Body Language Tips for Interviews

During interviews, you’ll be evaluated not only by what you say – but by your body language as well.

No matter how well you prepare your answers for your upcoming interview(s), the way you carry yourself can affect the recruiter’s impression as well, perhaps much more than you think. While you shouldn’t panic and over-rehearse, do remember to be aware of how you’re possibly coming across to your interviewer(s). After all, first impressions do matter when it comes to interviews – until you successfully secure the internship, that is.

Eyes

• Go for an open, confident gaze, but don’t stare. • Maintain a decent level of eye contact throughout the interview. If you struggle with keeping eye contact, try setting your gaze slightly above their eyes. • In a panel interview, make sure to alternate eye contact with all of your interviewers, but always look back to the person you are addressing. • Don’t wink or flutter your eyelashes! • Remember to blink.

Hands

• Keep your handshakes firm and as dry as possible – especially at the end, as it’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression! • No flabby handshakes or bonecrushers. • Gesture appropriately to emphasise your answers: right hand for giving out info, left hand for receiving info. • Don’t crack your knuckles. It’s a bad habit anyway. • Avoid signs that show you’re nervous, such as tapping your fingers on the table. Mouth

• Smile naturally. Don’t overdo or fake it. • Fresh breath matters, so pop some breath mints before you head in. • Be aware of your tone of voice.

There’s no point in saying you are passionate about something when you sound utterly bored! • Excessive lip-licking is a no-no.

Put on some lip balm just before the interview to keep them from cracking if you need to. • Avoid breathing from your mouth. Heavy breathing isn’t particularly presentable. • Avoid pursing and biting your lips.

Posture

• No slouching! Sit up straight to give recruiters a more confident impression of yourself. • Square your shoulders and raise your head to give a more selfassured and reliable quality. • Don’t be stiff. • Stay comfortable. Don’t be afraid to change positions throughout the interview, but avoid excessive fidgeting. • Mirror your interviewer’s posture from time to time to create solidarity between the both of you. • Lean forward a little to show interest in what your interviewers are saying.

A study at Harvard Business School tells us that our average communication consists of

55%

38%

7% body language tone of voice words

Calm those nerves! The one thing that affects your body language the most is your nerves. You can mask them slightly by going into an interview well-prepped with positive examples and stories about how you’re ready for the job. But if you don’t calm yourself before the session starts, your body language will still likely give you away!

You might go into defensive mode and end up crossing your arms, let all your nervous tics show, or worse, overdo everything and throw the interviewers off. Experienced recruiters can tell when you’re faking it, so stay away from that. They’re looking for someone who’ll fit right in with the team, so take a few deep breaths before walking through the door, relax and remember to stay professional.