When it comes to job interviews, how you act can make as much of a difference as what you say. While interviewers consciously take note of the answers you provide, your body language reveals subconscious clues to your personality and attitude.
Standing apart from other applicants hinges on making a great first impression. While meeting the job requirements, you must connect with the hiring manager, presenting yourself as likable. There are many mental tactics that help. Below given are six to use on your next job interview.
1) Warm up : When you reach early, go to the bathroom and warm your hands, under hot water / a hand dryer. It will inspire confidence. Cold, clammy hands are a big turn-off. Putting yourself in the right mindset from the start will calm your nerves and help you focus.
2) Take your time : You might feel compelled to answer each question right away, but always take time to collect your thoughts. You will sound more articulate and confident to your interviewer. It communicates to people that you know your own value. The vibe is that of someone who knows that what they have to say is worth the extra wait.
3) Watch your body language : A nervous habit, such as cracking your knuckles or playing with your pen, can give the wrong impression to your interviewer. Similarly, don’t fidget too much. This makes the interviewer uncomfortable, because they see how restless you are.
4) Hold your palms open or steeple your hands: Demonstrating your palms, for the most part, shows genuineness while squeezing the fingertips of your hands together shows confidence. Again,tapping your fingers, demonstrates eagerness; collapsing your arms, shows dissatisfaction.
5) Be Honest About Your Greatest Weakness : One of the most common interview questions of all time is, “what’s your greatest weakness?” It’s always important to provide an honest answer.
Everyone has a weakness. Maybe you’re not as organized as you’d like to be. You can acknowledge this by saying, “I’m not always as organized as I’d like to be, which is a weakness that I’m committed to improving.” Honesty will get you much better results than trying to lie or humble brag.
6) Utilize Strong Eye Contact at the Start of the Interview, but Don’t Smile Too Much
Most interviewers will have a better impression of you if you make solid eye contact for a few seconds at the beginning of your interview. It’s also wise to make eye contact off and on throughout the entire interview.When it comes to smiling, though, you need to be cautious. Excessive smiling, is not a good way to impress your interviewer. Yes, you need to smile when you meet them ,but too much smiling will look fake..
Hopefully these tips have given you some helpful things to think about as you prepare for your next interview.
