Body Language

Body language refers to the non-verbal signals you communicate through posture, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and physical space. Research suggests a significant portion of interpersonal impression formation comes from non-verbal cues. **Positive body language in interviews:** - **Eye contact**: Maintain natural, intermittent eye contact — not a fixed stare. Look at the interviewer when they're speaking and when you're making a key point. - **Posture**: Sit slightly forward (signals engagement); upright but not rigid. Avoid slumping or leaning back. - **Nodding**: Occasional nodding while listening signals engagement. Excessive nodding looks nervous. - **Hands**: Relaxed on the table or in your lap. Light gestures that accompany speech are natural and positive. - **Smile**: Genuine smiling (especially at the start and in moments of connection) builds rapport. **Negative signals to avoid:** - Crossed arms (closed, defensive) - Fidgeting with a pen, phone, or hair - Looking at the floor or ceiling when answering - Touching your face frequently (associated with nervousness or deception) - Weak handshake (for in-person interviews in contexts where handshaking occurs) **For video interviews:** Looking at the camera (not the screen) creates eye contact with the viewer. Sit up straight — the camera angle exaggerates posture. Minimize unnecessary movement that distracts from your words. **The anxiety factor:** Most interview anxiety manifests in body language before speech. Deliberate physical preparation — taking slow breaths before entering, sitting in an open posture — can shift your body state and reduce the anxiety signals you project.