10 Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview: Make a Powerful Impression

When you step into a job interview, your words are only a part of the equation. Research suggests that non-verbal communication, or body language, can account for as much as 55% of our communication. This means that your posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures can all convey more information than your words.

So how can you use body language to improve your chances of getting hired? In this blog, we’ll break down 10 essential body language tips to help you shine in your next interview and leave a lasting positive impression. Let's dive in!

What is Body Language and Why Does It Matter in an Interview?

The signals that we communicate through our posture, gestures, facial emotions, and movements are referred to as body language. It is an efficient means of nonverbal communication during interviews.

A study by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, a leading psychologist, found that 55% of communication is made through body language, 38% through tone of voice, and only 7% through words. When you're in a job interview, the way you carry yourself can speak volumes about your personality, your professionalism, and your enthusiasm for the role.

Why does this matter in a job interview? First impressions are made within seconds, and body language can communicate your confidence, interest, and even your enthusiasm for the role, all before you’ve spoken a word.

10 Powerful Body Language Tips for Your Next Job Interview

Ready to boost your interview game with effective body language? Here are 10 proven tips to help you make a strong, lasting impression.

Be Prepared and Arrive on Time

Punctuality and preparedness are two of the simplest yet most impactful ways to make a positive impression in a job interview. The old saying "First impressions are lasting impressions" holds especially true in an interview setting. While you may have the skills and qualifications for the job, your ability to show up on time, and ready to engage, speaks volumes about your work ethic, reliability, and respect for the interviewer's time.

Arriving late for an interview, even by a few minutes, can signal to the interviewer that you’re not organized, don’t value their time, or, worse, are unreliable. On the flip side, showing up early and being well-prepared signals that you're serious about the opportunity and eager to make a good impression. A recent survey by CareerBuilder revealed that 58% of employers view tardiness as a deal-breaker, with nearly 10% of interviewers saying they won’t even consider candidates who arrive late.

How to Be Prepared and Arrive on Time

• Plan Your Route in Advance
• Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early
• Dress Appropriately and Comfortably
• Prepare Your Documents and Materials the Night Before
• Know the Company and the Role
• Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Start Strong with Your Entrance

It's your first chance to make a difference with your entrance. Be confident and assertive from the moment you enter.Your body language communicates a lot about your attitude and level of confidence before you even say a word. By sitting confidently and standing tall, you will give the interviewer the impression that you are a person who is up to the challenge.

Tip: Stand up straight, shoulders back, and chin up, think superhero stance. This position is associated with leadership and confidence. If you want to instantly make a great first impression, a confident posture can be your secret weapon. You want to communicate that you’re comfortable and in control.

Did You Know?  Studies show that standing tall can boost your mood and reduce stress by encouraging better oxygen flow and blood circulation to your brain. So, not only will it impress your interviewer, but it will make you feel on top of your game.

Make Eye Contact (But Don’t Overdo It)

Maintaining eye contact signals to your interviewer that you are engaged and confident. People who avoid eye contact can seem like they’re hiding something or are nervous. However, don’t go overboard—staring at someone can make them uncomfortable too. The sweet spot is around 60-70% eye contact. This helps to build rapport and trust with the interviewer.

Tip: Natural eye contact is about 60-70% of the time. Too little can make you seem distracted, while too much can come across as intimidating. The key is to look at the person’s eyes, then occasionally glance at their mouth or elsewhere to break it up.

Fun Fact: Research by Carnegie Mellon University shows that eye contact can create a deeper connection between people, making them more likely to trust you. So, treat your interviewer like an old friend!

Avoid Crossing Your Arms: Keep It Open

Crossing your arms might seem like a comfortable or natural way to sit, but during a job interview, it can inadvertently send the wrong message. Instead of conveying confidence, crossing your arms can give off the impression that you are closed off, defensive, or disengaged. Keeping your posture open not only boosts your approachability but also projects a positive, confident attitude—traits that are highly valued by employers.

When you fold your arms in front of your chest, it can create a physical barrier between you and the interviewer. It may appear as though you are physically protecting yourself or trying to distance yourself from the conversation. While this is a natural, subconscious action that many people do when they feel nervous or uncertain, in the context of an interview, it can signal that you're uncomfortable, uninterested, or not fully engaged.

What to do Instead?

• Rest Your Hands on the Table or Lap
• Use Gestures While Speaking
• Keep Your Shoulders Relaxed and Back
• Position Your Body Towards the Interviewer

Fun Fact: According to research, crossing your arms for more than 3 minutes can lead to feelings of defensiveness and stress. So, keeping your arms open not only helps with perception but also with maintaining a positive mindset!

Smile Genuinely

A genuine smile can be one of the most powerful tools in your body language arsenal during a job interview. Smiling doesn’t just express happiness; it conveys warmth, confidence, and approachability—qualities that hiring managers value when assessing candidates. The way you smile and the timing of your smiles can say a lot about your personality and how well you fit within a company culture.

A smile, especially one that is authentic, can immediately build rapport and make a positive impression on the interviewer. When you smile, you appear more confident, friendly, and approachable

Tip: Don't hold back—smile with your teeth! A genuine smile (which involves the eyes too, not just the mouth) makes you seem approachable, confident, and enthusiastic. It also helps you feel less anxious by releasing tension.

