Last updated on Jun 16, 2024

Here's how you can enhance your interview performance with body language.

When it comes to interviews, your words matter—but so does your body language. It can speak volumes before you even answer the first question. Understanding how to use body language effectively can give you an edge in the interview process, helping to convey confidence, interest, and professionalism. Here's how you can enhance your interview performance with non-verbal cues.

1 First Impressions

Your interview begins the moment you walk through the door. A firm handshake, accompanied by a smile and direct eye contact, sets a positive tone. Stand tall and walk with purpose to project confidence. These initial moments can be as telling as the interview itself, so be mindful of what your body is saying. Slouching or avoiding eye contact can convey disinterest or lack of confidence, which are not the first impressions you want to make.

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Guillaume Bellec
👀 Le langage corporel peut jouer un rôle crucial lors d’un entretien. ➡️ Souriez, gardez l’espace devant votre torse ouvert, maintenez un contact visuel, asseyez-vous bien droit, faites attention à votre poignée de main & surtout ralentissez votre rythme et votre débit de parole. ✅ N’oubliez pas que l’apparence joue aussi un rôle important.

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Shahid Raza

Head of the Licensing Operations at Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) - Government of Pakistan.
1: Speak only when invited to speak, do not lean in to begin the conversation. 2: Do not adopt an intimidating body language. 3: Retain a calm demeanor at all times. 4: Hand gestures should not be used above board. 5: Know the difference between effective eye contact and staring. 6: Keep your arms relaxed. 7: Smile only when it is required. 8: Follow the conversation with polite nods. 9: Handshakes should break fears, not bones. 10: Respond to humor.
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Joel Costa

🏅LinkedIn Top Voice | Supervisor de Produção | Lean Manufacturing | Coordenador de Produção | Liderança de Alta Performance 🏭 | Gestão de Equipes Autônomas
Lasting First Impressions: How to Shine from the Start From the first handshake to eye contact, every detail matters in an interview. Convey confidence and interest from the moment you walk through the door. Remember, your actions speak as loudly as your words, so project a positive image from the start to leave a memorable impression.
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Waleed Uz Zaman Khan

Marketing Manager at Reactive Space | Strategic marketing leader with advertising expertise
Interviews often spark debate, particularly because interviewers, in their privileged roles, should recognize that nervousness can significantly influence candidates' initial impressions, which may differ from their qualifications and abilities. It's akin to expecting composure in the presence of a lion; for many, it feels like a high-stakes situation. This raises the question: who is truly unprepared – the interviewer, who overlooks the impact of nervousness, or the candidate, who naturally reacts to intense pressure? Rethinking these expectations can lead to a fairer and more empathetic interview process that focuses on evaluating candidates based on their genuine potential rather than just their ability to manage stress.
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2 Facial Expressions

Your face can communicate a multitude of emotions. During an interview, aim to keep your expression engaged and friendly. Nodding slightly while listening demonstrates that you are actively engaged in the conversation. Avoid frowning or appearing bored, as this can make it seem like you're not interested in the position. A genuine smile can be your most powerful tool—it's universally understood and can help to break the ice, making the interaction more pleasant for everyone involved.

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3 Gestures Matter

Hand movements can emphasize points and convey enthusiasm, but they should be controlled and purposeful. Over-gesticulating can be distracting and may come off as unprofessional. On the flip side, keeping your hands hidden or fidgeting can suggest nervousness. Aim for a balance by resting your hands in your lap when not speaking and using them judiciously to highlight key points during your conversation.

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Pratibha Bhadauriya, M.Tech

Proficient in cell culture and molecular biology. Communicated research findings to reputed journals. M.Tech, MNNIT Allahabad Prayagraj, India.
Leverage your body language to your advantage throughout the interview process by keeping your posture straight, looking the interviewer in the eye, and giving a firm handshake that shows your keen attention to detail and confidence. Show interest by nodding and making open gestures.
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4 Posture Power

A good posture is critical in an interview setting. Sit up straight but remain relaxed, leaning slightly forward to show interest. Avoid crossing your arms as it may appear defensive. Good posture conveys confidence and shows that you are taking the interview seriously. Remember, slumping or leaning back too much can suggest disengagement or a lack of respect for the process.

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Antje Tauchmann
🌟 Interview-Tipp: Stehen statt Sitzen! 🌟 Wussten Sie, dass es viele Vorteile hat, während eines Interviews zu stehen statt zu sitzen? Stehen hilft, eine aufrechte Haltung beizubehalten, was Sie selbstbewusster und energischer erscheinen lässt. Beim Stehen atmen Sie freier, was Ihre Stimme klarer und kraftvoller macht. Außerdem können Sie sich natürlich bewegen und Gesten nutzen, um Ihre Punkte besser zu unterstreichen. Stehen signalisiert Engagement und Dynamik, was positiv auf Ihren Interviewer wirkt. Probieren Sie es aus und bringen Sie Ihre nächste Interview-Performance auf ein neues Level!

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5 Mirroring Technique

Mirroring the body language of your interviewer can subconsciously create a bond and lead to better rapport. If they lean in slightly when making a point, doing the same can show attentiveness and agreement. However, this should be subtle and natural; overdoing it can seem insincere or even creepy. The goal is to make the interviewer comfortable and to show that you are on the same wavelength.

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6 Exit Strategy

As the interview concludes, maintain your composure and positive body language. Stand up smoothly, offer a final firm handshake, and thank the interviewer with a smile. Leave as confidently as you arrived, with your head held high. This last impression is just as important as the first; it can leave the interviewer with a lasting sense of your professionalism and confidence.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Antje Tauchmann
Ehrlichkeit und Authentizität sind der Schlüssel zu einem erfolgreichen Vorstellungsgespräch. Zeigen Sie Ihr wahres Ich, Ihre Werte und Ihre Persönlichkeit. Wenn Ihr Gegenüber das nicht zu schätzen weiß, ist das Unternehmen vermutlich nicht der richtige Ort für Sie. Authentizität schafft Vertrauen und stellt sicher, dass Sie in einem Umfeld arbeiten, das Ihre Individualität respektiert und fördert. Bleiben Sie sich treu – das richtige Unternehmen wird Ihre Echtheit zu schätzen wissen! 💡

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Here's how you can enhance your interview performance with body language.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 First Impressions

2 Facial Expressions

3 Gestures Matter

4 Posture Power

5 Mirroring Technique

6 Exit Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

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Here's how you can enhance your interview performance with body language.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 First Impressions

2 Facial Expressions

3 Gestures Matter

4 Posture Power

5 Mirroring Technique

6 Exit Strategy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Communication

Rate this article

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