What to Do With Your Hands During a Job Interview

What to Do With Your Hands During a Job InterviewThere are ways to appear (and feel) more confident using body language. But not much attention is paid to what were supposed to be doing with our hands. Here are some subtle secrets aboutwhat to do with your hands during a job interview. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Use Them to Show ConfidenceRather than crossing your arms across your chesta gesture of insecurity or defensiveness, try folding your hands, one on top of the other, or simply resting them on the arm of your chair. Youll appear more open, more in control, and more confident. And remember open fingers are always better than curled fists.Try to Remain CalmFidgeting is bad. Moving around excessively trying to get comfortable will just prove to your interviewer that you arentand its probably not the chairs fault. On the other hand, not moving at all can make you look rigid or unnatural. Think of it like blinking and come up with a balance of natural movement. Youll come off like a normal human being, which is goodespecially when youre nervous.Use Them to CommunicateIf your palms are open and facing up, this conveys a certain honesty, or willingness. Youre listening, inviting trust. Downward facing palms can convey dominance and firmness, which are much better for salary negotiations than interviews. Also remember to keep your shoulders relaxed. If theyre all the way up at your ears with anxiety, your interviewer will take notice.Beware of Cultural DifferencesAll of this applies mostly to the Western business world. Dont forget that different body signals can convey totally different things around the globe. Make aya to do a bit of research to rejigger your expectations before an interview. Be sensitive. A thumbs-up in America is great, but do it in an Asian country and youll probably offend someone without realizing what youve done.Practice Gesture ControlYou may talk with your hands, but you should try an d restrict this behavior in the interview. Keep it to a minimum and focus instead on wielding your words with care and concision, lest you distract your interviewer with your arms flapping around. No matter how hilarious you know you are.