The best body language tips to impress the interviewer!

Acing an interview involves many factors: a stellar resume, an eye-catching cover letter, polished business email etiquette and well-structured and thought-out answers to interview questions all play a part.

However, there are nonverbal cues you need to master to make a great impression during a job interview. For example, your interview outfit can help you impact the result of your job interview (both positively or negatively). 

Similarly, your body language during an interview tells more about you than you may imagine. Therefore, recruiters will pay attention to how you look and act as soon as you cross the office entrance.

We want to give you a proper definition before teaching you how to display appropriate manners and body language for an interview. 

Body language refers to how we communicate and express ourselves by using different gestures and our bodies. It includes all nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, eye contact, and even posture (stop slouching during an interview!). 

Most of the aforementioned nonverbal cues are things that sometimes we unconsciously do. Therefore, you have to train yourself to pay attention to them and show good body language in an interview. 

How we communicate is vital in any human interaction. A professional body language can pique the recruiter’s interest in you and let them know you take this interview seriously. In contrast, bad body language in an interview can harm your chances of getting the position. 

Different movements and postures indicate various emotions. Therefore, the importance of body language in an interview is something you should not take lightly. Having good body language in an interview helps avoid distracting the recruiter by the way you look and focus on your qualification for the role. 

Using the appropriate body language for an interview will ensure your message gets across in the way you intended. There will be a higher chance of you getting a call-back.

When it comes to a job interview, body language is much more than shaking hands confidently. Many other nonverbal cues can affect your application and make it go either way. If you want to project your best in the next interview you go to, read the following interview body language tips:

✅ Make eye contact.

Nonverbal communication is vital in an interview. Most recruiters agree that balancing eye contact during an interview is an important skill. Too much eye contact comes off as aggressive and intense, whereas the lack of it might indicate avoidance or, worse, dishonesty. 

It is one of the nonverbal cues that interviewees have the most issues controlling. How much is good enough? Think of a regular conversation with friends. It is okay to let your eyes wander. 

However, here’s a simple trick you can try: establish the connection at the beginning and end of your answers to connect with the recruiters.

Another tip to mind when making eye contact in an interview is to consider every person in the room. Sometimes you will have more than one interviewee. 

Start answering every question by looking at the person who asked it, but do not forget to look at the other recruiters to include them in the conversation.

✅ Sit up straight.

Yes, when it comes to the interview body language, you even need to know how to sit in an interview to maximize your chances. For example, sitting straight with your chin up and your shoulders back is a sign of confidence. On the other hand, slouching is too casual body language for an interview.

Keep an upright posture from the moment you enter the waiting room to show professional body language. Remember that slouching is bad body language in an interview. It transmits laziness and not enough interest in the position. However, avoid presenting yourself too stiff. Otherwise, you will come across as nervous or uncomfortable. 

Another body language tip to avoid being too stiff is to lean forward slightly when recruiters ask questions. It shows your interest and is much more engaging. Little details can do much for you when showing good body language in an interview.

✅ Pay attention to your hands.

Your hands play a major part in how recruiters see your nonverbal cues. Too many crazy movements will make it evident that you are nervous and maybe not prepared. Alternatively, not making any movements whatsoever might make your delivery somewhat robotic and unnatural.

Never bite your nails if you want to show professional body language. Similarly, avoid erratic movements and clenching your fist. It might distract recruiters from your answer.

Another good body language tip is letting your hands rest when you are not talking. You can let them rest over the table in front of where you are sitting (However, do not put your elbows on the table). Alternatively, you can rest them on your lap. 

It is normal to feel self-conscious about your hands during a job interview. Just remember that good interview body language is natural. Try including movements that feel natural to you rather than rehearsing a complicated routine. 

✅ Be responsive.

Showing the other party that you are interested in what they say is one of the most important nonverbal cues while interacting with anyone. Therefore you have to be attentive to what the recruiters tell you and react accordingly.

Sure, in an interview, you want to show the interviewer as much about yourself as possible. Nonetheless, that does not mean it should be your monologue. Therefore, appropriate manners and body language for an interview include pausing to allow the other person to share their ideas. 

Nonverbal communication interview techniques like mindful listening allow recruiters to understand your interpersonal skills. Among many body language tips, we recommend you to nod your head when the recruiter speaks to show your interest. A friendly smile can also be a sign of approachability. 

✅ Don’t fidget.

Moving your hands too much is not the only sign of bad body language in an interview; to illustrate, fidgeting during the interview can make the interviewers think you are unprepared or too anxious about the interview. 

Fidgeting includes small movements like tapping your fingers on the table, playing with one’s hair or objects such as pens, tapping your foot, and shifting your weight constantly.  

According to body language professionals, fidgeting is a nonverbal cue that shows frustration, boredom, or nervousness. Therefore, try your best to remain calm. 

✅ Smile a little.

Among the nonverbal cues we have mentioned, nothing says positivity as an appropriate smile. 

Improve your interview body language by smiling when appropriate. You might have to learn how to read the room to know when it is okay to do it and when to avoid doing it. 

Once again, never be too extreme so you can maintain professional body language. Try not to smile timidly, as you come across as scared. Alternatively, exaggerating your smile is also bad body language in an interview.

✅ Mind your personal belongings.

Body language during an interview extends to how you manage your belongings. Please, do not leave your things around carelessly. You do not want to look messy after all.

Moreover, make sure you can quickly access any item you carry to avoid awkward interactions when greeting the recruiters or exiting the room. You can set the objects by your side (either on the floor or on an empty chair if there are any available).

Another body language tip about items is to organize your documents before going to the interview. Make sure to set any important documents, such as copies of resumes and portfolios, in an easy-to-reach place to avoid wasting any time fishing them in your bag or briefcase.

✅ Practice your interview body language beforehand.

You will want to practice if you understand the importance of body language in an interview. After all, showcasing good body language in an interview can help you obtain what you desire. 

Nothing can help you feel more comfortable about your professional body language than practicing. For example, if you regularly find yourself fidgeting, you should spend some time understanding what triggers it so you can avoid it and consciously control your movements. 

You can ask your friends to practice with you. Do a mock interview with them and ask them if you maintain good eye contact for an interview. Similarly, practice your handshake and reactions. 

You can even use a mirror or your computer’s camera if you can’t find anyone to practice your body language for an interview with. Find which sitting position feels more natural and comfortable. Be attentive to your hand movements to decide if you need to adjust anything to show appropriate manners and body language for an interview.

--- Originally written by Roger Rene Ortega Figueroa ---