Tips For Body Language During an Interview

By Aerotek

Succeeding in job interviews isn’t only about your choice of words. Your nonverbal communication plays a major role too. Your posture, eye contact, hand gestures and other movements say a lot about your attitude and confidence level.

Watch the video above on tips for body language during an interview to learn how job seekers can adapt their body language to present the best version of themselves. Read below to see the importance of body language during job interviews.

How much eye contact is normal in an interview?

The proper length of eye contact is around two to four seconds. Less eye contact could go unnoticed — more may make the interviewer uncomfortable.

Making effective eye contact during a job interview indicates that you’re engaged. It signals that you’re a good listener, which is a trait employers look for. Remember to keep job interview eye contact natural. Imagine you’re having a conversation with an old friend.

During an in person, virtual or panel interview - address the person who has asked the question and as you answer make eye contact with everyone participating in the interview. People interpret eye contact as a measure of confidence and honesty.

When participating in a video interview — look directly at the camera, don’t get distracted by your computer background or your surroundings.

How good job interview posture improves nonverbal communication.

While walking into the interview —or sitting during — maintain upright posture and avoid folding your arms or crossing your legs. Good posture signals that you’re confident and open. Having good job interview posture contributes positively to your presentation as a candidate.

According to LinkedIn, good job interview posture helps a person appear confident and powerful and it helps promote a good attitude. For both in-person and video interviews, make sure your posture is upright and engaged. Avoid slouching or leaning too far back in your seat.

Mirroring during interviews

Mirroring your interviewer’s verbal and nonverbal behavior indicates that you’re interested in them and what they’re saying. It’s a common way to build rapport and goodwill in business settings.

Emulating posture, speech patterns, tempo and simple mannerisms to fit with those of the interviewer encourages a subconscious rapport. Be careful not to mimic or mock your interviewer, just subtly modulate your style where appropriate.

The most important tip on body language during interviews be yourself.

People can sense when someone is being inauthentic. Practice these job interview body language tips during everyday conversations, and when the time comes to interview, you won’t have to perform. You’ll project your best self naturally.

By noticing and correcting your bad body language during job interviews you can become a better job interviewer. Proper body language isn’t only useful in job interviews. Keep these tips in mind when having conversations with coworkers or supervisors to ensure your nonverbal communication is as sharp as your verbal.

Search for jobs today and find your next opportunity to practice these body language tips during your next interview.