Body Language: What it Says About You and Why it Can Cost You That Promotion

Many of us don't realize that without saying anything, we are saying something. The way we move says something about us to others. Even the time that we show up to work or an interview counts. Suppose you have a job interview at nine o'clock in which you and another interviewer will be given the interview at the same time. You arrive at nine thirty and the other interviewer is already being asked questions in which they are not answering too well on and you know that you could do better. Because you arrived late, you are showing that you may not be relied upon to be on time if the job is given to you. And you may not be given the same chance to express what you know about the position or the company.

The same goes if you dress down to an interview. You are showing the interviewer that you do not think that their company is that important to dress for the interview. Dressing in a business conservative or business casual for an interview will look much better, even if you know that the job will be a dress down position. By the treating the interview as if it were your first day on the job, you will be showing them that if hired, you will provide the best service to the company that you can and will make you look better in their eyes and the eyes of everyone around you.

The same concept applies even if you already have the job and have been there for a long time. Take Mrs. X for example, she has been working in the same position for six years, and every day she comes does what she has to, never complains and once she is done, she leaves. But she doesn't show up to any of the business related activities, functions, or meetings. And any business related materials she receives, she throws away or gives them to someone else. She has been overlooked for promotion two times before in her six years and doesn't understand why.

Now, enter Ms T who attends all business related activities, functions and meetings. She maintains a file at work, for her business related materials and after one year she is promoted to a job in which she will manage the work of Mrs. X. Without having to say so, Mrs. X has made it clear that she does not value the company she works and does not care about what it has to offer. How? By not attending any of the functions and throwing away materials that she is given.

Everything that you do from the minute you walk into your job to the minute you leave, makes a difference. Always maintain a positive attitude at work, even if you do not feel that way. Always show interest in the business. You never know when management will appear, ask questions about the company and your responsibilities for that company. If you are not able to answer specific questions about the company, except what you are required to do every day, how will they trust that you will be able to do a great job in higher positions, if you decide to apply, (which may require you know more about the business than what is expected)?

Expressing positive body language and learning all you can about the company that you are applying for or work for, is the best way to ensure that you are not overlooked for higher positions in which you know you are qualified for.