The Silent Conversation
That Gets You Hired
You've polished your resume until it shines, practiced your answers in the mirror, and picked out an outfit that screams "hire me." You're ready for your big interview. But what if I told you that most of what you'll communicate won't even come from your mouth?
💡 It's true. A huge portion of communication is nonverbal. The way you sit, the eye contact you make, and the gestures you use are all part of a silent conversation with your interviewer.
This unspoken dialogue can reinforce your confidence and professionalism—or accidentally undermine it.
Don't panic! Mastering body language isn't about becoming a robot or faking it. It's about ensuring your physical presence matches the capable, confident professional you are. Let's dive into how you can make your nonverbal cues work for you.
🚪 The Interview Starts Before the First Question
Your interview doesn't begin when you sit down in the chair; it starts the moment you walk into the building.
The Arrival
Greet everyone you meet, from the person at the front desk to anyone you pass in the hall, with a warm smile and confident eye contact. Hiring managers often ask their receptionists for their first impressions of candidates.
The Waiting Game
While you wait, resist the urge to slump over your phone. This can be read as boredom or disinterest. Instead, sit upright and project calm confidence. It shows you're present and ready.
The Handshake
The handshake is a classic for a reason. Aim for a firm (but not bone-crushing) grip that lasts for a few seconds, paired with a genuine smile and eye contact. If the interviewer doesn't offer a hand, a warm smile and a confident nod are a perfect substitute.
Nailing the Nonverbal Basics
Once you're in the interview room, a few key adjustments can make all the difference.
Posture is Power
Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Slouching can signal disinterest or low confidence. Leaning slightly forward when the interviewer is speaking shows you're engaged and actively listening.
Master Eye Contact
Aim to maintain eye contact for about 60-70% of the time. This shows you're trustworthy and interested. Don't stare, though! It's natural to look away briefly when you're thinking. In a panel interview, make sure to briefly make eye contact with each person as you speak, even if you're answering one person's question.
Let Your Hands Do Some (Gentle) Talking
Using controlled, natural hand gestures to emphasize your points can show enthusiasm. When you're not gesturing, rest your hands calmly on the table or in your lap. The one big "don't"? Crossing your arms, which can make you seem defensive or closed off.
Stop the Fidget
Tapping your fingers, shaking your leg, or clicking a pen are all signs of nervousness that can distract your interviewer. Try planting both feet firmly on the floor to stay grounded and calm.
Use Your Expressions
A genuine smile is a powerful tool for building rapport. Nodding occasionally shows you're listening, but avoid overdoing it to the point of looking like a bobblehead.
💻 The Virtual Interview: A Whole New Stage
Video interviews come with their own set of rules. Since the interviewer can only see you from the chest up, your facial expressions and posture are even more important.
The Camera is Your Friend
To create the feeling of direct eye contact, you need to look at the camera lens, not at the interviewer's face on your screen. It feels strange at first, but it makes a huge difference in how connected you appear.
Frame Yourself for Success
Position your camera so it captures your head and upper body, leaving room for some hand gestures. Sit up straight in a chair—not on a couch—to look professional and engaged.
Be Deliberately Engaging
Subtle cues can get lost on video. Make your nods and smiles a bit more intentional to ensure the interviewer sees that you're paying attention.
A Note for Men and Women
While the goal for everyone is to appear confident and approachable, societal norms can sometimes influence how body language is perceived.
👩💼 For Women
To project authority, focus on taking up space with open, confident posture. Avoid habits that can unintentionally undermine your message, like nervous smiling when making a serious point or frequent self-touching (like playing with your hair). A great tip is to cross your legs at the ankle, which appears poised and minimizes distracting adjustments.
👨💼 For Men
In today's collaborative workplaces, overly dominant gestures like finger-pointing can be seen as aggressive. Temper your confidence by consciously using more approachable cues. Leaning in, nodding to show you're listening, and offering a genuine smile can signal that you're a team player.
🎯 The Grand Finale
Just as you started strong, make sure you finish strong. The interview isn't over until you're out of the building.
As you leave, stand up smoothly, push in your chair, and offer one last firm handshake and a genuine smile. These final nonverbal cues seal the deal, leaving a lasting impression of a polished, confident professional.
Remember: Your body language speaks volumes before you even say a word. Master it, and you'll master the interview.
