A Guide to Mastering Body Language and Movement in Job Interviews
What you say in job interviews is only one part of the story; the second part of a successful job interview is how you communicate with your face and body. Your face and body speak all the time – whether you like it or not!
Their non-verbal communication tells the truth and could be an unhelpful contrast to the messages your voice and words are sending. Your interviewers will almost certainly notice – no matter how good a liar you think you are!
This article is a taster of the intricacies of body language and non-verbal communication, giving you an insight into how to project confidence and professionalism in an interview.
Make a strong first impression
Understand the impact of that all-important first handshake (confident, dry, firm – not wimpy, wet, floppy) and your eye contact with the interviewer. This, along with an upright, non-slouchy posture, will convey a sense of confidence that will indicate to the interviewer you know what you are talking about and understand what you bring to the table.
Mirror the interviewer’s energy
Pay close attention to the interviewer’s energy and body language. You can establish a rapport and aid in communication by mirroring the interviewer’s body language.
Showcase openness with your posture
Maintain an open and relaxed posture – both adjectives matter! Avoid crossing your arms, as this physically distances you from the interviewer. Open body language signals a willingness to communicate and collaborate. Lean forward enough to show enthusiasm – but not too much, or you may appear desperate. Reclining like a mafia boss works for mafia bosses.
Use gestures thoughtfully
integrate personal gestures to emphasise points you want to be taken seriously. However, be sure to avoid excessive or distracting movements. Shaky knees and tapping fingers can distract, annoy or be misinterpreted. Strategic movement can enhance a message, while excessive can be conveyed as nervousness or deceit.
Leverage eye contact for connection
Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview. This demonstrates confidence. Avoid weird or inappropriate eye contact that may be too intense, intimidating, or worse.
Control nervous habits
Ensure your nervous habits do not come out in this stressful environment. They immediately break any facade of confidence you are trying to achieve in the interview.
Demonstrate active listening
Show keen and aware facial expressions demonstrating your active listening and enthusiasm. Smile, raise an eyebrow when interested and always appear to be paying close and active attention to any information given to you by the interviewer. No facial reaction is a killer.
Calibrate your tone of voice
Pay attention to your tone of voice, pitch and speed of speech. Speak clearly and concisely, but not too slowly. Speak confidently but without babbling to showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Express positivity with facial expressions
Whenever the interviewer employs humour, you must react. Show with your facial expressions that you will be a fun and positive team member and actively listen and appreciate their words and intent.
Assess and adapt your body language during the interview:
Remain attuned to the interviewer’s reactions and adjust your body accordingly. If you sense disinterest, consider recalibrating to regain the lost attention.
In the dance of job interviews, how you act is just as important as what you say. Confidence is key to creating a good first impression with your potential employer, so remain cool, calm and collected.
Interesting reading: Learning to decode body language is powerful and one of the most important nonverbal communication skills.
What is your hit rate at interviews? What about your CV hit rate? Could your career do with some interview coaching? Whether this is your first real interview, a career changer or looking for a promotion… you can take proactive steps to improve your chances of getting that job!