Career Zone

Saturday, November 25, 2006


Importance of body language in interviews.

Body language is the outspoken communication, we all use in every face-to-face encounter.93% of our communication is non-verbal only 7% has to do with words. We all know that we cannot change our race, gender and height; the only thing under your control is our appearance and our body language. Here comes the Importance of body language in interviews.

Determining and regulating your own body language could well mean the difference when it comes to job interviews, meetings, banquets and business dinners, or even a social occasion. Your body language can have a positive or negative influence in the way people treat you. Many people put much stress on their verbal skills for an interview, but little consideration to their body language, that's a mistake. One study found that, a first impression is based on 7 per cent spoken words, 38 per cent tone of voice and 55 per cent body language."

For common communication……….


Maintain good posture. Sitting up straight will make you look alert and capable. Fidgeting with your feet or hands makes you look nervous, so keep your feet flat on the floor and your hands quietly in your lap or resting on the chair arms.

Stooping is regarded as lazy and disrespectful. Stooping in the chair suggests you're unprepared for the interview, or, you know you're not up to the task.

Use your hands for expressing your views, it shows a certain level of confidence in the subject you're talking. Use your hands to roll out your answers or give shape to your ideas.

Keep up the distance between you and the person with whom you're speaking. means not so close and not too far.

We tend to angle our body towards those people we find friendly or interesting, and angle away from those we feel are cold or unfriendly.

Crossing your arms over your chest shows defensiveness.

Eye Contact is one of the most important ways to communicate with others. Looking them in the eye shows respect and interest. but do not stare at them. Someone whose eyes are downcast, not looking you in the eye could be exhibiting signs of shyness, or it could be deceit.

Head position says a lot. In order to show confidence or authority, simply keep your head level. This says,"my words are important". To show friendliness and interest in what the other person is saying, tilt your head slightly.

The handshake plays a role in communication. No one expect a ‘ cold handshake; at the same time, a handshake needn't be a contest of strength.

Remember to be relaxed during an interview, your hands on either sides in front of you and maintain positive eye contact. Do not be over casual and lean right back on your chair, but position yourself in such a way that you face the person directly and show a keen interest.

How some basic body language will be perceived…

Standing with your hands in your pockets suggests a lack of confidence or uneasiness.

Sitting with legs crossed while shaking one leg or twisting a foot Suggests nervousness or severe discomfort.

Staring blankly at the floor suggests a profound lack of interest in the Conversation.

Rubbing or touching your nose during a response suggests that you're not being completely honest.

Rubbing the back of your head or neck suggests you're bored by the conversation.

Pointing your feet toward the door or leaning in that direction suggests that you want to end the conversation quickly and want to run away from them.

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