4. Flash a Nice, Toothy Grin
An animated face is an important part of being appealing. No one likes to talk with someone who seems to be in a somber mood, never smiles, and conveys no personality with her expressions. Don’t go with the orangutan look or the cheeseburger grin, but when you smile, smile with enthusiasm. The last thing you want to do is fake your emotions, as it’s impossible to force a smile with your eyes.

Show off those pearly whites, too; just make sure you pick that big green chunk of wheat grass out from between your two front teeth before the interview. This is not a good way to show your potential boss you’re getting your veggies.

5. Proximity
Standing closer to someone also creates rapport, but this is a dangerous one because getting too close too quickly will make many people extremely uncomfortable. It’s best to try closing the distance naturally a little at a time and judge your interviewer’s reaction.

This can be really tricky in intercultural communication. Americans, for instance, tend to keep a lot more distance between each other when speaking, while certain other cultures, —like those in the Middle East, for example—will often get right up in your face.

If someone starts stepping backwards, do not try to close the gap again—you may even want to step back a little yourself to show you’re not trying to overcompensate and that you know the boundaries have been crossed. If he or she turns and starts running toward the nearest exit, please don’t chase them. They do not want to play.

This is just a brief rundown of some ways that body language conveys messages to the people we meet. If you want to bring an edge to an interview like no other applicant can, saying more is not the key, at least not with your lips. But a simple change in body language can create a lasting impression that doesn’t go away.

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