by Forest Grene

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2011

In psychology it is a fairly well established fact that body language encourages acceptance, openness, shows empathy and likely makes a difference. In my line of counseling work, I tend to at least take into consideration the way a person sits, responds and moves within our session. In marital counseling, the couples positioning is also telling.In family work the same applies to the family members.

Based on this alone, I imagine that good managers like to observe for behaviours like maintaining eye contact, body openness, whether the person is fidgety or not, or if the person has a smile or frown on his face. Interestingly, a frown could mean they are thinking, versus unhappy. In therapy, the counselor will try to clarify this. In a job interview, likely this will not be clarified: it may be misread, in fact.

As prospective employees, it is important to be congruent. If one is speaking of an unfortunate situation with a smile, or a funny situation with a frown, this may confuse the interviewer.We need to have body language that is congruent to content and that also portrays an openness.

Regarding specific body positions, the eyes are a very integral part of who we are and make statements about us depending on how we use them. Direct eye contact that becomes a glare will be interpreted as threatening. Downcast glances can be okay but may be interpreted as acquiescing and not strong enough for an interview. Fidgety hands will make the interviewee look nervous.Shifting legs may portray that one is hiding something or not certain.

Keeping the feet flat on the floor with knees together and hands still can produce a calm demeanor.If one were to cross their arms over their chest, it may be interpreted as something to hide.Wandering eyes around the room may look like the interviewee is distracted.
Upon first meeting a smile will be very important.

I am certain we have all experienced being in a conversation where someone is not open to the interaction. Their uncomfortability often affects our comfortability.For some, putting people at ease is a talent, for others, they have to learn how to do it. Doing some research on body language prior to an interview will absolutely assist in the success of the interview.

Here are a few tips: maintain soft eye contact, smile, don't cross legs and arms, keep coffee mug low, not by chest, mirror their position, lean in slightly, don't fidget, and don't touch face. Above all, be aware of your audience: you would not act the same in a social setting as you would in a job interview.

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