Using Body Language to Get The Job
Posted in Job Interview Tips
You already have impressed the hiring manager with your job resume and cover letter and have set you up with a personal interview. What do you do? Of course, you need to prepare yourself by trying to determine what possible questions that the interviewer would be asking you and come up with the best answers in order to further improve on that good impression. Aside from that, there is also another thing that you should prepare for- understand body language.
Since the personal interview would put you face to face finally with that person who would decide on whether to hire you or not, you have to put all your advantages to work. You have prepared your answers to possible questions, prepared the necessary outfit to wear as well as have the documents needed ready.
To give yourself some more added advantage, you also need to watch your body language since they can provide certain signals to employers and hiring managers about your character and personality even without you knowing it. Here are some things that you should try to look for.
The Handshake
It should be expected that you would be shaking hands with your interviewer. And bear in mind that the otherwise common handshake may be able to tell the interviewer a lot of things about you. For example, people with firm handshakes are known to be aggressive while those offering soft handshakes are also known to be low on confidence. Make sure that you can give the interviewer the right signals when you give that handshake.
The Posture
Your posture can also tell a lot about you. Having a straight posture tells the person on the other side of the table that you are confident. A slouched position can send the signal that you are somewhat unsure of yourself. Not only that, this kind of position can also sometimes inhibit your breathing that can add to your nervousness and discomfort.
Hand Gestures
How you use and place your hands during the interview can also say a lot of things about you. Having your arms kept within your sides will give you some air of confidence that the interviewer can see instantly. Having your arms crossed in front of you would send signals that you might be somewhat on the defensive end.
How you use your hands during the interview can also help give an idea of your personality. People who are outgoing usually move their arms often and in big movements. Those who are less outgoing also tend to use less hand gestures and prefer to keep them closer to the body most of the time.
