Your Body Language Can "Say" Alot

The moment you enter the interview room, your body language clearly depicts your mental attitude. A person walking in with their head down, stooping shoulders, or heavy steps gives an immediate impression of a depressed/dejected and a non-confident person. When I was laid off ( "How to Survive a Layoff" ) I was angry, felt rejected and was disappointed in myself. There were all types of emotions running through me. I wore those emotions on my sleeve and I'm sure they were on display when I started interviewing.

When I interview job seekers I like to observe their body language. You can show me through words that you know what you're talking about and you can answer my questions to clarify matters. At the same time however, your body language will also give out a lot more information. Based on your body language it can be seen if you come across as insecure or self-assured. It can also show if you are a busy or a quiet type and it helps give an impression of whether you are speaking truthfully or not. Body language can show if you not prone to stress. It can show how enthusiastic you are and if you are a friendly person, someone who will take his work serious, but also someone who has a sense of humour. Interviewers are taught to recognize body language. Everyone uses body language, but it takes place mostly at a subconscious level. Here are some of the most common body languages I've noticed:

• Looking down when asked a question. This tells me that the question I asked could present the interviewee some level of difficulty to answer.
  
• Folding arms across the body or crossing legs. A defensive posture.
  
• Slouching or hanging sideways in the chair would give me the impression that the job seeker is not interested in the job. However, sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being a little tense and might give the impression that you feel uncomfortable.
  
• Movement of your hands might indicate that you feel at ease quickly. To much hand movement can be distracting. Pay attention to the actions of the interviewer. If they use their hands a lot to make things clear, you can definitely do this as well.
  
• Drumming with your fingers, clicking with a pen, shuffling with your feet, or kicking your feet the leg of the table can be very irritating and show signs of nervousness.

Slapping of the head indicates forgetfulness. To sit with one's hands behind the head shows superiority. If it is supported by crossed leg (or leg lock), it indicates that the person is ready to argue or compete.
Resting the elbow on the table or the arm of the chair with the chin or cheek resting on the palm indicates boredom, casualness and disinterest. Any movement where head rests on the hand, suggests the same.
Open palm, facing the other person is an indication of honesty. Closed fist with thumb hidden in it indicates difficulty in analysing a problem while clenched fists gives an impression of aggressiveness and threat. Pointing your index finger at someone signifies dominance, aggression and authority. During an interview, keep your palm open and always gesture with your complete hand and never point a finger to suggest something.


Steepling the fingertips and thumbs signals a sense of superiority and confidence, signifying a point well made. Hand pressed together with fingers of both hands aligned together indicate a desire to persuade and to mark a point.
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First impressions are crucial. An interview may last for 30 minutes or more but studies have shown that someone forms judgements about you within four minutes of meeting you and that these judgments affect their subsequent impressions.

• 55% visual impact, i.e. dress, facial expressions and body language
  
• 38% tone of voice
  
• 7% from what you actually say