the seating position at interviews

[Calculus2008]

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Hey guys,

Can someone please elaborate on the proper sitting position at the interviews?

Thanks👍

 

[DrSmiles12]

On you buns...

 

[DrSmiles12]

Sorry, ok I don't know if there is a perfect way to sit but I have always just sat forward on the chair leaning toward the person. I usually try to have an open body, meaning now arms folded or legs crossed etc. I try to be comfortable and not to anal about how I am sitting to. Both interviews I have had so far I have had the teachers desk in front of me so I have pulled the chair up to the desk and leaned onto it to talk to them.

 

[Calculus2008]

is it ok to lean onto the desk? 😕

 

[DrSmiles12]

Well the desks have been huge... They seemed ok with it.

 

[Calculus2008]

Has anyone interviewed at schools where there were no desks b/w the interviewer and the interviewee? Thanks...

 

[superfinger45]

I've heard all different types of ideas on this. Don't fold your arms, don't cross your fingers, don't clench your fists, don't play with your clothes, don't put your hands in your pocket... Blah blah blah...

The fact is if you spend the whole interview policing yourself and thinking about whether or not the way your sitting is "the wrong way" then your not going to be yourself and it will be apparent to the people interviewing you.

If you like to cross your fingers or put your hands in your pockets do it. Make yourself comfortable so that you can be yourself, this is what the interviewers are looking for.

 

[tinman831]

Has anyone interviewed at schools where there were no desks b/w the interviewer and the interviewee? Thanks...

I did at my Pitt interview. It was just me and the professor in his office.

Usually you don't lean into the desk because you're invading their personal space. Don't lean back to far into your chair because it makes you seem uninterested. Don't keep your arms crossed or sit in any way that conveys your discomfort. Don't fidget or shake your leg, play with your hair, clothes, pen, or whatever that makes you seem nervous.

 

[lemoncurry]

Be comfortable, be yourself, but not too casual. If you like to cross your legs while you sit, that's perfectly fine. It is more important that you look like you feel comfortable (without "making yourself at home", so to speak) than to constantly be worrying about all these things you're not supposed to do.

 

[Ething]

Try not to slouch or lean. Keep your hands at your sides. Be comfortable. Someone once told me that you can do whatever the person interviewing you is doing.....but I wouldn't go crazy and try to copy them (he/she might catch on and it would just be awkward).