Fidgeting, moving about on the chair, cracking knuckles, shaking knee, grinding teeth, finger brushing hair, too much blinking of the eye all go to show that the applicant is not comfortable. Some employers tend to interpret this as inability to handle the big accounts.
Subconsciously, the interviewer notices how body language can sometimes, and oftentimes contradict what the applicant is saying about himself. And even before the interview itself such as in the parking lot or in the elevator, the applicant must be relaxed and prepared the moment he leaves house and not go about beside oneself searching through his bag for his resume especially when he steps inside the building compound.
The thing to remember is that a comfortable applicant makes a good impression. A graceful greeting also makes for a good impression because first impressions count a lot. Good body language requires sitting with back straight and chest open. It requires assertiveness and confidence. But too much comfort like throwing an arm to the back of the chair or elongating the legs may be interpreted as arrogance.
HANDSHAKES
A limp handshake is as bad as a “Death Grip”. With the left arm clutching his papers or bag, he shakes hands with your right arm. Handshakes begin by an offering of the palm slightly up which means respect for a superior. Covering the interviewer’s hand, with the other hand, is disrespectful as it connotes domination or an “I’m better than you” message.
Body language acts that must be avoided:
- Putting the portfolio on the interviewer’s table without asking for permission
- Putting his bag or his computer on his lap as that connotes a barrier.
- Leaning forward
- Making hand gestures that go above the neck area as that signifies panic.
- Failing to shake hands with the interviewer. Preferably, it is best to shake hands with everyone in the room.
Reading body language is a skill enhanced by observing people around, even strangers and let their body tell u (as an observer) what they feel.
