Body language is extremely important in an interviewing situation. Some would argue that it is just as important as what you say and what is on your resume. Why? Because we can learn quite a bit about people from their non-verbal actions. This is one of the ways that an interviewer tries to size you up as a candidate.
When we are in stressful or uncomfortable situations, many of us have habits that can be distracting to other people. Certainly biting ones nails or fidgeting with ones hands could be distracting from what you are trying to say. These are examples of body language that can be harmful in an interviewing situation. Used correctly, however, body language can reinforce what you are saying and give greater impact to your statements. The following are tips to help you give the right non-verbal clues.
The ideal handshake starts before the meeting actually occurs. Creating the right impression with the handshake is a three-step process. Be sure that:
Use only one hand. Shake three times and then drop. Don't keep shaking! Be sure you put your hand all the way into their hand; do not give a wimpy fingertip hand shake. Be sure to smile and make eye contact when you are shaking someone's hand. EVERYBODY LOOKS BETTER WHEN THEY SMILE!
Most good interviewers will make an effort to establish and maintain eye contact. Make sure that you do not find yourself looking down or away. If you wear glasses, be sure to buy the non-glare lenses (even though they cost more). Do not stare.
Rapidly nodding your head can leave the impression that you are impatient and too eager to add something to the conversation -- if only the interviewer would let you. Slower nodding, on the other hand, emphasizes interest, shows that you are validating the comments of your interviewer, and subtly encourages him to continue. Tilting the head slightly, when combined with eye contact and a natural smile, demonstrates friendliness and approachability. The tilt should be momentary and not exaggerated, almost like a bob of the head to one side. (Do not overuse this technique.)
Your smile is one of the most powerful positive body signals in your arsenal. Everybody looks better when they smile. Offer an unforced, confident smile as frequently as opportunity and circumstances dictate. Avoid at all costs the technique that some applicants use: grinning idiotically for the length of the interview, no matter what. This will only communicate that you are either insincere or not quite on the right track.
It's worth remembering that the mouth provides a seemingly limitless supply of opportunities to convey weakness. This may be done by touching the mouth frequently (and typically, unconsciously); "faking" a cough when confused with a difficult question; and/or gnawing on one's lips absentmindedly. Employing any of these "insincerity signs" when you are asked about say, why you lost your last job, will confirm or instill suspicions about your honestly and effectiveness.
Watch out for hands and fingers that take on a life of their own, fidgeting with objects such as pens, paper, or your hair. Pen tapping or drumming of fingers is interpreted as the action of an impatient person; this is an example of an otherwise trivial habit that can take on immense significance in an interview situation. (Rarely will an interviewer ask you to stop doing something annoying; instead, he'll simply make a mental note that you are an annoying person, and congratulate himself for picking this up before making the mistake of hiring you.) Don't crack your knuckles!!!
Some foot signals can have negative connotations. Women and men wearing slip-on shoes should beware of dangling the loose shoe from the toes; this can be quite distracting and, as it is a gesture often used to signal physical attraction, it has no place in a job interview.