Understanding Body Language for Interview

Here are a few tips to make a dubious impression on an interviewer:

Always have a weak handshake. And make sure it lasts only for a second. Never maintain eye contact. Slump into your seat immediately after the handshake. If the interviewer asks a tough question, make sure you crack your knuckles before you answer.

Your appearance speaks volumes – it is not just about your dressing style, but also your ability to carry the dress that matters. Wrong body language can send an incorrect signal, and even if you answer all the questions correctly, it may not create a positive impact.

Job Interview Body Language Tips

If you want to create an excellent first impression in your next job interview, here are a few tips to improve your job interview performance.

Before the interview

Always maintain a good posture even when you are in the waiting area. Keep your chin parallel to the ground and maintain a straight back. Remember, even if you don’t meet the interviewer, there may be your potential future co-workers or the receptionist watching your every move.

Keep your briefcase on the left of your chair while sitting down in the waiting area. This will avoid any awkwardness if you have to shake the hands of the interviewer in the reception.

The Interview Kick-Off: The Handshake

The handshake is the smallest physical contact you will have with the interviewer. And this is the ideal way to make a good first impression. Don’t make a limp fish handshake or a bone crushing one. It should be a firm handshake. Make sure you smile and make eye contact.

During the Interview

Although your first impression will speak volumes, your conversation with the interviewer is also crucial. Take a brief few seconds to think of your answer quickly. Your stance also plays an essential role while answering. Try to maintain the following body languages while answering the interviewer:

Posture and Sitting Style

Never slump while sitting in an interview. Always maintain a straight back. Try to lean forward slightly to show that you are interested. Don’t recline back because it will seem you are disinterested and bored.

Don’t place your arms or keep them crossed on your lap. It shows that you are nervous and defensive. Your goal should be to show confidence instead of indicating nervousness.

Tip: if you have different seating options, such as cushioned chairs, couches, or a straight-backed chair, always go for the straight chair. This will allow you to sit straight instead of slouching.

Avoid crossing your legs

Don’t cross your legs while sitting. If you are in for a long interview, you may have to cross them later. That is why it is better to not cross your legs at the start of the interview.

Suppress restless habits

If you have a habit of tapping your legs, twirling your hair, cracking your knuckles, or biting your nails, stop them immediately once you enter the interview room. These look very unprofessional and make you look nervous. Experts consider them as impolite behavior.

Use your hands

Do you usually talk with your hands? If you do, don’t stop yourself. The interviewer should see the real you, not someone who suppresses their habits.

Eye contact

Make it a thumb rule to maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Avoiding eye contact makes you look distant and untrustworthy. It may also indicate that you are fabricating your answers and being dishonest. Try to balance your eye contact. Make sure you make eye contact when the interviewer asks questions and while answering them. It is almost like chatting with your friend. Follow that kind of eye contact with the interviewer.