5 Body Language Secrets For Your Next Interview

What you say in an interview is important, but so is how you carry yourself. How is your body language helping or hindering your job search?

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A large portion of our communication is nonverbal, and most of them time we’re unaware of it. However, you can use body language to your advantage during the interview process to subtly impress your interviewer and convey confidence.

Here are five aspects of body language to consider when preparing for your next interview:

1. Handshakes

What makes up the perfect handshake? How firm should you be? How long should it last?

When you shake hands with your interviewer, be sure to look him or her in the eye and shake their hand firmly. Try not to be too firm, as it seems aggressive. As far as timing goes, don’t cut it short or drag it out. Let the handshake feel natural.

2. Posture

When you walk into the interview, stand up straight with your shoulders back and head up. Having good posture conveys confidence and makes you seem sure of yourself. Think about your power pose — what do you want to convey?

While sitting in the interview, keep your shoulders straight and sit tall in your chair. Don’t slouch — slouching leaves a bad impression. In addition, don’t cross your arms or put your hands in your pockets, as both of those make you seem closed off and leave a bad impression, too.

Related: 5 Things to Never Do During a Job Interview 

3. Eye contact

Eye contact is an incredibly important aspect of body language for any interview. As you walk into the room, look your interviewer in the eye and give them a confident smile.

While the interview is going on, be sure to maintain eye contact. Don’t stare at your interviewer (this can seem too intense and a little creepy), but don’t avoid looking at them either, as this can make you seem nervous and unsure.

4. Gestures

Gestures are another important aspect of body language. Keep in mind that certain gestures mean different things to some people and cultures. Be sure to avoid offensive gestures that may come across in a bad light.

Keeping palms open and up shows honesty, while fists show aggression. Additionally, try to keep your hands still during the interview to avoid seeming fidgety.

5. Enthusiasm

While this may not be a traditional aspect of body language, enthusiasm is important. It’s okay to show your passion for the company and your excitement about being interviewed. Obviously, you need to stay professional and not go too over the top, but it’s totally OK to be enthusiastic during the interview process. Companies are looking for candidates who are excited about working at their organization, so show them how you feel.

Body language is an aspect of interviewing that’s easy to forget, but is important to remember. Using the right body language can help you seem more confident and give weight to your answers during the interview. Most importantly, it can help you make the best possible impression on the company.

What are other body languages secrets you can use in an interview?