Let your body do the talking

Let your body do the talking

Did you know that only 7% of our face to face communications rely on the words we use?* So when it comes to performing well in interviews, what you say becomes less important than the way in which you say it.

Now we don’t mean that, so long as your smile is wide and your posture upright, you can recite a nursery rhyme instead of naming your weaknesses. But if you can master positive body language, it’ll help distract your interviewer from the odd fudged answer.

Body language to avoid

  • Don’t wait in reception with your legs stretched out, feet crossed and hands clasped behind your head, this can signal a casual attitude bordering on indifference.
  • Are you sitting comfortably? Lounging with arms and legs dangling will suggest you’re a little too relaxed about an interview you should be taking seriously.
  • Try not to show how tense you are. Clutching a handbag or briefcase suggests a nervous candidate, not a confident, cool-headed character.
  • You’ve heard this one before, but it bears repeating: crossing your arms can be interpreted as defensive or, worse still, hostile.
  • An iron grip can imply arrogance but a limp handshake might suggest weak character.
  • Beware of moving your feet up and down repeatedly in a nervous manner – it’s actually a clear sign of boredom.
  • Resist the urge to touch your face or play with your hair when you speak, this suggests deceit or the withholding of information.

Body language to try

  • Show them you know what you’re talking about – touch your fingertips together to convey authority.
  • Your physical gestures should be open and expressive. You want to try to involve the interviewer in what you are saying. Keep palms up and open to suggest honesty, and avoid pointing or banging fists on the table to emphasise a point.
  • Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm while your interviewer is speaking. Making direct eye contact and leaning slightly forward are two of the best cues.
  • Imitate your interviewer’s positive body language to quickly build a rapport. Make sure you’re subtle though, or you’re more likely to cause alarm!