Body Language
Interviewing Skills | Office of Career Services

Make sure your non-verbal communication is as positive as your spoken responses.

1. Start with a firm handshake.

2. Wait for the interviewer to motion you to a seat.

3. Maintain calm, steady eye contact. Note that this is very different from staring.

4. Relax and smile naturally.

5. Sit up straight and lean forward slightly. Avoid crossing your arms across your chest, which signals that you’re closed to what is being said.

6. Don’t fidget in your seat or gesture widely with your hands.

7. Let your voice project quiet confidence and enthusiasm.

8. Ask friends and/or family members if you have any unconscious nervous habits (such as giggling or shaking your feet back and forth). Pay close attention to your body language when you are nervous. Practice speaking in front of a mirror, or videotape a mock interview, to see how you may be perceived.

Knockout Factors

Employers tell us that these are 10 sure ways to blow an interview.

1. Poor communication skills. Make sure you use proper grammar. You should be able to articulate who you are, what your skills, abilities, accomplishments and interests are, and where you want to be in the future.

2. Knowing little (or nothing) about the company or the position for which you are interviewing.

3. Negative attitudes.

4. Inappropriate behaviors. Don’t smoke, chew gum, or play with your tie, hair or pencil.

5. Failure to make eye contact.

6. Failure to ask questions. However, it is never advisable to inquire about salary and benefits.

7. Improper dress.

8. Lack of career goals. Know what you want to do for the company.

9. Rambling, disconnected answers. Listen to the question, take a deep breath, and think before you speak.

10. Showing up late which is considered the kiss of death. Get to interviews on time - and arriving 10 to 15 minutes early is considered "on time".