Simple Truths about Wardrobe and Grooming for Your Job Interview

Maintaining eye contact with the interviewer shows you are a good listener. Looking down at the floor or around the room rather than at the interviewer could be interpreted as not being completely truthful or [as] a desire to be somewhere else. However, at the other extreme, staring directly into the interviewer's eyes would make him quite uncomfortable. A constant gaze could send a message of aggression or at the very least, a sign of social awkwardness, leading to an inaccurate judgment about you. In face-to-face conversations, the most natural approach is occasionally looking away for a few seconds then returning your eyes to the speaker. If the interviewer gesticulates to make a point, glance briefly at the hand gestures, but always return to the face. For you male candidates, if you are being interviewed by an attractive female, don't think she doesn't notice when you cast your eyes below her neck. Whether it's inadvertent or intentional, you can almost bet that she will take note of this sexist mannerism in her assessment of you.

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Melanie Noonan

Peripheral Pro, LLC

During interviews, your body language should convey confidence and sociability through direct eye contact, firm hand-shakes, pleasant disposition and smile, and clear and articulated words. Even your walk should be straight and strong with your head held high. Others will take this to mean you are confident in your skills and experience and in your ability to succeed at the job. A genuine smile and friendly demeanor demonstrate your potential to work well with others in the department and be the right fit for the job. Be aware of other non-verbal cues, such as facial movement, shaking a leg, foot or your hands excessively, and even a laugh, any of which can work against you. Videotaping yourself in mock interviews is a great tool for understanding how others see you and your actions.

Kris Plantrich, CPRW, CEIP

ResumeWonders Writing and Career Coaching Services

Body language may not start with the interview. It can begin the moment the interviewer sees you, and this can be outside the interview room in, for example, the reception area. Once, at an interview with a very senior company manager—penthouse suite scenario—I introduced myself to the receptionist, sat down in a very soft leather chair, and became engrossed in a magazine. Suddenly, the interviewer came bounding out of his office—hand extended. I was caught by surprise and shook hands with him while I was still struggling to get up. Effectively, he was dominating me and I was subservient—not a promising start to an interview. So, wait standing up and alert. If the interviewer comes out to greet you, the eye contact will be at the same (neutral) level. And don't get engrossed in the magazines!

Brian Leeson MSc

Vector Consultants Pty Ltd

Your body language can say more than you think to an interviewer. Your goal at every step along the way is to convey the message that you are interested in the position and excited to be a part of the conversation at hand. Sit on the edge of your seat, slightly leaning forward toward the interviewer. The opposite stature, sitting all the way back in your seat, may be proper posture, but subtly, it may not convey the interest and intensity that you'd like the interviewer to perceive. You want your body language to match the tone of your voice and your word selection. With subtle changes, your body language can help convey the overall image that you are very excited about the opportunity. Employers often choose between two equally qualified candidates by who appears more enthusiastic about the position. Employers want to hire people who are excited about joining their company.

Laurie Berenson, CPRW

Sterling Career Concepts, LLC

Body language is not restricted to you. Your car can tell the prospective employer a lot about you. Suppose you've just returned from a family weekend and you have a job interview on Monday morning. Your car is a mess; the kids have smeared ice cream and who knows what else over the windows, and the dogs have licked it off, only making it worse. There are kids’ toys scattered everywhere and the car is covered in dust from the dirt roads. To make matters worse, this vehicle is a bit down market from what you should be driving. You had a great interview and really impressed the interviewer, who was friendly and offered to walk you back to your car. In reality, the interviewer just wanted to look at your car. You may have just lost the job because of your car's body language. Options to prevent this from happening to you include:

• • Clean the car—inside and outside.
• • Park a few blocks away and walk. (Tell the interviewer you were early and found the walk refreshing.)
• • Rent a nicer car for the day and tell the interviewer yours is in for servicing.

Brian Leeson MSc

Vector Consultants Pty Ltd

No-Nonsense Job Interviews © 2009 , Career Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved.