There is a ton of advice on how to convey the right message with body language during an interview; but much of it is so tedious that it risks overwhelming most job candidates.  For example, telling job candidates to avoid tilting their head and to never touch their face could end up making them more self-conscious than necessary during an interview.  So how does a job candidate make sure that they’re sending the right message with their body language? Start from the inside and work their way out:

1.     Approach the job interview with the right attitude.  You are not in a position of “beggar” asking for some great favor from the interviewer. Know that you bring value to the table and that you are both investigating the possibility of entering into an employment relationship. With the right outlook as you go into the interview you will avoid taking on body language that conveys feelings of inferiority or insecurity.

2.     Wear comfortable but professional clothing and make sure you’re well groomed.  What you wear and the way you look does impact body language. People who feel good about the way they look communicate that confidence in the way they walk, sit and talk to others.

3.     Release any attachment to the outcome of the interview.  Accept the fact that you have no power to control whether or not the employer will hire you.  Just accepting that you cannot control the hiring manager’s decisions will allow you to relax more and avoid taking on defensive postures such as folding your arms over your chest.