The Body Language of
How to Dress
for an Interview

There are two critical parts to how to dress for an interview. Most advice given in this area deals with clothing tips and they are very important. The other critical area that is not talked about nearly as much is the body language of an interview.

Dr. Albert Mehrabian Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA tells us 55% of communication is through body language. Since a job interview is a communication process let’s look at some important tips on how to dress for an interview in terms of your body language.

• Tip #1 Your Smile - A smile is probably one of the most important items to wear when you enter an interview and to wear during the interview. Being expressionless or worse having a frown can negate all the other good stuff you are trying to accomplish.

• Tip #2 Eye contact - It has been said, “Your eyes are the window to your soul.” Good eye contact with your interviewer says to her that you are confident and interested in what she is saying. Avoiding eye contact can be very damaging especially when interviewing for a sales job.

• Tip #3 Your Posture - Being relaxed is important but make sure you sit up straight. Just slightly leaning forward sends the message that you are very interested in what is being said. Slightly nodding your head when appropriate says you agree with what was just said or that you get it.

• Tip #4 The Hand Shake - Your hand shake should be firm but not too firm. You’re interviewing for a sales job so make sure you offer to shake hands with your interviewer. It says, “I’m glad to meet you.”

• Tip #5 How You Walk - How you walk sends an important message. A slight briskness in your walk is a positive. Never lag behind or drag your feet. That sends a negative message.

Some may say most of this how to dress for an interview body language stuff is common sense. I will tell you as one who has interviewed hundreds of sales candidates over the years, it’s not always commonly practiced. And when it’s not practiced it makes a lousy first impression.

The first impression you make in an interview, just like any sales call, is critical to your success. So remember these how to dress for an interview 5 body language tips and make a powerful first impression.

Return to Phoenix-best-sales-jobs.com home page
from How to Dress for an interview