When to Smile?

Knowing when to smile during the interview is just as important as knowing how to smile. Here are a few moments when you should flash a genuine smile:

• When You Greet the Interviewer
• During Light Moments
• When You’re Discussing Achievements or Experiences
• When Closing the Interview

According to a study by University of Kansas researchers, people who smile during an interview are rated as 30% more likable and trustworthy than those who don’t. The "power of a smile" is so strong that it can even increase the likelihood of being hired, especially if you smile when greeting your interviewer or reacting to a point they make.

Avoid the Fidgeting Trap: Stay Calm

 Fidgeting during a job interview is a common nervous habit, but it can send the wrong message to interviewers. Nervous twitches, tapping feet, twirling hair, or incessantly shifting in your seat can make you seem uncomfortable, distracted, or unprofessional—none of which you want during an interview.

When you're nervous, your body naturally responds with small movements to release excess energy. However, these movements can be distracting and may give the impression that you’re unprepared or anxious

Tip: Try to sit still and avoid unnecessary movements. If you feel the urge to fidget, focus on your breath or hold your hands gently in your lap. If you’re nervous, consider practicing deep breathing before the interview to calm your nerves. Fidgeting with pens or hair? Big no-no. It can signal discomfort or nervousness.

Fun Fact: People who exhibit fidgeting behavior during interviews are perceived as less competent. According to Forbes, fidgeting can reduce your chances of getting hired by up to 25%!

Perfect Your Handshake 

A handshake may seem like a small detail, but in a job interview, it can speak volumes about your confidence, professionalism, and readiness for the role. Whether it’s your first impression or the final gesture as you leave, the way you shake hands can influence how an interviewer perceives you.

A well-executed handshake is often the interviewer’s first “body language test.” It’s your chance to make a strong, positive initial impression. A good handshake can also foster rapport, putting both you and the interviewer at ease. On the other hand, a weak or awkward handshake can cause discomfort and may even leave the interviewer questioning your qualifications or interest in the job.

How to Perfect Your Handshake

• Firm, but Not Too Firm
• Make Eye Contact
• Use Your Right Hand
• Stand Up (If Possible)
• Avoid Sweaty or Cold Hands
• Be Mindful of Cultural Differences

Did You Know? According to a survey by Robert Half, 85% of interviewers rate a handshake as important in their hiring decision. A strong handshake could help you stand out in a competitive job market!

Lean In Slightly to Show Interest

Leaning forward a bit when the interviewer is speaking shows that you’re actively engaged and interested in what they have to say. It conveys that you’re paying attention, which helps build rapport. It signals that you're actively listening and open to the exchange of ideas. But don’t lean too far, as it can come off as intrusive. 

Tip: When the interviewer says something important or asks a question, lean forward slightly, maintaining an open and approachable posture. Avoid over-leaning, as that can feel intrusive.

Fun Fact: Mirroring (matching the interviewer's posture and energy) can improve rapport by as much as 30%. So if your interviewer leans forward, follow suit—but subtly!

Keep Your Posture Relaxed But Alert

Your posture plays a crucial role in how you're perceived during an interview. The way you sit, stand, and carry yourself speaks volumes about your confidence, professionalism, and engagement. Maintaining a posture that’s both relaxed and alert signals to your interviewer that you’re at ease but fully attentive to the conversation.

Posture speaks to how you feel about yourself and how you want others to perceive you. Finding the balance between relaxed and alert is the key.

Tips:

• Sit Upright, But Not Rigid
• Lean Slightly Forward
• Keep Your Hands Visible and Relaxed
• Avoid Crossing Your Legs
• Mind Your Head Position

Tip: Studies show that posture is one of the first things people notice in an interaction. According to The Center for Nonverbal Studies, maintaining an open and confident posture can make you appear 10% more competent and 20% more likable—two traits that are critical in an interview setting.

Exit with Confidence

Your interview isn’t over when the questions end—how you exit the room can leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. A strong, confident exit signals professionalism and shows that you are self-assured and prepared, even in the final moments.

While much of the focus during a job interview is on the conversation itself, your exit is just as important. First impressions are crucial, but final impressions can be equally impactful. In fact, according to a study by The Job Network, 56% of hiring managers have cited a candidate’s post-interview behavior as a key factor in their hiring decision. 

Tips to exit with confidence

• Stand Up Smoothly
• Maintain Eye Contact
• Firm Handshake
• Say Thank You, and Be Specific
• Exit Calmly, But With Purpose

Fun Fact: According to The Muse, over 70% of interviewers recall how a candidate exited the room, and it’s often a deciding factor between two equally qualified applicants. A confident, composed exit could very well tip the scales in your favor.

Conclusion

Your body language during a job interview can be a game-changer. By following these 10 essential body language tips, you’ll appear more confident, engaged, and professional. Whether you're making a strong entrance, maintaining eye contact, or using hand gestures to reinforce your words, each small detail adds up to a powerful impression.

Remember, actions speak louder than words, so take the time to fine-tune your body language before your next interview. With the right mix of confidence and self-awareness, you'll be one step closer to landing that dream job!

Good luck!