During an interview, your body talks. Believe it or not, proper body language during a job interview can make a huge difference with your performance and the interviewer’s impression of you. While your words, skills and experience are important as well, body language can influence people’s perception of you without them even realizing it. You want to seem focused, yet relaxed. Confident, but not arrogant. Here are some job interview body language tips that can make or break your next career move:
1) Posture and seating
It’s important to sit up straight, and all the way back in your chair. This can make you appear more self-assured and intelligent. Don’t hunch your shoulders but have them lowered and avoid pushing out your chest (you don’t want to seem too rigid). Lean forward slightly at times to appear interested, but don’t lean so far that you invade the interviewer’s personal space. And whatever you do, do not keep your arms crossed, that can make you appear closed off and unreceptive. Overall, keep your body loose and remain as relaxed as possible.
2) Head
For proper body language during a job interview, keep your head up and stare straight ahead. Avoid making direct eye contact though, this can appear threatening and make the interviewer uncomfortable. Look at the person’s entire face (eyes, nose chin). If there are other people in the room, take turns looking at each person. Nod to indicate you are engaged and listening. Smile normally, but don’t overdo it to the point where it seems superficial.
3) Hands
One of the job interview body language tips that can make you appear more trustworthy is keeping your hands slightly bent by your side and folded in front of you. When you speak, use hand gestures but make sure they aren’t overly exaggerated. Avoid nervous habits such as touching your face or hair and biting your nails.
4) Handshake
One of the job interview body language tips that can make a memorable impression is shaking hands at the beginning and end of your interview. This creates a bond with the interviewer and can cut the tension in the room. A good handshake is firm, but too tight and rigid. Look the interviewer in the eye when shaking hands and smile.
5) Legs
For proper body language during an interview, keep your feet firmly on the ground. Do your best to avoid crossing your ankles if that feels uncomfortable since it can impact posture. Instead, cross your legs if you have to. This can help your posture and make you appear more confident and attentive.
6) Voice
When you speak, keep your voice steady and remember to breathe. Keep an even tone and inhale before you say something, exhaling as you say it.
7) Walk
For proper body language during an interview, walk in and out with energy and confidence. Keep your head up and body tall. Smile and make eye contact with those in the room. Your entrance and exit can make or break the entire interview.
Author: Jessica Cody
Jessica Cody, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, has a background in online marketing and public relations. Currently, she works at VHMNetwork LLC in the role of Marketing Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she studied Journalism and Political Science. She is also an avid runner with a passion for the outdoors.
