Body language

From the moment an interviewer sees you, they form an impression about what sort of person you are, and what kind of employee you would make. This is because even when we are not speaking, we are communicating.

The way we move, our gestures and what we wear all say something about who we are.

According to Julia Campion, of image consultancy First Impressions, during the first 60 seconds of an interview situation, 55 per cent of interviewers' first impressions are based on body language and appearance. Only seven per cent focus on the initial words we use.

So how can you appear more confident, even if your knees are trembling?

Make an entrance
Traditionally a daunting place, the interview room represents hostile territory and we tend to slow our walking pace when entering an unknown area. Slowing down however can suggest reluctance, or a lack of confidence.

But rather than enter the room at full speed, or dawdling, Alan Pease, author of Body Language - How to read others' thoughts by their gestures suggests that interviewees make a point of just pausing at the door before entering at speed.

The handshake
'Firm but friendly' is the best way. Nobody likes a limp, 'wet fish' handshake, which can suggest a weak character. However, also avoid taking off the interviewer's hand at the wrist. What Pease describes as a 'knuckle grinder' can denote over-confidence, or even arrogance.

The eyes
Eye contact is vital, but be careful not to overdo it - you don't want to stare down your potential boss. A trick to maintaining eye contact is to use what Pease describes as 'the business gaze'.

'Imagine there is a triangle on the other's person's forehead. By keeping your gaze directed at this area, you create a serious atmosphere and the other person senses that you mean business,' he says.

The mouth
Smile - most of us can manage a smile. It helps you relax and it makes you appear personable and approachable. 'It portrays a lack of fear. After all it's an interview, not a trial,' says Campion.

Posture
Slouching and tipping back on the chair should be left to schoolchildren. Remember to sit up as it makes you look attentive, while leaning forward slightly makes you look as if you are taking an active interest. Avoid crossing your arms or legs as this creates a defensive barrier.

Gestures
Your physical gestures should be open and expansive - you want to try and involve the interviewer in what you are saying. Keep palms up and open to suggest honesty and avoid pointing or banging fists on the table to emphasise a point, it's too aggressive.

Try to copy some of the interviewer's gestures. Copying, or as Pease describes it 'mirroring', is a way for us to tell others that we are on their wavelength.

Read the signs
Finally, don't forget an interview is a two-way process. Remember to read your interviewer's body language. As you launch into your well-rehearsed speech on 'How I would motivate staff', beware if the interviewer folds their arms. Pease warns: 'You may have said something with which the other person disagrees. So it may be pointless continuing your line of argument, even if the other person may be verbally agreeing with you.'

Make every second count
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure, that along with all your interview research, you spend some time working on your body language. As Campion says: 'Interviews only give you a short time to get your message across. By using body language and dress, you can make sure you start as soon as you get through the door.'

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