Body language is a powerful tool to communicate your confidence and assertiveness during an interview. It can also help you build rapport, convey interest, and handle difficult questions. In this article, you will learn some of the best ways to use body language to show your potential employer that you are the right person for the job.
Eye contact is one of the most important aspects of body language, as it shows that you are engaged, attentive, and respectful. However, too much or too little eye contact can have the opposite effect, making you seem nervous, aggressive, or dishonest. The key is to find a balance between looking at your interviewer and breaking away occasionally. A good rule of thumb is to maintain eye contact for about 70% of the time, and look away briefly when you need to think, pause, or switch topics.
Maintain regular, comfortable eye contact with your interviewer. You should avoid staring, as this can come across as aggressive. Also, excessive blinking may suggest nervousness. Find the balance!
Smiling and nodding are simple but effective ways to show your enthusiasm, positivity, and agreement during an interview. They can also help you relax and reduce stress, as smiling releases endorphins and nodding signals affirmation. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much smiling and nodding can make you seem insincere, submissive, or bored. The key is to smile and nod naturally and appropriately, in response to what your interviewer says or asks.
A warm, genuine smile can make you appear approachable and confident. It simply says you are welcoming. You should however, avoid over-smiling as it may seem insincere. A nod also means you are 'present' and following. Again, find the balance as too much or too little of either is bad.
Gestures are another way to enhance your verbal communication and express your personality, confidence, and assertiveness. They can help you emphasize your points, illustrate your ideas, and create rapport with your interviewer. However, too many or too few gestures can have the opposite effect, making you seem nervous, distracted, or rigid. The key is to use gestures that are relevant, moderate, and open. For example, you can use your hands to show numbers, directions, or comparisons, but avoid pointing, fidgeting, or crossing your arms.
Non-verbal communication is very important. Open gestures is key. You should keep your gestures open and non-threatening. Avoid crossing your arms, which can signal defensiveness or closed-mindedness.
Mirroring is a subtle but powerful technique to create rapport and trust with your interviewer. It involves mimicking their body language, such as their posture, tone, or pace, to show that you are on the same wavelength and that you understand them. However, mirroring should not be obvious or exaggerated, as it can make you seem fake, creepy, or manipulative. The key is to mirror selectively and naturally, in a way that matches your own style and personality.
Subtly mirroring your interviewer's body language (e.g., posture, gestures) can create rapport and convey confidence. Be subtle and avoid mimicking too closely. Try to find the balance.
Breathing is not only essential for your survival, but also for your body language. It can affect your voice, your mood, and your stress level during an interview. Breathing too fast or too shallow can make you seem anxious, nervous, or unprepared. Breathing too slow or too deep can make you seem bored, tired, or disinterested. The key is to breathe normally and evenly, in a way that helps you calm your nerves and speak clearly.
Deep, steady breathing can help you stay calm and composed. Avoid shallow or erratic breathing, which may signal nervousness. If you want to sell yourself as confident, control your breathing.