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For a pleasant demeanour
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Body language and appearance matter a lot at interviews and business meetings
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ACTIONS SPEAK louder than words, and, particularly in interviews, it pays to be aware of body language and what it says about you. According to experts, 90 per cent of the opinion about a person is formed within the first few seconds of meeting him/her.
The whole game starts right from the moment you enter. Neither is this a hostile territory nor are you a sacrificial goat. So, ensure you make a proper entry. The way your body is going to respond to an anxious mental state is by decreasing your speed, showing signs of hesitancy in your overall behaviour and, of course, shifty eyes, all suggesting lack of confidence.
* Alan Pease, an expert in body language, suggests that one should make it a point to go into the room at an even speed, and perhaps stop at the door before entering.
* A friendly greeting with a firm (not hard) handshake creates a positive impact. While taking a seat, sit relaxed with your back straight against the chair back, feet comfortably placed on the floor.
* Don't cross your legs; this can be interpreted as anywhere from being defensive to defiant, combined with other body language signals you are unconsciously emitting, like your demeanour, tone of voice or the way you are holding your arms. After all, body language makes sense only in clusters, and not in isolation.
* Another tactic to employ at an interview is "mirroring" which is the subconscious copying of gestures between people who are interacting. According to Pease, "It is a way for us to tell others that we like them, by simply copying their gestures." It is very easy to overdo this though! It has to be subtle, such as leaning forward when the interviewer does, or occasionally paraphrasing what he or she has just said can give a positive message. Practice first with a friend to increase your awareness of mirroring.
* Whatever happens, don't fidget with your hair or your clothes. This will make you look nervous and unsure. Be enthusiastic, energetic and listen, making eye contact when talking or listening and don't forget your best asset — wear a relaxed smile.
On occasions like business trips, where you will spend some time in a strange land, it makes sense to make those crucial days of your trip successful. Our appearance, meaning the garments we wear along with our personal grooming, forms a large part of other's positive or negative impressions of us. In most countries, especially the Middle East and Europe, an inappropriately dressed person will not be taken seriously, especially in a business situation.
In Europe, wearing formal, conservative outfits, even to many social situations is quite normal. In the Middle East, your counterpart might be in his ethnic clothes, which is considered business attire for them.
For business wear, it is more about what is the classic business look and how to pull it off.
The most business-like look is, of course, the business suit. (A suit is where the jacket and trousers are of the same material.) The classic business suit comes with two or three buttons, single-breasted jacket and trousers with pleated front.
Go with a dark coloured suit, deep blue or grey.
Combine it with a plain or pinstriped shirt, with a conservative tie.
Now take a look at your shoes to make sure they are polished and shiny.
Match the colour of your belt with that of your shoes and you are all set. Always remember that you will never offend anyone by looking formal. An informal look can really do damage.
Now pay particular attention to your personal grooming, meaning hair in place, facial hair trimmed, finger nails clean and pleasant body odour. Best of luck.
CHITRA DANGER
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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