5 Body Language Tips for Acing Your Interview: Master the Non-Verbal Cues to Impress the Interview Panel and Land Your Dream Job

The importance of having a strong resume and cover letter cannot be overstated. However, once you've scored the interview, it's time to focus on how you present yourself. In addition to showcasing your skills and experiences in your responses to interview questions, your non-verbal cues, such as body language, play a major role in how you are perceived by the interview panel. Here are five body language tips that will help you ace your interview and land your dream job.

1. Make a Great First Impression with a Firm Handshake

A firm handshake can communicate confidence and assertiveness to the interview panel. As you enter the room, smile, make eye contact, and extend your hand for a handshake. Ensure that your grip is firm, but not overly tight, and maintain eye contact throughout the handshake. It is important to remember that a limp handshake can come across as a lack of self-assurance, or even disinterest in the position.

2. Maintain Good Eye Contact

Making and maintaining eye contact is crucial in presenting yourself as an engaged and interested candidate. When answering questions, shift your gaze around the room to include each of the interviewers in the conversation. However, be careful not to stare intensely, as it may make people uncomfortable. Alternatively, constantly breaking eye contact or looking at the ground can be perceived as a lack of confidence, or even dishonesty.

3. Sit Up Straight, Yet Relaxed

When it comes to posture, striking a balance between being professional and comfortable is essential. Sit up straight in your chair, with your back against the chair's backrest and your feet flat on the floor. This posture communicates engagement and confidence, while also remaining relaxed. Resist the urge to slouch, cross your arms, or fidget, as these actions can be interpreted as a lack of interest or nervousness.

4. Use Natural Gestures, But Avoid Excessive Movements

Incorporating hand gestures can make your answers come across as more authentic and passionate, but be cautious not to use excessive or unnatural movements. Over-gesticulating can be distracting and can diminish the impact of your words. Keep your gestures contained within your personal space and use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the panel.

5. Be Aware of Your Facial Expressions

Your facial expressions can reveal a great deal about how you're feeling internally, so it's important to be mindful of the messages you may be sending unconsciously. Practice smiling and maintaining a relaxed expression throughout the interview, as it communicates approachability and friendliness. Additionally, be mindful of overreacting to a panelist's question or comment, as displaying extreme emotions can weaken your overall presentation.

Action Plan

In preparation for your interview, follow these steps:

  1. Evaluate your handshake.
  2. Practise maintaining eye contact with various points in a room.
  3. Assess your sitting posture and work on maintaining a comfortable, yet professional, position.
  4. Observe your natural gestures in front of a mirror or record yourself presenting and evaluate the appropriateness.
  5. Work on controlling your facial expressions to better convey confidence and warmth.

Mastering these body language techniques will give you the edge you need to stand out at your interview and secure the job offer. Remember, your non-verbal cues can speak just as loudly as your verbal responses, so take the time to perfect them.