The Exclusive Career Coach 296: The Importance of Body Language in Job Interviews
As a reminder, I will be holding another round of Land Your Dream Job Accelerator in January. If you’re interested or would like to know more, email me at lesa@exclusivecareercoaching.com
Body language, or nonverbal communication, can make or break your interview. No matter what is coming out of your mouth, a trained interviewer will pay attention to what you are saying with your facial expressions, arms, posture, and general demeanor. If what you are saying is at odds with your body language, a trained interviewer will believe your body language.
The caveat here: Be yourself. Take the advice I give in this episode to perhaps move the needle in a few areas, but don’t try to make yourself over completely – you’ll come across as nervous and uncertain, leaving the interviewer confused. And confused people don’t buy.
Here then, are 11 tips for conveying appropriate body language during a job interview:
1. Posture.
Sit or stand up straight – you’ll appear more confident and engaged. Head up, shoulders back, spine straight. Sit back in the chair – you won’t be comfortable perched on the edge of the seat – and don’t slouch or lean to one side.
2. Eye contact.
Maintain almost continuous eye contact with the interviewer when they are speaking – this shows you are actively listening and engaged in the conversation. When you are speaking, you can look away occasionally – as long as you maintain eye contact most of the time. Be careful not to stare too intently, as that can be perceived as aggressive.
3. Smile.
A warm, genuine smile can help you come across as friendly and approachable. Avoid excessive or insincere smiling as it can appear as nervousness.
4. Handshake.
You want to offer a firm, but not bone-crushing, handshake when you first meet the interviewer. Connect thumb joint to thumb joint and pump 1-2 times. Note that a weak or limp handshake can be interpreted as lacking confidence.
5. Hand gestures.
Within reason, your natural hand gestures will appear authentic, and can help emphasize your points and make you seem more animated.
6. Mirroring.
Subtly mirroring the interviewer’s body language, such as matching their verbal pace and tone, can build rapport. Be sure to do this within the range of what is normal for you.
7. Active listening.
Nod your head occasionally and use verbal cues like “I understand” and “that makes sense.” This shows you are actively listening and are engaged in the conversation.
8. Avoid fidgeting.
If you tend to play with your hair when you are nervous, consider wearing it up or in a ponytail. Don’t have a pen in your hand if you tend to click them. Calm that leg of yours that doesn’t stop jiggling when you’re nervous.
9. Dress appropriately.
Dressing well can boost your confidence and create a positive impression. Your clothing should be professional and appropriate for the industry, the job you are applying for, and the company culture.
10. Facial expressions.
Your facial expressions can reveal a lot about your emotions – try to maintain a calm and composed expression. Avoid rolling your eyes or showing signs of frustration.
11.Show enthusiasm.
Your body language should reflect your interest and eagerness – display genuine enthusiasm for the job and the company.
DIY vs. DFY
DIY
My favorite free resource for interview practice is one of the free tools on the internet. Google “free interview practice” and find one you like – there are plenty to choose from, and some of them do charge.
DFY
One of the best ways to correct any body language issues is with mock interviews – you’ll get feedback from the mock interviewer and you’ll be able to see how well you did if the session is recorded.
My interview coaching package includes 2 sessions, both of which use about 20 minutes in character as interviewer and interviewee, with the remaining 40 minutes being for feedback, coaching, and training. We use the first session to determine where the client’s interviewing strengths and weaknesses lie – then I give homework for the second session. In that second session, I ask some of the same questions – particularly those that gave the client trouble in the first session – then throw in some new curveballs.
I see the client’s confidence really shoot up in the second session, as they hear themselves performing better, I am giving them feedback to that effect, and they will be able to watch their improvement on the record.