Body language gestures that can affect your chances of getting hired

Did you know your body language can have just as much of an impact on your interview as your answers? In fact, experts agree that body language is one of the main things employers look for when evaluating a candidate.

Body language plays a key role in communicating your skills, personality and character. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what your body is saying before, during, and after your interview.

Luckily, by keeping these six body language tips in mind before, during, and after your next job interview, you can boost your chances of getting hired.

1. Sit up straight

Body language is highly influenced by posture. Studies show that a person’s posture can affect how others see their personality traits. For example, someone who sits with a slumped or upright posture is seen as less approachable than someone who sits with good posture.

When you’re interviewing, sitting up straight shows the employer that you’re confident and comfortable in your own skin.

You don’t want to sit up so straight that it looks like you’re posing for a portrait, but sitting with a slight curve in your back, your head up, and your feet planted on the floor can make a huge difference.

2. Don’t play with your hair

Playing with your hair is a nervous habit that can be difficult to break, but it can send the wrong message during an interview. Employers will likely interpret it as a sign that you’re anxious or unsure of yourself.

There are a few things you can do to prevent this habit from creeping into your interview. First, make sure you’re relaxed before the interview begins by taking a few deep breaths.

You can also try holding a cold, metal object in your hand (this works for any kind of fidgeting in general). Another option is to bring a stress ball to the interview.

3. Maintain eye contact

Eye contact can be a tricky body language thing to navigate. You want to maintain eye contact with your interviewer but not stare. In general, maintaining eye contact for about two-thirds of a conversation is a good rule of thumb.

Don’t look at the floor or around the room. This makes the interviewer think that you’re bored and don’t want to be there. You want them to know that you’re interested and excited about the job.

4. Don’t fidget

Your body will likely experience some nervous energy before an interview. That’s totally normal. However, you have to try to not let that nervous energy get the best of you.

You want to be sure to keep your hands still during the interview. It’s a good idea to put your hands in your lap as soon as you’re seated.

Another way to keep your hands still is to hold them together. If you’re shaking, you can also place your hands on a table in front of you or put them on your knees.

If you’re nervous, you may notice that your foot is shaking, too. If that’s the case, put your foot on the ground or under your leg. You don’t want to be shaking, because that nervous energy may be misinterpreted as lack of confidence.

5. Don’t fold your arms

Folding your arms across your chest is a popular seated pose. But it’s not as common to see someone fold their arms during an interview. If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, fold them in your lap.

It’s a perfectly acceptable option. But don’t cross them over your chest and don’t sit with your arms out in front of you.

It’s a closed-off posture that the interviewer will likely interpret as a sign that you’re not open to what they have to say. Plus, it’s not a very inviting or friendly gesture.

6. Be aware of your body language

If you’re not sure what your interview body language says, there are some easy things you can do to find out. Record yourself on your phone while doing mock interviews or even record yourself on your laptop or computer.

Review your footage, and pay special attention to what your body is doing. You can also ask someone you trust to give you an honest assessment of your body language during your interviews.

By being aware of your body language and making the effort to adjust it, you can help boost your chances of getting hired.

💡If you get asked “tell me about yourself”, would you know how to respond? Discover 9 tips and tricks to answer one of the most common job interview questions. Read more here →