BODY LANGUAGE

In many ways, the subject of body language is enough to fill a book in itself – and it has, many times! But before you rush out and buy one, remember that there is so much information and advice on body language available that it can be very bewildering. Here are some solid hints, listed from your head downwards, that will make sure you don’t go far wrong.

Head

Smile, and don’t look too serious and nervous. Even a nervous smile is better than gritted teeth! Look at the interviewer – eye contact is one of the most important things people notice. Nod when you agree with them. Try to keep an interested expression when they are talking.

Upper body

Don’t lean too far back, or slouch – it looks over-casual. Don’t lean forward too much either. It can look good to lean forward when making a point, but beware of appearing too forceful or eager.

Hands

It’s better not to fold your arms – it signals to the vast majority of people that you are unapproachable and uncomfortable. After all, your arms make a physical barrier between you and the interviewer. Find a relaxed position for your hands – resting casually in your lap, or one hand in the other – whatever you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to use your hands when making a point, but beware of waving them about too much, as it can be distracting.

Lower body

Just do what feels comfortable with your legs. Cross them or not, but don’t stick them out in front of you. If you do cross your legs, beware of crossing them and uncrossing them several times. This only makes you look nervous, uncomfortable and fidgety. Try to avoid sitting with your legs wide apart! This applies to men and women alike.

Mirroring

Mirroring is a simple technique where one person mimics or mirrors another’s body language. It usually helps two people to feel comfortable with each other. Doing this subtly and slowly with an interviewer can establish a good relationship. But you must beware of being obvious – if they lean back and cross their legs, wait a short while then do this yourself, as if it just happened naturally. The whole idea is to not be noticed, but to put the other person at ease, so they feel you are someone they can really get to know and like.

ASKING QUESTIONS

At the end of the interview, the interviewers usually ask whether you have any questions. This is a somewhat sticky area for many interviewees, as they aren’t sure what to say.

Prepare

If possible, prepare in advance. Have one or two questions ready, so that when you are asked if you have any, you can appear both intelligent and interested by asking something. You don’t have to use the ones you’ve prepared – if something better occurs to you during the interview, ask that instead. But if you’re short of ideas, showing an interest in the organisation and its plans for the future is a great idea.

Questions to avoid

Avoid questions that make it appear you are concerned about joining them. So don’t ask about:

• possible takeovers
• the risk of redundancy
• potential closure.

Try also to avoid questions that make it appear as if you have reservations – so do not ask questions such as:

• Would I have to be involved in . . .
• Is it a problem if . . .
• How important is it that I . . .

Finally, avoid specific questions about terms and conditions and salary until the appropriate stage – which is usually not the first interview. Many interviewers want to make their mind up first, and then worry about the potential deal later. Asking about money at too early a stage makes you seem money-oriented, which a lot of people dislike.

Safe questions

• The organisation’s recent news, if there has been any.
• Plans for expansion.
• What is the recruitment process following this interview – what would be the next stage?
• Is this a new role or was there a previous person doing it?
• Where is the previous post-holder now? (It can be useful knowing whether the previous person was promoted, transferred, or left.)

Never

• Say you have no questions if you can possibly avoid it.
• Ask whether you have got the job.
• Ask how the interviewer feels about the interview or your application.

THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Once the interview is over you have to get out gracefully. The process of getting up, gathering your possessions, shaking hands, opening the door and getting away can be a very jumbled and clumsy period. It can even be easy to undo a good interview by saying something through nerves and relief. Candidates have been known to say ‘well, I’m glad that’s over,’ or ‘I can relax now,’ even ‘I hope you find the right person for the job!’ It’s surprising how some people react!

Getting out is just as important as making your entrance. Stand up, gather your things, smile, lean over or walk over and shake hands, and head for the door. When you shake hands it’s good to simply say ‘it was nice meeting you’. Avoid ‘thank you for your time,’ or ‘I hope to see you again’ – keep it simple, to leave a good last impression. Don’t apologise on the way out – remember that the last thing you say makes an impression, so don’t leave the interviewer with the impression that you feel guilty for wasting their time!

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