Body Language and the Job Interview - By: RobertM

For both the interviewer and the interviewee body language is a key part of any interview. Much of our communication is unspoken and expressed through body language. When people talk about gut feelings, or instincts about a person they have just met or a conversation they have witness often they are talking about subconscious reactions to body language.
Being able to read and control body language is an important skill for any interviewer or interviewee. Instead of just subconsciously reacting to these cues, this allows the subject to control consciously both the messages they are receiving and the messages they are giving.
To begin with, a fundamental part of body language is whether people are open or closed to one another while they are communicating. To be open means to be accepting of the other person and wanting to engage actively with them in their thoughts and feelings. Being closed means that they are more distant and less willing to share, and may be hiding something, although not necessarily actively. Open body language is usually showed by arms away from the body and a full relaxed posture. The person will also make more of an effort to turn towards the other person. A good way to envision this type of body language is to picture someone who might be about to give someone a hug or a handshake. Closed body language is showed by crossed arms and legs. The person may also turn their head towards themselves or look down. Whether a person is closed or open can show several things. Open body language generally shows an interest in the other person and a willingness to communicate and work together. Closed body language may show disinterest or annoyance.
Besides these two large basic indicators there are several other unspoken gestures that are helpful to be aware of during a job interview. Most people can recognize common gestures such as a shoulder shrug or shaking the head yes or no. What is difficult about these is learning to recognize when we ourselves are giving off these subconscious cues. One way to learn to recognize these cues in ourselves is to practice speaking in front of mirror and watch our body language as we speak. Another way is to video tape a conversation and then watch the body language with the sound off. This technique can also be useful for learning to recognize body language in other people.

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