Prepping for that Interview – Pay Attention to Body Language and your Projected Image

Today, students can expect multiple requests for interviews. From applying to college to seeking out scholarships to pursuing a job opportunity, students will receive multiple requests for a face-to-face question and answer period.

In those situations where competition is keen, students must understand just how important these interviews are. The impression you make is critical and these face-to-face conversations are the single largest determinant separating a number of very worthy candidates.

While most advice focuses on the type of questions being asked and the answers that should be provided, there is growing agreement that the actions you take are as important as the actual answers you provide.

Those actions involve a person’s body language and the general behaviors that create an impression that you fit the characteristics the interviewers have in mind, whether it be for admission to school, selection for a scholarship, or a job offer.

The critical behaviors:

Setting the Right Tone

The consensus is that within the first five minutes the interviewer or the committee conducting the interview will form their impression of you. If it is negative, the remainder of the interview will be immaterial – simply stated it is nigh-near impossible to change a poor first impression.

We will skip the standard about your attire as it goes without saying that your appearance is the very first aspect that will be assessed. Assuming you have dressed neatly in clothing that is appropriate for the type of interview setting, the first step is to greet the interviewers with a smile, engaging the person with your eyes and offering a firm handshake (not too firm, but not dead-fish limp either).

In the case of multiple questioners, take the time to engage each of them by adding a “pleased to meet you” followed by the person’s name. Taking the time to pause and truly listen to the person as they introduce themselves is the best method to ensure you make solid eye contact.

Be sure to control the early energy. You will no doubt be excited and nervous. That is a given. The key for interviewees is to refrain from having that excess energy emerge in a negative manner.

A Calm, Confident Demeanor

Once seated, keep you hands in front of you as you answer questions. Preferably, the goal is to not clasp them as that is considered a sign that you are closed off. More importantly, experts insist that you must refrain from touching any aspects of your face, your nose, ears, throat or mouth. Such gestures are considered a sign that you may be hiding the truth.

As you begin answering questions, it is extremely important to come across as calm and relaxed as is possible given the situation. Everyone will expect a certain level of nervousness – interviews can be extremely intimidating.

The key is to project an air that you can overcome that feeling. The ability to conquer one’s fears is considered one of the most positive traits a person can have.

To ensure an appearance of openness and confidence, keep your hands directly in front of you at all times, relaxed and on the table surface or your lap if no table is present. Refrain from shifting in your chair and from crossing your arms.

Likewise refrain from crossing your legs. Maintaining a firm, erect posture with shoulders back is the best way to physically demonstrate an air of confidence.

Listen to, then Answer the Question

Given the nervous tendency that will be natural, it is critical that you slow the interview process down. The first way to do so is to be sure to listen very carefully to the question being asked.

Here again, the key is to give an impression that you are firmly in control of your emotions. Some find it can be helpful to repeat a portion of the question aloud when the interviewer is finished.

Turning your head towards each questioner is considered one of the few acceptable body movements. Nodding to the interviewer as he or she delivers the question is a great way to make them aware of your focus on what is being asked and is also considered acceptable.

A second element is to be sure to answer the question asked and only that question. Keep your answers concise and resist the temptation to answer that question and another that comes to mind.

It is a definite negative to go on and on about yourself and what you know. To demonstrate a true level of professionalism, the line should be drawn when the question has been answered.

Lastly, when there are multiple persons conducting the interview, the protocol is to begin answering with your focus on the person who asked the question. He or she should get the majority of your focus during the time you are answering but it is very important to try to make eye contact with the others in the room at some point while answering that specific question.

Sustain Interest until the Interview Is Complete

While you must set the tone early, it is also important to understand that others will do so as well. Those who are able to control their nervousness and project their basic level of confidence throughout the interview stand the best chance.

This includes the final steps at the conclusion of the interview. Body language must remain open and confident and you must remain in control of your energy level. Such control means your focus must not trail off as the interview moves into its final stages.

Lastly, when the time has come to conclude, repeat your opening. Shake hands and engage each person, thanking them for the opportunity. It can be too much to use the person’s name though if the position is one of true subordinate it can be a nice touch to say thank you Mr. so and so. With multiple interviewers, using first names again and again might come across as a tad too confident.

Lastly, walk out with that same, in control posture that defines the air of confidence you were hoping to project when you came in. The key is to leave one final, very positive impression.

More than Answers to Questions

There is no doubt that your answers will form a basis for an interviewer’s evaluation. But the general consensus is that you, the person, is just as if not more important.

To be the chosen one, it is essential that you project the right image. If you keep these tips in mind whenever you are interviewing you will create a very strong impression, one that ensures the committee will give you careful consideration.