Job interview: pay attention to your body language

Being convincing in a job interview is about substance, but also about style: discover our advice to master your body language.

To succeed in your job interview and land that new job, you've prepared for the recruiters' questions, thoroughly studied the sector and the company's history, mapped out the route to get there and set three alarms to arrive on time, carefully chosen your outfit... but have you thought about working on your non-verbal communication? Gestures, voice, eye contact... Your body and posture are an important source of information for the recruiter! Here are a few tips to turn your body language into a tool of persuasion to convince them.

Eye contact: direct and measured

To project the image of an engaged, confident, and sincere candidate, catch the recruiter's eye. Eye contact fosters interaction. However, be careful not to stare at your interviewer, as this could make them uncomfortable!

A smile: sincere and appropriate

A smile plays a vital role in non-verbal communication: it inspires trust and reduces the distance between people. Smiling candidates immediately seem more friendly. Naturally, your smile should be sincere and not overly forced. Furthermore, you should adopt a more reserved expression when answering serious questions.

Hands: expressive and relaxed

Hands are a powerful non-verbal communication tool. Avoid keeping them clenched on your thighs or the armrests of your chair. Free them up, make subtle movements during the conversation to support your points, and show that you are open and calm.

The handshake: firm

It says so much! Avoid a limp handshake at all costs — a sign of lack of confidence or disinterest — as well as an overly forceful handshake — overacted confidence or a need to dominate. Opt for a firm, genuine handshake, looking the recruiter straight in the eye!

Gestures: measured

Repeatedly twirling your hair, rubbing your face, tapping your foot, or fidgeting with a pen are signs of stress and a lack of self-confidence. And they can quickly become annoying. So learn to get rid of these nervous habits.

Physical distance: neither too close nor too far

Don't point your finger — it's too aggressive. Don't get too close to your interviewer — it's too invasive. Don't sit at the far end of the table either — it's too distant.

Posture: open and controlled

To make a good impression and show your interest, adopt an upright posture, perhaps leaning slightly towards your interviewer. Slouching or an overly relaxed posture can convey nonchalance or arrogance. Conversely, a posture that is too rigid, with arms constantly crossed and your body turned away from the interviewer, sends a negative message to the recruiter.

Voice: clear and calm

Strictly speaking, your voice isn't part of body language. However, your speech rate, tone, and volume play a vital role in non-verbal communication. Beyond your words, the recruiter will pay attention to your intonation and how engagingly you speak.

In video interviews, the same rules apply

Remote interviews have become common. The good news: the principles of body language remain the same. Make sure to look at the camera rather than the screen to simulate eye contact, maintain an upright posture, and pay attention to your framing. A neutral background and proper lighting are also part of your non-verbal communication, whether you like it or not.

Body language impacts how recruiters perceive you. However, just because you put your elbows on the table or crossed your arms once or twice doesn't mean you've failed your interview! There's no point in trying to control your every move at the risk of forgetting to stay natural. And isn't being yourself ultimately the best advice anyone can give you to convince a recruiter?

Are you looking for a job or a temporary assignment and need additional advice to prepare for professional interviews? Contact your Actual advisor!

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