Sunday, January 27, 2013

JOB INTERVIEW SPECIAL...Improve body language to score in an interview


Improve body language to score in an interview
 
Find out how your gestures and mannerism during the interaction can influence the decision of panellists.

   An interview call can generate excitement as well as anxiety. Brush up your domain knowledge, read up on the company and its affairs, browse newspapers to know what’s going on in the world, mug up a few important statistics, and you are ready. Or are you?
    Very few people realise the importance of non-verbal communication during an interview. You may be saying all the right things, but the panellists often look at what your body is telling them. They will immediately notice if your tone doesn’t match the expression on your face or the movement of your body. Here’s what to watch out for.

WHEN YOU WALK IN
Be sincere and respectful
The scrutiny begins from the moment you walk into the room. Don’t go in adjusting your clothes. Tidy up yourself before that. If there is someone to direct you to the interview room, follow the person. It shows that you understand and respect protocol.
    Contrary to popular perception, a strong handshake and assertive greeting is not what the panelists are looking for. HR experts say you ought to come across as trustworthy, rather than confident. Greet everyone in the room by making soft eye contact with each. When you extend your hand to greet, do so with your palm facing upwards as it indicates sincerity and honesty.
    You can keep your portfolio on the table, but a briefcase or a bag should be on the floor. Don’t keep anything on your lap, which might be seen as trying to create a barrier around yourself.

AT THE TIME OF INTERVIEW
Sit straight, feet on ground
Do not take a seat until you are offered one. Sit in a way that you occupy as much space in the chair as possible. Leaning back indicates boredom or arrogance. However, leaning forward can be a sign of aggression, even nervousness. Experts advise that you should sit straight, but not as if a steel rod has been inserted in your spine. Keep both feet on the ground and do not cross your legs, since you could be seen as being unsure of yourself. There is also a theory that keeping both feet on the ground allows one to use both hemispheres of one’s brain equally well.
Mind your head
If you keep your head straight, it shows you are neutral to what is being said. Even tilting your head slightly to one side indicates a positive attitude as you are telling the interviewer that you are ready to listen. However, make sure you don’t face the panel with your head pointing downwards. It signals a negative and judgemental attitude. Also, don’t nod too much—it denotes nervousness and a desperate attempt to agree with the panellists.
Maintain eye contact
Eye contact is crucial and should be as natural as possible. If you don't look at the interviewer in the eye, it implies that you are a shy person, who is unsure of himself. On the other hand, staring at a person without a break can be intimidating. Hold eye contact for about 10 seconds before looking at other members of the panel. At some time, you could look away as you try to think of what to say. However, avoid looking down, which is a sign of embarrassment or shame. If you are being interviewed by a panel, make random eye contact with others before returning to the person who asks the question.
Control your arms and hands
How you manage your arms and hands says a lot about you. Never cross your arms when you are being interviewed. It is a sure sign of a closed mind or defensiveness, implying that you disagree with what the interviewer is saying. Keep you hands in your lap or on your knees, but don’t grip them tightly, which indicates you are tense.
    If you lie during the interview, your body may give you away because the brain subconsciously instructs it to do so. One classic gesture is the mouth guard. If you cover the mouth with the thumb pressed against the cheek, it’s a sure sign of lying. There are subtler signs like rubbing lightly below the nose or eyes. Even touching your ears or scratching your neck can be indications that you don’t believe what you are saying.
    If you press the fingertips of your hands together to form a church steeple, it suggests confidence. Clenching your hands together might be seen as a sign of frustration or self-control. Concealing your hands under the table indicates that you have something to hide. Tapping your fingers is another nono. It shows impatience and nervousness. Similarly, shrugging of shoulders signifies that the person is willing to unload the problems or is detached.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Be calm and composed
After the interview is over, don’t let go of your composure. Gather your belongings calmly, get up slowly but smoothly, and nod your head. It is advisable to keep your belongings on the lefthand side so that you can shake hands with the right. If it is not possible to shake hands with everyone, do so at least with the head of the panel and the person who brings you in. Even if you slipped up during the interview, a confident goodbye could help improve the impression.


Shake hands with the palm facing upwards to show sincerity.


Crossing arms is a sign of defensiveness or disagreement with the panellists.


Don’t sit with one leg bent backwards. It shows you are impatient or nervous.


Facing the interviewer with the head tilting downwards hints at a negative attitude.


Rolling up your eyes or looking away while speaking indicates that you are unsure or shy.


Keep the belongings on your left so that you are free to shake hands.
ET130121

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