Why Body Language is Important in an Interview?

Our body language communicates a great deal about how we are feeling. In a job interview, we want to present as confident, friendly, and honest, but our anxiety and fear can affect how the interviewer perceives us. Even more interesting, our body language can also affect our own feelings. By becoming more aware of what our body language communicates to others, we can prepare to have a more successful interview.

Paying Attention to Our Body Language

While we may be carefully choosing words in an interview, we may easily disregard how we present ourselves to the interviewer in nonverbal ways. For example, crossing our arms may indicate that we are feeling guarded. Looking down (which we may do due to anxiety) could be interpreted as being deceptive. Holding our heads up with our arms could indicate that we are bored or lethargic. Tapping our feet or fidgeting frequently could indicate that we are not concentrating or very anxious. Avoiding eye contact could indicate that we are not telling the truth. On the other hand, leaning in can show that we are interested in what is said. Having our arms open can demonstrate that we are open to having a conversation and suggest that we are confident.

Modifying Our Body Language

When preparing for a job interview, it can be helpful to practice answering questions that are likely to be asked out loud while paying attention to your body language. You can also find that modifying your body language can improve your mood. For example, you may find that putting your hands on your hips helps you feel more confident and in control.

Finally, remember that your body language can say a lot about how you feel in an interview, but interviewers generally expect that interviewees are often anxious. Letting the interviewer know that you are feeling anxious may actually help you to feel less anxious. Also, while paying attention to our body language is helpful, focusing on it too much during an interview may be counterproductive and cause us to appear disingenuous.