Secure Your Future Career with Effective Body Language

In a dynamic industry where it is all about people, the importance of effective body language is one not to be underestimated, especially in a job interview where it only takes 7 seconds to make a judgement about meeting a person for the first time.

Sales is about effectively persuading and influencing others and the timeless saying of ‘first impressions count’ is a perfect mantra when going to an interview. Bearing in mind 60-70% of communication is non-verbal (depending on which study you read) it is vital that an awareness of your body language is present when going for that exciting new job role.

However, Future Employment’s advice is to keep calm and confident. Too much emphasis on body language can look over the top or forced.

Having matched Sales Professionals with their ideal career for many years, we have put together some useful body language tips for anyone going to that all important interview.

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1. Eye Contact. It is easy to get this one wrong. You don’t want to glare someone down with fierce eye lock but you also don’t want to aimlessly look around you giving the idea that you would rather be anywhere but in this conversation. It is important to look at the person talking to you but natural breaks in eye contact avoids an over intense or eye balling.

2. Watching the clock/mobile It’s quite rude to constantly look at the clock, your watch or glances at your mobile. Future would advise not taking your mobile into the interview or at least ensuring it is on silent and remains in your pocket or bag. If you have somewhere to be at a specific time tell the person before you start talking to them.

3. Exaggerated gestures can imply that you’re stretching the truth. Aim for small, controlled gestures to indicate leadership and confidence, and open gestures—like spreading your arms apart or showing the palms of your hands—to communicate that you have nothing to hide.

4. Crossed arms this often seems like a very obvious one. It indicates you are being guarded and standoffish. It can often be an easy to one forget and fall into the trap of sitting like, but it is not a good impression.

5. Exaggerated nodding signals anxiety about approval. People may perceive your heavy nods as an attempt to show you agree with or understand something that you actually don’

6. Fidgeting with or fixing your hair signals that you’re anxious, over-energised, self-conscious, and distracted. People will perceive you as overly concerned with your physical appearance and not concerned enough with your career.

7. Facial expressions: Rolling your eyes and scowling can often be voluntary but is a fail-proof way to communicate lack of respect. Fortunately, while it may be a habit, it’s voluntary. You can control it, and it’s worth the effort. Scowling makes people feel they are being judged. Smiling on the other hand shows you to be trustworthy and friendly.

8. Weak handshakes signal that you lack authority and confidence, but a handshake that is more like a vice grip can be perceived as an aggressive attempt at domination, which is just as bad. Adapt your handshake to the person in front of you and situation, but make sure it’s always firm.

9. Getting too close. If you stand too close to someone (nearer than one and a half feet), it signals that you have no respect for or understanding of personal space. This will make people very uncomfortable when they’re around you.

10. Personal Hygiene – Taking pride in appearance is very importance. From attire and being aware of body odour and breath. For smokers it’s advised not to smoke one right before your interview.

Future Employment is always on the look out for talented Sales Professionals who are looking for that next challenge in their career, feel free to contact us or check out our jobs.

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Call us on: 02380 220 601

info@future-employment.co.uk

www.future-employment.co.uk

 

 

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