You’ve practiced your responses to frequently asked questions, studied the business, and polished your resume, but have you considered your body language?
What you say at a job interview is important, but so is how you say it. According to study, nonverbal communication may account for as much as 55% of all communication. This means that your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures can all have a big impact on how an interviewer sees you.
This article we will examine:
(i) The importance of body language in interviews
(ii) Essential components of positive body language
(iii) Typical errors and how to prevent them
(iv) How to communicate both verbally and nonverbally and,
(v) Useful advice for enhancing your body language
Now let’s explore the nuanced art of discreet communication for you to up your body language game in your next interview.
Why Body Language is Important
In addition to your abilities and experience, you are evaluated on your professionalism, confidence, and attitude when you walk into an interview. All of these characteristics may be inferred from your body language, frequently before you ever speak.
(i) Nonverbal cues are used by employers to determine:
(ii) Self-assurance and confidence
(iii) Sincerity and dependability
(iv) Interest and enthusiasm for the position
(v) How well you might blend in with the group or culture of the business
Building trust and supporting your spoken words are two benefits of using good body language. Conversely, despite the strength of your responses, poor body language might cause uncertainty, uneasiness, or even mistrust. Body language is very important so it needs to be solid.
Aspects of Body Language you Need to Be Keen On
A. Posture
Maintain a straight posture, with your shoulders relaxed.
To demonstrate interest, lean in a little.
Why it’s important: Proper posture conveys self-assurance, attentiveness, and deference. Slouching can convey uneasiness or disinterest.
B. Eye Contact
Make sure you look your interviewer in the eye, but don’t stare.
If it’s a panel interview, look naturally from one person to another.
Why its important: Making eye contact fosters trust and connection. It demonstrates your interest and attentiveness.
C. Facial Expressions
When it’s suitable, especially at the start and finish, smile with genuineness.
Display facial expressions that correspond with your tone, such as smiling or nodding in agreement while talking about a successful conclusion.
Why it’s important: Emotion and enthusiasm are communicated through expressive facial cues. A face that is too serious or blank can convey a lack of interest or coldness.
D. Hand Gestures
Make use of your hands’ natural motions to highlight areas.
Avoid clenching or hiding your hands; instead, keep them relaxed and visible.
Why its important: You might come across as more enthusiastic and lively by using controlled motions. Hand concealing or fidgeting can be signs of anxiousness or be distracting.
E. Handshake
Shake hands firmly, but not too firmly.
During the handshake, smile and make eye contact.
Why its important: A powerful first impression is produced by a proper handshake. One that is too pushy or slack can set the incorrect tone.
F. Non-verbal Listening (e.g. Nods)
Show that you’re paying attention by nodding occasionally.
Make use of subtly conveying understanding or agreement.
Why its important: Without interjecting, these cues demonstrate interest and attentiveness.
Body Language Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Poor Eye Contact: You can come out as insecure or uninterested by looking down, avoiding eye contact, or looking around the room all the time.
❌ Crossed Arms: Even if you’re simply cold or unsure of what to do with your hands, crossing your arms can convey discomfort and defensiveness.
❌ Fidgeting: Playing with jewellery, tapping fingers, or bouncing legs detracts from your message. It conveys anxiety.
❌ Slouching: Slumping in your chair or leaning back too much conveys a lack of enthusiasm or involvement.
❌ Over-Gesturing: Excessive hand gestures can be distracting or too dramatic.
Techniques to Improve your Body Language
You might be wondering, how can you improve your body language incase you think you are not good with body language? Below are a few tips to consider:
1. Conduct Practice Interviews
Request that a friend or career counsellor do a simulated interview and provide comments on your facial expressions, posture, and gestures.
2. Take Your Own Video
Record yourself responding to interview questions on your computer or phone. Keep an eye out for uninteresting behaviours or a lack of expression.
3. Become at ease in interview situations
Your body language will become more organic the more you practise. To develop muscle memory, role-play various interview situations.
4. Employ Breathing Methods
To relax and centre your posture before the interview, you can take a few deep breaths. It lessens unsteady motions and fidgeting.
Key Takeaway
One of the most effective tools in your interview toolbox is body language. It can help you stand out from the competition, boost your confidence, and gain the trust of interviewers.
Therefore, while you’re getting ready for your next interview, consider how you’ll say it as much as what you’ll say. You will make a lasting impression of professionalism, competence, and confidence if your gestures, posture and facial expressions match your message.
In your next interview, utilize body language to enhance your prospects. All the best Champion!
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