Is your body 'talking right' at interviews?

Written by Goh Mei Yi - 4 October 2006

During an interview, what you say is not the only thing that matters - how you present yourself is just as crucial. Make sure your physical actions and gestures convey the same message as your answers.


Walk tall, stand strong

Astute HR managers can size up candidates at a glance. When you enter the room, walk purposefully towards the table, smile and greet the interviewers. If the interviewers are the ones coming into the room you are in, then rise and greet them.

Before the interview, whether you are in a reception area or inside a room, sit "at attention" and don't spend the time adjusting your clothes or daydreaming.


The handshake test

It is business manners to shake hands during introductions, and at the start or conclusion of a meeting. When shaking interviewers' hands for the first time, it's generally safe to let them establish the length and firmness of the handshake and follow their lead.

How do you give a good handshake? Grasp the hand firmly and squeeze gently. Hold the hand for about two seconds as you make eye contact and exchange pleasantries. To get the perfect handshake, try it out on a few friends, and get their feedback on your timing, grip and technique. Keep a handkerchief in your pocket in case you need to dry wet or sweaty palms.


Exit gracefully

Don't lose your focus after the interview has concluded. Give a firm goodbye handshake and leave the room in a confident manner. Keep going until you are safely out of sight of the building, then you can take that huge sigh of relief.

Here are some do's and don'ts to bear in mind during the interview itself:

Do:

1. Pay attention to your posture. Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair to project confidence and active participation.
   
2. Keep an interested expression on your face. Also make body expressions that demonstrate interest, such as nodding, tilting your head, or smiling.
   
3. If more than one person is interviewing you, make and keep eye contact with all interviewers. But turn your attention to the person who posed the question when you are giving an answer.
   
   
4. If the interview is interrupted, refrain from staring at your interviewers during the interruption. Offer to leave the room if they need privacy.
   

Don't:

1. Touch your hair, nose or any part of your body. Even if it's really itching, just bear with it.
   
2. Sit with your arms folded across your chest. This gesture indicates defensiveness, resistance, aggressiveness or a closed mind.
   
3. Shake your legs, tap your feet, wring your hands or bite your fingernails. All of these actions demonstrate insecurity and can be extremely distracting.
   
4. Gesticulate wildly. It is all right to use your hands to express yourself while you talk, but no orchestra conductor moves, please.