Body Language During Job Interviews

Postures and body movements are unconscious forms of expressions and therefore they have a language of their own. We are unware of our gestures and body movements most of the time, but other people can notice our gestures and movements if they pay attention to and know what they mean.

An important thing to be noted here is that body language applies not only to the interviewer but also to the interviewee. Also, note that these gestures may happen throughout the conversation or a discussion and they change as the conversation progresses.

The objective of paying attention to nonverbal communication is to help you change the direction of the conversation. If the person is showing negative gestures, then you need to change the topic by asking a new question or talking about something else. In this issue of the Career Headlines, we provide you a comprehensive list of probable body gestures, which you can watch out for during a course of a job interview.

1.Crossed arms - means that the person is in a defensive and reserved mood.

2.Crossed arms and legs - means that the person feels very reserved and suspicious.

3.Open arms and hands - means that the person is open and receptive.

4.Standing before you with hands inside the pockets - means he is not sure or feels suspicious.

5.Standing before you with hands on hips - means he is receptive and ready to help you out.

6.Sitting in a chair shaking one of the legs - means he feels nervous and uncomfortable.

7.If the eyes are downcast and face turned away - means he is not interested in what you are saying.

8.With the palm of the hand holding or supporting chin - means he is in an evaluating position and being critical.

9.Leaning back in chair with both hands clasped behind head - means he is in an analytical mood, but it is also a gesture of superiority.

10.Rubbing or touching nose when asking a question - means he is not telling the complete truth.

11.Rubbing or touching nose when answering a question - means he is not telling the complete truth.

12.Rubbing the back of head or rubbing or touching the back of neck - means the conversation is not really interesting.

13.If he moves his body and sits with his feet and body pointing towards a door - means he wants to end the conservation and leave the room.

Last but not the least do not underestimate the importance of your posture and subtle movements. Even if you are nervous try not to show it. Don't play with your jewellery, watch, clothes, bag, twirl your hair or cross your arms, and try to maintain an eye contact with the interviewer. If staring straight into recruiter's eye makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, try to look at the portion between the eyes instead- it looks like you're still making an eye contact, but might be less distracting. All the Best!