In any form of communication, but more importantly, during a job interview, we communicate with our body at least as much as we do with our words, which is why we gathered the most effective body language job interview tips to share with you in this article.
The recruiter will be forming an impression of you, in large part, based on your nonverbal clues. So, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired, read this article, as we have collected the best body language job interview tips that have proved useful in our experience to help you in your job quest.
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that can convey feelings and subtext to another person.
- You may improve your chances of getting the job by practicing your body language beforehand, wearing comfortable clothing, and making sure you walk in confidently, with your head held high.
- Body language tips for interviews include keeping a good posture, making eye contact, limiting hand movements, demonstrating listening skills, moderating your voice and intonation, smiling, and adopting the mirroring technique.
- Tapping items with your fingers, toying with stuff, crossing legs and arms, and slouching are just a few of the bad body language choices for a job interview.
What is Body Language?
By using appropriate body language, you can express your emotions and add nuance to your spoken words.
Examples of body language include behaviors like tilting your head to convey what you’re thinking, gesturing with your hands to show where you’re going, sitting upright to show your alertness and interest, and so on.
According to Mehrabian’s Communication Model, nonverbal cues account for 93% of all information conveyed, while verbal ones account for only 7%. This illustrates that one’s body language, rather than one’s words and tone, plays a more significant role in conveying genuine feelings.
Why is Body Language Important During an Interview?
Maintaining appropriate body language during an interview is crucial since it conveys a great deal about who you are to the interviewer.
A candidate’s body language can reveal a lot about them, including how confident or interested they are in the position, their level of anxiety, and so on.
Bad body language in an interview can reduce your chances of getting the job. Nail biting is one form of negative body language that conveys anxiety, as is fiddling with one’s hair or jewelry.
Body Language Tips Before the Interview
Taking the following steps before your interview can significantly boost your chances of making a good impression.
#1. Practice
The first thing you can do to prepare for an interview is work on your body language.
Little details like practicing your handshake, smiling, and sitting up straight can have a major impact on your chances of getting the job.
In addition, you may find and practice responses to several types of interview questions online, such as those used in sales, leadership, customer service, and situational interviews.
As you become more confident in your responses, your body language will likely improve in proportion to that. Pay close attention to your body language as you respond to the questions, and adjust as necessary.
Moreover, you might look up suggestions on what to bring to a job interview, as you’ll feel even more calm and confident if you’ve thought of everything you might need.
#2. Wear a Comfortable Outfit
What you put on your body has a profound effect on how you feel. The clothes you wear might give you a sense of confidence or make you feel inferior.
That’s why, during a job interview, it’s critical to dress in a way that makes you feel confident and capable. Wearing something that is comfortable is also crucial. When being interviewed, the last thing you want is to look preoccupied with little discomforts like an itchy collar or tight sleeves.
Remember that there may be a strict dress code for some interviews, so make sure to do thorough research beforehand.
You can research any other requirements on the company’s website if the recruiter’s email doesn’t provide enough information.
#3. Be Mindful of Your Entrance
The first point of contact with the interviewers will likely be the moment you walk in, and the way you walk in contributes greatly to forming the first impression.
If you walk into the interview room with a slouchy posture or very slowly, the interviewer may get the impression that you are not serious about the position.
If, on the other hand, you’re uptight and rush in, your haste might be interpreted as anxiety and a desire to get it over with.
Entering a room should be done at a moderate pace and with an upright stance; you should also smile and say good morning or another acceptable greeting.
Body Language Tips During The Interview
Now that you know what to do before the interview, we can go on to discuss effective body language tips you can apply throughout the interview.
#1. Maintain Your Posture
If you want to make a good first impression, make sure you walk in with your shoulders back and your head up. And it’s equally important to keep that upright posture throughout the interview.
Keep your back and shoulders straight when seated. Your legs should be about shoulder-width apart at all times. Do not fidget with your hands; instead, rest them casually at your sides.
