How to master your body language in an interview?

What is nonverbal communication?

Non-verbal communication is the set of gestures, body postures, facial expressions, looks, rhythm and vocal timbre. But know that clothing, hairstyle and handshake are already part of non-verbal communication in a recruiting interview, “explains Christine.

The first studies of non-verbal communication are attributed to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, in the years 1970. Beyond the results of his experiments, widely questionable, it is now accepted of all that body language is a very universal language… “speaking.”

Before you even discuss your motivations, a recruiter will try to decipher your personality by observing your body language. What for? Because your non-verbal communication can convey a lot of information in spite of you, especially when you are under pressure.

The gestures that betray you

In this survey conducted by CareerBuilder France, recruiters warn about bodily manifestations that reflect discomfort. Among the most common mistakes, they note the lack of eye contact, the lack of smile, a bad posture or even the weak handshake. The “barrier gestures”, like the crossed arms and legs, are also to be banned.

Why is it so difficult to master your body language during an interview? Christine explains that under the effect of stress, three phenomena can occur:

Body language and breathing are blocked: in quasi apnea, you become inexpressive and give an impression of passivity, rigidity, discomfort or inconsistency.
Body language betrays a great nervousness: your speech flow accelerates, your gesture becomes frenetic.
Communication loses its congruence: your non-verbal communication contradicts what you say. For example, communication is non-congruent when you declare to be comfortable in human relationships, without even looking at your interlocutor in the eyes.

What body language should be adopted in an interview?

In your personal and professional life, good non-verbal communication conditions the ability to interest and convince “explains Christine. This is why it is important to be aware of this in order to reduce the negative impact of stress on the maintenance process.

“Before anything else, remember that nothing is resisting training. Anticipate the questions the recruiter might ask you and put yourself in a situation with a friend, a relative. Do deep breathing exercises the days before the interview; Sport can also help channel energy and calm your nerves; rest sufficiently and nourish yourself healthily. “

Some practical tips to keep in mind:

-Look in your eyes regularly (but not fix it).
-Smile (repeat “it’s great” or “Samba” 10 times the morning of the interview).
-Ask for a glass of water instead of coffee.
-Sit straight on your Chair and lift off your legs, feet well flat, hands visible and arms not crossed. An opening thus emerges from your posture.
-Spread your words with hand movements, without excess.
-Listen carefully, this will avoid you to answer next to the plate and help create collusion with your interlocutor.
-Be authentic and do not censure your gestures. Knowing how to stay natural is a force!.

To succeed all your interviews and to better understand a situation of stress, test these techniques, you will be surprised the results.