6 body language tips for your next job interview

By Judith Humphrey, Fast Company

Body language provides a key to succeeding in job interviews. Nonverbal cues make up 60% to 80% of face-to-face communication. More than your words, your physical presence shows your strengths — or shortcomings — as a candidate.

Even in the digital world, body language helps indicate whether an applicant is right for a job. Although Zoom or video interviews may lack some of the physical cues present in live interactions, the cues that are visible will be scrutinized much more closely.

Rehearse and record yourself before every interview, and work toward a standout performance by using these six body language cues.

Maintain eye contact

One of the most important body-language cues in an interview is eye contact. It requires — and reflects — confidence. In fact, research indicates that high-status people tend to look longer at people they’re talking to than lower-status people do.

When you speak, whether answering a question or making a point, your eye contact reinforces what you are about to say. In a group interview, make sure to give an equal amount of eye contact to each person.

In video interviews, look directly into the webcam. Sit close enough to your laptop that you create a conversational rapport and eliminate visual distractions.

Wear a warm smile

Next to eye contact, an engaging smile is the most important aspect of body language in a job interview. You’re being judged by your ability to connect with people, and a good smile does just that.

Smile when you meet your interviewer, during the interview and as you close the exchange. But make sure your smile is not constant, or it may appear false or suggest that you are too eager to please.

Think of it as an “inner smile” that reflects genuine enjoyment and empathy and lights up your face.

Make open gestures

Companies look for individuals who are empathetic and comfortable with others. Open gestures convey those qualities. To achieve this openness:

Gesture with your full arm in the direction of your interviewer; don’t tuck your elbows into your body.

Never cross or fold your arms — you will look defensive or closed.

Keep your hands open; don’t hold them, fold them or flatten them on the table, but avoid busy wrist gestures — they suggest nervousness.

Face your audience

Angling your body to face the person you’re talking to shows respect and suggests you’re both aligned.

I once interviewed an individual on Zoom for a work assignment and noticed that she was turned at a slight angle to me. It made me feel that she might not be fully committed to the work we were discussing. Nevertheless, I hired her, and shortly after, she actually left the assignment.

When you are talking to an interviewer — either in person or virtually — make sure your body is positioned so that you are fully facing the interviewer. This will make her feel that you are fully committed to what you two are discussing.

Cultivate stillness

Stillness suggests you are “in the moment,” completely focused on the discussion and job opportunity.

That doesn’t mean being stiff or avoiding gestures. It means stifling random movements like touching your face, fixing your hair or fidgeting. These actions can convey that you’re nervous or uneasy, and they come across even worse over Zoom.

However, nodding can be valuable as a sign of empathy and attentiveness. But beware: If overdone, it can come across as submissive and weak.

Have good posture

The final way of demonstrating strength and confidence is with good posture. People who feel disengaged at a meeting or who believe they have little to add often slouch.

Other people may lean back in their chairs as if to say “I’m bored” or “I could care less.” And still others may cock their heads in a submissive pose.

The solution? Sit (or stand) tall to project confidence. You’re demonstrating stature that is part of your being, which is more impressive than the stature a title might confer.

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