5 tips for body language in a job interview

We all know there is truth in that old saying: our actions speak louder than our words. That proves to be especially true in the context of a job interview. Recruiters and Human Resources professionals are experts when it comes to noticing those subtle nuances that seem almost unnoticeable for most, but reveal a lot about us.  

There are many things we can show through our body language in a job interview. If there is a situation when you don’t want your subconscious to give you away, that is when you are in front of an interviewer. At T2W we are experts in the recruitment process and we can help you have a better non-verbal communication while applying for a job. 

Importance of body language in an interview 

Thinking that words are the only thing people use to convey messages is a mistake. In fact, recent research reveals that in human communication only 7% happens with the use of verbal language. The tome of the voice has a 38% of relevance and, believe it or not, body language has the remaining 55%. 

That is an example of the great importance of the body language in our daily interactions. However, a job interview is a more complex situation. That is a scenario when our emotions and fears can expose our subconscious. As a result, knowing and controlling our body language is even more important here. Let’s take a look at some of the actions you need to master. 

1. Smiling while greeting 

When it comes to job interviews, the first impression is very important. For that reason, you have to be very careful with your greeting in a job interview. The best way to have a first approach to the interviewer is having a genuine smile while greeting and giving a firm handshake. Smiling naturally shows cordiality and a firm handshake expresses confidence and trustworthiness. It can help you stand out over the rest. 

On the other hand, that also speaks about your interpersonal skills, which is one of the most important soft skills for organizations. Keep in mind that most job positions require working in teams. Therefore, friendliness and good communication will be evaluated from the moment the interview begins. 

2. The posture while sitting down 

Right after greeting each other and before the interview begins; the recruiter will invite you to take a sit. Here, your posture during interview will be very important. In general, most of the candidates usually slouch over the chair, which make them look smaller. Something similar happens when the applicants lean backwards over the back of the chair. That seems like they are moving away from the interviewer. Both are clear signs of fear and tension. 

On the other side, if your posture is too relaxed, you look like you are not taking the situation seriously enough. To avoid all those mistakes, you need to sit and keep the back straight and always facing the interviewer. This way, your body language shows that you are paying full attention to the person in front of you and that you are interested in the interview. 

3. The use of the hands 

The hands are another aspect that reveals a lot about you. How to use your hands in an interview? Well, hiding them indicates that you are hiding something or that you are not being completely honest. Avoid at all costs having your hands in the pockets or keeping them behind you. Additionally, try not to interlock your fingers or playing with them since it shows nervousness. 

What you should do with your hands in that situation is using them to emphasize your ideas while answering some of the common questions in a job interview. When you move them, do it softly and without sudden movements. Also, try to show your palms while talking since it is a sign of sincerity. 

4. The excessive movement 

Some candidates can look relaxed at the beginning, but in the middle of the interview they start moving a foot or a leg persistently. That shows anxiety or unease. Other times, some applicants change their posture frequently: They begin sitting straight, then cross the legs, after that they lean on the chair and so on throughout the interview. 

The excessive movement in a part of the body or the constant change in postures is a sign of tension. To avoid that problem, your breathing is a key aspect. Breathing slowly and deep allows you to slow your heart rate and to be more relaxed. Once you are sat, avoid moving and if you do, do it softly and not often. 

5. The visual contact 

A common mistake for candidates is not making visual contact with the interviewer. That shows insecurity. The same happens when you look down while talking, since that is a sign of not telling the truth. Looking at the eyes indicates honesty. However. Staring at the interviewer can also be negative and make you seem aggressive. 

It’s best to keep casual eye contact. To do that, you can alternate your gaze between different parts of the interviewer’s face without staring. Additionally, you can break the visual contact occasionally, but you have to look at the person again while listening or answering a question. 

These are the best actions to have a good non-verbal communication in an interview. Practice in advance all of these aspects and you will have a better performance in your next interview. 

At Talent2Win, we strive to align your company’s business objectives with the best Talent Acquisition strategies available. If you want to learn more about the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us.