Use of Body Language in Interviews

Body Language is a secret and hidden language all of its own. Learn how to use it properly in an interview. Doing so correctly will make you look and feel more confident, which in turn will improve your chances of having a sucessful interview.

Handshake

Shaking hands with your interviewer is good practice although it is not common in Hong Kong, even in the business field. It helps you create a friendly and professional image. Make sure your handshake is prompt and firm.

Posture

You can place your portfolio or briefcase on the side of your chair or on your lap. Make sure you feel comfortable with your posture. You may sit upright or perhaps lean forward a little to project an eager and confident image. You should not fidget. Make sure you are seated properly in your interview suit and that it is not creased.

Eye Contact

You should look at all interviewers when answering questions. Don't just maintain eye contact with the interviewer who asked you the question you are answering. Make sure you look sincere and honest.

Facial Expressions

You can keep a friendly smile on your face to show your enthusiasm. Be careful not to look too eager for the job or so relaxed that you don't seem to care. Try to project a serious and professional image on your interviewers.

Voice

You should speak clearly and relatively slowly. You can pause when you are thinking of appropriate replies before answering questions. Make sure you do not pause for too long. Be careful not to pause too often in the middle of your answers or fill your pause with too many fillers such as

"Em..." or

"Ugh..."

Humour

You can use humour appropriately in an interview to lighten up a tense atmosphere in the interview room. You can demonstrate your leadership quality by showing that you are a confident person who is relaxed and capable of controlling a tough situation.

Be careful not to be overly humorous. Your interviewers may feel that you are not serious enough for the job.