Last week, a reader commented on how well-prepared for interviews most candidates are these days… except when it comes to body language. Not knowing the basics of body language can make candidates appear more nervous or uncomfortable than they actually are.  So, here are business body-language tips for interviews.  Last week, I covered the handshake –which plays a semi-subliminal but large role in creating that first impression. Today, let’s look at eye contact. Yes, pun intended.

Okay, so we all know we must have “good” eye contact during interviews, but what does that mean?

Well, it certainly doesn’t mean you should maintain direct eye contact 100% of the time.  That would be totally creepy and unsettling.  What we want is eye contact about 70-80% of the time.  That means every 7-10 seconds, we should look away for a moment (no darting), and then return.  I personally feel most comfortable maintaining eye contact while I’m listening, and tend to take those 2-second-breathers while I’m talking.

Not to overload the details but, where you look during an interview also matters.  Looking down signals insecurity or discomfort; looking up messages uncertainty; too far sideways and you look shifty.  So, keep it close to eye-level stuff around the room, like bookshelves and pictures.

We all have gestures we do when we’re nervous, but avoid glancing at your watch or cell phone.  You don’t want to come across like you’re not interested or can’t wait to get out there.

Do you want to come across as a team player?  Then when you’re meeting with more than one person, make sure you have eye contact with each individual. Even if they’re not doing much talking. Eye contact shows acknowledgement and inclusion.

Unlike a face-to-face interview requiring us to maintain eye contact and react in real time, much of our social interactions now happen over a PC, tablet or cellphone screen. Because we may all be a little rusty, make sure you practice your face-to-face skills with someone beforehand.

Note to millennials: You may be at a disadvantage here.  Some studies have shown that  exposure to digital media is reconfiguring the neural networks of “digital natives”, possibly at the expense of empathy and social skills. Wow! That’s a topic for another column.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio

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Eva Del Rio is a human resources columnist and creator of HR Box – tools for small businesses under 49 employees. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com