Make a BIG impression at your interview

Interviews are a nerve-wracking experience for most. Being quizzed about one's capabilities in a new environment by someone you don't know can make even the most confident candidate get a little weak in the knees.

Apart from what you say, what makes a big impression on most interviewers is the way you say it, or the way you carry yourself -- whether you can overcome your nerves enough to project a confident, personable individual.

Tackling just these issues is the Body Language book by Carolyn Boyes, part of the need to know? series published by HarperCollins. Here's an excerpt:

An interview is, in effect, a sales meeting in which you are selling the product -- 'you' -- to a purchaser -- 'the interviewer'. Creating the right kind of chemistry with the interviewer through body language could clinch the interview for you.

In an interview, the recruiter will generally see more than one candidate with similar qualifications, knowledge and skills. 'Chemistry' or 'fit' between the interviewee and interviewer can be the winning factor. You can learn to create chemistry by being aware of your body language.

Making your entrance

As soon as you are seen walking through the door, you are making an impression, so make sure it is the right one. Slowing down or dipping your head as you enter will look anxious and tentative. Rushing in can also seem nervous. Keeping an erect posture with your head held high in contrast looks confident.

Pause at the door, smile at the interviewer and walk through decisively. You are aiming to appear personable and warm, as well as business-like.

Transfer any coat, briefcase or handbag into your left hand to leave your right hand free ready to shake hands confidently with the interviewer.

Handshakes
Be aware of your handshake. Avoid bonecrusher or limp/dead-fish handshakes. If you have a tendency to sweat or have cold hands, make sure you have wiped your hands or warmed them up before you enter the room. Use a firm handshake. Hold out your hand horizontally so that your palm meets the other person's at the same angle.

Remember that a handshake can give you a lot of information about someone. Notice how the interviewer offers their hand. When they clasp it, do they turn your hand so that their palm is facing down, putting themselves in the dominant position? Do you both walk towards each other into each other's personal space equally or do they pull you towards them? Do they release your hand first and push it away? Are they relaxed or nervous? Is their hand warm, cold, dry or damp? Is their arm fully extended or relaxed? Do they touch you with their other hand?

Eye contact
Make eye contact with your interviewer(s) when listening. If there is more than one interviewer, make sure you make equal eye contact with both. Remember that too much eye contact can seem aggressive, so scan the upper triangle of the face (from the eyes to the forehead), rather than stare directly into the other person's eyes without interruption. Break your eye contact when you are thinking of an answer. It looks natural.

Sitting

Keep your posture confident and relaxed. A good trick is to take a deep breath when you sit down and lower your shoulders. It will make the interviewer response positively to you. Make sure you do not slump down in your chair or lean back away from the interviewer. It will look as if you are not interested. Instead, sit back into the chair so that you are well supported and, if you can, rest your elbows on the chair arms.

Personal space
Be aware of rules on personal space. Make sure your chair is positioned so that you can chat easily without invading the interviewer's territory. If you break the unwritten space rules, you could scupper your chances of success.

Open body language
Avoid leg and arm barriers and closed body language -- you will just look defensive or submissive. Keep your gestures open and relaxed.

If there is a desk between you and the interviewer, sit back slightly so you have room to move freely. If you want to emphasize a point, keep your palms open and towards the interviewer to look friendly.

At the same time, be aware of how relaxed or formal their interviewer is. Stay in tune with them and let them set the tone for the interview. If you relax too much and are far more laid-back than they are, you will appear either sloppy or overconfident. If, on the other hand, you are too formal, they will find it hard to relate to you.

Matching

Get into rapport with the interviewer as quickly as possible. If you are not mimicking each other's body positions naturally, do it consciously. Match the angle of their back and position in the chair. Notice how they are breathing. If they talk quickly, they are probably breathing high in the chest. If they talk slowly, they are probably taking deep breaths. Get into their rhythm for a few minutes. After a while this will become automatic.

Watch while you speak
Be aware not only of your own body language but also the body language of the interviewer. Let their body language signals be your guide as to the level of their interest. Are they bored? Interested? Defensive? In agreement? Disagreement? When you make a point or give an answer, how do they respond? Notice if their body language suddenly changes. Interviewees frequently speak for too long, so be aware if the interviewer starts to nod more rapidly or tap their fingers. They may want to interrupt you.

Show interest
Vary your facial expressions to show enthusiasm and interest. When they speak, lean forwards, nod, or rest your forefinger to your chin to show your full attention. Lower your eyebrows, even frown slightly, to show concentration. Part your lips slightly. Also, make sure you avoid arm barriers when you are listening, as well as when you are speaking.

Show interest

Vary your facial expressions to show enthusiasm and interest. When they speak, lean forwards, nod, or rest your forefinger to your chin to show your full attention. Lower your eyebrows, even frown slightly, to show concentration. Part your lips slightly. Also, make sure you avoid arm barriers when you are listening, as well as when you are speaking.

Be definite
Use your hands to emphasise points when you are speaking, but be careful not to use aggressive gestures such as making a fist or punching the air. Keep the conversation free of interruptions.

Leakage
Be aware of any possible leakage in your gestures when you are being interviewed. Prepare for the interview and rehearse answers to any difficult questions that you expect to be asked. This will allow you to feel relaxed during the interview, which will come across positively in your body language. Otherwise your body language could inadvertently make you appear deceitful or cause you to look as if you are avoiding an issue.

Saying goodbye
When you say goodbye, allow the interviewer to instigate a handshake. Return it with a firm handshake and then be aware that they will probably usher you from the room, as they are the dominant person in the situation. Finally, make sure you end the interview with a smile and eye contact.