'Power Pose' your way to success in Interviews

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If you’re searching for a job, it can take up all your time and energy.  First of all, do you know what you want to do?  Then there’s the job search and changing your CV to suit the jobs you’re applying for. Then the wait…….. It can be a long wait or very quick turnaround, but once you get an interview the excitement and nerves start to kick in – especially if it’s the perfect job for you!

So you start preparing for the interview - What questions are they going to ask me? Will I be able to verbalize my skills and experience? Are they going to like me? What questions should I ask? What should I wear? 

Another one to consider, that most don’t think about is: “How should I sit in an interview?” It might sound like a silly question to ask but even though we might not realize it, our body language will be analysed in an interview. 

Do you know how much you can tell about someone’s personality simply by observing how they sit in an interview? Even if you have the perfect CV and flawless answers to tough questions, your body language could give a negative impression.  For example, if you are slouched in the chair, or tapping your foot or fidgeting, it will come across as if you are not listening, distracted or completely bored.

So here are my body language tips:

• You make your first impression when you meet the interviewer in the waiting room. Think about how you will say hello. Sit in a straight and upright neutral position.
• Rest your arms on the arms of the chair or your legs – while using gestures to convey a point can help show your passion; excessive hand movements can make it seem like you are desperately trying to get the point across.  Folding your arms and legs can be seen as an aggressive stance. Your body language gives the interviewer an indication of how you would fit into a team.
• Avoid touching your face and hair as it distracts the interviewer, they might think you are not comfortable with the questions being asked. 
• Make lots of eye contact during the interview; when you are listening and when you are speaking. It’s common for some people to look to the ground when they are talking.  But don’t go overboard, it’s not a staring match and it’s normal for the other person to break off contact throughout the interview. This is a very important form of non-verbal communication.
• Preparation for an interview always builds confidence and when you’re confident you have fewer body language issues. Your body language and personality could be the game changer if you are up against someone with the same qualifications and experience. Practice it with a friend or family member; tell them what to look out for.

Amy Cuddy, Social Psychologist, shows how “Power Posing” can make a big difference in interview.  She explains even if you are not feeling confident but stand in a posture of confidence it can change your body chemistry.  In Amy's TedTalk below, she explains how your body position influences others and even your own brain.

Our expert consultants are holding a Career Clinic in CareerZoo on the 15^th February 2014 in the Convention Centre. The aim of the Career Clinic is to help job seekers with their CV, how to search for jobs  and how to prepare for an interview. Visit Career Zoo for more information and to apply for a Career Clinic appointment.