How Important Is Body Language on a Job Interview?


     You've heard it before that body language is an important tool to use during a job interview. However, do you know how important it is? Did you know that many hiring managers are trained to read body language as a tool to understanding what a person is really saying or meaning? Did you know that without making conscious decisions to control the way you are thinking, you could end up losing a job you want because of the way you move? It's important to understand what you are saying even without words.
What Is Body Language?
     The first thing to consider is what body language actually is. In short, it is the non-verbal statements you are making. How can you be saying anything? Consider a few of the most common actions you may be making during a job interview that the hiring manager notices. Are you doing these during your job interview?
• Are you standing a good distance away from the hiring manager? If not, then you may want to make a change. This is impersonal and it feels as though you are apprehensive about something Are you holding back?
• Are your arm's crossed? If so, that could indicate that you are not telling the truth or that you are holding something back. If you do this, the job interviewer will likely notice it and wonder what you are not saying.
• Are you tapping your foot or touching your nose? These also imply that you are not being truthful. It's common for people to fidget when they are nervous, but when you use these types of body language, it often indicates that you are not telling the truth about something the job interviewer asked.
• Are you not looking directly at the individual? If you are not looking in the other person's eyes, you may seem to be deceiving them or you may simply be insecure. Both are qualities that a hiring manager is going to be concerned with when talking to you.
• Are you unwilling to shake hands? That may indicate that you do not believe something the hiring manager said or that you do not value the time he or she invested in you.
     Your body language is a big factor when it comes to a job interview. Do not allow the hiring manager to mistake what you are feeling, such as nervousness, for what your body language is saying. It could cost you the job.
Todd Bavol is the President and CEO of Integrity Staffing Solutions. Integrity Staffing Solutions is a national staffing firm assisting individuals and corporations in making the right employment fit. To view job openings in Warehouse, Professional and Administrative positions, visit the Integrity Staffing Solutions web site at http://www.integritystaffing.com.