Jobs: In job interviews, what you say is only one part of the story; the second is how you move your body and gesture yourself to craft a favourable image to win over the interviewer. This article will discuss the intricacies of body movement and non-verbal communication, allowing you to project confidence and professionalism in an interview.
Body Language To Win At Interviews
While your words are working, your body can work for you too!
Make a strong first impression
Understand the impact of that first initial handshake and your eye contact with the interviewer. This, along with an upright posture, will convey a sense of confidence that will indicate to the interviewer you know what you are talking about and 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. They will relax almost immediately if you are mirroring their energy and not contrasting it by being too relaxed or firm.
Show openness with your posture
Maintain an open and relaxed posture to convey a sense of approachability. Avoid crossing your arms, as this physically distances you from the interviewer. Open body language signals a willingness to communicate and collaborate.
Use gestures thoughtfully
integrate personal gestures to emphasise points you want to be taken seriously. However, be sure to avoid excessive or distracting movements. Strategic movement can enhance a message, while excessiveness can be conveyed as nervousness.
Leverage eye contact for connection
Always maintain good eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview. This demonstrates confidence in your abilities that will come across advantageously; however, do not make eye contact that is too intense or that may intimidate the interviewer.
Control nervous habits
Make sure that your nervous habits do not come out in this stressful environment. They immediately break any confidence you may try to achieve in the interview. This does not mean you must appear rigid and stiff, but maintain a cool attitude.
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.
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 to showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Express positivity with facial expressions
Whenever the interviewer employs humour and positive speech, you must react accordingly. This showcases that you will be a fun and positive team member. You can convey this with your facial expressions and active listening.
Assess and adapt 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.
Mind Your (Body) Language
Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on power posing explores how body language can shape how we feel about ourselves. She suggests that adopting high-power poses (open, expansive postures) for just two minutes can increase confidence and reduce stress. These poses supposedly raise testosterone levels (linked to power) and lower cortisol (a stress hormone), making us feel more assertive and in control.
Criticisms
The controversy surrounding Amy Cuddy’s power-posing research arose after her initial findings faced scrutiny. The original study claimed that adopting power poses could change hormone levels—raising testosterone and lowering cortisol—boosting confidence and reducing stress. However, several follow-up studies failed to replicate these hormonal effects, casting doubt on the scientific validity of these claims.
In the mystical 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.
