In the era of phones and skype interviews, most people don’t care about their attire. Sitting in their favorite pajamas and kicking back in their chair, they are quite comfortable while giving interviews. However, here’s the thing that you need to remember. Your conduct is a very important part of the interview. Your interviewer is evaluating you just as much as your resume, so be aware of how you’re coming across.
Nervous? Don’t be. Mastering body language is pretty darn easy. Here are 7 body language strategies to make sure that you give a perfect first impression to your prospective employer:
Walk Confidently
Walk with purpose and energy. It doesn’t mean that you need to power walk up, strut or skip and whistle like a lunatic. Don’t slouch, don’t walk noisily- walk with confidence like you know what you’re doing.
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Strong Handshake
It might sound weird but your handshake matters! It should be firm, but not a death grip to show how powerful you are. Don’t go in too strong or you’ll come off as too aggressive. Don’t go in too weak or you’ll come off as nervous! And always maintain eye contact with the person you’re shaking hands with.
Friendly Smile
A genuine, friendly smile will make you more likable and show the interviewer you have personality. You do not want to come across as too serious or negative, no one wants to work every day with people like that. Smile, laugh if appropriate, just don’t make it look too forced or manic because then you just look plain scary.
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Eye Contact
Good eye contact indicates honesty and sincerity. If you keep avoiding it, you make it look like you are hiding something and you come across as dishonest. Sometimes it’s weird to keep looking at someone in the eye for too long. If you start to feel like this, then look at other facial features for a bit and then make eye contact again.
Keep Your Head Up
The best head posture for an interview is keeping your chin tilted slightly sideways and up. This makes it look like you’re interested in the conversation and that you’re confident. Never look down while talking- that oozes nervousness.
Lean In While Talking
Leaning in shows you are engaged in the conversation and want to give useful insight. Don’t lean in too close cuz that is just scary! Learn to maintain the right amount of distance.
Nod Occasionally
If the interviewer decides to talk about the history of the company, it can be a little awkward to just sit there and make constant eye contact. In such a scenario, keep nodding occasionally to show you are listening and are interested in the information.
