Mastering job interview body language, in person and online

Body language can often speak louder than your words and can make a lasting impact when it comes to first impressions and job interviews. Whilst the way in which job interviews are conducted is changing and evolving from in person to online and a mixture of both, it’s important we know the right etiquette to make a positive impression! Here are our top tips.

Facial language

• Smile when you meet
• Smile during your conversation and during relevant moments
• Nod when you are listening
• Do not try and wink or pull a face during an interview
• Avoid frowning
• Make a regular amount of eye contact (looking at their screen if on a video call)
• Don’t look down when talking
• When on a video call, avoid looking at yourself too much, look at the interviewers
• Be engaged with the meeting, don’t peer off into the distance and if on a video call, don’t look as if you are reading or doing something else

Body language

• Don’t fidget, including tapping your hand or leg. (Even if it is a video interview and fidgeting parts of your body are not on camera, the nervousness shows).
• On a video call, it’s perfectly nice to wave hello.
• Sit up straight and avoid moving your position drastically during the interview
• Don’t hunch over
• Avoid crossing your arms as this may make others feel you are closed off or dishonest
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Avoid leaning in too close if you are on a video call (and in person!)

For more advice on how to conduct yourself in ANY interview situation, you can see this blog by our friends at Chandler Macleod.