Sitting in the reception area, your insides writhe in twisted agony while your heart rate alternates between playing leap frog and imitating a sleeping panda. This is the reality of a job interview. Instead of being cool, calm and collected, you can be best described as a tangle of nerves. So how do you deal with this? Act the way you want to feel. By using positive body language, you can trick your mind into believing it is full of confidence, instead of anxiety. Read on and discover the nonverbal cues that can make you appear in control even if you feel terrified.
Control Your Breathing
Our breathing affects how we speak as well as our overall demeanour and concentration levels. Have you ever answered a question in a voice completely different to yours? Been embarrassed by the whiny, weedy sounds emitting from your mouth? Given that your breathing is probably all over the place, this is unsurprising. Before you do anything, you will need to take a few deep breaths and lower your heart rate. Immediately you should feel your entire body relax, allowing you to focus on the task before you and assume a much more natural and comfortable posture.
Don’t Fidget
For many of us, as our nerves take over, our hands and fingers transform into hyperactive monsters, clutching at each other and finding their way to all parts of our bodies. While it is tempting to twirl your hair, constantly rearrange your rings or shake your legs, the result is very distracting for the interviewer. It also makes you look as though you are incapable of paying attention for very long.
Make Eye Contact
When you have a conversation with a stranger, what do you think when they constantly look away or shift their eyes from side to side? Most likely, you will conclude that they are disinterested, have something to hide or are very shy. These are not the qualities you want to convey in a job interview. Exude confidence by maintaining direct eye contact as much as possible, showing the interviewer that you are listening to them and that you believe in what you saying.
Lean Forward
Without leaning so far forward that you collapse onto the table, display interest in your interview by slightly tilting towards the interviewer. Keep a straight back and uncross your arms too; this will indicate that you are open-minded, welcoming and strong.
Smile It Out
We smile when we are happy, amused and most importantly,* comfortable*. Mirroring someone’s behaviour is a powerful bonding tool so gauge and mimic the interviewer’s body language; if they are bubbly, then return the favour. Also remember that smiling through your eyes is key to conveying a genuine smile. Many people can easily tell when you are being fake and this is not attractive.
Recruiters are looking for self-assured, talented people who can make a real contribution. If you are currently looking for employment, check out the blogs from recruitment companies such as Just Digital People, as they provide great insight into the job hiring process. What tricks or techniques do you use to relax? Do you have an experience or story to share? Do so by commenting below.