by T. K. Pippin

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: November 08, 2011

Is your body language keeping you from getting your ideal job? As a former office manager I've interviewed many different types of people and it wasn't always the resume or the gift of gab that got the applicant their job placement. In fact, those two aspects came behind one very important feature. Body language! That's right, body language says a lot about a person, their intent, and what they have to offer a company. We rely on it when making relationship choices, so it should seem only natural that one might consider it when making tough decisions on who's best for that open position in the company, especially if there are two or more applicants that rate about the same on education and experience.

Body language can relay messages that speech cannot. If an applicant walks into an interview and spastically waves hello, the interviewer may get the impression that the applicant is flighty, stupid or just not professional. It is always good, and I'd go as far as necessary to greet your interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake as a sign of friendliness and professionalism. On top of thanking them for the opportunity to be interviewed, this will let them know that you are worth the time they are putting into the interview and that you are grateful for that time.

Contrary to being flighty, some people have an attitude of "I don't want to be here" when they walk into the room. They don't make eye contact and if they do it's with eyebrows lifted as if asking "are you kidding me?" or they cut their eyes when answering a question they'd rather not answer. This tells the interviewer that you don't really want the job and you feel it's a waste of time and that you may not be completely up front about your expectations and job skills. Well, guess what? It's a waste of their time too, so don't expect a call back if you come in with a chip on the shoulder because nobody wants a trouble-maker.

It's also imperative that hyper-active persons should try to tone down their natural highs when entering a prospective job site, so as to not scare, surprise or offend anyone. Hyperactivity can also add to anxiety and cause you to trip or fumble over your words. You don't want the interviewer to feel you might be a liability. On the opposite side of the spectrum, those with low-energy should add bounce to their step and put a smile on their face, and when seated, don't slouch, to assure that would-be boss that you can be efficient and get the job done and that your not a slob.

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