Body language and non-verbal communication are important aspects of your professional image.  Research shows that body language, including voice, accounts for 38% of the overall first impression.  Prior to the interview, practice in front of a mirror to observe your body movements and gestures.  Be aware of how you look and act so that your non-verbal cues coincide with what you say.  During the interview keep the following things in mind:

Posture

Walk confidently into the room, hold your head up, and offer a handshake.  You should appear confident, yet approachable.  During the interview, sit up straight in your chair and lean forward to indicate interest and attention.

Greeting

Express your gratitude when meeting someone for the first time.  Step forward, maintain eye contact, smile, and extend your hand.  Be sure your handshake is firm and positive.  Once you’ve given your name, repeat the interviewer’s name.

Initiate Conversation

Find an interesting approach to begin conversation.  You can always comment on the weather!  Be aware of the world around you so you can join in on talk of current events.  Also, try to appear interested and always be an active listener.

Eye Contact

Make eye contact, but be careful not to stare.  Shifty eyes are associated with deviousness.  A lack of eye contact may be associated with lying.

Gestures

Try to control nervous gestures such as hair-twisting, nail biting, and/or pen clicking.  Warm gestures may include leaning toward a person, smiling, touching, and gesturing expressively.  Cold gestures include avoiding eye contact, not smiling, and placing your hands on your hips.  Vary your gestures and make sure they look natural.

Voice

The sound of your voice should be warm and friendly.  Project, speak slowly, and enunciate.  Use your grammar skills to avoid misuse of verb tense, pronouns, or other grammatical errors.

Be Yourself

Try to appear comfortable during the interview and show that you are at ease in your surroundings.  Don’t be afraid to relax and show your natural character.  You want to give the impression that you are someone they want to have around.