Body Language during an interview.

Do you know that bad body language can cost you an interview? Bad body language is one of the top job interview mistakes you can ever do to your career. There are some things you will think you are doing right but may be wrong or do NOT go well with the other parties in the interview. Did you know that over 70% of any message we convey is in how we say it, rather than the actual words? You will realize at the end of the interview that an interviewer has been making up their mind about you, and that takes into account more than just what you say. Job interview presentation is massively important and the right interview body language is a big part of that.



Your body language at interview is crucial to the impression you make. It is about your personal impact, and how you say what you say. This is an area where you can gain the biggest advantage over your competitors if you know what you are doing. As your knowledge and confidence in this area increases you will be able to leave them further and further behind. Often candidates worry they cannot learn the skills of interview body language, let alone put them into practice. Body language is both an art and a science. You could spend a long time studying and learning how to apply it but you don’t have to.


Once you grasp the idea that your answer is more than just the words you say you will undoubtedly improve your presentation and delivery because of your newfound awareness. To grasp this concept there are traits that you need like

·         Friendliness.

·         Confidence

·         Interest

Using your body language effectively can help you create a rapport with the interviewer. This is a whole discipline in itself but you will succeed by making use of the following tips

1.   Present yourself as a winner: Because if you look, smell and act like the successful candidate the chances are you will ultimately be that successful candidate.

2.   Give a good handshake: A good firm handshake shows confidence and gives a strong impression. Apply a firm pressure, but don’t go overboard and grip too tightly!

3.   The eyes have it: Keeping a reasonable amount of eye contact indicates you are confident in your abilities and comfortable with the questions being asked of you.

4.   Learn the art of sitting down: You want your posture to send a positive message. No slouching. Sit straight with both feet on the ground. Don’t fidget with your hands. Placing them in your lap indicates you are comfortable and confident.

5.   Smile: Smiling is one of the simplest ways to create a great impression. Smiling not only helps you feel more confident, but relaxes the interviewer and helps to warm them towards you.

There is something I want you to try, pick your favorite movie and I will recommend a strong corporate movie and watch it at least 30 minutes without sound. This will help you see who the characters are without sound. Try to identify who is in control and gestures to various conversation. Watch it later with sound and then try to see if you got it right.


The best way to tell this if is to look at how friends use their body language when in a conversation with you. If you get the concept of body language properly, then you will get what you always want.


We at HCC wish you all the best.