13 Unlikely Body language tips to help you land the job

Body languages cannot be underestimated in the search for jobs in this 21st century. Some employers do not overlook these signs as you go through your interview process: Learn more

Make the best impression. By the time you're invited for an in-person interview, hiring managers have already reviewed your qualifications for the job. They want to learn about you as a person. So make sure your body language communicates why they'd be crazy not to hire you.

Psych yourself up. Research by psychologist Amy Cuddy shows when we use expansive body language, we feel more confident. So spend a few minutes at home standing with your legs and arms spread wide or sprawling with your feet on your desk.

Start in the parking lot. You may unknowingly encounter prospective colleagues outside or in the elevator. So be conscious of good body language from the moment you approach the building.

Don't forget to smile! Nerves can make you look worried or stiff, which creates a bad first impression. Try to think happy thoughts--for instance, how you'll celebrate getting the job. Most people can distinguish between a genuine smile and a fake one.

Stand up straight. Good posture projects confidence. Slouching or hunching your shoulders makes you look unhappy or fearful.

Practice the perfect handshake. You don't want a handshake that's too firm, too weak, or takes too long. Turn your hand up slightly, giving the other person status. For the same reason, do not clasp the handshake with your left hand.

Be open.  Your body language should reflect openness, so don't pile things on your lap, cross your arms, cross your legs, hold your hands out in front of you, or otherwise create a barrier between you and the person you're speaking with.

Sit up straight. Slouching or hunching your shoulders while sitting makes you look like you want to be small. Leaning back looks overly relaxed; leaning forward can make you seem closed.

Get eye contact right.  Too little eye contact signals dishonesty. Too much signals aggression. So hold eye contact for a few moments, look away, then look back. Make eye contact most of the time when the interviewer is speaking, to show you're listening,

Keep hands visible but not too high. Hands should be shoulder height or lower, open, and always visible to the interviewer, signaling honesty. Don't make fists or clasp your hands together.

Don't fidget. Touching your face or clothing is a common nervous response, but makes you seem like you're hiding something. In general, the less you fidget or fuss with your belongings, the better.

Be a mirror. Reflecting the interviewer's positions and facial expressions conveys that you are listening and understanding, and are in sync.

Point your feet at the speaker. Our feet are a reliable indicator of our desires, so make sure your feet are pointing at the person you're speaking with. Otherwise you may give the impression you'd rather be someplace else.

Relax! All these tips are a lot to remember, so don't let body language concerns make you crazy. Our bodies don't usually lie. Try to feel relaxed, confident, and respectful--and that's what you'll project


Credit: inc.com