Body Language and Demeanor

First impressions matter. Your handshake should be neither too weak nor too strong, and you should sit up straight but appear relaxed. Do not slouch or sit on the edge of your chair. Place your arms where your interviewer can see them, with your palms open (this shows that you have nothing to hide). Maintain good eye contact at all times. Do not use too many gestures because they may distract your interviewer. Lean forward a little bit to show interest, but do not lean so much that you invade the interviewer's personal space or seem too eager.

If you want to be convincing, remember to speak in a firm voice and to pause in order to emphasize your next point. Slow down, or the interviewer may not understand you. If you are asked a difficult question, always pause before answering, even if you know the answer. This will help you sound genuine. You can also look up before answering difficult questions. People look up when they try to recreate an answer from a mental picture in their head. Some studies suggest looking away from the interviewer before answering a difficult question can help you concentrate. Just do not look to your left, because it is a nonverbal cue that you are about to lie.

Finally, be friendly and conversational, and, above all, genuine. Remember to smile, even if the interviewer does not. By all means laugh at his or her jokes, regardless of how unfunny they are. Finally, if you are having a difficulty relating to the interviewer, imagine that he or she is someone you care deeply about, such as a beloved aunt or uncle. Every time you answer a question, remind yourself that you really like this person. Not only this will help you relax, but it will also help you exhibit interest and attentiveness.

Your demeanor should be the non-verbal counterpart of your message to your future employer—"I am qualified, smart, confident, and you will enjoy working with me.” Your interviewers have already seen your resume and have gauged your qualifications and experience. Now they are curious to actually see the person behind the resume. Show them the best of who you are and engage them into the conversation. At the end of your interview, the interviewer should feel that you sincerely appreciated his or her time and efforts, and that the interview was a pleasant break from the busy workday.

QuickReview

• • Focus on your strengths and exhibit confidence, but do not act like you already have an offer.
• • Do not let your insecurities or nervousness show.
• • Engage your interviewer by listening carefully, asking follow-up questions, and telling a story with your answers.
• • Spend at least a part of your interview on subjects outside the law to help engage your interviewer.
• • Use flattery or even flirting, but do not cross the fine line between flirting and harassment.
• • Be mindful of your body language and demeanor; sit up straight, place your hands where the interviewer can see them, smile, and do not use too many gestures.
• • Remember to pause and speak slowly.

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