How To Project Confidence In A Job Interview

How To Project Confidence In A Job Interview

Now that you’ve polished your resume and practiced inflating your ego a bit, you’re ready to nail your job interview. You likely have answers prepared to the most common questions, and maybe even a fresh new suit, but there’s one other thing to keep in mind: Your body language.

Here are some interview tips from body language experts that will help you seem confident, set a great first impression, and get the job.

Make Eye Contact…

Especially when you’re first introduced. This may seem obvious, but not making eye contact is the number one body language mistake interviewees make, according to hiring managers.

Here’s why it’s important: one study found that people who consistently make eye contact are deemed more intelligent than those who do not. If you’re in a one-on-one interview, this is easy to do. In a group interview, maintain eye contact with the person speaking.

…But Not Too Much

That said, don’t overdo it (that’s, you know, creepy). Instead, throughout the interview, look at “different parts of someone’s face every two seconds, rotating from eyes, to nose, to lips, so you’re never just drilling into the interviewer’s eyes,” body language expert Dr. Lillian Glass tells Mashable.

Be a Copycat

Body language expert Patti Wood tells Business Insider that “it should look like you’re ‘dancing’ with the other person,” during a conversation, otherwise you may not seem engaged or companionable. “So if your interviewer is leaning forward in his chair and putting his hands on the table, feel free to do the same,” per BI. “Chances are he won’t notice that you’re copying him.” We’ve written more about that here.

Mind Your Hand Signals

Showing your palms communicated sincerity and engagement, while steepling your fingers shows confidence.

On the other hand (ahem), tapping your fingers shows impatience, while crossing your arms suggests you’re guarded or disappointed. “When we feel threatened, our natural instinct is to cover up and protect ourselves,” says Andy Mangum, speech communications faculty member at Brookhaven College in Dallas, tells Fast Company. You want to avoid coming across that way.

Nod Your Head

Nodding your head while the interviewer is speaking is an easy and effective way to show you’re paying attention and are engaged in the conversation. Add a smile so the interviewer knows you’re excited to be there and optimistic about the job and company.

It’s a lot to think about, but don’t let it occupy too much of your mind during the interview. Prepare, project confidence and focus on answering the interviewer’s question, and you’ll do just fine.


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