Visual communication accounts for around 90% of face to face conversations, and especially relevant on first impressions (in this case, job interviews). Almost 55% of this comes from your body language and around 35% is the way you speak, or the intonation of your voice. Jobs Vitae have come up with some excellent interview techniques to make sure you are communicating the right message with your body.

Posture

Sit upright but in a relaxed fashion, leaning slightly forward at about a 10 to 15 degree angle towards the interviewer. This helps to send a message that you are interested and are an involved interviewee. Slouching or leaning to the side gives an illusion of nervousness. A sloppy sitting position and/or leaning back appears far too casual and disinterested, sitting on the edge of your seat projects uncertainty or tenseness.

Your Hands

Rest your hands in front of you, or on the table (if there is one), whilst remembering not to cross your body with them. Playing with your buttons, hair or neck sends a message of anxiety and uncertainty. And touching your nose or ears, indicates lying, if your ear itches, leave it! Show your palms, this shows honesty, and whatever you do, do not leave your hands in your pockets, as this indicates secrecy.

Do Not Cover Your Body

Folding your arms in front of you suggests you are being defensive. Shutting the interviewer out will not get you the second interview! It can also indicates that you do not agree with or buy into what your interviewer is talking about. If you usually talk with your arms, try not too, arms flapping about is deemed immature, not something you want to show on an interview.

Both Feet on the Floor

This is very often ignored in job interviews, but is one of the most important parts, keep both feet on the floor, if you do need to cross your legs, do it at the ankles. Resting an ankle on your knee indicates arrogance, crossing your legs is defensive. Remember that most people will look at your shoes, make sure they are clean and on the floor.

Direct Eye Contact

The easiest way to show interest and your attention, is direct eye contact, practice in a mirror if you are not used to it, some people are not. Looking down a lot indicates a lack of self confidence, and eyes constantly flitting around shows dishonesty. So if you do look away, do it briefly, move your head from time to time, so that you do not seem to be staring to intently, but with interest, cock your head to the side, people love to be listened too, and so will your interviewer!

Facial Expression

Ahh, the good old facial expressions, these speak louder than words! Twisting your lips to the side or pouting, shows disinterest or disagreement. Nervous people bite their lips, relax your mouth. And a frown just looks confused or over your head, get in front of your mirror if you do these things naturally, and practice, practice, practice.

Your Head

Your heads position is very important, keeping it straight shows assurance and confidence, tipping it to the side from time to time indicates your interest in what your interviewer is telling you. And the greatest thing you can do with your head, is to nod, not too much, but just a little here and there, agreement and suggestive nods go an awful long way in job interviews.

Your Heart

This is a very strong interview technique, taken originally from NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), tapping your heart at the right times shows sincerity and that you are the right person for the job, pat your chest (heart) when you mention the job role, this sends a subconscious message to the interviewer that you are the right person for the job.

Practice makes perfect, so keep trying these methods out in a mirror, or you could try them out with a friend or family member.

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