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| The Best Distance | Interviewers are also people. Like others they become uncomfortable if their personal space, or preferred distance from others, is invaded. Extraverted interviewers prefer a "social zone" of between 18 and 48 inches from their bodies, while introverts need more space.
You may indicate interviewers' preferred distance by their seating arrangements. If your interviewer seems skeptical about what you're saying, try to move closer. Other attempts to seem "friendly" by moving closer are likely to be threatening. For instance, some interviewers deliberately "interrogate" applicants by sitting or standing closer than they prefer.
Leaning forward, maintaining eye contact and using expressive gestures will help you to emphasize key points, project sincerity and confidence. And on the contrary leaning back and looking down may be interpreted as a lack of confidence.
The Way You Speak
The intonation, pauses and sighs often are more meaningful than our words. Use a natural tone and don't deviate from your normal speaking rate, volume, rhythm, pitch, breathiness or resonance. Relaxed, warm and well-modulated voice belongs to secure applicant. It matches his/her feelings, and allows appropriately express excitement, enthusiasm and interest during conversations.
Conversely, insecure candidates can't control their voice pitch and volume. They have weak, soft, hesitant or tremulous voices, and clear their throats, use "uhs" and "ums" or other nervous mannerisms excessively.
Good Eye Contact
Knack of altering facial expressions to match the message distinguishes candidates with secure self-esteem. They smile when saying something friendly, and maintain good eye contact, which signifies openness and honesty.
If you don't maintain eye contact, act shy or ashamed or smile at inappropriate times you may be considered as a less-assured person. Downcast or pleading appearance, dropping eyes and heads are also signs of diffidence.
Not only interviewers watch you, you can also “read expressions signs”. Not maintaining eye contact may mean interviewer’s anxious, irritation, disinterest or wish for ending the conversation. If an interviewer looks up, he or she may be uncomfortable, trying to remember something or doesn't believe your answer.
However, too long eye contact with interviewers is objectionable. Duration of your gaze should be within 7 to 10 seconds. And don't stare at interviewers during long silences, since it only increases the tension.
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