Body language plays an important role in medical interviews because this is what helps members of the panel relate to you. An interview is as much a test of confidence and maturity as it is a test of content, and your body language is crucial in ensuring that you come across well.
Following several requests, here is a summary of the key rules of body language:
- Maintain eye contact with the person who is talking to you. At your interview you will face between 2 interviewers (for ST interviews and some locum consultant interviews) and 8 interviewers (for some locum consultant interviews and for substantive consultant interviews). In some regions/trusts, you may have up to 14 people on a panel (not uncommon in Northern Ireland and Scotland). It is impossible to look at everyone all the time, and if you did you would soon get dizzy! Conversely, it is important to try to involve everyone whenever possible to avoid having a situation where the panel member at the end of the table has to wait for 45 minutes before you look at them. So, look principally at whomever is asking you the question and, occasionally, look around to ensure you connect with the others.
- Put your hands on the table. Most of the panel members will have their hand on the table, taking notes, playing with their pen , or simply being attentive. It is crucial that you place yourself at the same level as the panel by also having your hands on the table. If you don’t, the table will act as a barrier between you and them and you are more likely to end up looking like a schoolboy/girl waiting to be interrogated. If you are worried about fidgeting, slightly interlock your fingers to stop yourself from moving your hands too much.
- Do not place your elbows on the table. Elbows on the table not only are rude/familiar, they also make you invade the buffer zone between you and the panel, with the risk that you might come across as threatening. Leave your elbows slightly outside of the table. This is typically achieved by sitting approximately 20 cm from the table.
- Move your hands if you want, but only in front of you. No need for Shirley Bassey impressions. Arm movement outside of the area in front of you will take the attention away from your face. To ensure that the attention remains on you and not on your hands, do not go left or right of your body; and do not move your hands above chest level in order to avoid obscuring your chin or face.
- Dress conservatively. The interview is a business meeting. You must wear a suit, preferably of a dark colour (navy/black for men, any dark colour for women). Wear a lighter shirt/blouse/top so that it frames your face. Don’t forget: they want to look at you, not your clothes! Most colours are fine, though men should avoid wearing pink (tie or shirt) because this is a colour better fitted to mediation and team playing which does not convey a strong sense of leadership. As such, though it would be suitable if you were going to a meeting to resolve a conflict, it is less suitable for an interview setting.
- Avoid anything that can take the eye away from your face. This would include any big items of jewelery (small is okay), as well as items such as poppies, red/pink ribbons, daffodils.
- If there is no table, you may cross your legs, but with the crossed leg always facing in the direction of the person who is talking to you. This will enable you to turn your body towards them whilst at the same time being able to rotate to engage wit the other panel members.
If you want to discuss any of this or anything relating to a forthcoming interview, why not join us in one of our consultant interview courses. They run 3 to 6 times per week in London so that you have plenty of choice for dates.
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