Presentation and body language
Dress and Appearance
Wear what is appropriate for the post
and for the company. It may vary from smart, formal wear in some
circumstances to very formal dress in others. For all interviews,
candidates should appear smart and professional perhaps with a hint of
individuality, although this must not be overstated. They must be clean
and tidy.
Body Language
It is important to note that
communication is as much about how you say things and your body language
as the actual spoken word. Candidates should be aware of this, but
should not become unduly excessive about it. The importance of this can
be illustrated by the fact that in face-to-face communication only 7% of
the message is communicated by words alone, 38% by the tone of voice and
55% by body language.
If you think about it, you will
appreciate that we subconsciously pick up all sorts of cues from those
with whom we are talking. These include: tone, inflexion, accent, pitch,
timing, emotion, ticks, speech errors, emphasis, choice of language,
positioning of the body, including head limbs face and overall posture.
In the circumstances, become a little more aware of yourself with
respect to these points.
The following hints may also be
helpful:
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SMILE dont look so serious. |
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Be careful of your other facial
expressions such as frowns, clicking your teeth or tongue and pursing
up your mouth. They can all show rejection. |
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Throughout a lengthy interview
maintain a regular degree of eye contact with the Interviewer,
although not to the extent that it become embarrassing. Eye contact
conveys frankness and honesty. |
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Use body language to show that you
are listening. This can be done again through eye contact, by nodding,
or making interested noises. |
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Sit up. |
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Occasionally lean a little towards
the Interviewer, showing that you are attentive and co-operative. |
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Be alert and show it. React to your
surroundings and environment when appropriate, although probably you
would not show undue distraction if it was likely to imply criticism
on the Interviewers choice of rooms. |
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Do not fold your arms, which is a
defensive gesture. |
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Never yawn, screw up/rub your eyes
which are clear signs of boredom and tiredness. |
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Do not slouch. |
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Occasionally make firm gestures with
your hands to reinforce points. |
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Try not to get too close to the
Interviewer as this may be taken as invasion of personal space. In
this respect, you will have to decide on where to place your briefcase
and/or notes. Certainly placing a large briefcase in the middle of the
desk in front of the Interviewer is quite an aggressive action and
should be avoided. If you can manage it, you may possibly wish to keep
your notes on your lap but remember the points above. |
