Job Search Tips - 5 Keys to Body Language Success During Your Job Interview

Your body language, the nonverbal message you present, begins to speak for you even before you say hello during your interview. An opinion is already beginning to take shape by the time you speak your first word. You have prepared your answers to the interview questions that you know will come, but the interviewer is already judging you by your posture, general appearance, and whether you seem relaxed or nervous.

UCLA study revealed that the impact of a performance was based 7 percent on the words used, 38 percent on voice quality and 55 percent on nonverbal communication.

Just think about the teachers, sports figures, or other speakers you have heard. Do you remember more the ones that just give out information or those that were more entertaining and used actions to express themselves? Please do not think that I am advocating that you do a song and dance or tell jokes during an interview. However, you should make a real effort to be interactive and show enthusiasm at the proper times. As you make the point that you really want to work at this company, show some energy and smile. Practice using simple gestures to emphasize things that you want to stand out.

Some Body Language Tips:

1.) Handshake: When the interviewer extends his or her hand you have a great opportunity to make a good first impression. You should practice making a firm handshake without exerting extra force. Your hand should be warm and dry. If possible, visit the restroom or break-room and place your hands under cold water. Of course, if your hands are naturally cold, use warm water.

2.) Eye contact: Without staring, look the interviewer in the eye. Look at his or her hands occasionally when he or she is speaking. Do not look around the room while you are talking, as you will appear uncomfortable and lacking in confidence.

3.) Fidgeting: I naturally have a bad habit of making a sound by drawing air through my front teeth and clicking a pen. This is annoying and I've learned not to do that in meetings, although I still drive my wife crazy when I do it at home in relaxed moments. Try to notice habits similar to those that you may have such as playing with your hair, tapping your feet, or touching parts of your body like ears or your nose.

4.) Posture: While you should not assume a stiff, military drill posture, do not slouch. You will demonstrate energy and enthusiasm by maintaining an erect posture while standing and sitting. Practice in a mirror before the interview.

5.) Gestures: Keep gestures natural, use them to emphasize your words without overwhelming what you are saying. Do not put your hands on your mouth while talking. Use a mirror or video to judge how you look while talking.

Your body language can enhance or distract from your spoken words. It is worth the effort to prepare and practice how you present yourself non-verbally just as much as you prepare and practice what you want to say.

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