If you’re looking for work, don’t just concentrate on your resume.   Work to improve your body langauge too.   That’s because communication is about more than just words; it’s also about how you present yourself.   

Studies show it’s not just what you say in an interview that counts, it’s how you say it and the overall impression you leave.  But many job-hunters are unaware of how their body language “speaks” during a conversation. They don’t realize that hand movement, posture and eye-contact are important.  In fact, at times your body language can condradict the finely tuned message and resume that you’ve prepared for an interview.

The good news is that it’s easy to improve your non-verbal communication skills. You can quickly raise your profile and improve your chances of getting a job by learning a few basic facts about body language.

Eye contact

An old saying says our "eyes are the window to our soul."  That might sound overly dramatic, but it’s true.  Your eyes speak loudly when you’re meeting new people or interviewing for a job.   Indirect eye contact makes you seem hesitant and insecure.  If you don’t make eye contact, an interviewer will think you are 1) a dishonest person or 2) you lack confidence.  That will hurt your chances of getting the job.

Good, steady eye contact is the key to making a good impression.  But don’t go overboard.  Staring the interviewer down is also a bad idea.  Some interviews might see this as confrontational or that you lack manners.  Looking away periodically is okay.  But why not do what broadcasters do and make direct eye-contact when making a point?  That’s the best way to make this non-verbal skill match what you are trying to say.  

Excessive gesturing or fidgeting

It’s natural for most people from Western Cultures to nod or use their hands to make a point.  But too much fidgeting is distracting.  Again, it gives the impression you are nervous or insecure.  And too much gesturing sends off the impression that you want to be the center of attendion.   Employers avoid hiring people who cause drama in the workplace – they have enough to worry about.  So it’s best to keep you hands in your lap most of the time, gesturing only to make key points.

Sit up straight

Your mother was right: you shouldn’t slouch!   God posture is important  in a job interview. Slouching makes you appear tired or unenthusiastic. Your interviewer might question your fitness or stamina, and even wonder how you’ll make it through a workday if you don’t sit up straight.  

Relax

Most people get nervous at job interviews.  But you don’t have to show it.  As the commercial says, "don’t let them see you sweat."  Calm down, smile and don’t cross your arms.  Again, that sends off non-verbal signals that you are defensive or unsure of yourself.   Smiling relaxes your face muscles and makes you more attractive in the eyes of the interviewer.   And taking a few deep breaths before meeting your interviewer relaxes you and gets oxygen into your bloodstream.   Studies actually show that deep breathing makes you smarter by sending oxygen to the brain!  

Also, give yourself a pep talk before the interview.  Don’t think self-destructive thoughts.  Visualize yourself getting that dream job.  Also, pay attention to your wardrobe.  Don’t be too flashy or wear too much jewelry.  Wearing an outfit that you like boosts your confidence. You’ll carry yourself more professionally if you think you look good!

Get ready to give a great impression

You only have one chance to make a great first impression.  And like it or not, a job interviewer will make evaluations based on more than just your background and resume.  They will also asses how you look, speak, and react. Conveying positive body language will put you in a better position to win the job of your dreams.

January 9th, 2010