Body language reveals all to future employers

3:52pm Thursday 25th September 2008

RECRUITERS are often taught about body language.

This is how we communicate our thoughts and feelings by the way we move and hold our body, usually without realising it.

Many of the basics are obvious but there are some very obscure “truths” of body language too, but it is best not to worry about them too much or there is a risk of becoming self-conscious about the way you move, stand and sit.

Still, it is a good idea to be at least partially aware of how you come across.

Here is a brief summary of the moves people make and why the positions they take say more about them than you would imagine: * Smiling – shows friendliness and openness * Arms folded – shows caution and a need to protect yourself * Nodding–– shows you are paying attention * Eye contact – shows sincerity and confidence * Jiggling foot or hand – shows nervousness * Touching nose while speaking – shows concern about what is being said or perhaps even lying.

There are plenty more of these and most people have acquired a set of body movements. But when it comes to interview situations, there are a few basics to observe.

BEGINNING For example, the first chance to make the right impression will probably be with the handshake at the beginning of the interview.

Too hard and you could break the interviewer’s knuckles, but if it is too soft they will feel like they are shaking a particularly limp lettuce leaf.

When sitting down for the interview, settle into the back of the chair, rather than perching on the edge.

While the interviewer is talking lean forward, as this shows you are paying attention.

When it is time to talk, remember to hold your head up. Try not to gesticulate too wildly with your hands, otherwise there is a risk of distracting attention away from what is actually being said.

One other crucial aspect of body language is the old favourite, eye contact. Direct eye contact helps build trust between people.

If being interviewed by one person, eye contact should be simple enough, but panel interviews can be more tricky.

One simple rule is to talk to whoever asked the question and treat it like a one-to-one interview. When the next question arrives, focus attention on the new interviewer.

EXPRESSION Do not avoid the interviewer with the dour expression in favour of the one with the welcoming smile.

It is your job to impress the entire panel, not just the ones who seem the most friendly.

So, if you feel you are saying all the right things in interviews, but still not getting job offers, it might be time to examine your body language.

After all, it is not just what is said is important – it is also the way we say it.