How to Use Positive Body Language in an Interview

Non-verbal language is an important part of any interview. Often decisions about you are made in seconds, sometimes before you even have a chance to speak. Body language can speak volumes about who you are and what you are thinking. It can reinforce what you say or detract from it.

Since body language is such an important part of communication, it's important to be aware of it during a job interview. Positive body language can put people at ease and make them feel comfortable around you. This is the best position to be in for your interview and will give you a competitive edge.

Here are a few things you should do with your body during an interview:

Hands

Of course the first thing you want to do with your hands is offer a firm, three-pump handshake to anyone you are introduced to. Keep your hands out of your pockets at all times during the interview. Hidden hands often indicate you have something to hide.

Using hand gestures in an interview is definitely not off limits. In fact, it may indicate you feel at ease. However, beware of over-using hand gestures. It can be highly distracting and take away from what you are saying. Watch your interviewer. If he or she is using hand gestures, you may as well. Conversely, if your interviewer is not using hand gestures, avoid using them yourself.

If you are prone to talk with your hands excessively, practice answering a few basic interview questions at home, before your interview, in front of the mirror to get an idea of how you look and what is appropriate.

During an interview, avoid folding your arms because it can be interpreted as a defensive move. Instead, fold your hands loosely on your lap or place your arms on the arm rests, if your chair has them.

Eyes

While you are interviewing and during introductions, it's very important to make eye contact. However, make sure it is natural eye contact and not staring. If you feel uncomfortable maintaining eye-contact for this length of time, try looking at your interviewer's nose. A smile while maintaining eye-contact is sometimes the difference between a positive body language message and staring.

If you feel your eye-contact is becoming staring, it is ok to take periodic breaks, but don't look down. This might indicate you don't believe what you are saying and give connotations of submissiveness.

If you are being interviewed by more than one person, always look at the person who is talking. When you answer a question, look at the person who asked it first, then move your eye contact from person to person. If you want to emphasize something in your answer, return your gaze to the person who asked the question.

Posture

Your posture reflects your energy, as well as your interest level, enthusiasm and self control. When standing or sitting, do so with a straight back and squared shoulders. Slouching will give the impression you have a negative attitude.

When sitting, put both feet on the floor and lean slightly forwards. Leaning back in your chair will give the impression you are comfortable and may be appropriate towards the middle or end of the interview.

Sitting on the edge of your chair will give the impression that you are tense and that you feel uncomfortable, so you should avoid sitting too far forward.

When in doubt, check out the person who is interviewing you and copy his or her posture.

Knowing how to use your body language to enhance your verbal communication will allow you to send a strong positive message to your interviewer. By avoiding negative body language, you will be remembered as a job candidate who was comfortable and at ease during the interview.