Body Talking - The Nonverbal Message

There are so many things to remember when you are preparing for an interview at your dream job. Am I wearing the right outfit? Is my resume on the right kind of paper? Do I sound right for the position on my resume. You've done your homework and researched the company or organization thoroughly, you have a set of questions in your head that you are prepared to ask and you are ready for just about any question they throw at you. You've engineered your image perfectly, however, you haven't quite learned to control that rustling leg, or nose twitch or learned how to control that scowl on your face that appears when you're deep in concentration. You didn't study tirelessly and ace all your exams to become a police officer, only to blow the interview because you look like you're going to punch someone out, when all you're thinking is, "God, I hope I get this job!" Here's a list of major body language offenders:

The Lint Picker!

You may be the closet cat lady, but your potential new boss does not need to know that! Make sure you've delinted yourself before you leave the house, and tuck a travel size lint roller into your handbag or messenger bag for that last minute polishing. Picking lint shows that not only are not organized to get your outfit together, but don't have an affinity for minute detailing.

The Face Toucher!

What if your new boss is a germ-a-phobe? Putting your hand anywhere near your face is a big no-no! You don't want the words swine-flu, or Ebola virus on a ticker-taper through your interviewers head! Keep your hands away from your face, preferably in your lap. If you have to sneeze, have a tissue on hand, and if you're really slick, a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer.

The Arm Crosser!

Save this little number for your first big boardroom deal, or when you take down your first suspect! This demonstrates you are closed off and unapproachable. No matter what position you are applying for, you want to demonstrate to your prospective employer that you are a cooperative, open, and approachable individual. You want to show that you are a pleasure to work with, not a grump!



Living on the Edge!

No one wants to appear the eager beaver, so sitting so far on your seat you could pull a place plant right onto the desk is probably not the best idea! This also shows that you're feeling rather apprehensive. This sort of body positioning has the potential to make the interviewer uncomfortable. Sit far back in your seat, back straight with shoulders back and down. Exude confidence, but not arrogance.

The Finger Tapper!

This often manifests itself in three ways. Boredom, impatience and nervousness. We don't want to demonstrate any of that in an interview setting. Not only is the actual tapping sound beyond annoying, but the act itself demonstrates outright disrespect, whether you know you're doing it or not. Try to keep your hands in your lap, think calm thoughts, like how you're going for a glass of much-deserved wine after you've just nailed this interview. Give yourself a prop like  binder or folder to keep your hands busy.

What Your Councellors Don't Tell You!

It's graduation day, and you're elated that the three or four years you've invested, slaving away at the books, making deadlines, writing what seemed the endless amounts of research papers, and it's finally all paid off. With degree in hand, you are off to snag yourself a job at the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, or any other prominent publication you've spent your young life striving to be a part of. But your celebration may be short lived, as you may not realize the face of journalism and the context in which it functions, have since gone the way of the "Do-Do".  You may need more skills, more contacts, things you may not have been able to attain in school. Do you remember way back, when you were first researching the best journalism schools? It took a significant amount of time to figure out what schools to apply to, what admission requirements you need to fulfill and organize the funds you were going to need to make this dream happen, right It should come as no surprise that you will have to put in as much, if not more, effort into finding the right job for you! While you may tick all the academic boxes needed to be the ideal job candidate, it's essential to attain the life skills that you may not have picked up while being so sheltered in a university setting. Don't despair, just be prepared! Here are some pointers to put you on the road to success:

Become an expert at Social Networking! Become an active participant in sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Being "active" means posting regularly, contacting other professionals in the field you are interested in, and keeping your profile as up-to-date as possible.  Remember, keep-it-clean! Create profiles specifically for your job hunting needs, and don't include any information about your personal life, including any photos that may give employers the wrong idea.

Interviewing skills and resume enhancement. There are several resume writing programs offered through your university, or community center. However, one of the best ways to determining what are some hot buttons needed on your resume to not only make you stand out from the rest of the candidates, but, to get you hired! Approach a professional in your field and ask them what they would look for if they were hiring (even if they don't have any openings). Showing initiative and enthusiasm goes a loooong way! Who knows, you might land yourself an interview! Before you go for an interview, ensure you've researched whatever it is you will be doing or selling. You want to appear not only knowledgeable, but that you're actually personally invested in the company of whom you wish to work for.

  
Pump some life into your resume. You remember how many students you graduated with, right? Well just remember, thousands of students around the country are also graduating and the market is about to be flooded with young, fresh, eager job candidates. Your resume is going to need an edge. Volunteer work is an excellent way to show an prospective employer
dedication, commitment, and a desire to be a part of something greater then yourself. Other skills like up-to-date, not only make you an asset to the work environment, but demonstrate integrity, and leadership abilities in times of crisis. Grades won't guarantee you a job these days. Life skills in combination with an exceptional transcript are necessary for the top jobs. Just remember the competition is hot on your heels.

Wardrobe. Unfortunately, we live in a world driven by appearance. This at times, may feel like your credentials play second fiddle to a nice suit, but employers, more often than not, will judge a book by its cover. A polished first impression is absolutely everything. It's up to you to research appropriate attire for the nature of the work you'll be performing. If you're interviewing for a position in a corporate setting, think conservative, think muted colours, soft pastels, pressed, clean-cut, and accessorized appropriately. Tailor your look to the job accordingly and to how you would like to be perceived. Wear little or no perfume or cologne. Don't smoke right before your interview, or wear heavy perfumes or colognes. The only thing that should be left lingering in the air, is why they didn't hire you sooner!