Unfortunately, I am decidedly less enthusiastic about the candidate I interviewed yesterday compared with the young man from Tuesday. After pretty much devouring her written application, I was eager for our conversation but left with a sour taste in my mouth. However, I am going to withhold most details for now because my Admissions Committee meets next week, and I want to determine whether my evaluation of the applicant is similar to that of other Committee members.
For now, my thoughts on body language.
The applicant from Tuesday had some of the best body language I have ever observed. He made excellent eye contact throughout the interview, resisting the temptation to look at the floor or to the windows for inspiration during difficult questions. Similarly, when I responded to his questions, he continued to maintain eye contact and appear sincerely engaged. His hands were folded in his lab or on the armrest of the chair for the entire interview except for his firm, reassuring handshakes at both the beginning and ends of the interview. All of this is worth taking note of and attempting to emulate, although certainly a difficult task. In a similar way, the applicant from Thursday had very appropriate body language when she was speaking. She used her hands somewhat more while talking, but I found this to be tasteful and acceptable because it was appropriate in context. However, during the time when I answered her questions, she became extraordinarily fidgety. It was as if she thought I would be so wrapped up in my own responses that I might not notice her ongoing presence in the room. She fluffed her hair (fairly dramatically), adjusted her glasses, straightened her skirt, etc. It was so distracting! Given her sincerity, I am positive she did not mean to be disrespectful, but I was struck by the suggestion that things she said were important and things I said were simply an obligatory part of the interview.
Be cautious. Body language is too important to put on autopilot. Think about your actions and how they appear. If need be, practice answering questions in front of a mirror or with someone you trust. Become aware of your tendencies. As my grandmother said to my (occasionally bickering) siblings and I siting in the back of her car, "Be still."
