Staring. We’ve all done it, and people have done it to us. Sometimes it’s because of something embarrassing, sometimes it’s because of attraction, and sometimes it’s just due to boredom. But when you’re on an interview, you should never stare, even when you’re making eye contact.
Body language experts say that a proper amount of eye contact is 60% of the time. But how can you judge this? I usually keep eye contact for a few sentences, then let them drift somewhere nearby, to a picture on the wall, an item on a desk, or what have you. In other words:
INTERVIEWER: So, why do you think you are right for this position?
INTERVIEWEE (Make eye contact as you begin): Well, from my blah blah blah while blah blah blah with blah blah blah and blah blah blah…
…and in conclusion, blah blah blah is why I would be a great asset to your company in this position. (Keep eye contact for a second or two after this is over, then look away a bit)
The key here is that if you are looking away while talking, it gives off a signal that even you don’t believe what you’re saying, or at least are not interested in it. And keeping your eyes on them for a couple of extra seconds is like a good bit of punctuation on your statement. Please try to avoid the bug-eyes or hard stares though.
When looking at someone’s face, there’s a certain area you should look at. Do you know where that is?
Not the forehead – that’s like you’re looking down at them.
Not the lips – that’s a signal of sexual interest (unless this is a date or something – then go for it!).
It’s the triangle made from the far corners of the eyebrows to the bottom of the nose. Pow. That’s your target zone. Stick with that area and you won’t seem too pompous or unnecessarily flirty.
So remember: no staring for more than 60% of the time, and stick with the triangle, and you’ll be looking at a job offer in no time!
