Landing your dream job requires more than just a polished resume and a strong cover letter. Once you’ve secured the interview, it’s time to focus on how you present yourself—because how you communicate nonverbally can be just as important as what you say.
Body language is a critical aspect of communication during a job interview. It’s not just your answers that matter, but how you deliver them. How you sit, make eye contact, and even shake hands can influence how potential employers perceive you. To make sure you’re sending the right message, we’ve compiled eight body language tips to help you ace your next job interview.
What Is Body Language and Why Is It Important in an Interview?
Body language refers to the nonverbal cues you give off through posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. During an interview, body language can either enhance or detract from your overall impression.
Interviewers make hundreds of snap judgments based on body language and vocal delivery, which affect whether they like, trust, and respect someone. In fact, studies show that body language accounts for 55% of how we are perceived, compared to just 7% for spoken words.
While your resume got you the interview, your body language will help determine whether you’re perceived as confident, professional, and personable enough for the job. Here’s how you can use body language to your advantage.
8 Body Language Tips for Your Next Interview
1. Make a Solid First Impression
The interview process begins the moment you walk through the door. Greet everyone you meet—whether it’s the receptionist or the hiring manager—with confidence and professionalism. When entering the interview room, make strong eye contact, smile, and give a firm handshake. First impressions count, and your initial body language can set the tone for the entire interview.
Avoid hunching over or nervously fiddling with your phone while waiting. Instead, sit upright and exude calm confidence.
2. Think Twice Before Wearing New Shoes
Feeling physically uncomfortable during an interview can lead to unnecessary fidgeting. While it’s tempting to wear brand-new shoes or clothes to impress, make sure you’re comfortable in your outfit. Constant adjustments to your clothing can be distracting and may signal discomfort.
3. Maintain Eye Contact
Eye contact is one of the most important elements of effective communication. It demonstrates confidence and attentiveness. When answering questions, look directly at your interviewer to establish rapport.
However, don’t overdo it—maintaining eye contact without any variation can feel more like staring, which can make the interviewer uncomfortable. The goal is to find a balance that shows you’re engaged without being intense.
4. Be Responsive and Listen Actively
Listening attentively is just as important as giving good answers. Lean slightly forward to show interest, and nod or smile when appropriate. These small gestures can help create a connection with the interviewer and demonstrate that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.
On the flip side, fidgeting, looking around the room, or constantly checking the time can signal disinterest.
5. Be Aware of Your Posture
Good posture conveys confidence and professionalism. Slouching can make you seem disinterested or unsure, while sitting too stiffly can suggest nervousness. Aim for a comfortable, upright posture with your shoulders relaxed. When listening or responding, lean slightly forward to show engagement, but avoid crossing your arms, as this can seem defensive.
6. Mind Your Hands
Using hand gestures can help emphasize your points, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much gesturing can be distracting. If gesturing comes naturally to you, don’t feel the need to stifle it entirely—just keep your movements controlled and purposeful.
When not speaking, rest your hands on the table or in your lap to prevent fidgeting.
7. Finish Strong
Just as first impressions are crucial, so are last impressions. As the interview ends, stand up straight, make eye contact, smile, and shake hands firmly while thanking the interviewer for their time. Maintain your composure until you’ve exited the building, as every interaction could still be observed.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
If these tips don’t come naturally to you, practice! Set up a mock interview with a friend or in front of a mirror. Practice maintaining eye contact, keeping good posture, and using hand gestures naturally. The more you rehearse, the more comfortable you’ll feel, and the better your body language will be during the real interview.
What About Remote Interviews?
Virtual interviews present a unique challenge because nonverbal cues are harder to communicate through a screen. However, many of the same principles still apply:
- Check Your Setup: Make sure your camera is positioned so you’re framed well and sitting upright. Adjust the lighting to ensure your face is clearly visible.
- Simulate Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera rather than at your screen. This mimics eye contact and helps create a stronger connection.
- Minimize Fidgeting: Just like in an in-person interview, avoid fidgeting, as it can be even more distracting when magnified on camera.
- Use Hand Gestures Wisely: If you typically gesture while speaking, keep doing so, but make sure your hands remain visible in the frame. Gesturing can help make your points more dynamic and engaging, even in a virtual setting.
Final Thoughts
Body language plays a crucial role in how you’re perceived during a job interview. While your resume and answers are important, the way you carry yourself nonverbally can make or break your chances of landing the job. Remember to project confidence through eye contact, posture, and appropriate gestures, while avoiding common pitfalls like fidgeting and slouching.
By being mindful of your body language and practicing ahead of time, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive, lasting impression on your interviewer.
