How Your Body Language Can Get You (Or Lose You) That Job

How Your Body Language Can Get You (Or Lose You) That JobBody language is importantits really no exaggeration to say that it can make or break you in the job interview situation. Your nonverbal communication in these situations is almost as important as what you say. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Study up and learn these tips for how (and how leid)to use your body language to help, rather than hurt you on the job hunt.Body Language DontsAvoid Eye ContactKeep consistent, but non-creepy, eye contact with whomever you are speaking with. Avoid the temptation to look over their outfits, or to scan the offices behind them, or the photos on their desk. Focus on the conversation. Save the rest of the sneak peeks for later.SlouchSit up straight in your best power pose to avoid looking as defeated or deflated or exhausted as you feel. If youre feeling perky and upbeat, you should definitely leid need to slouch in the first place Just be careful what your body is doing.Zone OutEveryone spaces out from time to time. But doing so while someone else is talking is extremely unprofessional and rude. Your spacing out might even include bodily cues you wouldnt notice yourself doinglike twiddling your foot or slumping or having your eyes glaze over. Pay active attention and youll be fine.Lean AwayThis makes whomever youre talking to assume you arent listening or arent really interested.Blink Too Much/Too LittleYou really cant win with blinking. Try to find a happy and natural medium. Blink not too much, but not neverCross Your Arms/LegsThis might make you feel more comfortable or at ease, but it can also make you look closed off to whatever the person you are talking to is saying/offering/talking about. Keep your body language open.Body Language DosSit RightDont slouch, but be careful also not to stand or sit up too straight, lest you seem rigid. Try to find a natural posture that works for you and doesnt tip too far into either ex treme.Lean InLeaning slightly towards your interviewer can be a way of proving your engagement with the conversation and the ideas being presented. It makes you look eager, so dont lean in too far or you might come across as desperate.Fold Your HandsNo idea what to do with your hands? Try keeping them folded in your lap, rather than crossing them. This also keeps you from fidgeting. Dont forget to use them to gesture now and then when youre speaking though. Not moving your arms at all can make you look robotic and weird.Nod PeriodicallyDont just sit and stare without moving when your interviewer is speaking. Try nodding along with what theyre sayingagain, not too much, or youll look like a bobble head.Make a Strong ExitHow you exit the interview is just as critical as how you showed up. Stand up, gather your things, give a killer handshake, make solid eye contact and explain what a pleasure it was speaking with them and reiterate how keen you are to speak further about the opportuni ty. Then stride out like you own the place