Effective Body Language And Hand Gestures Job Interviewers Look For

A person’s body language and gestures play a great role in effectively communicating their thoughts. Using the correct gestures can aid speech and improve perception from others. Company recruiters worldwide are trained to pay close attention to these factors when it comes to considering an interviewee. They vet applicants day after day to find one who checks all the boxes – an astounding resume, good recommendations, and a personality that will fit the company’s culture and environment. Body language and gestures presented in an interview can be great indicators in perceiving an interviewee’s personality after having met for only a limited amount of time. Improve your skills in overall communication with these fool-proof tips.

Start with a strong, firm handshake.

Seasoned recruiters are trained to evaluate candidates the minute they enter the room. Greeting them with a strong handshake can instantly set the right tone for your interview. A strong palm-to-palm handshake that lasts 2-3 seconds is important. Don’t forget to accompany your handshake with a smile and a warm acknowledgement.

Eye contact is key.

Ability to maintain good eye contact is important in a job interview. It shows friendliness, interest, and confidence. Body language experts say that constantly fidgeting and looking away can allude to lying on uncertainty. Maintain eye contact with your interviewer especially when answering questions to show that you are knowledgeable in the topic at hand. Avoid rapidly blinking as well as this show stress and inability to answer truthfully.

Be mindful of your posture.

Avoid slouching and hunching during your interview. Sit up right to convey confidence and assertiveness towards your interviewer. Leaning forward, keeping your palms open on your lap, and sitting on the edge of the chair show that you are deeply engaged in the conversation.

Loosen up.

While maintaining good posture is important, you must remember not to look too stiff during your interview. Focus on showing your natural personality, looking stiff in an interview might imply that your answers are practiced and fake. Leaning back just the right amount will show that you are relaxed and self-assured when answering questions.

Put those facial muscles to work.

Remember to smile, nod, or laugh whenever appropriate to show acknowledgement to what your interviewer says as these demonstrate enthusiasm and openness. Simple body and facial stretches before an interview can help you release build up of anxiety and tension from the nervous anticipation this day brings. Pausing and looking away for short periods can also show that you are putting a lot of thought into your answers. 

Ace your upcoming job interview by exuding certainty, friendliness, and confidence. Take time in thoroughly reviewing your resume and practicing how to answer typical questions through available sources on the web to get your answers down pat. Once you’ve mastered your material, watch your gestures in front of a mirror or do a mock interview with a friend so you could make note of the bad habits you should avoid on the day of your interview. Instilling good facial and body language habits may take time and effort to perfect, but polishing these skills is a sure-fire way to land you that job.