You know the drill: You have to tell the interviewer about your accomplishments rather than your skills. You’ve got to listen carefully so you can match your pitch to the job’s needs. And it’s important to project confidence and enthusiasm.

Be aware, though, that it isn’t only what you say that will be judged. You’ll speak volumes with the way you stand, sit, gesture and express yourself facially. So give as much attention to your physical presence as you do to your carefully chosen words, particularly for bringing across your confidence and enthusiasm.

To put it another way: Use your voice to convey facts and use your body for
everything else. When there’s a mismatch between what the interviewer hears
and sees, the visual input will matter more - and can sabotage the
interview.

Relax, Stand Tall, Maintain Eye Contact

How do you do it right? Start by totally unwinding in the reception area,
breathing deeply and relaxing any part of your body that may be tight due to
anxiety. Then breathe naturally, and keep doing it throughout the interview.


Walk into the interviewer’s room standing tall, shoulders back (women too),
balanced, striding confidently with your hands swinging comfortably at your
side, and smiling. Walk as if you belong there. Be ready to shake the
interviewer’s hand when it’s offered, being careful to avoid giving either a
limp grip or bone-cruncher.

Look the interviewer in the eye as you greet each other. You’ll want to make
eye contact all the way through the interview, but without staring. Job
candidates who are uncomfortable making eye contact instantly reveal their
nervousness. Those who look down at the floor are signaling they don’t even
want to be there. Regular eye contact will help you connect with the
interviewer on a human level, build trust and let you know how you’re coming
across.

Some job candidates look around the room as they enter, searching for a
trophy or photo to comment on so they can try to establish a personal
connection. The downside to doing this is scanning a room can give the brain
more information than it can easily process and this will increase your
nervousness. You’re best off giving your full attention to the interviewer.

Use the Right Gestures

If you’re offered a choice of seats choose a hardback chair rather than a
sofa where you’ll sink down and find it harder to project authority and
leadership. Sit comfortably erect with your feet planted on the floor and
leaning slightly forward. Sit close enough so you can communicate easily but
not so close that you’re invading the other person’s space.

As you continue your conversation, show your enthusiasm with your eyes,
facial expressions and body movement. All this must be natural or you’ll
come across as inauthentic. Emphasize the main points you’re making with
deliberate arm or hand gestures, always relaxed and comfortable. (Be sure
you’re not getting too comfortable or you may start slouching.) Some women
habitually slant their head to one side or nod in agreement excessively. If
you’re prone to making submissive gestures like these be certain that you
avoid them. How do you avoid any mannerism or tic that can work against you?
It takes practice, practice, practice.

Rehearse - With an Audience

As you rehearse what you’ll say at the interview you should also rehearse
the posture and movement that you’ll use. Role-play with a family member or
friend who can act as the interviewer. Videotape these sessions and review
the tapes with the other person to get feedback.

If you do this repeatedly, as is done in presentation skills training
classrooms, you’ll get better each time. Once you learn to use body language
with the same facility that you use for speaking you’ll become more
persuasive during any interaction — whether it’s a one-on-one meeting, a
presentation to a team or a speech before hundreds at a conference.

By Bill Rosenthal — Reblogged via eFinancial Careers.

Bill Rosenthal is CEO of Communispond Inc. The company, now celebrating its
40th year, provides training in presentations, sales and other aspects of
communications.