Understanding Body Language in an Interview: Sending the Right Message

A promising job candidate walks into your office. They’ve done their research, they're qualified, and they’re clearly excited about the opportunity.  

You, on the other hand, have been running from meeting to meeting all day and are now a few minutes late to even greeting the candidate. Feeling a bit rushed to get back on task, you offer a polite, brief handshake and motion for them to follow you to your office. 

Before making any hand gestures that invite them to sit down, you mention not having had time to review their resume beforehand. You spend the next 30 seconds skimming through it and then lean forward slightly to begin the interview. 

As you finish asking the first question, your smartwatch notifies you of a text message. You quickly glance down to silence the notification but are now a bit distracted by the message. Subconsciously, you nod with a neutral expression but are oblivious to any spoken words.  

By the time the interview ends, you feel it went fine, maybe even great. But when the candidate leaves, they seem hesitant and less enthusiastic than when they arrived.  

A few days later, they withdraw from consideration. 

Your Role in the Interview Process 

As an interviewer, you heavily influence how job candidates feel when deciding whether to accept an offer. In the interview setting, body language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and influencing outcomes. Because applicants make snap judgments based on nonverbal cues, it’s important to be aware of the signals you send throughout the entire interview. 

According to body language expert Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman, gestures such as crossed arms are often interpreted as a defensive posture, one that may signal discomfort or disinterest in the interview setting.  

The good news? With a few small adjustments, you can develop good habits to ensure your nonverbal communication helps, not hinders, your hiring process. 

Real Interview Scenarios: What Candidates Notice 

What Negative Body Language Says 

Scenario 1: During a high-stakes interview for a management position, the interviewer leaned back, crossed their arms, and frequently checked their phone. The candidate later declined a second interview saying they “didn’t feel the culture was collaborative.” 

Lesson: Even subtle cues like checking your phone or smartwatch or leaning back can be perceived as arrogance or disengagement. 

What Positive Body Language Says 

Scenario 2: In another case, a hiring manager greeted the candidate with a firm handshake, maintained steady eye contact, smiled when appropriate, and nodded thoughtfully as the candidate spoke. The candidate later shared that the experience “felt more like a conversation than an interview.” 

Lesson: Positive body language fosters trust and encourages candidates to open up, leading to better hiring decisions. 

Interviewer Body Language Dos and Don’ts 

Before your next interview, take a few deep breaths and think about what your body language might be saying. Candidates are often highly attuned to nonverbal cues, especially in stressful situations like job interviews.  

Here’s a quick list of body language tips to help you evaluate what your body language suggests in an interview. These insights show how posture, gestures, and facial expressions can impact your credibility and confidence. They will also help you be more intentional about your expressions and keep both parties engaged in the conversation. 

What should I do with my legs to maintain good posture? 

Do: When in the interview room, cross your legs at an angle or keep both feet flat on the floor to portray confidence and relaxation. 

Don’t: Wiggle or shake a leg with legs crossed. Beyond being distracting, it indicates boredom, anxiousness, or nervousness. 

What should I do with my feet? 

Do: Face the candidate squarely, with feet flat on the floor or crossed at the ankles. 

Don’t: Point your feet toward the door, tap your feet, or rest one ankle on top of the other knee. This can imply a desire to escape, boredom, or arrogance. 

What should I do with my hands? 

Do: Rest them on your lap or on the table as you ask questions and listen. 

Don’t: Rub your face, head, or neck, or drum your fingers on the table. These gestures suggest boredom or irritation. Also avoid placing your hands in a “steeple” position, which can appear dismissive or condescending. 

What should I do with my arms? 

Do: Sit upright with relaxed arms and your torso facing the candidate. 

Don’t: Lean back with folded arms, which portrays arrogance or defensiveness. 

What should I do with my face to show a genuine smile? 

Do: Smile naturally and give appropriate facial expressions to match the topic. This helps the applicant feel at ease and shows you’re engaged. 

Don’t: Overreact or appear overly cheerful when discussing serious subjects or raise your eyebrows in disbelief. These expressions can come off as judgmental. 

What should I do with my eyes? 

Do: Make consistent eye contact to show interest and attention. 

Don’t: Read through the resume or glance at your phone, smartwatch, or the clock during the conversation. This sends a clear message of disinterest and poor preparation. 

Why Body Language Matters More Than You Think 

Your body language often speaks louder than your words. If you react negatively to something early in the interview, such as crossing your arms, raising an eyebrow, or leaning away, but then you become more positive later, the candidate may have already decided against your company.  

Nonverbal signals create valuable insight for the candidate that shape perceptions instantly and, unfortunately, can be difficult to reverse. 

Body Language for Remote Interviews 

Even in virtual interviews, body language rules still apply. A few tips for interviewing remote applicants include sitting upright, looking into the camera (not the screen), nodding occasionally, actively listening, and smiling naturally.  

Candidates can easily notice engagement, even through a webcam. 

The Bottom Line: Professionalism Is Seen, Not Just Heard 

Remember, candidates are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them. Your posture, eye contact, and gestures all contribute to whether you provide a positive impression of your company. In many scenarios, body language accounts for whether applicants ultimately decide to join your team. 

For additional tips about interviewing, please contact your Stratus HR rep and request your free copy of “Say What? The Comprehensive Interview Guide for Hiring Managers.” Your rep can also answer any questions you might have about your interviewing practices. 

Not a Stratus HR client? Book a free consultation and our team will contact you shortly.