How You Sit Speaks Loudly to an Employer
Posted May 19th, 2014
Are the words about your hard work ethic, enthusiasm for the position for which you’re interviewing and other positive statements coming from your mouth reflecting your body language during a job interview? If not, beware: interviewers tend to “listen” to your non-verbal language (your body language) more than the actual words you speak.
Read below for some tips on how to make sure your body language shouts what a professional you are and what a great employee you would be.
- Give the interviewer a firm handshake; not too hard but not too wimpy either. The “dead fish” handshake is real turnoff to everyone, but especially to hiring managers. It connotes weakness and disinterest. Instead, extend your hand toward the interviewer, look him or her in the eye, smile, and grasp the person’s hand firmly.
- Do you fidget as you sit? This could make you look unfocused. If you’re someone who twiddles her hair, shakes his foot, constantly shifts her body weight while in the chair, stop. Instead, sit a bit on the edge of the chair (in other words, don’t slouch), and look attentive.
- It’s OK to cross your legs as you sit, but do so with an attitude of attention (see above). Also, ladies, if wearing a skirt to the interview, sit down in your interview outfit the day before the interview, cross your legs and check how much thigh is exposed. If your skirt hits three or more inches above your knee, you’re exposing too much thigh..
- If you do cross your legs, don’t bounce the upper leg up and down. This connotes nervousness (you may be nervous, but you don’t want to show that you’re a bundle of nerves).
- Lean forward in your chair sometimes; this shows that you’re interested in what the interviewer is saying
- Don’t cross your arms over your chest. Doing so makes you look angry and/or defensive.
- Don’t sit too close to the interviewer. Anything closer than 20 inches is invading his or her space.
- If interviewing with one or more people, look at everyone occasionally during the interview, and address first (look at) anyone who has asked a question, then, as you answer the question, scan the faces of each of the other interviewers.
- Asyou shake hands goodbye, make sure the handshake is just as firm as your “hello” handshake. Look the interviewer in the eye, smile, say thank you for the interview and express your interest in the position.
If looking for work in Oakland, contact the recruiters at Bayside Solutions. We look forward to helping you ace your next interview! If you are looking for employment agencies in Oakland, contact us today.
