How Important is Body Language in an Interview?

What you say in a job interview is important. Most candidates prepare for an interview to come up with good answers to common interview questions. Did you know that what you say in an interview with your words is only one part of the interview process? Another criterion used in an interview to measure your answers is your body language. How the interviewer perceives your body language will help determine if you receive a lucrative job offer or not. Without an offer, the job search will continue, and you will, no doubt, fill out more job applications.

Body language is how we nonverbally communicate with one another. Body language includes things like posture, facial expressions, or hand gestures. Understanding and interpreting other people’s body language can help you pick up on unspoken issues or feelings. This is sometimes called picking up on social cues. Even those that are not trained to understand body language can pick up tone and connections through it. If you know some basics about how to translate someone’s body language, this can give you an advantage when interviewing. This information along with self-awareness can help you understand what to do and what not to do.

Understanding body language enables better self-awareness and self-control. When we learn and understand body language as a non-verbal communication, we are more able to refine and improve what our body says about us. This generates a positive improvement in how we feel, perform, and achieve. Additionally, knowing about body language enables us to clearly view our own feelings and understand others.

In fact, our reactions to others’ eye movements, focus, and expression contribute greatly to mutual assessment and understanding, both consciously and unconsciously. Without words, feelings can be conveyed in a single glance. Let’s consider applying this to an everyday activity we all do.

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you had to text without the use of emojis or reactions. Doing this would make it more difficult to know how the other person feels or the tone of their texting. Similarly, we use body language to communicate our feelings and intentions to others without using words. In general, communications through text messages are already challenging because you can’t see the person’s facial expressions and gestures, or hear their tone of voice the same as you would in a face-to-face conversation. In text messages, emojis and reactions help us communicate emotion or tone which is comparable to when we communicate non-verbally in body language.

Consider a time when you spoke to someone and knew right away whether they were interested in what you had to say. Do you recall if there was a particular way you came to that conclusion? Perhaps it was the way they were sitting, or the look in their eyes, an expression on their face, or it might have been the responses they gave you when you asked them questions. When you interview, your interviewer will draw the same conclusions after paying attention to all the nonverbal cues you produce in the time that you share together. They will evaluate your body language as much as what you have to say.

In an interview, body language is key because it helps the interviewer understand whether you are a good fit for their role in a relatively short period of time. Since body language is such an important part of this process, you should understand what you should and shouldn’t do. You may have heard the saying “actions speak louder than words”. What this is telling you is, no matter what you say in words, your actions and what you do will be more prominent. It makes no sense to say that you are pleased to meet someone if you roll your eyes at them. You would be sending a mixed signal.

Examples of body language to avoid in an interview that give the impression you are anxious or bored:

• Repeatedly crossing and uncrossing your legs or arms
• Playing with your hair
• Touching your face
• Scratching
• Playing with a button or pen
• Bold gesturing

The use of body language is essential to human communication. There are two aspects of body language: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary body language is comprised of movements, gestures, and poses that a person makes with full or partial intention. For example, smiling or hand movements are voluntary.

Involuntary body language often takes the form of a facial expression. For example, when you raise an eyebrow when told something, this may show skepticism about what you were told. You may not even notice you raised your eyebrow. When we are nervous, this may become more common. Many involuntary mannerisms are not done intentionally and are triggered by nervousness. Unfortunately, those negative facial expressions are often what leaves a bad impression on an interviewer.  

It is easy to communicate with both positive and negative body language without even realizing it. There are proven techniques that can help you avoid these mannerisms during an interview with practice. I highly recommend you invest in a good career coach to help you with interview preparation. Career coaches conduct mock interviews, provide feedback on your body language, and help you practice having stellar interview skills.

Here are 5 proven ways to improve your body language to make it more positive in an interview:

1. Make a solid first impression with a firm handshake, but be mindful it is not too strong, or hand-crushing. This sends a signal of confidence and friendliness.

2. Make eye contact with a smile. This sends the message that you are engaged and listening.

3. Keep your arms open and uncrossed. This will communicate a warm and friendly message.

4. Have good posture. Sit tall with your back against the back of the seat. This will communicate a message of confidence.

5. Lean in when talking or listening. This will show that you are comfortable, interested, and confident.

In conclusion, one of the most beneficial things you can do to prepare for your next interview is to learn more about body language. The influence you have on others can impact your reputation and credibility in the business world. Do not let unexpected and negative body language sabotage your chances of landing the perfect role. Remember – your best weapon against nervousness is preparedness. Find your rhythm at work and be authentically you!

I hope these tips help your interview body language. Feel free to reach out if you need more guidance.

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