Interview Tips: Your body Language 
 

In this article we will deal with hints about combating nervousness, how to behave and other incidentals which you need to know. It also covers many of the 'non-verbal clues' you give the interviewer simply through your body language. Many management training and interview courses now contain sections on body  language and interpretation of it, so don't be tempted to lie or to act. If you lie but your body language gives you away, you will interfere with the clarity of your response and make the interviewer doubt you.

        Interviewers want to see confident applicants, because this makes it easier for them to gather all the information they need. If you are too reserved or too arrogant this will just be irritating. The best applicants will demonstrate that they have initiative, can find solutions to problems and have the ability to pick out important details. They will demonstrate that through what they say, how they say it and by having a confident, self-assured style. It is your job to be like that.

Combating interview Nerves:

        The vast majority of interview candidates are nervous. This is perfectly normal. However, if interview nerves reduce you to shivering and leave you unable to think coherently, you need to be able to minimize the effects. 

        The preparation you have already done should give you confidence. You know about the job and about the company. You have found out about the selection techniques and know how to get to the interview and what to expect when you get there. Your next step is to practice the interview  with a friend and try out what you are going to say. Be prepared for all the nasty questions and make sure that you are satisfied with the way you sound. The whole point of doing this is to practice until you achieve your desired results. 

        While practicing, do not use a script. Although you may have an idea of what you are going to say, don't stick to exactly the same words each time - its not a recital. Each time you manage to say the same thing but it different words, you will increase your confidence.

        Make sure that you know exactly how to get to the interview and have left enough time for the journey, otherwise you will only increase your own anxiety. 
Also make sure that you arrive in time to go to the toilet before your interview begins if you are likely to be nervous beforehand. 

        Be positive about yourself. You have been invited to an interview because you are a good candidate. The interviewer has seen your application and been
impressed. Remain calm, be enthusiastic about the job and realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Your self-assessment will pay off. You know that you
are suited to this job. 

        If you are afraid that feeling nervous will make you look nervous, don't worry. The interviewer will be doing his/her best to put you at ease when you arrive. Most candidates look a bit nervous - interviewers are very used to that. If you are liable to be very nervous, try walking around before the interview to
use up some of the adrenalin. Breathe deeply. If you are worried that your hands will be sweating because of your nervousness, don't shake hands if the
interviewer doesn't offer to. Slow down, which often helps to reduce your nervousness, make your actions deliberate and try to look calm. If you have ever
done any public speaking, remember the techniques that you were taught for that. These are usually very good for helping you to combat nervousness. Listen to yourself and try to guard against talking too much or too fast. 
 

Coming up Next is on your Appearance during the Interview session. Stay tuned..