Quick, simple and to the point: your body language is the unspoken language in an interview, but it speaks louder than your words. How can that be? Think about all of the things you do BEFORE question number one (1) of the interview is even asked:
1) You get dressed for the interview.
2) You get to the interview late, early or right on time.
3) The interviewer comes out to you and meets you for the first time – you shake hands.
4) You are escorted to the interviewer’s office.
5) You select a seat and sit.
6) The interviewer sits, all the while watching you.
7) Your body language has already made the first (good or bad) impression.
Should you shake hands with a soft, lukewarm, non-hearty handshake, the interviewer forms their first impression. As you take your seat, you cross your legs, fold your arms or even slouch just a little, another piece of the first impression is made. If you are adorned in less than business dress attire with obvious tattoos, piercings or even distracting jewelry (or perfume), another nail goes into the coffin. If you fail to make eye contact, it’s basically all over. Your body language has said I really don’t want to be here and I really don’t want this job. You may have not consciously thought that, but that is exactly what your body language says.
Your words will make an impression, but your words will not be the first impression. If your first impression is a bad one, you may have inadvertently placed yourself in a hole too deep to overcome.
Best Practices for a Strong First Impression
1) Always dress for the occasion. Always wear a suit. Always have a fashionable tie.
2) Arrive at the interview about 10-15 minutes early, but don’t look too eager.
3) When the interviewer extends their hand, take it firmly and squeeze it firmly.
4) When being escorted to their office, walk crisply – don’t drag your feet.
5) Sit in the chair, both legs firmly on the floor, your back about 1 inch from the back of the chair.
6) Look the interviewer in the eye and make them break eye contact first.
7) Your body language has made a GREAT first impression.
When you have made a strong first impression, you are ready to proceed. You can be confident that your impression will linger, but this time for all of the right reasons.
Proverbs 10:23
