The phrase ‘it's not what you say, it's how you say it,’ is certainly true in interview situations. Your verbal content only provides 7% of the message the interviewer is receiving from you therefore both your body language (55% of the message) and the way you speak such as voice tone (38%) are more important than the actual words you use in your job interview answers! Often the interviewer will analyse your body language, your mannerisms and facial expressions and if your body language if perceived to be negative it can work against you.

Here are some simple ways to ensure that you are sending the right message with your interview body language.

Tune Your Body Posture

It’s important to master your posture as it reflects how you feel about the interviewer and the job. In an interview you should sit upright but in a relaxed position leaning forward slightly towards the interviewer. This indicates that you are comfortable, confident, interested and involved. Sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being nervous and tense. How you position your head also sends a message. Tilting your head slightly to one side comes across as friendly and open. Keeping your head straight signals confidence. Nodding your head while speaking is a good way of supporting your words or adding meaning to them.

What to Do With Your Hands

The best place to rest your hands is in your lap or on the table if there is one. This looks confident and professional. Watch the use of your hands and ensure that you aren't constantly moving them or gesturing with them to the point of distraction. Fiddling with your hair, face or neck sends the message that you are anxious and unsure. Keep your hands out of your pockets as it may be perceived as you being secretive.

What to Do With Your Feet

Crossing your feet at the ankles or placing them both flat on the floor sends a message of confidence and professionalism. A lot of leg movement creates a distraction and shows nervousness. Resting one leg or ankle on top of your other knee makes you look too casual and crossing your legs high up conveys a defensive attitude in the one-on-one context of a job interview.

Voice Delivery

Breathe and pause before answering a question. This gives you time to react in a considered way and it ensures that the interviewer has finished the question. Speaking in a clear and controlled voice conveys confidence. Avoid speaking in a monotone by varying your tone and pitch, however don't overdo it and come across as overly excited or emotional.

Eye Contact

When you are doing the talking you need to hold eye contact for about 10 seconds before looking away briefly and then re-establishing eye contact. If the interviewer is talking and you want to show that you are actively listening, you need to instigate direct eye contact and maintain it. Remember to blink regularly, look away very briefly and give a small nod every now and then so you don’t appear to be aggressively staring. Eyes that dart around suggest dishonesty and if you constantly look down it makes you appear insincere or submissive. With panel interviews it is best to look at and direct your answer to the person asking the question, with a glance at the other interviewers.

The Interviewer's Message

While concentrating on your body language, don't forget to pay attention to the interviewer's body language too! They might be sending you subtle signals with how they act that you can use to your advantage. You ideally want the interviewer to be doing the same things you are like maintaining eye contact, nodding, smiling, leaning forward or sitting relaxed. If your interviewer is drumming their fingers on the table, staring blankly or rubbing their face then they may have lost interest so it’s time for you to get the point!
 
Good luck!