Watch Your Body Signals - Six Tips for a Better Interview

Posted by in Career Advice


The job market has tightened, the economy is down, and you’ve got to find a job, now. You have a job interview coming up and you need every possible advantage to win that job. What do you do? Recent studies have shown that employers will form an opinion of you within the first 10 minutes of the interview. But here's the kicker, it's not always based on what you actually say, but it's on something we term "body language". For instance, 85% of what you communicate is not with words. It's through the tone of your voice, the way you sit and a wealth of other messages that your body involuntarily sends. This is according to Greg Hartley, a body language expert who earned his chops with 20 years as an interrogator in the US Army. With this in mind, here are six do’s and don’ts on the art of non-verbal communication to give you a winning advantage in a job interview. 1) Be Real From the Start When you greet your interviewer, smile a real smile that engages your eyes, and offer a firm handshake. Say something like, “I’m pleased to meet you” to provide a positive anchor. Janine Driver, a body language expert also known on the Internet as the "Lyin’ Tamer", states that maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest. She advises that in the U.S., 60% eye contact is ideal. She suggests focusing on the upper triangle of the face from the left eyebrow across the bridge of the nose to the right eyebrow. Avoid staring at the other person’s forehead, lips and mouth. 2) Watch the Excess Energy The more energy you have, the more will need to be vented. This often results in mannerisms Hartley terms "adapters". What this means is that excess energy gets dissipated into fidgeting, a definite sign that you're nervous or ill at ease. While it's easy to say, "watch the fidgeting", Driver suggests you never touch your face, throat, mouth or ears during an interview. The interviewer may feel that you’re holding something back, typically, the truth. Although this is a false assumption, to try to establish credibility, it’s necessary to avoid touching your face. 3) What to Do With Those Hands and Arms Driver says that clasped hands are a signal that you are closed off. A palm-to-palm gesture with one thumb over the other thumb sends the signal that you need the interviewer’s reassurance. To come across as confident, receptive and unguarded, have your hands open and relaxed on the table. When your body is open, you project trustworthiness. Avoid crossing your arms over your chest. When you do, you signal that you are close-minded, defensive, or bored and disinterested. 4) Crossing Those Legs Don’t cross your legs. According to Driver, this posture creates a wall between you and your interviewer. It can also become a distraction when you keep crossing your legs back and forth. Crossed ankles are a “no-no” because you are signaling that you want to be elsewhere. 5) Posture A straight posture is imperative during an interview. Pull your shoulders back and sit up straight. You’ll give yourself a burst of confidence and allow for good breathing. This can help you to avoid, or at least reduce, feelings of nervousness and discomfort. 6) Finger Gestures Bet you never thought you had to worry about your fingers during an interview. Driver suggests that steepling your fingers makes you look arrogant. She also says to never point your index fingers like gun barrels. These are the types of aggressive messages you want to avoid sending. Summary While it's a no-brainer to focus on how best to answer those typical interview questions, don't forget to pay some attention to that other 85% of what you're communicating non-verbally. It can pay dividends after your interview when you realize your body often speaks louder than your words.
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  • Kenneth R
    Kenneth R
    Good article, 'lie to me' was one of my favorite TV shows, seems to be a pertinent sub conscious body language theme, I have been doing my research, I hope it works on an interview.  
  • Barbara J
    Barbara J
    I seem to talk with my hands for part of the interview.  Is this something that should not be done?
  • William S
    William S
         Very informative information,I never thought how some of those thing would effect Hiring Mangers decisions!! Thank You Very Much!
  • Katherine M
    Katherine M
    Mahalo!  Thank you for the tips. Over the years of being on the other side,,,it is fun going for an interview.  And noticing the new expected ideas that the Interviewers could have on their minds. I do have problems with seeing the 'talkers' go confidently thru an interview,,,but can't work as well as they talk.
  • Natalia B
    Natalia B
    Thank you so much, I will try to follow this informative information...
  • Cheril P
    Cheril P
    Very good and informative suggestions.
  • anthony clark
    anthony clark
    i will do it for that interview at 2013
  • irvin t
    irvin t
    Good advice, always good to see how others view the process.
  •  ILENE BETH G
    ILENE BETH G
    I found this information to be extremely informative.  Thank you.
  • Scott C
    Scott C
    Excellent info.- I felt like I hammered my last interview and found this webb site to find out I followed it almost to a tee. Didnt get the gig but that just reminded me one door closes and ten more open. To Bad for you in not hiring me. (name withheld for proffesional reasons.) : )
  • Marie M. Bongard
    Marie M. Bongard
    The article is very helpful.  But I wish I could know more aboutthe type of questions should or should not be asked to theinterviewer.By the way, what different vital/plausible reasons to resign orforce to leave a job(in case of harassment), can you let the interviewer know? when asking (REASON TO LEAVE)
  • Brenda O
    Brenda O
    Great tips.  I always try to follow all of these suggestions.
  • ronald v
    ronald v
    outstanding,keep up the good work!
  • Burnadean G
    Burnadean G
    The tips on interviewing was very informative and interesting. They were right on time.
  • JUMA S
    JUMA S
    OUTSTANDING TIPS.....UNRIVALED KNOWLEDGE
  • Kathleen H
    Kathleen H
    I found this article VERY informative.Thank you for the help with this research.
  • Anthony C
    Anthony C
    This is very good informative information.  It makes you think and actually vision yourself in those positions, especially with the hands and legs crossed.  Very good tips!
  • Olga R
    Olga R
    Great information!  Thanks!
  • Jennifer W
    Jennifer W
    I think this was a good report about do's & don'ts for a young or older person going on an interview. It helped me alot.
  • Guillermina B
    Guillermina B
    Good information, thanks.
  • Yanira L
    Yanira L
    Thank you it was helpful
  • Joyce B
    Joyce B
    What is the best way to release nervousness on an interview. also what to used be a interview to keep your throat from being dry and crackling..
  • Rebecca B
    Rebecca B
    While the above tips were/are helpful, one additional tip I might offer is to "think" before "blurting" out an answer in response to your interviewers question.  Pause a moment and then give your answer.
  •  Michael F
    Michael F
    Two additional tips:1) while speaking smile and look at all the interviewers, not just the person asking questions2) try to mirror the body position of the interviewers
  • Mary M
    Mary M
    Thanks you for this important information. A great Helpful!!

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