technique. Let's assume that I'm sitting in the interview chair, and I just want you to

take a look at a couple of positions that I adopt. Let's assume that I am responding

to you, the interviewer. So, I've seen people sit in interview chairs like this before.

And I want you to think for one second how that looks? Now, obviously, it looks very

relaxed, but to me it looks too relaxed and it looks too overconfident and slightly arrogant,

as well. So I would not go into an interview and sit there like this, because if I were

interviewing you and you sat here like this, it would not matter the depth of knowledge

that you have, or the responses to the interview questions, I would be likely NOT to accept

you in the role because of your body language and your interview technique. It's really

important that you come across in a positive manner. So when you're sat in the interview

chair, my advice is to sit up straight, put the palms of your hands facing down on top

of your knees, and sit there like that. Now, I am very expressive with my hands, as you

can see. And it is OK to use your hands, but you don't want to be overdoing them too much,

because they become a distraction. If I was responding to the interview question, tell

me about yourself, I would smile and I would say… “Hi, I'm Richard and I've come here

today for this job because I've been researching your company, I'm really interested in the

role and I believe I have the qualities and attributes that would suit your organization.”

So, you would see that I am presenting myself in a positive and enthusiastic manner and

I'm not sitting forward like this, which again is a bad posture. I've also seen some people

sit in interview chairs like this. OK. And again, I would ask you to just take a second

to think about how this comes across. First impressions are really important! I've said

before, you have about four seconds to create a positive first impression! So when you walk

into the interview room, my advice is to not sit down in the chair until you are invited

to do so. When you are responding to the interview panel, make sure you look them in the eyes.

Now, I'm not talking about a hard stare here, but I'm just talking about using soft facial

eye contact. So if I was responding to you, I would be looking at your eyes. I would look

down at your mouth. But that's the area that I would concentrate on. Now, if there are

two, three or even four people on the interview panel, even though one person will ask you

a question at one particular time, my advice is to respond to all of them when you're giving

your answer to that interview question. So don't forget, sit upright in the chair, look

professional. And of course, you probably won't be dressed like me in jeans and a polo

shirt and jacket! You will probably be wearing a smart suit. Make sure other things, such

as your shoes are clean. Also, think about a tie. If you're a gentleman or you are wearing

a tie, think about the color of your tie and also your socks as well. So these are things

to consider. Make sure you are representative of what you want to portray, which is professional,

enthusiastic and also competent. You can be competent in the role. So don't forget palms

facing down on top of your knees. And don't forget to smile!