Career Planning Finding a Job Interview Strategies Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview By Madeleine Burry Madeleine Burry Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching for The Balance. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave, and has been writing for The Balance since 2014. learn about our editorial policies Updated on January 20, 2022 In This Article View All In This Article Before the Interview During the Interview Practice Your Body Language Photo: Dan Dalton/Caiaimage/Getty Images Are you getting ready for a job interview? Here's how to make an interviewer feel dubious about your candidacy: slump in your seat, avoid eye contact, and crack your knuckles before answering tough questions. Appearance counts during interviews—not only how you dress, but also how you carry yourself. Even if your responses to questions are flawless, the wrong body language can send the wrong signal and sour how you're perceived. Follow these recommendations for men and women to project poise and confidence—not jitters and arrogance—during your next job interview. Before the Interview Put on your confidence even before the interview commences. In the waiting area, have good posture while standing and sitting. Keep your back straight, and your chin parallel to the ground. While you may not have met your interviewer at this point, it's still possible that the receptionist or potential future co-workers are observing you. When you sit down to wait, place your briefcase or purse to the left side of your chair—that will reduce awkwardness when you have to shake the interviewer's hand and grab your personal items. During the Interview While first impressions do count for a lot, it's during your conversation that interviewers will have an extended time to take you in. Your answers to questions are important, as is your stance while listening and responding. Keep these body language tips in mind: Posture and Sitting Style First and foremost: No slumping. Keep your back straight. Lean forward slightly to indicate interest. Do not recline back into the chair fully; this can make you seem bored or disengaged. Avoid crossing your arms or placing items in your lap; these habits indicate defensiveness, nerves, and a need for self-protection when what you'd ideally convey during an interview is confidence. Note If you're offered a choice of seating, opt for the straight-backed chair—plush, cushioned chairs and couches may be comfy, but it's hard to sit gracefully within them. Avoid Crossing Your Legs Most experts recommend against crossed legs. With a long interview, you might need to re-cross them because your leg is falling asleep. This could come across as fidgeting. Try Not to Appear Restless Speaking of fidgeting, if you're a nail-biter, knuckle-cracker, hair-twirler, or leg-tapper, don't allow these habits to make an appearance during the interview. All will appear unprofessional and convey nerves. Plus, most of these actions are generally considered impolite. Use Your Hands Do you naturally talk with your hands? Go ahead and let them move during the interview. Stopping your natural gestures may lead to an awkward appearance. Just make sure your motions don't become so enthusiastic that they distract from your words. Make Eye Contact It's important to make eye contact during your interview, but don’t mistake that for a directive to make constant eye contact. That can be disconcerting and considered aggressive. At the same time, avoiding eye contact entirely comes across as untrustworthy and distant—it could make it seem like your answers are dishonest. Balance it out: Aim to make eye contact as you listen and respond to questions, but allow it to break occasionally, and let your eyes wander. Note Wondering how much eye contact is appropriate? Think: How would I make eye contact if I were chatting with a friend? Practice Your Body Language You should practice your body language as much as you rehearse your answers to common interview questions. Natural tendencies tend to take over when you're nervous, so you have to learn to consciously overcome them. Practice with friends or an interview coach to ensure you're fully aware and in control of your body when the time comes for the interview. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit