You have to remember dozens of things when you meet with a recruiter, from opening with a strong handshake to dressing appropriately. Many people don't realize you should also work on your posture before the interview. Slouching and hunching over indicate a lack of confidence, but good posture lets interviewers know you are up for a challenge. Here are two good reasons why you should work on your interview posture if you are searching for a job.
The first reason your posture matters during an interview is because it communicates confidence. Forbes contributor Jennifer Cohen says you must show confidence if you expect to be a winner. Posture is your foundation, according to Cohen, so you should always stand up straight with your shoulders pulled back. Slumping or slouching indicates you don't have much of an interest in the job, which is the kiss of death for job seekers. Make the most of this interview posture by leaning forward slightly. This will let the interviewer know you are interested in what she has to say.
Maintaining a professional interview posture also helps you remain neutral in a stressful situation, which is the second reason your posture matters during an interview. Good posture communicates confidence, and it also helps you put other people at ease. Slouching indicates disinterest, but leaning too far forward is rather aggressive. If you lean too far in the interviewer's direction, he may feel threatened. Interviewers may also think you are trying too hard to be friendly. Your best bet is to use the same interview posture during every meeting. Keep your shoulders back, but lean forward slightly to communicate interest. Practicing this posture will help you avoid appearing too aggressive or confrontational.
Marc Cenedella of The Ladders says your body language "speaks volumes" to interviewers. Working on your interview posture will help you learn more about how your body communicates when you are not speaking. Paying attention to your posture also helps in other areas of your life, such as attending networking meetings or delivering presentations to large audiences. Once you master the proper interview posture, you will be able to use it in business settings as well as social situations to help you position yourself as a confident business professional.
Your body language can hurt your chances of getting a job even if you have all the right answers to the interviewer's questions. The right interview posture helps you look confident without making the interviewer think you are being too aggressive. If you have an interview coming up, practice your interview posture until it is second nature. Doing so will help you make a great impression and improve your chances of getting the job you want.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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