So your resume
has passed muster and a potential employer wants to sit down for an interview with
you. You know you have the skills
and experience to do the job; but how do you convey that message during an interview? One of the most basic tools successful
interviewees use to secure the job is body language. Below we will look at a few tips about want to do and not to
do with your body during an interview.
- Don’t
hunch over or slump down in your chair during an interview. Doing so can give the impression that
you are either disinterested or lack confidence.
- Do
sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor or with your ankles crossed
which will give the impression that you are confident, alert and comfortable.
- Don’t
crowd the interviewer. Give the
interviewer at least 2 to 3 feet of personal space at all times.
- Do
make eye contact with the interviewer on a regular basis and answer their
questions in a slow and confident voice.
- Don’t
avoid eye contact or engage in eye contact that is too prolonged. Staring into the eyes of an interviewer
for longer than 10 seconds could make them very uncomfortable and be quite
intimidating.