Be Prepared for the Interview – No Negative Body Language
As a career coach for 30 years, I’ve heard all the stories from recruiters about people going on interviews. Recruitment is one thing, now you have the interview and there are many aspects to think about.
Your body language can say a lot more about your feelings than you might suppose, and this is especially true when you’re being interviewed. Poor body language can betray nervousness and give the interviewer the wrong impression.
Follow these five simple tips to ensure your body language remains as eloquent and as articulate as you are.
1. Faking it
Most people can spot a fake smile a mile off, with a false or forced smile making you look uncomfortable and uninterested. A genuine smile will portray sincerity and interest in what your interviewer is saying…
If you allow yourself to smile naturally, using your whole face instead of just your mouth, at appropriate times in your interview, your interviewer will warm to you and will show more interest in your answers.
2. Look up! Your future’s bright
Maintain a healthy level of eye contact with each person in the room throughout your interview, but without staring – don’t forget to blink! Nodding your head while maintaining eye contact with your interviewer reassures them that you’re engaged in the conversation – the lights are on and someone is definitely home.
3. Crossing arms
A set of crossed arms exudes a bad attitude and portrays that you’re a person resistant to ideas. When interacting with your interviewer while seated, keep your hands in your lap, and by your side when standing up.
4. What time is it?
It is the height of rudeness to check your watch in any interactive situation. It implies you have somewhere else you’d rather be. Space out your appointments and relax into your interview. This also applies to jiggling your leg. Stop it!
5. Posture, posture, posture
A self-confident interviewee translates as a strong employee. Eliminate slouching from your physical vocabulary, and sit up straight with your shoulders back. This will convey your attentiveness and interest in the conversation and the role itself.
Make sure you leave a lasting impression. In the world of hospitality, your interviewer will not be looking for a hyperactive, bouncy, children’s entertainer, so assert yourself positively in a friendly, upbeat manner in order to present yourself as the professional that they have to hire.
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Michael Greig was absolutely fantastic in every way! 
