Level: Intermediate (B1)
Going to a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but did you know that your body language can make a huge difference? From the way you walk into the room to how you say goodbye, your gestures, posture, and voice send powerful messages. In fact, according to psychologist Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Rule, only 7% of communication comes from words, while 38% is from your tone of voice, and 55% is from your body language! This article will teach you how to use body language to appear confident, trustworthy, and professional in interviews, with practical tips and exercises to practice. Perfect for young students, professionals in Brazil, or anyone preparing for an English-speaking job interview!
What is Body Language?
Body language includes your movements (hands, legs, arms), facial expressions, posture (how you sit or stand), and voice (tone and volume). Using it effectively can help you connect with the interviewer and show you’re the right person for the job.
Top 10 Body Language Tips for Interviews
Follow these tips to communicate confidence and professionalism:
- Walk Confidently: Enter the room with a smile, shoulders back, and steady steps. Make eye contact with the interviewer to show confidence.
- Give a Firm Handshake: In English-speaking countries (like the UK or USA), a strong handshake shows trust and interest. Wait for the interviewer to extend their hand first, then shake firmly for 2-3 seconds.
- Smile Naturally: Smile for 2-3 seconds when meeting the interviewer to appear friendly. Laugh at their jokes (but not your own) to build rapport.
- Control Your Breathing: Before the interview, take 10 deep breaths (inhale for 3 seconds, hold for 3, exhale for 3) to stay calm. During the interview, inhale when asked a question and speak while exhaling for a confident voice.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the interviewer’s eyes for about 70% of the time to show interest. Every 2 seconds, shift your gaze to their nose, mouth, or forehead to avoid staring.
- Nod and Listen Actively: Nod your head gently while the interviewer speaks and use phrases like “I see” or “Yes” to show you’re paying attention.
- Keep Palms Up: Show your palms facing up when gesturing to appear open and honest. Hiding your palms can make you seem less trustworthy.
- Use Controlled Gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize points, but don’t overdo it. Avoid fidgeting, tapping fingers, or touching your face, as these can signal nervousness or dishonesty.
- Sit with Good Posture: Sit with your back straight, shoulders slightly back, and legs slightly apart, angling your knees toward the interviewer. Avoid leaning back (it looks lazy) or forward too much (it seems aggressive).
- Mirror Subtly: Copy the interviewer’s body language (e.g., placing a hand on their leg) subtly to build a connection. Be careful not to make it obvious.
Extra Tips for Special Situations
- Waiting Area: Be mindful of your posture even before the interview. Some companies use CCTV or ask receptionists to observe candidates. Sit up straight and avoid fidgeting.
- Phone Interviews: Smile and stand or walk while talking to sound confident and friendly. Your voice carries your energy!
- Saying Goodbye: End with a smile, a firm handshake, and eye contact. Thank the interviewer and express interest in the role, e.g., “Thank you for your time. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”
New Vocabulary
- Firm (adj): Strong, not weak (e.g., “A firm handshake shows confidence.”)
- Trustworthy (adj): Someone you can trust (e.g., “Open palms make you seem trustworthy.”)
- Fidget (vb): To move your hands or body nervously (e.g., “Don’t fidget during the interview.”)
- Posture (n): The way you sit or stand (e.g., “Good posture shows confidence.”)
- Mirror (vb): To copy someone’s actions (e.g., “Mirroring the interviewer builds rapport.”)
Practice Exercise
Match the body language tip to its purpose:
- Nodding while listening
- Keeping palms up
- Avoiding touching your face
- Maintaining eye contact
Options:
- A. Shows you’re open and honest
- B. Avoids seeming dishonest
- C. Shows you’re paying attention
- D. Shows confidence and interest
Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D
Role-Play Practice
Imagine you’re at an interview. Write a short dialogue (3-4 lines) where you greet the interviewer using at least two body language tips (e.g., smiling, firm handshake). Example:
You: *Smiling, offering a firm handshake* Hello, I’m Alex. It’s great to meet you!
Interviewer: Nice to meet you, Alex. Please have a seat.
Your Task: Write your own dialogue and practice it aloud to work on your tone and confidence.
