In the chaos of preparing for an interview, making sure your answers are right, rehearsing responses you might overlook one key element: your body language. Yes, being intelligent is important, but body language is equally vital. It works hand in hand with your words.
Think about it…you’ve got the perfect CV and know the likely questions, but if your body language is off, the rest of you is sinking. As they say, communication isn’t always verbal, your body language can speak louder than your CV.
Now, picture this: you walk into an interview room, shoulders back, radiating the right energy. Before you even say a word, you’ve already set the tone. How beautiful is that? Non-verbal delivery isn’t just a bonus skill—it’s a core component of a successful interview. It shapes perceptions, builds connections, and reflects your inner state.
Today, I’ll be sharing body language do’s and don’ts that will speak volumes in your favor.
Why Body Language Is Your Secret Weapon
Interviewers want to remember their candidates positively. Beyond first impressions, body language helps build trust and rapport. When your cues align positively, they help the hiring manager visualize you fitting perfectly into the company culture.
Now you see why I’m hammering on this…don’t let poor body language ruin your path to success.
1. Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal cue that screams confidence and engagement. It shows authenticity and openness. Aim for the 70/30 rule: maintain eye contact 70% of the time when answering questions and 30% when listening. This balance feels natural and avoids awkward staring contests.
2. Facial Expressions: Smile Genuinely
A genuine smile conveys warmth, approachability, and enthusiasm. You’re not just smiling for the sake of it, you’re building connection.
Smile when you greet the interviewer and occasionally during conversation. But avoid overdoing it…excessive smiling or smirking can appear insincere.
3. Sit Up Straight
Want to stand tall and sit strong? Perfect your posture. Sitting up straight with relaxed shoulders signals confidence, openness, and eagerness. Avoid slouching—it can suggest boredom, nervousness, or disinterest. Crossing your arms or legs at the knee can also seem defensive or uptight. Instead, sit back in your chair with both feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed for a natural, confident vibe.
4. Control Your Hand Gestures
Hand gestures can amplify your passion and excitement, but they must be purposeful. Controlled gestures emphasize your points without becoming distracting. Avoid excessive movements, as they can border on fidgeting. Also, steer clear of pointing, it can feel aggressive or off-putting.
5. Handshakes
A handshake sets the tone. A firm (but not crushing) grip communicates confidence and enthusiasm, while a limp handshake can signal nervousness.
A quick notes on handshakes: not everyone feels comfortable with this gesture and that’s totally fine, a confident verbal greeting is your best move and there are many ways to do that. One of the alternative is to offer a warm smile, make an eye contact and give a polite greeting. You can accompany this by placing your hand on your chest. The key is to show you are prepared, intentional and respectful which enforces successful interview outcomes.
6. Mirror the Interviewer
Subtly mirroring the interviewer’s posture or energy level can build trust and rapport. For example, match their enthusiasm without going overboard. But be cautious—over-mirroring can seem like mimicking or mocking, which is a big no-no.
Practice Makes Confidence (Not Perfection)
You don’t need to be perfect…just intentional and authentic. Here are some ways to prepare:
- Self-recording: Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself answering questions. Spot habits like slouching before they become a problem.
- Get feedback: Do a mock interview with a friend or mentor.
- Mindset reframing: Use positive self-talk and affirmations to keep nervousness in check. A calm mind leads to calm, confident body language.
Conclusion
Mastering body language is a game-changer for interview prep. The right nonverbal cues don’t just complement your answers—they amplify them. Small missteps, however, can drown out even the best words. So, before your next interview, practice these tips, walk in with confidence, and let your body language speak volumes. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. Now, go out there and land that job!
