by Amy Louhela

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 30, 2009

My favorite saying is that in the end, the smiles win. Facial expressions are a type of body language that have the biggest impact on future employers. Think of how a baby immediately responds to a smile with a smile - you can do that too! You have the power within your own body language to impact and set the tone of the interview. When you walk into an interview with a positive attitude and smile at the interviewer, your chances of becoming their new employee will greatly increase.

Many people defeat themselves before even arriving at the interview. They begin by over analyzing and fretting over the process. I know immediately when someone comes in a room to interview with me that they have a lack of confidence. Their hands are clammy, they have a poor handshake and they rarely smile at me. I will not give them a second interview. I need someone who is able to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude.

Body language has a significant impact on interviewing. Here are some tips on what an interviewer will evaluate you on:

1. Do you twirl in your chair? Some interviewers will purposely place a twirly chair in the room. Can you sit still?

2. Do you have good posture? Good posture=confidence

3. Are you eyeing the clock to see when the interview will be done? Are you patient?

4. Do you have good eye contact? Are you honest? (This can have different cultural meanings)

5. Make sure that if you are being interview by an attractive woman you keep your eyes above the neck and make sure that you're not flirting with your eyes.

6. Make sure you're not playing with your hair or any other object.

Body language is also an important factor in police work. I know one interviewer who keeps up with the latest research about the type of body language that indicates a person is lying. Body language will always impact the outcome of the interview and it's important to be aware of your own personal body language.

You also need to remember that although you are working on perfecting your body language during the interview, you also need to be careful about what you are doing before the interview. I know of one interviewer who was in the restroom before a scheduled interview and another man left the restroom without washing his hands. When he went up for his appointment the man who had not washed his hands went to complete a handshake. The interviewer told the man that he could not interview him.

Even though you may have the right body language are you in a position where you can present it in the best way? Is there anything that is holding you back? Is there anything that you need to improve on? Videotape your interview, this is one of the best tools in helping you evaluate your personal body language and helping you land the job you want. Remember body language does matter.

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