Although we all know it’s important to try to look your best for an interview, unless the job you’re after is a modeling gig, you’re not going to get it based solely on how you look. Yes, you need to pay attention to what you’re wearing and not show up right after your last workout session without bothering to change, but you also need to know how to mesmerize potential employers with your intriguing personality.
Making sure you make a good impression is the number one factor in scoring you the job you’re after and that all starts at the initial interview. Here, five easy and sure-fire ways to ensure that you’re at the top of their list for the job:
1.Eye Contact, eye contact, eye contact!
If there’s only one rule that you follow, let this be it. When you look someone in the eye, you convey confidence, reliability and good listening skills- all qualities that employers are after.
Looking your interviewer in the eye shows that you’re truly interested in the job and what they have to say and that you’re really paying attention. Of course you don’t want to stare at them so much that you creep them out, but you do want to maintain eye contact when they’re talking to you to show you’re listening and to show that you mean business when you’re answering a question.
This means that about 70% of the time, you should be intently and confidently looking your interviewer in the eye.
2.Don’t be a slouch.
You want to show up looking polished, capable and confident. Hunching over when you sit or stand doesn’t exactly convey these types of qualities to a potential employer. Would you hire the Hunchback of Notre Dame? Of course they can’t discriminate, but if you’re an able-bodied person, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t have good posture.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t “lean” when the interviewer is speaking to you about something of interest (or something you want to appear to be interested in). Leaning is a part of body language so this is fine, just don’t slouch over like you don’t care or lean back like you’re arrogant.
And when you speak, sit up straight to keep that confident and capable vibe going strong.
3.Nod like you mean it.
You don’t want to come across like a bobble head, but a little nodding as the interviewer is speaking conveys that you’re listening or agreeing with what they’re saying. They notice this kind of thing, and they like it. It says that you are confident and that you share the same types of ideals and work values. Make sure you’re nodding at appropriate times and don’t nod when you don’t agree with something because they’ll remember that too. You want your nod to appear natural. You’re so engrossed in the conversation that you’re intrigued… and inclined to nod your head.
4.Don’t forget to smile!
Smiling, again, conveys confidence (are you sensing a theme here?) and is also a way to show what a warm, inviting personality you have.
People who never smile usually come across as more dull than those that like to flash those pearly whites regularly. Smiling makes you seem more engaging, positive and energetic.
Just don’t overdo it- you want it to appear genuine and easy going. And make sure you don’t have anything in your teeth! You don’t want to make them cringe ever time you smile, you want to make them smile back.
5.Get a little close.
You don’t want to invade their personal space or anything, but standing a little close to someone establishes a comfort level and makes it easier to create a rapport. If you stand too far away, you don’t appear to be all that interested in the discussion at hand, or in this case, the job on the line.
You have to tread carefully here though. Some people will feel like you’re being pushy or overwhelming if you get too close, so you kind of need to gauge their reaction to your proximity. If they step back, follow suit and don’t try that again!
These are just a few body language moves that are sure to help you charm the socks off of any interviewer. Of course you have to actually have the skills necessary to do the job as well, but if you follow these tips, you’re sure to stick out in their mind as one of the top candidates!
- Landon Long
Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com and author of the Unspoken Rules of Getting Hired. Landon is also a recognized expert on the topic of psychology-based job interview tips for job seekers all over the world. If you are jobless and can't figure out how to write a resume no matter how hard you try, here is the secret that's helped over 20,000 job seekers! Watch your FREE VIDEO right now at InterviewMastermind.com
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