The power of Kinesics. Review on Being Successful at Interviews

Kinesics – the science of Body Language is being increasing used by the employers in today’ high-tech market for selecting the best employees possible for a company. Gestures and body movements are unconscious forms of expressions hence they form a language of their own. It's often been said that people form 90 per cent of their opinion about an individual within the first 90 seconds of meeting them.

The moment you enter the interview room, your body language clearly depicts your mental attitude. It gives distinct signals to the interviewer and tells him great truths you will never even be aware of.

1.Walking into room with a straight head, erect shoulders, even paced steps and straight posture gives an impression of a confident person, it clearly says Here I am with all my abilities and skills.

2.A well-gripped and strong handshake creates a positive impression and says let’s take it forward

3.Gazing towards blank wall indicates as if you are trying to recollect something and are not very sure of it and it says I didn’t expect this question

4.Shutting eyes frequently indicates disinterest or lack of keenness in the matter being discussed, it says why don’t you just move on to the next topic

5.Crossing the arms and the legs is a defensive posture during a discussion indicates disagreements and it says this is incorrect and illogical

6.Covering the mouth with the hand, rubbing, stroking or scratching the nose quite frequently, moving the hand to scratch or rub the ear, scratching the side of the neck with fingers, rubbing the eye, etc., are all an indication of un-truthful statements being made and they clearly says hope he believes this nonsense and doesn’t find out the truth

7.All unnecessary body movements like tapping with your feet or crossing the legs, arms, etc. says when will this come to an end

8.During conversation pointing your finger towards the other person says you better listen to me at the same time gesturing with your complete hand instead of a finger to suggest something, says this is what my experiences have taught me

9.Jiggling pocket contents, running tongue along front of teeth, clearing throat, running fingers through hair, wringing hands, biting on pens or other objects, twiddling thumbs, biting fingernails indicates nervousness and lack of confidence and it says Will I ever get this job, does he think me worthwhile.

10.Open-lipped smiling, open hands with palms visible says I am open and receptive to this process

11.Leaning forward in chair, chin up, putting tips of fingers of one hand against the tips of fingers of other hand in ''praying'' or ''steepling'' position, says I am very much interested in this job and am confident of doing a good job if given an opportunity

Interview is two way process, just as the interviewer is assessing your body language you can also read his body language to understand whether you have been successful at the interview or not. His body language will tell you the truth.

So, during a job interview, you can watch for the following gestures:

1.If he maintains good eye contact and he smiles in a relaxed and happy way – means he approves of you

2.Open arms and hands - means that he is open and receptive to you

3.If his eyes are downcast and face turned away - means he is not interested in what you are saying

4.Sitting crossed arms and legs, or standing before you with his hands inside the pockets - means that he doesn’t trust you completely and is suspicious of the information you are providing him.

5.If he strokes his chin while listening to you - means he is in an evaluating you and is being critical.

6.Leaning back in his chair with both hands clasped behind his head - means he is in an analytical mood.

7.If he moves his body and sits with his feet and body pointing towards a door - means he wants to end the conservation immediately.

Our body is more honest than our words and hence we must consciously develop positive body language. It will help us to traverse the most difficult paths with great ease and success.