The scenario is all too familiar to employers. A job candidate who is slouching back in the chair, gazing out the window, and avoiding eye contact when answering questions is not very impressive and more than likely will not receive further consideration. Words tell only part of the story, but body language tells the other side of the candidate’s ability to effectively perform the requirements of the job.
What is Body Language?
Body language is in the realm of what is called nonverbal communication, or put simply, communicating without words. Perhaps the reader has played the game of Charades with a group of friends, where one person attempts to communicate a phrase through the use of body gestures and the others must attempt to figure out what the person is trying to say.
Everyone uses nonverbal body language every day, much of the time without even knowing it. For example, crunching up one’s nose means “yuch,” raised eyebrows mean “wow,” and a pair of rolling eyes means “oh brother!” A person may use his or hand to flash an “okay” sign to signal commencement of an action, while another person may shrug the shoulders to say, “sorry, don’t know.”
Tips for Using Body Language to Land a Job
During a job interview, a conscious effort must be made to control negative body language and replace it with positive nonverbal messages that, even on a subliminal basis, make a good impression on the employer. This may not be easy, but it is absolutely necessary in order to present oneself effectively to the employer. The candidate should
- smile often (shows humility, approachability, and friendliness)
- sit up straight in the chair at all times, and do not lean back (shows proactivity and readiness to respond)
- maintain strong eye contact with interviewer and keep the chin up (shows confidence)
- not roll the eyes or shrug the shoulders (candidate lacks humility and may be hard to get along with)
- not gaze out the window with a blank stare (candidate lacks focus and is easily distracted)
- use hand gestures to emphasize words and to further communicate what is being said (shows strong communication skills)
- smile with eyes wide open when describing skills (shows excitement, positivity, and enthusiasm for job role)
- dress for success with updated outfit that matches the company’s dress code (shows proactivity in fitting in with the team and keeping up with the latest trends)
- ensure good hygiene including clean and attractive hairstyle, fresh breath, and cologne/perfume (shows that taking care of oneself translates into taking care of the skills and requirements of the position)
- not become too casual, even if the job interview goes well (candidate may become lazy, lackadaisical, or may not take the job seriously)
- always exude positivity, humility, enthusiasm, and confidence (serves to convince the employer that if the candidate is this confident and positive about the job, perhaps he or she is indeed a good fit)
Bottom Line on Using Effective Body Language during a Job Interview
Bottom line, the importance of nonverbal body language during a job interview cannot be overstated. The candidate should focus on replacing his or her negative body language with positive nonverbal communication such as smiling often and maintaining strong eye contact. Following these guidelines for effective body language will go a long way toward impressing the employer and receiving that coveted job offer.
See related articles, “What Employers Look For in a Job Candidate,” “10 Steps to a Successful Job Interview,” and “How to Succeed in Any Type of Job Interview.”
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
