Sitting face to face with your prospective future boss will require a bit more expertise than merely putting on a shirt, glancing at the webcam, and not noisily farting in the Zoom Times.
The goal of every interview should be to present yourself as a strong candidate for the position being offered. The question is, "How?"
Well, there are several warning signs that you should look out for. Candidates send the wrong message when they adopt a "closed-off" position, such as by standing with their arms crossed.
A typical blunder is allowing your anxieties to get the better of you, resulting in trembling hands or legs. Here are some additional tips for making the most of body language during your upcoming interview.
Prepare a strong opening statement for your next interview.
It's important to remember that the moment you step foot in the foyer, the interview has already begun. While waiting for the receptionist, do you stare at the floor, bite your nails, or tinker with your clothes? Quit it! Try to avoid jumping your legs or fiddling with your hands when seated. You should sit up straight, keep your legs steady, cross your ankles, and take some deep breaths.
When we're anxious, we take shorter, shallower breaths, which may be heard in the tone of our voices. It's good to relax before an interview by taking a few deep breaths. You don't want to come across as if you've just run a 5K run. The 4-7-8 breathing method (inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight) can help slow down your heart rate and steady your mind before anxiety sets in.
Ensure a solid handshake (but not too solid)
We've all heard that a weak or shy person should avoid giving a handshake at all costs.
Yet, one can be overly firm. You shouldn't start out by giving a too hard handshake to the interviewer. Strive for a balance between a limp vs a boxer's grip. (Hand sanitizer with alcohol is a great way to prevent perspiration from showing on your palms.)
Mind your bearing and keep making eye contact.
While it's probably clear, it's worth restating that Stand up straight. Slouching is the universal sign of disinterest and insecurity. Raise your head and relax your shoulders. You will seem more competent.
And keep in mind that making eye contact with the other person is essential, even if it feels awkward at first. Yet, when it is your chance to speak, you should always look back at the interviewer and make eye contact when you have something to say.
If you're not sure how to phrase something, try acting like you're talking to a friend (minus showing them your favourite memes of the day).
The ideal applicant will have outstanding posture—shoulders facing front and centre, and will make eye contact while engaged in conversation.
Don't touch your head or face (and smile)
It's one thing if you just want to scratch that itch once. But if you keep your hands in proximity to your face, especially your mouth, it can give the impression that you don't feel confident in what you're saying. Hands should be kept in lap when not in use for gesturing.
Also, please don't touch your jewellery. It makes you look nervous and less confident.
And don't forget to smile. Not only does it show that you're kind and open, but it also helps lower your stress levels and boost your mood. (Plus, nobody likes working with a bump on a log.) Get the positive vibes going long before the interview by flashing some phoney, cheesy smiles. If you want to project an air of self-assurance, try flashing your eyes a smile every once in a while.
Take in what is being said and experiment with the mirroring approach.
Yet, you should not let all of these activities consume your thoughts to the point where you forget to listen. The interviewee should lean forward in their chair ever-so-slightly to both remind themselves to pay closer attention and show the interviewer that they have their full focus.
One of the most understated yet impactful ways to show someone you care is to mimic their body language. Keep eye contact, sit in the same way, and do your best to mimic the interviewer's posture and speech patterns.
Was this article helpful?
Found it useful? Share with your friends and other job seekers
Share your feedback on this article, and recommend suggestions to improve it. If you'd like Internwise assistance to find you a guaranteed internship, please do contact us:
help@internwise.co.ukEmployment Journey
(select your stage)
Let Internwise be your helping hand through your Employment Journey
See allThe fastest, simplest and safest way to create your digital CV
See allIncrease your profile visibility and connect with the prospective Employers
See allSeize the best interview opportunities - be it in-person, on the phone or a video call
See allLanded in your new job? Consider this
See allWhat does working for each sector entails?
See all
What's Next?
| Vacancy | Location (Sector) | Job Type | Date Published | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Real Estate InternshipJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London , Central London Property Management / Real Estate |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Real Estate Marketing PlacementJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London, Central London Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Real Estate Accounts Placement/ApprenticeshipJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London, Central London Accountancy |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Assistant Account ExecutiveDIGITAL NATIVES CONTENT LTD |
London, Central London Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
Full-time | Nov 14, 2023 | View |
| Vacancy | Sector | Location | Job Type | Date Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Media InternDJFAN LIMITED |
Media / New Media, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Internet Business / Online / Mobile |
London, Greater London | Part-time | Nov 20, 2023 |
Social Media & Events AssistantL BOISSEL LTD |
Public Relations (PR) & Communications, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Events |
London, Central London | Full-time | Nov 15, 2023 |
Client Lead Generation SpecialistLUXEMORE LONDON LTD |
Business Management / Development, Travel & Leisure |
Remote, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 08, 2023 |
Marketing & Social Media Internship (Startup)SPROOT BABY LTD |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Industrial / Manufacturing, Fashion & Luxury |
London, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 01, 2023 |
Sustainability Internship (startup)SPROOT BABY LTD |
Agriculture & Environment, Industrial / Manufacturing, Fashion & Luxury |
London, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 01, 2023 |
Digital and Social Media InternPelham Communications Ltd |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Arts / Dance / Theater / Entertainment |
London, Central London | Full-time | Oct 29, 2023 |
Client Manager Assistant/AdminANAKINA LTD |
Administration & PA |
London, Mayfair, Central London | Part-time/Full-time | Oct 18, 2023 |
Fashion Wholesale Showroom InternshipPOSH SHOWROOM LTD |
Fashion & Luxury |
London, Central London | Part-time | Oct 10, 2023 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications CoordinatorBETTER BUILDINGS PARTNERSHIP |
Public Relations (PR) & Communications, Property Management / Real Estate, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
London, Greater London | Full-time | Oct 04, 2023 |
Brands Partnership Intern PlacementMERCURY EIGHT LONDON LTD |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
London, Central London | Part-time | Sep 28, 2023 |
| Region | Vacancies | |
|---|---|---|
Central London |
5094 | View |
Greater London |
1154 | View |
South East England |
358 | View |
South West England |
91 | View |
East of England |
43 | View |
East Midlands |
48 | View |
West Midlands |
160 | View |
North East England |
9 | View |
North West England |
143 | View |
Yorkshire and the Humber |
34 | View |
Scotland |
45 | View |
Wales |
25 | View |
Subscribe to Internwise Youtube channel
Similar articles
Answering the Age-Old Interview Question
To kick off an interview, it is common practise to offer an open-ended question such as "Tell me about yourself." This is true of both in-person and video-based interviews. It's normal to feel flustered in the ...
Read Now
How to Answer - How Do You Define Success?
Goals and indicators of progress can be shaped by one's conception of success. Interviewers will frequently inquire as to your personal concept of success because of its significance. The interviewer will gain ...
Read Now
How to Answer - What Management Style Do You Prefer?
It's a good sign that the recruiting manager cares about the company's future if they inquire about your preferred management style. It also shows that you care about fitting in well with the team and the compa...
Read Now
Can Salary be Discussed Without Risking an Internship Offer
Some candidates may find stipend negotiations to be the most difficult aspect of the interview process. Despite your desire to be compensated appropriately, the prospect of losing an internship offer due to pay...
Read Now
Reasons Candidates Dont Get a Response After Getting Interviewed
Many job seekers don't know what to do if they don't hear back from a potential employer following an interview. It's important to follow up with an interviewer afterward to show that you're still interested in...
Read Now
