directly at him either. Too much staring can be interpreted as aggressive or communicate a lack of social skills, while refusing to make eye contact can make you appear dishonest.

Fidgeting

In the intensity of the interview setting, job candidates often deal with their nerves by fidgeting. If you feel the urge to play with your jewelry, touch your hair or face, pull at your clothing or crack your knuckles, resist. Small motions and nervous body language distract others and pull the focus away from what you are saying. If you have a tendency to fidget when you're nervous, try holding on to the bottom edge of the table or the arms of a chair to prevent unconscious movement.

Paying Attention

Your body language can communicate your level of attentiveness, whether you intend it to or not. If you are staring into space or looking away from the interviewer while he speaks, you may appear disinterested. Instead, try nodding your head a few times during the conversation to indicate that you are paying attention. Leaning forward slightly also lets the employer know that you're focused on the conversation. If you lean in while you're speaking, it can communicate enthusiasm for the topic at hand.

Great body language can convey a relaxed, confident attitude that immediately positions you as a capable job candidate. By working on your potential issues before an interview, you can improve your overall performance and boost your chances of moving on in the hiring process.

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