Body language: noun “the conscious and unconscious movements and postures by which attitudes and feelings are communicated.”

Okay, so you are in an interview for your dream job; you are chewing a piece of gum to mask the smell from the cigarette you just had outside. You are crossing your arms and slouching a bit because you want to seem “chilled”. You can’t seem to look the interviewer in the eye, as this makes you nervous. Chances are, you are not getting the job – all of the above is very negative body language.

So what would classify as a positive body language?

1. Posture

Your posture should always make you appear open and approachable. Remember the basics; keep your shoulders back and never sit with crossed legs and crossed arms, as this makes you appear distant or closed to interaction. When meeting with the interviewer make sure to look him or her in the eye and always introduce yourself with a firm handshake.

2. Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact with your interviewer will show that you are confident and that you are listening to what he or she is saying. You don’t have to stare and not break eye contact once…that would be freaky, but, looking at the ground or at your hands while talking will indicate that you are very nervous, that you are hiding something or that you aren’t really serious about the interview.

3. Hand Gestures

Using your hands or arms while talking can be a good thing, just make sure to keep the movements small and subtle. Gesticulating while explaining a scenario or telling a story will show that you are passionate or excited. Tip: Refrain from using symbols such as the thumbs up, pointing of finger etc. This can land you in hot water when meeting with different cultures or nationalities. What we see as a positive sign of encouragement can mean something totally different in another culture or religion. While we are on this subject, you should definitely NOT fidget. This nervous energy will distract the interviewer from what you are actually communicating. Fidgetting includes; chewing gum, touching your face, biting your nails, putting your hair behind your ear, rubbing your neck. All of these are big no-no’s.

4. Voice delivery

Avoid speaking in a monotone. Vary your tone, speed and pitch. Don’t overdo this though, you might come across as being overly emotional or excited. When speaking make sure that you don’t rush your words, rather slow down a bit and make sure that the interviewer can hear you loud and clear. Before answering a question, take a breath and think of how you are going to answer first. Your tone of voice should portray that you are strong, confident and equal to the interviewer, not that you are feeling sorry for yourself and trying to win points by laughing at everything they say.

This might sound like a cliché, but the interviewer will judge you by the first impressions he or she gets from you. This means that he or she may have an idea within the first 5 minutes whether they will be hiring you or not. So make sure that you are prepared. If you don’t prepare you will start fidgeting and avoiding eye contact. NEVER chew gum during an interview, this is considered rude and unprofessional. Focus on your posture and keep eye contact with the interviewer. People tend to mirror each other in situations like these, so make sure that you are friendly, confident and approachable.

Good luck and remember, the human body is the best picture of the human soul.