Actions speak louder than words. These 7 body language interview tips by GoApti will ensure that your behavior and gestures are in sync with your verbal communication.
Have you faced a job interview where you answered all the questions but got rejected despite being perfectly qualified for the job?
Well, the answer could lie in your body language. Recent studies suggest that only 7% of the communication is about the actual words you say, 38% is dedicated to vocal elements such as your intonation, and the remaining 55% is your non-verbal actions. Elements like your facial expression, gestures, and posture form the non-verbal aspect of communication.
This article delves into the messages you have been sending out in interviews through your body language. It also provides 7 tips related to body language. The tips will help you create a positive impression on the interviewer.
1. Adopt and maintain a healthy body posture.
Have you paid attention to your body posture? We slouch or slide down the chair more often than we like. And interviews are no exception. Slouching in front of the interviewer puts you in a negative light. You may be perceived as being too relaxed, or not serious enough for the interview.
Instead, open up your body and avoid crossing your legs or folding your arms. Engage from your waist by moving slightly forward; this gesture shows the interviewer that you’re interested in the conversation.
2. Appear calm and relaxed.
“You need to be calm and easy-going so that the interviewer can gauge you from your body language. This is one of the most important body language tips.”
If you are giggling a lot, continuously changing your sitting instance, fidgeting with your thumbs, or playing with a button on your shirt or the ring on your finger, you appear anxious and nervous. The interviewer will interpret this as a sign of low confidence and your inability to keep up with the conversation. A suggestion is to slow down your breathing; this technique will stabilize your heart rate, leaving you relaxed and calm.
3. Use appropriate hand gestures.
Keep your hand gestures steady and use them only to emphasize a point.
- Palm upwards signifies that what you’re saying is honest and trustworthy.
- Touching your heart signifies that what you’re saying is genuine.
- Steepling is a sign of confidence.
- Clasping your hands is a sign of self-comfort and anxiety, so make sure you avoid it.
Know more about body language and what famous people say about body language.
4. Mirror the interviewer.
Mirroring the interviewer is an effective technique, but it needs to be done very subtly. Wait for ten seconds before you mirror hand movements or positive gestures. You can also reuse the interviewer’s speech – his or her vocabulary, jargon, the volume of the speech, etc. People trust those similar to them, don’t they? Using the idea of mirroring actions, you’re more likely to build rapport with the interviewing panel.
Want to ensure your interview goes flawless? Then read about the 37 Job Interview Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make
5. Get your eye contact right.
“Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t turn into a game of staring though.”
Interviewees often avoid the gaze of the interviewer and look everywhere else. By looking at the interviewer’s eyes, you exude confidence. Instead of staring at the interviewer, alternate gazes at the left eye, the right eye, and then at the mouth every three seconds or so should do. Just enough to see the color of the interviewer’s eyes
If there are multiple interviewers, make sure you look at everybody but focus a bit more on the person who is asking you the question, or speaking to you.
6. Don’t lie.
“If you are lying and making up stories, your body language will reveal it all.”
Body signals that may indicate you are lying include not touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, ears, and sideburns. These signs suggest to the interviewer that you are being dishonest.
7. Master your handshake.
Handshake is an obvious one but many people get it wrong. It is the unspoken action that initiates a conversation in any social or professional setting. Too firm and you will appear dominant, and if the grip is too weak, you’ll exhibit low confidence. Instead, initiate the handshake, match the interviewer’s grip, smile for two seconds, and say out the person’s name.
These body language tips should serve you well for your next interview.
Are you aware of other body language interview tips and tricks? What other important interview questions would like to share? Do comment.
