Working The Right Body Language For Your Six Figure Job Interview
July 2, 2010 by The Career Advisor
Filed under Job Seeker Advice
We have all no doubt been taught not to fidget and to sit up, but your body language is a flexible tactic that can be used to take your six figure job interview in the direction you want. Hiring managers and executive recruiters for six figure jobs are likely to have read up on body language and will be judging yours. Knowing the psychology behind body language yourself can also help you gauge your six figure job interviewer´s reactions and help you control the interview or at least give you an idea of what you will really be up against when it comes to starting work.
Wild gestures may show passion, however they can also be considered a sign that you are out of control and are unpredictable. Are these qualities this employer is looking for this six figure job? Hand gestures are OK, just try to keep them within the frame of your body. In the reverse if you are interviewing with an up level executive or CEO and they are getting pretty wild with their hand gestures does this mean they are big risk takers? What does that mean for the longevity of this six figure job?
Folding your hands or just keeping them in your lap can be seen as the opposite – too reserved. Regardless of the six figure job you are applying for, confidence is a good thing. However, do not be too timid.
One of the most common job career advice lines must be to sit up straight. Yes, this does show interest in the position and professionalism. However, it can also be read as being too rigid and timid as well. Think about the six figure job you are applying for and the qualities this employer is looking for. If you are applying to be a secretary, appearing to be a meek and following the rules rigidly is commendable. However if you are applying to become director of operations or for sales executive jobs or marketing executive positions, employers are probably looking for someone with a little more confidence and creativity. Again in the reverse, if your interviewer for this six figure job is sitting upright or forward they are probably interested in you and what you are saying.
In contrast, leaning back is said to signify disinterested. Watch out for your six figure job interviewer showing any signs like this and tweak your answers or questions appropriately. However you can use this to your advantage, especially when it comes to salary negotiations. If they initial numbers are too low, make it look like you have lost interest, sit up when they fumble to add on more to the benefits they offer.
The Career Advisor
