While it may seem unfair, image is a key component of an interview. A recruiter can usually size up a job candidate in about 30 seconds or less, so you don’t want to look like a disheveled mess before you even say a word.

Here’s a guide to what some verbal and nonverbal cues could be saying about you in the eyes of an interviewer:

Nonstop chatter says ‘I’m full of myself and not a team player.’

Job candidates who talk too much about themselves during an interview may appear arrogant and unable to work cooperatively with others. It’s better to give clear and concise answers to questions, eliminating unnecessary personal information, suggests Paul C. Green, author of “Get Hired! Winning Strategies to Ace the Interview” (SkilFast, $16.95).

“Most interviewers will see over-talking as self-indulgence, insecurity or an attempt to control the interview,” Green writes. “You should be alert to the interviewer’s subtle clues and respond to his or her specific need for information. If your answers are too long and too detailed, the interviewer may, at best, think you cannot distinguish the important from the trivial; at worst, label you a ‘motor mouth.’ ”

Nervous ticks say ‘I’m an unfocused employee.’

Ticks such as drumming your fingers, cracking your knuckles, shaking your foot or rubbing your neck could make you appear like a future employee who won’t be able to stay focused and composed under pressure.

To break your habits, concentrate on being relaxed and sitting up straight, and lean slightly forward in your chair to project interest and engagement in your interaction with the interviewer. Show your enthusiasm by keeping an interested expression, nodding and making positive gestures in moderation.

Dressing too conservatively says ‘I’ve got a drab personality.’

While many suggest going conservative when picking an outfit for the job interview, you don’t want to go overboard and project a boring personality. Instead, pick out something that’s both fashionable and tasteful to show off your true self.

“Commanding respect is especially key to executive style and those who inspire it, but that doesn’t require a wardrobe of boring suits,” says Sherrie Mathieson, a corporate style consultant. “In today’s society, if you dress old, people are going to assume that you think old. But when you see someone dressed in a modern, hip fashion, you presume they’re up on today’s world. It’s as compelling as it is attractive.”

‘Dead fish’ handshake says ‘I lack confidence in landing the job.’

Avoid a weak handshake by confidently – but not too firmly – grasping the interviewer’s hand while making eye contact and saying hello. After the interview, make sure your goodbye handshake is just as self-confident as it was going in. Keep yourself poised while you walk through the office building, into the elevator and onto the street. Once you’re a safe distance away, it’s OK to exhale and relax.

Tribune News Service