Summary
Highlights
Even if perfectly qualified, interview rejections can stem from body language, which constitutes 55% of communication, compared to 7% for words and 38% for vocal elements. This video aims to help you tweak your body language for success.
Avoid slouching or folding your arms, as this appears defensive or nervous. Instead, open up your body, avoid crossing limbs, and lean slightly forward from the waist to convey interest.
Fidgeting, like jiggling in your chair or playing with objects, makes you appear anxious. To counter this, slow your breathing, keep hand gestures steady and upward-palmed for honesty, or touching your heart for genuineness. Steepling hands shows confidence, while clasped hands suggest anxiety.
Subtly mirror the interviewer's hand movements or positive gestures, waiting about 10 seconds before replicating. Also, mirror their vocabulary, jargon, speech rate, and volume as people trust those similar to themselves, fostering rapport.
Avoid gazing downwards; instead, make eye contact to assert confidence and trustworthiness. Alternate your gaze between the interviewer's left eye, right eye, and mouth every 3 seconds. In panel interviews, look at everyone, but focus on the person speaking or asking questions.
Refrain from touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, ears, or sideburns, as these actions can signal dishonesty to the interviewer.
Many people make mistakes with handshakes. A handshake that is too firm appears dominant, while one that is too weak signals underconfidence. Always initiate the handshake, match the interviewer's grip, maintain it for one to two seconds, smile, and repeat their name.