Why Nonverbal Communication Matters in Interviews
When you’re preparing for an interview, it’s a good idea to brainstorm what you plan to say. Maybe you want to touch on that major award you won last month or discuss the grant you earned for your research project.
While knowing what you want to say during an interview is an excellent way to prepare, considering what your body language says about you is equally important.
That’s because your body language gives off silent cues. Your posture and gestures can convey thoughts, feelings, and messages before you ever open your mouth. In fact, experts have determined that verbal communication accounts for only 20 to 30% of what is communicated during a conversation, while your body language accounts for the other 70 to 80%!
In other words, your body is likely doing a whole lot of talking without you even realizing it. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the hidden meanings behind how you’re holding yourself to help ensure you put your best foot forward during your next interview.
What To Focus On:
Interviews can be nerve-racking, but being mindful of these nonverbal cues can help you convey the right attitude and confidence you need for the role:
- Posture. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back conveys confidence, competence, and self-assurance.
- Body orientation. Angling your shoulders, chest, and feet toward the interviewer shows you are engaged in the conversation.
- Facial expressions. Maintaining a calm and pleasant facial expression can help you appear comfortable and professional.
- Hands and arm placements. Placing your hands in front of you and uncrossing your arms creates openness. A recent study found that those who practice open body language are “more likely to be perceived as competent and reliable by their peers.”
- Eye contact. Maintaining eye contact demonstrates that you are actively listening and intently following the discussion.
- Nodding. Nodding your head while the interviewer speaks demonstrates that you are listening and interested in the dialogue.
- Personal grooming and hygiene. Showing up in wrinkle-free professional clothing, with tamed hair and a clean face, shows that you respect the interviewer’s time and are taking the interview seriously.
Bonus tip: If you’re attending a virtual screening, choose a clean, clutter-free, professional environment without distractions or interruptions. Your background environment is an extension of yourself, and it, too, can silently communicate things about you.
What To Avoid:
Unfortunately, even unintentional body language and gestures can sometimes convey the wrong message. Avoid these kinds of nonverbal communication during your interview:
- Slouching. Poor posture can suggest laziness, disinterest, and a lack of professionalism.
- Crossing your arms. Crossing your arms over your chest can make you appear closed off and unopen to the discussion.
- Fidgeting. Drumming your fingers on the table, clicking your pen, and twirling your hair can seem like you’re nervous, anxious, or even bored.
- Furrowing your brows. Scrunched eyebrows can suggest that you’re anxious, worried, frustrated, or angry.
- Rolling your eyes and staring off in the distance. Rolling your eyes is one surefire way to show disgust or annoyance, while staring off into space can signal that you’re zoning out or feeling bored and uninterested in the discussion.
- Mumbling. If you’re speaking under your breath or not talking at an audible volume, you may seem unassertive and self-conscious.
How To Improve:
The good news is that there are ways to enhance your nonverbal communication style. Aside from focusing on certain cues and avoiding others, the following are just a few ways you can improve the way you come across in your interview:
- Relax. Calming your nerves is one of the biggest ways to exert confidence. Before your interview, practice breathing techniques, meditations, or positive affirmations to lower your anxiety.
- Smile. The simple act of smiling can instantly make you appear warm, friendly, and likable. It’s also an easy way to signal that you’re feeling excited and enthusiastic about the interview.
- Project your voice. If you’re naturally a quiet-spoken person, focus on increasing the volume of your voice to seem more confident and assertive.
- Fake it ’til you make it. Even if you’re feeling nervous, practicing good posture and positive gestures can mask your insecurities. The more you practice, the easier it’ll become.
It’s totally normal not to feel 100% calm, cool, and collected during an interview, but simply being mindful of your body language and how you come across to others can help demonstrate that you are the best fit for the role.
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