In an interview, or the first day on a new assignment, your thoughts and emotions may be sending the wrong message and you might be too nervous to even realize what you are projecting. Body language speaks more loudly than words sometimes. Here are a few things you need to know about what your body language is saying about you and how to make sure you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Show Confidence and Interest
Body language tells your interviewer as much as the words you use in an interview setting. You want to come across as confident in your abilities and interested in the position you are applying for. In terms of non-verbal communication, you can boost your confidence level by taking a moment or two to stand with legs planted wide, shoulders back and hands on hips. Power poses help boost your confidence and can help calm your nerves before an interview. In the interview itself, make sure you sit or stand up straight, make good eye contact and avoid fidgeting to make a positive first impression. Show your interest in the conversation by smiling where appropriate and leaning forward slightly in your chair.
Watch Your Breathing
Overly fast breathing is a common reaction to a nervous situation. But breathing too rapidly can only make those jitters worse. Make a conscious effort to control your breathing, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Slow it down to a slightly slower than normal pace to calm your body and focus your mind. Think about what a positive outcome for this interview would be, what it would sound and feel like. This can help slow your speaking, calm jittery limbs and steady a shaky voice as well. You’ll soon be centered and calm enough to really put on your best show for an interview.
The Value of a Good Laugh
You would never guess it, but a good laugh before an interview can really help to put your mind at ease. Your body language makes an impression on your confidence level as well (and not just how an interviewer perceives your confidence level). Standing with legs planted wide, shoulders back and hands on hips, while you have a good, hearty laugh prior to walking into your interview, can help calm your nerves and put you in a more confident frame of mind. Just make sure to do it where your interviewer or the receptionist can’t see or hear you, as that might make for an awkward first impression.
Meet Standing Up
Another confidence boosting tip is to stay standing up while waiting to meet your interviewer. Meeting them at their level when first introduced is an excellent way to boost your confidence and their opinion of your confidence as well. It also gives you the chance to fit in a little subtle power posing before your interview and keeps your blood flowing. And if you are being interviewed over the phone, take the call standing up. It will help you achieve the same confidence boost without your interviewer even knowing.
Win Your Next Interview
For more interview opportunities work with a recruiter at All-Star Personnel, we’ll help you find great opportunities that match your skills and career goals. Get started today.
