Body Language in Interviews: Dos and Don’ts

Interviews can be daunting, especially for a first-timer. Sometimes, our nervousness gets the best of us and we tend to forget what to say or simply how to be or act. We all know that the first impression lasts but we also need to keep in mind that our actions and body language speak volumes about us.

Do’s and don’ts for body language during an interview.

• Walk-in with confidence:
  The moment you enter the interview venue, just keeps in mind that you are being judged. Some recruiters tend to check out whether candidates are confident or not, based on their behavior. They assess how your body language changes. Walking in confidently shows them that you are a bold and professional person.
• Give a firm handshake:
  Once you are called into the interview room, make sure that your handshake is firm and brisk. A handshake says a lot about a person. A weak handshake characterizes you as a submissive person while a hard one says you are trying too hard. Also, if the handshake lasts too long, it just becomes awkward. So, remember, keep the handshake firm and brisk.
• Sit up straight:
  Sit up straight but not to the point that you are too uncomfortable. Ensure that your legs are also straight and still. Lean forward every now and then to let the interviewer know that you are actively listening but avoid overdoing it.
• Maintain eye contact:
  Maintaining eye contact lets the interviewer know that you are actively listening and that you are not nervous or intimidated. Should you feel uncomfortable, look away for a few seconds, and maintain eye contact again.
• Show enthusiasm:
  Employers do not want to work with people who come off as dull and unenthusiastic. Put on your smiling face and show your enthusiasm to present yourself as a likable personality. Smiling also lets them know that you are confident and comfortable.
• Hand gestures:
  When answering questions, move your hands every now and then rather than just letting them sit limply on your legs or on your sides. However, avoid overdoing it. Take permission and take notes. This way, you will be able to keep your hands busy and let the interviewer know that you are a serious candidate and a confident person.

Now, on to the Don’ts:

• Be smug:
  Do not be overconfident as it will only portray you as a smug person. No one likes a smug. Overconfidence also only highlights your arrogance, which no one likes. Be confident but not overconfident.
• Give a weak handshake:
  Do not deliver a weak handshake as it will portray you as a timid and submissive person. You want to come off as a bold, professional, and confident person. Take a cue from the interviewer’s handshake. Do not try to fist bump the interviewer either.
• Slouch
  Do not, at any point in the interview, slouch when you sit. Slouching presents you as a lazy person who is easily bored. Do not cross your arms and legs either. Bad posture goes a long way in showing the interviewer that you are not interested in the conversation.
• Stare
  Do not stare at the interviewer as it can sometimes come off as glaring. Yes, you should maintain eye contact but not to the point that you come off creepy and make the interviewer uncomfortable. This goes without saying but doesn’t forget to blink either.
• Play with your hair or whatever you are holding
  Old habits such as playing with your hair when you are nervous are hard to avoid. But, during an interview, if you continue to touch your hair or play with your pen or notebook, it shows the interviewer that you are really nervous and that you do not hold well under pressure.
• Fidget or squirm
  Yes, it is important not to sit too still like a robot. However, if you keep moving or keep rearranging how you sit, it tells the interviewer that you are uncomfortable and extremely nervous. So, do not fidget or squirm.

Also, do not chew gum, tap your pen on the table, space out, or crack your knuckles.

It is imperative that you follow the above-mentioned points in your upcoming interview. They will help you more than you’d think in the selection process.

We wish you the best of luck!