Body language at a job interview

If you are selected for a job interview, you will need to take into account a variety of factors, not only the most relevant information contained in your CV, but also other less objective aspects such as your appearance, the tone of you voice, or the body language you use. Interviewers are quite aware of this, and here you will find a few tips on how to make a good impression on them.

1. Shaking hands: this is probably the only physical contact you will have with the interviewers, and it is one of the first impressions they will get from you. Your handshake should be firm, but not too hard, and you should make eye contact and smile through the process.
2. Posture: since you will normally be sitting during the interview, bear in mind that you should always keep your back straight and never slump. You can slightly lean forward from time to time, since this indicates interest. Please avoid crossing your arms or putting things on your lap because these are expression of defensiveness. It is recommendable not to cross your legs: in long interviews, you might have to re-cross them from time to time, and this could be seen as a restless habit.
3. Restless habits: most of us in our daily lives bite our nails, crack our knuckles or twirl our hair. It is essential to avoid any of these habits in a job interview, since they can be considered unprofessional or even rude.
4. Using your hands: don’t worry about talking with your hands during the interview, because this makes you look more natural before your potential employers. However, don’t get too enthusiastic or your gestures might distract them from what you are saying: your hands should always be above the desk and below the collarbone.
5. Eye contact is a very relevant issue in any job interview. Keeping eye contact during the interview is important since avoiding it may seem cold, distant and dishonest. However, this does not mean you should keep constant eye contact, because this could look rather aggressive and arrogant. Keep it as natural as possible, making eye contact when you listen and answer the questions but not at all times.

Keep these tips in mind and you will make a great impression in your interview.