INTERVIEW TIP #10
Watch your body language
Mary Sherwood Sevinsky,
MS, CCM, CDMS

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• Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
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REVIEW
By now you are getting the idea that there is really a lot involved
when experts and others tell you to “make sure to prepare for an
interview!” Already, in previous articles have covered:
• Practicing – Over Preparing
• Taking Notes
• Wearing Appropriate and Comfortable Clothes.
• Visit the location the day before the interview
• Relax – don’t try to cram for an important interview
• Breathe to avoid saying “um” too much
• Smile
• Ask Questions

BEFORE, DURING AFTER
• So far in this series we have talked mainly about how
to prepare to attend the interview.
• Tips #6, 7, 8 & 9 and this one, #10, were the tips
concerned with DURING THE INTERVIEW.
• We have covered a lot and still only talked about
interviewing “soft skills”
• The next series will address more of the “nuts and
bolts” of interviewing

Pretty is as pretty does
• Body language communicates more than we even
think about.
• It goes beyond your face – whether you frown, smile
or have a quizzical look send clear messages we all
“read” from infancy.
• So do other body movements and poses.

Smile
• Smile – you might have to remind yourself to do so
during the actual interview, especially if you are
nervous.
• Smiling is important because the interviewer will
interpret this as you are pleasant.
• If you frown or bite your lip during the interview, the
employer might come away feeling negatively about
you.

We have contact!
• Make good eye contact without coming across as
staring and making the interviewer wonder if you
might be an escapee of some sort.
• If you are interviewing with more than one person,
make brief eye contact with all before answering the
question to make them feel included.
• You will send a message that you are forthright and
trustworthy.

Be a little forward
• Leaning forward shows that you are interested and alert.
If you are interviewing, you certainly want to appear
interested and alert!
• Practice sitting slightly forward in everyday conversations
with friends.
• Start by sitting up straight then leaning forward just
enough so that your head is a bit forward of your chest.
• Don’t lean too far forward. Not only will you likely be
uncomfortable, but the interviewer might feel you are
pushy!

Criss Cross
• Crossing anything sends the message that you are
closed off and negative.
• Pay attention to your posture overall.
• Sit up straight and plant both feet on the ground with
your arms relaxed in your lap or on the arm of the
chair.
• Practice this now, rather than later. It is important
that you feel comfortable during the interview!

Don’t get too comfortable….
• Leaning back in your chair may give the impression
that you don’t care or are arrogant.
• By and large, it is interpreted as sloppy in a business
setting.
• You want to put your best foot forward to get hired
so be mindful of slouching, even in the waiting room.

Sit still
• Be careful not to fidget, doodle or make faces while
the interviewer is speaking or you are thinking. Many
of us have nervous habits we are not entirely aware
of.
• This is one of the best reasons to practice face to face
for your interview.
• Start with a friend - Skype, Google Hangouts r
FaceTime work great if you don’t have a friend nearby
who is willing to assist you.

The nose knows
• Be careful of wearing colognes or perfume.
• I would go so far as to recommend wearing none,
actually.
• Many offices have adopted this as a general rule to
avoid allergic reactions and to control, well, those
who can’t control themselves.
• Less is more.

RECAP
• Smile
• Make good eye contact
• Lean forward
• Don’t cross your arms or legs
• Don’t lean back in your chair
• Don’t make faces, fidget or doodle
• Don’t wear cologne or perfume

OTHER TIPS
• So, you have practiced (see Interview Tip #1), prepared
your notes (Tip #2), and have appropriate, comfortable
clothes to wear (see Interview Tip #3).
• Interview Tip #4 shared the importance of visiting the
location the day before, and Tip #5, was relax. They all
addressed preparation and tips for before the interview.
• Tip # 6 (Breathe), this one and the next tips deal with that
nerve racking During-The-Interview period.
• Tip #7 Strike a pose , Tip #8 Smile, and Tip #9 - Ask
Questions

Resources for possible interview questions
and/or answers:
• Articles in my blog
• Articles on CAREEREALISM
• Articles on the Web
• Need more help? Chat, Email, Skype, Hangout
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• PS I also wanted to let you know about a new job search group
I just started on LinkedIn, it would be great to have you and
please share with your connections … If you are currently
employed you might want to “hide” this group on your Profile;
click here if you need help with that! Take care, Mary