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Newsletter
Greetings!
 
Welcome to your latest issue of the Interview Expert newsletter.

Every issue explores the key elements of a successful job interview - so you can master your skills and land the job you really want!
 
In this issue we explore how your body language can influence your interview success.
What Your Body Language Says about You 
 
Before you even open your mouth to speak, your body language sets the tone of an interview, making the first few seconds with an interviewer critical. Why? Blame it on our Neanderthal brains, which have pre-programmed our modern minds to focus on visual clues to quickly detect danger, and trigger our fight-or-flight response. Communication experts tell us that communication is 55 percent visual, 38 percent vocal - including tone, pitch and speed - and only seven percent words.
 
Here's a real life story that illustrates the impact of body language. One day in 1989, I was standing in the middle of a busy hallway at the Toronto airport surrounded by a pile of big, heavy leather briefcases. I was with John, a senior consultant with Towers Perrin, the firm we both worked for, and we were on our way to Montreal to help a company prepare for regulatory hearings. John had forgotten something at the security desk, so he left me standing in the middle of the hall to mind the bags while he ran back. As I stood there, I felt the man just up ahead staring at me. I glanced to see if I knew him, but I didn't. I gave him a quick smile and silently hoped John would be back soon. When he returned, the man approached us and shook John's hand; he was one of John's clients. Then, the client turned to me and said: "I didn't know you were with John, but the minute I saw you, I knew you were a Towers Perrin consultant. It wasn't just your suit but how you looked standing there - confident, assured, with a quiet, authoritative manner."       
 
How do you convey the right level of confidence, assurance and enthusiasm at your next interview? The following techniques can make a huge impact. Don't be fooled into thinking they're simple: all insights are obvious, once you understand them.
 
Use eye contact to build credibility
When thinking of a response to a question, many of us tend to look away from the interviewer. I've caught myself doing it from time to time, too. Instead, maintain eye contact with the interviewer and he or she will perceive your response as credible, particularly when you're answering difficult questions. However, you don't want to stare. It's important for the interviewer to feel comfortable, too, so glance away from time to time. According to body language experts, the easiest way to maintain eye contact is to look at the person's whole face, just above the tip of their nose: concentrate on the bridge of their nose, cheekbones, forehead and hair.
 
Connect with a smile
It's a little-known fact that smiling actually changes the shape of your face. Body language experts say that warm, genuine smiles convey happiness and a friendly attitude. A smile indicates that you really want to communicate with someone. It shows interest and makes you appear approachable and confident, which is exactly how you want to be seen during an interview, isn't it?
 
Build trust with a strong, powerful voice
Here's what speaker and author, the late Peter Urs Bender, said about using your voice to convince people to believe you. Vary your volume and tone; keep your pitch low; control both the speed and the rate of your speech; and pause frequently. The trick is to sound balanced: confident, authoritative, but also approachable. Sounding friendly and open helps the interviewer perceive you as receptive to new ideas, situations and a new job.
 
Maintain a solid posture to show interest
Sit up straight, shoulders back. Resist the temptation to get comfortable in that chair or couch in the search consultant's office. Instead, sit on the edge. This posture signals your interest in what the interviewer is saying. And, beware of chairs that rock. It's too easy to let the chair move your body. I've seen experienced presenters rock in their chairs during media interviews. It's quite funny to watch, but much too distracting for the interviewer.
 
Lean forward to engage your interviewer
By leaning slightly forward in your seat, you show that you're interested and engaged in what's being said. If the interviewer leans in as well, you know you've engaged them, too.
 
Keep hand gestures subdued
If you talk a lot with your hands, keep them on your lap some of the time. Too many hand gestures can distract the interviewer.  And, try not to cross your arms over your chest - it's perceived as a defensive posture.
 
Watch yourself in action
Practice your interview skills, either in front of a mirror or on videotape. When reviewing the tape, turn off the sound. That way, you'll see your body language in action. Then, shut off the picture and focus on how your voice sounds. Ask yourself if you look and sound confident, credible and approachable. 

  
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Questions?  Comments?  Topics for future newsletters?
Feel free to e-mail us anytime at the Interview Expert newsletter.
 
 
And don't forget to check the Interview Expert blog for more free resources including information on how to answer standard interview questions. 

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Sincerely,
 
Heather
 
Heather McNab
the Interview Expert 
 
416-239-4406
[email protected]      
 
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