In this next video, I want to talk to you quickly about and body language and interview
technique. Let's assume that I'm sitting in the interview chair, and I just want you to
take a look at a couple of positions that I adopt. Let's assume that I am responding
to you, the interviewer. So, I've seen people sit in interview chairs like this before.
And I want you to think for one second how that looks? Now, obviously, it looks very
relaxed, but to me it looks too relaxed and it looks too overconfident and slightly arrogant,
as well. So I would not go into an interview and sit there like this, because if I were
interviewing you and you sat here like this, it would not matter the depth of knowledge
that you have, or the responses to the interview questions, I would be likely NOT to accept
you in the role because of your body language and your interview technique. It's really
important that you come across in a positive manner. So when you're sat in the interview
chair, my advice is to sit up straight, put the palms of your hands facing down on top
of your knees, and sit there like that. Now, I am very expressive with my hands, as you
can see. And it is OK to use your hands, but you don't want to be overdoing them too much,
because they become a distraction. If I was responding to the interview question, tell
me about yourself, I would smile and I would say… “Hi, I'm Richard and I've come here
today for this job because I've been researching your company, I'm really interested in the
role and I believe I have the qualities and attributes that would suit your organization.”
So, you would see that I am presenting myself in a positive and enthusiastic manner and
I'm not sitting forward like this, which again is a bad posture. I've also seen some people
sit in interview chairs like this. OK. And again, I would ask you to just take a second
to think about how this comes across. First impressions are really important! I've said
before, you have about four seconds to create a positive first impression! So when you walk
into the interview room, my advice is to not sit down in the chair until you are invited
to do so. When you are responding to the interview panel, make sure you look them in the eyes.
Now, I'm not talking about a hard stare here, but I'm just talking about using soft facial
eye contact. So if I was responding to you, I would be looking at your eyes. I would look
down at your mouth. But that's the area that I would concentrate on. Now, if there are
two, three or even four people on the interview panel, even though one person will ask you
a question at one particular time, my advice is to respond to all of them when you're giving
your answer to that interview question. So don't forget, sit upright in the chair, look
professional. And of course, you probably won't be dressed like me in jeans and a polo
shirt and jacket! You will probably be wearing a smart suit. Make sure other things, such
as your shoes are clean. Also, think about a tie. If you're a gentleman or you are wearing
a tie, think about the color of your tie and also your socks as well. So these are things
to consider. Make sure you are representative of what you want to portray, which is professional,
enthusiastic and also competent. You can be competent in the role. So don't forget palms
facing down on top of your knees. And don't forget to smile!