Gestures and body movements are unconscious forms of expressions and therefore they have a language of their own. We are unaware of our gestures and body movements 99 % of the time, but other people can notice our gestures and movements if they pay attention and may know what they mean.

Note that body language applies not only to the interviewer but also to the interviewee. Also note that these gestures may happen throughout the conversation and they change as the conversation progresses.

The objective of paying attention to nonverbal communication is to help you change the direction of the conversation. If the person is showing negative gestures, then you need to change the subject by asking a new question or talking about something else.

So, during a job interview, you can watch for the following gestures:

Crossed arms it means that the person is in a defensive and reserved mood.

Crossed arms and legs it means that the person feels very reserved and suspicious.

Open arms and hands it means that the person is open and receptive.

Standing before you with his hands inside the pockets it means he is not sure or feels suspicious.

Standing before you with his hands on his hips it means he is receptive and ready to help you out.

Sitting in a chair shaking one of his legs it means he feels nervous and uncomfortable.

His eyes are downcast and face turned away it means he is not interested in what you are saying.

The palm of the hand holding or stroking his chin it means he is in an evaluating position and being critical.

Leaning back in his chair with both hands clasped behind his head it means he is in an analytical mood, but it is also a gesture of superiority.

Rubbing or touching his nose when answering a question it means he is not telling the complete truth.

Maintaining good eye contact and he smiles in a relaxed and happy way it means he is definitely receptive to you.

(1)99% of the time, we ______________.

A、pay no attention to our gestures and body movements.

B、are aware of our gestures and body movements.

C、know what the meaning of other personsgestures and body movements

D、All of the above

(2)The body language ____________.

A、is applicable only to the interviewer

B、is applicable only to the interviewee

C、is both applicable to the interviewer and the interviewee

D、is neither applicable to the interviewer nor to the interviewee

(3)Open arms and hands mean _______________.

A、the person is reserved

B、the person is reserved and suspicious

C、the person is in negative mood

D、the person is open and receptive

(4)Sitting in a chair shaking one of his legs means __________.

A、the person is calm

B、the person is nervous and uncomfortable

C、the person is waiting for someone

D、the person is angry

(5)The passage______________.

A、mainly deals with nonverbal communication during interviews

B、presents information on body language

C、introduces some forms of body languages

D、describes how to make correct body language