What Does Your Body Language Tell An Interviewer?

Date Posted: 06/12/2019

You’ve practiced what to say in the interview and have familiarized yourself with the company’s history, culture, and recent accomplishments. You are confident you can answer any questions the interviewer may ask.

Think you’re ready? Meron pang kailangan malaman.

Let’s talk about your body language or the non-verbal things that you should or shouldn’t do in the interview. Sayang naman don’t let your body language ruin your interview.

Chill! Madali lang ito. Just take note of the following things before you go to that overseas job interview.

Don’t slouch

Don’t slouch when you take the seat in the interview room. Huwag feeling at home. Reserve that position for when you return home and relax after a successful interview. Slouching will not only make your appear lazy, overconfident, and uninterested, it will also make you look like you’re unprofessional and taking the interview for granted.

Remember! Sit up straight! Also better if you lean forward slightly to show interest in the interview and the person who’s interviewing you.

The handshake

First off, don’t forget to shake the hand of the person who interviews you. However, wait for the interviewer to offer their hand first and don’t extend your hand first!

Take note that your handshake should be firm enough to show that you’re professional and confident, pero wag mo naman saktan yung interviewer. Never offer a limp wet hand. A handshake means gripping the other persons hand firmly.

Feeling nervous? Use hand gestures instead of hiding your hands

Sometimes, when we feel nervous we tend to put our hands inside our pockets or hide them in our lap. Don’t make the mistake of doing this because it will make you look unsure and take off points for being trustworthy.

Instead of doing this, make use of just a few of hand gestures when you’re talking.

Wait ka lang muna, sit after the interviewer tells you to

Baka pagod ka na sa commute, but just wait a couple of minutes before the interviewer tells you to sit down. This will make you look polite and respectful towards the interviewer’s position and your role in the interview process.

Make just the right amount of eye contact

Don’t be afraid to make eye contact but just enough to show that you’re paying attention and understand what the interviewer is telling you. ‘Wag mo naman takutin! Always look at the interviewer when answering a question.

Nod

Be a good listener and nod a lot when you listen. Scientists have found that when people nod while listening to something, they are more likely to be in agreement with it. Nod a lot while you talk, especially when asking for a favour or something you need.

Don’t touch your face or body too much

This gives the impression that you’re unsure of yourself, like maybe you can’t be trusted with big responsibilities. People tend to do this when they’re nervous. In relation to this, chill ka lang! You’re doing better than you think.

These are some of the body language tips that you should take note of. Don’t overthink it though, because you might come off as stiff or pretentious. It’s also not good to look “praktisado”/ rehearsed.

So just be aware of things like this and be yourself! Good luck! As we always say, if this job is for you, it’s for you. So don’t stress too much.