The fundamentals
Body language tells the truth Body language during an interview process gives the interviewer a great deal of information that is not conveyed by the spoken word alone. It reveals whether the candidate is confident, goal-oriented, and focused – or indeed, whether the candidate might actually be bored, insecure, or nervous. Consistent body language during an interview provides an opportunity to convince the interviewer of your worth as a candidate, as up to 93% of human communication is actually conveyed via body language. In addition to gestures, facial expressions, and posture, the volume and tone of your voice play a role. Only 7% of our total attention is actually given over to content itself.
You are what you wear
It is a well-known fact that clothing can say a lot about your attitude and your confidence with respect to the position you are applying for, which is why you should find out about the business’s dress code in advance of the interview. Quite apart from your outfit, it is an absolute must that you have a well-groomed appearance. This means clean shoes, well cared-for fingernails and combed hair. A sloppy appearance can leave a bad taste in the potential employer’s mouth even before the interview has started. So, when it comes to job interviews, the clothes make the man!
The right greeting makes a good impression
Even the greeting in a job interview says a lot about you. There are good reasons why people say that first impressions matter. Alongside the visual impression that you give, eye contact, a firm handshake, and your posture say a lot about you as a candidate. Greet your interviewer with a short, firm handshake - accompanied, crucially, by eye contact and a friendly smile. This will help you to give the impression that you are a self-confident person who is genuinely pleased to meet someone new.
Lack of opportunities for further development
You wake up in the morning and don't feel like going to work? Have you been in the same job for a long time? Your manager offers neither support nor freedom to develop your potential despite your request? Depending on the size and structure of the company, it may be possible to move to another department and be assigned to a new manager. First explore all possibilities before starting to list reasons for a job change.
Eye contact is a sign of openness and interest
Eye contact signals to your opposite number during the interview that you are interested and open, whereas if you avert your gaze, it shows uncertainty, a lack of interest, or simply that you are not paying attention. That does not mean that you should stare intently at your interviewer. As a rule of thumb, successful eye contact means holding your gaze for at least a second, but no more than three seconds. If you are engaged in conversation with several people, it is important to ensure that you primarily maintain eye contact with the person who asked the question. You should, however, maintain some eye contact with the other people in the room. That shows interest and helps you to secure their attention.
Upright posture signals confidence and strength
Even though most interviews are held in a seated position, body language during an interview process is nevertheless critically important in determining how your interviewer perceives you. Adopt an open posture and sit upright. A twisted upper body can have negative effects on the power of your voice. Additionally, you should use the entire surface of the seat. If you sit on the edge your chair, you’ll come across as tense and unsure of yourself. Body language is not only important in face-to-face interviews; it also makes a difference in telephone interviews. This may sound paradoxical at first; after all, the interviewer cannot see anything over the phone. Body language nevertheless has an effect on your voice. The same rules apply as in traditional, face-to-face interviews: sit upright and, if possible, imagine that you are engaged in a face-to-face conversation, as this will help you to concentrate. Even a subtle smile during your phone call will make you come across as more likeable.
Saying goodbye – your last chance to win them over
- When leaving, offer your hand again just as you did when greeting, keep eye contact, smile, and show confidence.
- Walk out with an upright posture and stay composed until you’re fully out of sight. Your body language keeps speaking for you even after the conversation ends.
- Every part of your nonverbal communication matters during an interview — facial expressions, gestures, posture, greetings, and goodbyes.
If you’re looking for more tips on the right body language for an interview, feel free to ask. It's a topic worth digging into.
Ready to put these tips into practice? Explore our current job openings on our job board and find the position that fits your strengths – or send us your unsolicited application. We look forward to getting to know you and supporting you on your next career step!