It is a scientifically proven fact that over 55% of communication is made through your body language and only 7% depends on the actual words spoken. So your hand gestures, voice tonality, expression and posture, in other words, your actions speak louder than your words! From small to big, every action of yours leads to whether you will get the job or not. So in this article we will explain the perfect body language you should possess to definitely crack an interview.
Table of Contents
Tips for the perfect body language:
1. Your door knock
This is your very first impression for the interview. So make it count! Refrain from knocking on the door if an attendant outside has already told you to that the interviewer is waiting for you inside the room. Just enter right away. If you have to knock then first open the door 75% then knock with the same hand that opened the door. Do not knock then open the door to ask the question. Your whole body and face should be visible to the interviewer when you ask the question to enter.
2. Asking permission to sit
Upon entering the room if you see the interviewer is already sitting then go and take your seat too. Next, extend your hand for a handshake to the interviewer and introduce your name. On the other hand, if the interviewer is standing then walk over to him and extend a handshake. Once the interviewer sits down, then only seat yourself.
3. How to do a handshake?
Keeping your handshake extremely firm can come across as dominating. But keeping it very mild may come across as a pushover. Hence, for the perfect handshake to put forth the perfect body language, follow these five tips. Always initiate the handshake by approaching the interviewer first. This shows you as a go-getter. Remember to match the grip of the interviewer’s handshake. Don’t keep it more strong or mild than his grip. Keep the handshake for 2-3 seconds at the most, followed by a smile and your name.
4. How to present your resume?
Even if you have previously mailed your resume to the company, do not forget to carry a copy of it to the actual interview. Always carry a hard copy of you resume to any interview. Keep your resume in a pristine condition. Do not fold and stuff it in your pocket. Rather carry it in a folder and present it to the interviewer with both hands, in such a way that he can begin reading it as soon as he receives it.
5. Which things to carry?
You must definitely carry the following four things to an interview. A folder with your resume, a pen and some A4 size blank sheets. If your resume has not gotten a verification then it is also advisable to carry the certificates and supporting documents with you to the interview. These include your mark sheets from college and school and your character certificates from your previous jobs. You could also carry these in a sling bag to look more professional.
6. How to place your hands?
Playing with your hands or touching your hair and face leaves a negative impression of yourself. Not only do you seem nervous but also under-confident to the interviewer. This significantly lowers your chances of getting hired for the job. Instead, you should either place both hands on the table or keep them closer to your chest with all fingertips touching. Another option is to keep both hands acing down on your lap. You can also use hand gestures to subtly put forth a point. Keep your hands facing upwards in this situation. This looks like you have a control over your environment.
7. Your sitting posture
How to sit during the course of the interview plays a big part in the perfect body language too. So don’t slouch yourself on the chair or hunch down to make yourself look small. Rather keep your back completely straight and lean forwards a little bit towards the interviewer. This shows your focus and interest in the interview.
8. Your eye contact
It is extremely important to maintain natural eye contact with the interviewer as a part of your perfect body language. Do not shift your gaze from your feet to other things in the room. Also, do not make a hard stare at the interview. It should feel very natural and casual like you would talk to a friend. If keeping an eye contact if difficult and makes you nervous then try looking at the interviewer’s nose!
9. Preparation before an interview
Doing these four things even before entering the interview room, sets you up for success! Being nervous before interviews may speed up your breathing rate. So, normalize your breathing rate to natural by going to a quiet corner and practise breathing techniques. Being nervous may also make your palms sweaty. Hence, dry your hands before you go in for that handshake with the interviewer. Have a mint and some water to make sure that your breath smells good and your throat is not sore. And last but not least, always walk towards the interview with a big smile!
Bonus tip
To finetune that perfect body language, do drink a glass of black coffee around 15-20 minutes before the interview. This helps in not only making you look wide awake and attune but also boosts your confidence!
Watch our video on the perfect body language for interviews below.
Also read, “Tell Me About Yourself” | How To Crack Interviews.
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