Body Language – The Interviewer
Enough of you, what about the Body Language of the interviewer? How should you interpret the body language of the interviewer? Obviously, any of the behaviours mentioned above will hold true for the interviewer as well. So, what should you particularly look for?
Negative Body Language
Watch out for any of the negative body language mentioned above. Too much eye rubbing, covering the mouth, nose scratching, etc. This will indicate that the interview is not going too well. You need to quickly get onto a subject that arouses the interviewer’s interest, and one that will show you in a good light.
What Is Body Language
Eye Contact – I have already mentioned at length the reasons behind establishing eye contact. One of the major benefits during the interview is that it allows you to gauge the reaction, and to some degree, the thoughts of the interviewer. Certainly, if your eye contact is matched by the interviewer, he will be interested and listening to you. Indeed, watch for dilation of the pupils. This indicates that interest has been aroused. So, if you notice a sudden dilation, it is more than likely you have hit one of the interviewers’ hot buttons. It is, therefore, worth further pursuit of that subject. Beware, however, if the interviewers’ eyes start to wander off to something else. This is a sure fire indication that you have lost his interest. If this happens you rapidly need to catch their interest again.
Fingers in the Mouth with Palms Under the Chin – This is generally believed to show that someone is anxious about something. You need to quickly find the subject that is causing the anxiety and clear that subject down, then move onto a subject you are strong on. A smile from you can disarm the anxiety.
Palms Flat Under the Chin – This is a classic sign of boredom. If you see this, you urgently need to inject something positive into the interview.
Clenched Fist – This shows hostility. You will have had to try very hard to upset someone this much in an interview, but if you see a clenched fist, you are probably better off beating a tactical retreat and writing that particular job off!
Crossed Legs – A choice of situations here. This is either a situation where the interviewer is very relaxed or possibly being defensive. You will probably be able to ascertain which it is by the state of the interview and what is going on.
If the interviewer has one leg crossed over the other and some sort of book or notepad balanced, this probably means that a fairly high degree of evaluation is going on. Do not be phased by this, it is quite normal in an interview situation. Most interviewers like to make at least some notes to aid their decision-making.
If the legs are crossed at the ankles this can mean the interviewer is feeling nervous or is possibly withholding information. However, I am not sure about this one, mainly because I tend to sit like this when I interview someone. It is my normal pose, so judge the situation for yourself. Other signals will help you to decide whether the interviewer is simply relaxed or is genuinely stressed about something.
Picking Imaginary Fluff – This generally means that what you are saying is being disapproved of.
About Body Language
This section has been designed as a very quick guide to the interpretation of body language, as it is reflected in an interview situation. As I said there are many good books available if you feel you would like to go into this subject in more detail. However, do not be totally reliant on what I have said here, it is only a guide. For example folded arms could just mean the interviewer is nice and relaxed. However, if their arms are folded, shoulders hunched with a dirty scowl on their face, it is a fair bet you may just have upset him!
I guess the message is that you should use the knowledge here as well as trust to your intuition. Remember what I said about knowing when someone is lying to you. Look out for the obvious, but trust your intuition as well, it will serve you well!
To finish this section, let’s take an alternative look at body language.
Knees together is supposed to be a submissive or meek stance, of course it could just be the interviewer needs the loo!
Shifting forward in the seat could mean the interviewer is interested, however, he could just have an itchy backside!
Pulling up of sleeves traditionally means preparation for confrontation. Alternatively the interviewer could have just got back from two weeks in Majorca and wants to show off his suntan!
Legs crossed and facing away could be a signal of insecurity, however, his flies could have just burst!
And, finally, you thought he was deep in thought when he was stroking his chin, but no, he has just realised he missed a bit shaving this morning!
Yeah, I know it’s poking fun a little, but it puts it into perspective a touch. Yes, look out for the body language, but be careful that it is true body language and not just an itch or whatever. Normally you will see two or three congruent signs that point to what is really being felt. AND remember, the subconscious cannot lie.