Reading Body Language

Reading body language is a valuable tool in job interview, it gives you more information than you could have. To succeed and to win over people you must be alert to what silent body gestures you are giving off, you also need to be aware of the interviewer's body language. The following are some examples of body language:

• Avoiding eye contact: Discomfort, disagreement, embarrassment

• Crossed arms: Anger, defensiveness

• Moving away, tilting a chair back: You are too close, space is invaded

• Fidgeting, tapping foot or fingers: Nervousness, boredom

• Slow, deliberate walk: Confidence

• Standing with hands on hips: Readiness, aggression

• Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking: slightly Boredom

• Sitting, legs apart Open: relaxed

• Touching, slightly rubbing nose: Rejection, doubt, lying

• Rubbing the eye: Doubt, disbelief

• Hands clasped behind back: Anger, frustration, apprehension

• Locked ankles: Apprehension

• Head resting in hand, eyes downcast: Boredom

• Rubbing hands: Anticipation

• Sitting with hands clasped behind head: Smugness, superiority

• Open palm: Sincerity, openness, innocence

• Tapping or drumming fingers: Impatience

• Patting/fondling hair: Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

• Stroking chin: Trying to make a decision

• Looking down: face turned away Disbelief

• Biting nails: Insecurity, nervousness

• Pulling or tugging at ear: Indecision

• Adjusting tie: Insecurity, nervousness

• Putting tips of fingers of one hand against tips of the other hand: Confidence

• Clearing throat: Nervousness