Walking into an interview can feel like stepping onto a stage. You’re the star of the show, but instead of delivering lines, you’re there to showcase your best self. And just like any good performance, what isn’t said often speaks volumes. So, let’s dive into some body language tips and other savvy strategies to help you nail that work interview.

The Silent Dialogue: Body Language Basics

Having a confident body language isn’t just about standing up straight (though that’s important, too). To make a good first impression, you must show subtle signs of confidence and evoke a trusting aura. Studies have even shown that up to 55% of communication is nonverbal. That means your posture, gestures, and facial expressions do a lot of the talking before you even utter a word.

Eye Contact: The Window to Confidence

Maintaining eye contact shows you’re engaged, confident, and trustworthy. But don’t go overboard—you’re not trying to win a staring contest or creep out the interviewer. The key is a balance of direct eye contact and natural breaks to look away.

The Handshake: Your Introduction Before Introductions

Your handshake is the prologue to your story. A firm (but not bone-crushing) grip conveys confidence. And remember, sweaty palms are a no-go. A quick wipe on your pants before the handshake can save you from a slippery start.

Posture: Stand Tall, Sit Strong

Another thing to improve on at work interviews is your posture. For example, slouching is the kryptonite of good body language. Standing tall not only makes you look more confident but also feels it. And when you sit, resist the urge to shrink into your chair. Sit up straight, shoulders back, and own your space.

Gestures: Talk With Your Hand

Gesturing with your hands can help articulate your thoughts. It’s like adding punctuation to your spoken words. But keep it natural – wild gesticulations can make you seem scattered. Controlled movements suggest you’re collected and in command.

Beyond Body Language: Other Interview Must-Dos

Having confident body language is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to improve at work interviews, there are other factors you need to be aware of.

Dress to Impress: The Visual Handshake

Before you say a word, your outfit has introduced you. Dressing appropriately for the job you’re applying for sends a message that you understand the company culture and are serious about the role. Do your research about the company and what clothes they're wearing from the promos on their website.

The Arrival: Punctuality Speaks Volumes

Time is money, so they say. And people value their time especially for office-based positions. This says you’re reliable, eager, and respectful of the interviewer’s time. Plus, it allows you to collect your thoughts and calm those pre-interview jitters.

The Prep: Know Your Stuff

Before you walk into an interview, make sure you know about the company, the role, and how you fit into the picture. This will show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the opportunity.

How to Lead the Conversation in an Interview

Having confident body language is just one part of the equation. The way you carry yourself verbally during an interview also plays a huge role. Whether they’ll consider you for the job or put your file under the list depends on how well you converse with the interviewer. 

But don’t feel too pressured; no one is born a natural conversationalist after highschool or college. In fact, being great at interviews is an acquired skill. Let’s go over some helpful tips to get you started:

Be a Better Listener During an Interview

Active listening is a skill that’s often underrated but never undervalued. It’s about fully concentrating on what’s being said, understanding the message, and responding thoughtfully. Try nodding occasionally and paraphrasing the interviewer’s questions. It will show how engaged you are and help you clarify points and avoid misunderstandings.

Ask Questions that will lead to a Back-and-Forth Conversation

Another thing that you could improve on at a work interview is knowing how to lead a conversation. Continuing from our previous point, an interview is a two-way street. While it’s important to answer questions, asking your own shows curiosity and engagement. Contrary to popular belief, you can always shoot questions even halfway through the interview. 

So, listen carefully when the interviewer explains what the company is about and when they tell you about the job responsibilities. Then, prepare a few thoughtful questions, and ask the interviewer when the moment comes. 

Speak Clearly, Speak Concisely

Rambling is the enemy of a good interview. Clear and concise answers show that you’re organized in thought and respectful of the interviewer’s time. Before diving into an answer, take a moment to collect your thoughts and go back to the previous moments of your conversation with the interviewer. It’s better to pause than to stammer your way through your answer.

Tell a Story to Answer their Questions Effectively

Everyone loves a good story, and interviewers are no exception. When asked about your experiences, frame them as stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. For example, you can highlight the challenge, your action, and the result. This narrative structure makes your experiences memorable and relatable.

Ask Questions Before Exiting 

When an interviewer asks, “Do you have questions for me?”, they’re not just being polite. The interviewer is asking whether you have the proactiveness to take the conversation further, and also answer any questions or clarifications you may have. 

Popular TikTok personality Erin McGoff, says that asking questions at the end of the interview allows you to take the lead in the conversation. Moreover, this is an opportunity for you to know more about the company outside the usual mission and vision mantras. 

Consider asking questions like “What are the things that would allow me to fit better within the company/team?”. This proactiveness shows that you have a genuine interest in the role and the company. You can also spot potential red flags by asking questions about the employee benefits and other work culture-related questions.

Things to Improve on at Virtual Interviews

Working from home is here to stay. But that doesn’t mean that the previous tips we covered don’t apply during a Zoom interview. In fact, there are additional skills that you can improve on at virtual work interviews on top of your existing skills. 

Have a Mess-Free Background

Your background should be tidy, professional, and distraction-free. A clean, organized space not only reflects well on you but also ensures that the focus remains on your words and expressions. 

Pay More Attention to Lighting

Good lighting during an interview is one of the things you can improve on at work interviews. Soft, natural light can illuminate your face, making you appear warm and inviting, while poor lighting can cast shadows, creating an unflattering and potentially off-putting visual.

But don’t go too overboard. You don’t need massive lighting equipment when conducting a virtual interview. So try placing yourself near a window and making sure your face is evenly lit. 

Dressing the Part, Even Remotely

Dressing appropriately for a virtual interview is just as important as an in-person one. While it might be tempting to keep it casual below the camera’s view, maintaining a professional appearance from head to toe can put you in the right mindset. We suggest opting for solid colors or subtle designs that won’t distract from the conversation.

Place your Laptop or Webcam at Eye Level

We’re no strangers to looking at chins and nostrils during a virtual work interview. For your next interview, try placing your laptop on top of a pile of books or anything that elevates your webcam to eye level. This will make your conversation with the interviewer more personal and imitate how we would make a conversation in real life. 

Wrapping Up with Grace

As the interview concludes, don’t forget to express your gratitude. A simple thank you can go a long way. And when it’s time to leave the meeting, do so smoothly and professionally, just as you would exit a room after a face-to-face interview.

Elevate Your Skills for Interview Success with Intellezy

Great soft skills are one part of the equation. Ace your interviews with Intellezy’s targeted training in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Our courses are crafted to boost your proficiency in these essential business tools, ensuring you can showcase your expertise with confidence. Plus, our custom eLearning paths are tailored to your unique learning needs, from data analytics to project management.

Transform your hard skills into your strongest asset. Visit Intellezy and start your personalized learning journey today.