Body Language

We all know that body language is important – but how important?

As much as you prepare the right answers for your upcoming interviews, the way you carry yourself can affect the recruiter’s impression of you much more than you think. Don’t over-rehearse, but remember to be aware of how you’re possibly coming across to your interviewers.

If anything, keep in mind that first impressions matter when it comes to job interviews, virtual or physical. Until you successfully secure the job, that is.

Eyes

• Go for an open, confident gaze, but don’t stare • Maintain a decent level of eye contact throughout the interview.

If your interview is taking place in-person, answer while making eye contact. If it’s over video, talk to the camera instead of the video feed on-screen. It’ll look like you’re speaking directly to your interviewers • In a panel interview, make sure to alternate eye contact with all of your interviewers, but always look back to the person you’re addressing. If your panel interview is taking place over video call, look into the camera instead • Don’t wink or flutter your eyelashes at the interviewer! • Remember to blink

Hands

• Keep your handshakes firm and as dry as possible – especially at the end of the interview, as it’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression • No flabby handshakes, but don’t go overboard with them either • 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 • Sign of nerves: Refrain from tapping your fingers on the table Mouth

• Smile naturally but don’t overdo or fake it • In an in-person interview, 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’re 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. Even over a video call, your microphone can be sensitive enough to pick up your breathing! • Sign of nerves: 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 • Although this might be hard over a video interview, 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%

7% 38% body language

tone of voice

words

Major tip

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-prepared with positive examples and stories about how you’re undeniably ready for the job. But if you don’t calm yourself before the session starts, your body language will give you away!

You might go into defensive mode and end up crossing your arms, let all your nervous tics out, or worse, overdo everything and come across as a phoney. 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.