TAGS: successful interview tips | star interview technique | preparing for a job interview | panel interview
Resumes and Body
Language: What you
don't say speaks
volumes about your
chance of landing
the perfect job
A great Perth Resume or CV will get you to the interview, but it cannot get you the job. A CV or Resume and Cover letters that address job selection criteria demonstrates your written communication skills. An interview demonstrates your presentation and verbal communication skills. Some people assume that body language is unimportant during the interview process. But it is one of the most important things you will “say” during an interview.
What is body language?
Body language is the conscious and unconscious movements and postures by which attitudes and feelings are communicated. If you have never watched yourself while you are sitting down, or caught a glimpse of yourself eating, you might be surprised by what you see.
Why you need to understand your own body language
If you are too nervous, fidgety, if you squirm when they ask you a difficult question, chew your nails, fail to maintain eye contact with the person who asked the question as well as having poor posture, fold your arms or cross your legs these can all have a very negative effect on the image that you are trying to portray.
Just as you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses when you are building your Resume or CV, so you need to understand the role that body language plays in the job application and interview process
Don’t worry; there are some simple things that can ensure that your body language isn’t screaming at the interviewers.
Tips to control your body language
Just like learning any new language there are ways to master this skill.
- Breathe deeply, this calms the nerves.
- Wait to be asked before sitting down. You don’t want to sit on the interviewers chair.
- Sit with your feet placed flat on the floor. I know this will feel uncomfortable at first, but it is essential. Crossing your legs, feet or ankles allows your body to slump or slouch. By sitting with both feet firmly on the floor, you will automatically sit straighter in your chair. A word of advice, this takes a certain amount of practice for it to appear natural.
- Place your bag and/or document wallet containing your Resume on the floor next to your chair. Resist the temptation to place the objects on your lap. This will give you something to fiddle with. Whilst you will be doing this subconsciously the interviewer may take the fiddling as nervousness. The interviewer may also find this to be very distracting. Remove the temptation and put them onto the floor.
- Do not fold your arms. This acts as a barrier between you and the interviewer, and he or she will assume that you have something to hide.
- Look at the person who is talking to you. This may sound like I am stating the obvious, but the temptation to stare at an object, or the floor can be compelling when you are nervous. If there is more than one person conducting the interview, always look at the person who is speaking. You can, if you wish, answer the question to all members of the interview panel it is up to you. After you have finished it is important to make eye contact with all members of the panel as this indicates that you are ready for the next question.
- Avoid fidgeting, picking, poking or generally playing with various body parts during the interview, (included in this list are hands, fingers – particularly nails, teeth, ear lobes, hair, and noses) as this betrays nervousness on your part regardless of whether you are feeling nervous or not.
- Try not to stare at your watch every few minutes. Regardless of how well you disguise the action, it will be noticed. If you can, leave your watch in your bag, that way you can resist the temptation to check.
- Make sure your mobile is switched to silent and for goodness sake don't use it when you are in the interview.
- Don't eat anything during the interview.
- Be prepared to take any number of tests on the day of the interview, these could include being asked to complete everything from psychometric testing or showing that you can create the perfect weld.
- Don't groan when you hear that there will be a 2nd interview, these are pretty standard and may involve any number of tasks you have to complete to proceed, or you may be asked to meet with the Senior Members of the team. This is standard practice so be prepared emotionally and physically for this news.
- After the interview is over, do not rush out of the door. Take the time to gather yourself and your belongings. Thank the interviewers and shake hands. Always try and leave with a favourable impression. If you have the time it is recommended that you resist the temptation to rush back to the office, home or elsewhere. You will be preoccupied and worried so take the time to sit quietly and reflect on your performance. We all critique ourselves no matter how well (or not) we have done, so why not do so over a cup of coffee.
It does take practice to know your own body language, but the pay off is immense.
Your Resume will get you a seat at the interview table, and the interviewers will use your Resume to set the agenda of the interview, you will begin to understand how important it is to know your Resume inside and out. Building your Resume can take time, but failing to build an effective Resume will not get you to the interview.
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