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.