Your CN Video Resume Videographer will help give you the winning advantage by helping you display the correct body language when recording your video resume.

1. Coming across confident

Start with a real smile that engages your eyes.  Maintaining good eye contact shows respect and interest, so look at the camera (or teleprompter) while speaking.  Use an open stance (do not cross arms or legs).  Relaxed shoulders (not tense) with limbs “hanging loosely” show relaxed confidence.

2. Watch the excess energy

The more energy you have, the more will need to be vented.  This often results in mannerisms such as fidgeting, which makes you appear nervous. Be careful not to touch your face, throat, mouth or ears while speaking, as this could make you appear to be holding something back (or not being truthful).  Even if this isn’t the case, you want to establish credibility, so avoid touching your face or fidgeting.

3. What to do with hands and arms

Clasped hands are a signal that you are closed off.  A palm-to-palm gesture with one thumb over the other sends the signal that you need reassurance.  Avoid crossing your arms over your chest, since this signals that you are close-minded, defensive or disinterested.  To come across confident, have your hands open and relaxed on the table or at your side. When your body is open, you project trustworthiness.

4. Leg Crossing

Don’t cross your legs.   This creates a wall between you and the person you’re speaking to and gives you a closed off attitude.  It can also become a distraction if you keep crossing your legs back and forth.   Crossed ankles are a “no-no” because you are signaling that you want to be somewhere else.

5. Posture

A straight posture is imperative during the recording of your resume.  Pull your shoulders back and sit up straight, then relax your shoulders.  You give yourself a burst of confidence and allow for good breathing.  This can also help you to avoid or reduce feelings of nervousness and discomfort.

6. Finger gestures

Never point your index fingers like gun barrels.  This is seen as aggressive. Touching your index fingertip to your thumb (in an “OK” sign) is non-threatening and can make you seem decisive.  Open hands showing palms indicate that nothing is being concealed.

A Few Tips on How to Appear Open, Relaxed, and Confident

• Arms and legs should not be crossed.

• It is ok to use some gestures, as long as they are synchronous with what you’re saying, and not too wild.

• Open hands and showing palms show that nothing is being concealed.

• Make sure shoulders are not tensed up, they should hang loosely down.

• Relaxed hands hang loose or are used to enhance what we’re saying in open and gentle gestures (not sudden or tense).

• Avoid pointing as this shows aggression. Steepeling or using the “Ok” sign when making a point gives a positive impression.

• Look at the camera (as if making eye contact).   Don’t force a smile, but think positive thoughts.

For examples and more information on how to use confident body language, check out our Video Workshop and eBook (video resume do-it-yourself starter kit).