Everything you’ve done up to this point will show the interviewer that you’re trustworthy, confident, and an experienced professional in your field.
#2. Make Eye Contact
If you’re uncomfortable with making eye contact or think of it negatively, you should know that it really isn’t a problem unless you’re really staring.
In reality, making eye contact will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and interest in what the interviewer has to say, even if you lack the necessary confidence.
#3. Limit Hand Movement
It’s best to use as few hand gestures as possible to convey your thoughts and sentiments.
Too much hand movement can be distracting to the interviewer, but holding your hands still and not moving them at all is also not a good idea, as you may come off as too rigid and uptight.
#4. Demonstrate Your Listening Skills
Interviewers are much more likely to like you if you show interest in what they have to say.
Listening abilities can be displayed by demonstrating interest in what is being said, making relevant comments, answering questions without prompting repetition, and posing your own inquiries.
Respect their space and refrain from interrupting them. Wait for them to finish talking before offering your opinion.
You can also signal that you are paying attention by nodding your head or making attentive expressions with your face.
#5. Pay Attention to Your Voice
Maintain a steady pace while you talk. Don’t stutter or speak too quickly, and keep an eye on your pronunciation and articulation to ensure that the interviewer understands you well.
Mind your tone of voice as well. Try not to sound either boring or excessively enthusiastic, and naturally, you should avoid being too quiet or overly loud. Maintain a natural, steady tone with occasional alterations to convey nuanced feelings.
#6. Smile
Smiling at someone will likely make their day a little bit better and prompt them to return the gesture.
When you smile during an interview, it shows that you have a good attitude and are approachable. The interviewer will likely respond favorably and smile back at you.
There are some additional benefits to smiling, such as an improved mood and less anxiety. So, you will feel more at ease and assured during the interview process.
#7. Use the “Mirroring” Technique
The mirroring technique consists of one person trying to imitate the nonverbal cues of someone else by observing and then mimicking those cues. Using this method, you can better comprehend and empathize with the other person during your interaction.
Using this method in a job interview is great, but you should definitely try to be subtle. Don’t try to copy the interviewer’s nonverbal behavior completely. For instance, if they cross their legs, you can too, but not right away.
Body Language Tips For the End of the Interview
Now that we’ve covered what to do in terms of body language before and during a job interview, let’s talk about what to do afterward.
#1. Exit With Confidence
We’ve talked about how crucial it is to make a strong first impression upon entering the room, but the way you leave can have just as much of an impact, if not more so.
You should walk out of the room confidently with your head held high, no matter how the interview went.
Self-assurance can make or break your chances, as even if the interviewer has doubts about your presentation, you might generate cognitive dissonance by leaving the room looking satisfied and acting as though everything went well.
Body Language Don’ts
Now that we’ve covered the things you should be doing, it’s time to go through the things you should try to avoid, as body language job interview dos and don’ts are both equally important.
- Tap objects with your fingers. You should refrain from tapping your fingers on anything, including your phone. It’s distracting to the interviewer and a clear sign that your nerves are getting the best of you.
- Play with objects. Bad body language also includes fidgeting with one’s hair, jewelry, or anything else. That will only show the interviewer that you are nervous and unable to give your whole attention to the task at hand.
- Cross your legs or arms. Interviewers value candor and openness, so crossing your legs and arms might lead to you coming off as closed off and unapproachable.
- Slouch. Proper posture entails sitting, standing, and walking with your shoulders back and your head up. Hence, watch your posture and try not to slouch. If you slouch during an interview, it gives the impression that you don’t care about the position or the interview itself.
Final Thoughts
This concludes the top 15 body language tips for interviews that should help you ace the next one.
Having the appropriate body language is crucial, as it can reveal a great deal about the candidate, such as their mood, confidence, and much more.
We hope these body language job interview tips will help you prepare for your next interview and feel far less nervous and uncomfortable in the process. Good luck!
