Proper Gestures

Do not cross your arms because this might be perceived as a defensive move. Just place your hands loosely on your lap or just put them on the armrest of your chair. By doing this, you will also be able to make hand movements to support what you are saying.

While speaking, you may nod your head occasionally to expound on a subject or to give more meaning to what you are saying. Hand movements can also help to spice up the conversation. The interviewer would think that you are comfortable with the interview process if you make hand gestures.

Too much hand movements at the beginning of the interview may not be a good idea. The proper way is to add them gradually throughout the interview.

Be aware of your interviewers hand movements as well. If they use their hands a lot to make a point or to clarify something, you can do the same thing as well (Remember mirroring?). When they don't make many movements, do the same thing as them. It is important to adjust your gestures to that of the interviewer to establish rapport.

Be alert to unintentional gestures that you may make sometimes due to tension. Some of the acts that may irritate the interviewer could include:

• Tapping your fingers across the desk.
• Shuffling your feet.
• Biting your nails.
• Toying with a pen.