Video interviews are becoming increasingly popular and more commonly used as part of the hiring process. With technology advancing, it is important to understand how your body language can come across in a video interview.
Some of our gestures and expressions can be misinterpreted and some of our habits may not give the best impression. Body language is an essential factor that recruiters take into consideration when selecting a candidate.
Therefore, it is important to know what body language strategies to use in order to make a positive impact on your video job interview and land the job you want! Here are 8 body language tips for success during video interviews.
Essential Body Language Tips For Video Interviews: With Examples
1. Maintain good posture:
Your body positioning shows how engaged you are with the conversation and it’s important to sit facing the camera at all times during the video call. Sitting up straight with your shoulders back and chin slightly lifted will convey confidence and professionalism. Sitting directly in front of the camera will show that you are listening attentively and paying attention to the conversation.
Avoid turning away or looking down as this can make you appear uninterested and indifferent.
This shows you are engaged and taking the call seriously. Avoid slouching or leaning back as this will signal that you are not interested in the job. Slouching or leaning back also makes a person look disengaged. Ensure your chair is comfortable as it will help you maintain a good posture.
Examples of Maintaining a Good Posture:
Imagine you are in a video interview and the interviewer asks a thought-provoking question. Lean slightly forward and nod to show your interest and engagement in the topic.
How to Prepare for it:
Before the video interview, research the company thoroughly to align your responses with their values and goals. Practice answering common interview questions while maintaining good posture to build confidence.
2. Make eye contact:
Eye contact is a good way to show you are engaged and attentive. Not making eye contact with the interviewer can make you seem disengaged or distracted. It also makes you seem intimidated or unconfident. It is important to look directly into the camera when speaking to show that you are confident and reliable.
Maintain eye contact as much as possible, but avoid staring. Staring gives off an uncomfortable feeling and it can also seem intimidating for the interviewer. A good rule of thumb is to focus on the camera lens to maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you. Looking directly into the camera is essential to give off a good impression and form a connection with your interviewer.
Examples of how to Maintain an Eye Contact:
During the interview, look directly into the camera when introducing yourself and answering questions to create a sense of connection with the interviewer.
How to Prepare and Train your Eye Contacts:
Practice maintaining eye contact with the camera during mock video interviews to get comfortable with the setup.
3. Facial expressions:
Having the right facial expressions during an interview will make recruiters more likely to remember you in a positive way and think favorably of you. Keep a pleasant expression on your face at all times during the call, as it will show that you are interested in the job and eager to learn more about it. Smile when appropriate and avoid frowning or looking away too often, making it seem like you are not engaged in the conversation. Show enthusiasm through your facial expressions and smile whenever possible.
Smiling is an important part of your body language that should not be overlooked during your video interviews. A genuine smile conveys confidence and enthusiasm, which will make you come across as an intelligent candidate for the job.
Avoid changing your expressions too quickly or often as this can seem unnatural and insincere. When a difficult question arises, maintain a neutral expression and take your time to answer the question. Changing your facial expressions too often will make you seem nervous or indecisive.
Specific Examples of Facial Expressions:
When discussing your achievements or experiences, let your genuine enthusiasm shine through with a warm smile and positive facial expressions.
How to Prepare for accurate Facial expressions:
Practice maintaining appropriate facial expressions during mock interviews, ensuring they align with the tone of your responses.
4. Body movements:
Keep your body movements to a minimum, as too much movement can be distracting for the recruiter on the other end. Make sure you are sitting still and try to avoid fidgeting or tapping your feet or fingers which can be distracting for the interviewer. Also be aware of any nervous habits like touching your hair, as these can make you appear anxious and uncertain about the job role.
Before the interview, set up the room to make sure that everything you might need to use is close and reachable. During video interviews, avoid having any distractions in your background as this can be distracting for the interviewer.
Examples of Positive Body Movement:
Practice sitting still and using purposeful hand gestures to accentuate key points in your responses, avoiding excessive movement.
How to Increase Interviewer’s Impression of Positive Body Movement:
Before the interview, ensure your video background is uncluttered and free of distractions to maintain the focus on you.
5. Body language gestures:
Body language is one of the best ways to communicate something without saying anything at all especial during video interviews. Body gestures can speak volumes about your confidence, interest, and engagement during the interview process. Ensure everything is in check, including your breathing and blinking.
Use body gestures such as open palms and leaning forward to show interest in what is being said. Open palms convey openness and honesty, indicating that you are willing to work with the interviewer.
Be mindful of body language cues that give the impression that you lack confidence in yourself or the position you are applying for. Be mindful of any unintentional body language cues such as crossing your arms or fidgeting with objects in front of you that could come across as signs of disinterest or lack of engagement.
Keep in mind that even though the recruiter cannot see all of the body language cues you might normally use in a job interview, they can assess certain gestures such as nodding, leaning forward, etc. Nodding shows understanding and engagement in the conversation while leaning slightly forward will indicate interest in what is being said. Smiling is also key; it conveys warmth and friendliness while making you seem more approachable.
Take note that diverse cultures interpret body gestures differently. To be extra prepared, research more on body language and what they mean so you are not caught unaware in your actions.
Examples of Body Language Guestures:
Use open palms while explaining your skillset or experiences, emphasizing your willingness to collaborate and contribute to the company’s success.
How to Prepare
Research and understand cultural differences in interpreting body language to avoid any unintended misunderstandings.
Additional resource: Provide links to articles or videos explaining the significance of body language gestures in video interviews.
6. Body language sync:
Mirroring the body language of your interviewer is a great way to build rapport during video interviews is so essential. When they lean forward, you should do the same and follow suit when they nod in agreement! Using hand gestures during the interview can help emphasize your words and show your enthusiasm for the job.
Try not to move your hands too much as it may be distracting for the interviewer. Please keep them in a relaxed position and use them to make a point or explain something in detail. Avoid crossing your arms as this will signal that you are closed off or defensive.
Examples of How to Body Language Sync:
Pay attention to the interviewer’s body language cues and subtly mirror their gestures to create a sense of connection and rapport.
How to Prepare and perfect Body Language Sync:
Practice mirroring body language during mock video interviews to build rapport naturally.
7. Dress Appropriately for Video Interviews.
You may have heard “dress for success” in other job interviews but this is especially true for video interviews. It is important to dress professionally just like if you were attending an in-person interview. This will show your prospective employer that you are taking the process seriously and it also conveys respect for them.
Remember they see you before they get to hear you out.
Choose clothes that are not overly flashy or distracting. Solid colors are best as they won’t be too visually stimulating and will draw attention to you rather than the clothes. As a general rule, dress in something at least one level of formality above what would normally be acceptable in an office environment.
Examples of How to align Your Dressing Style:
Dress in professional attire that aligns with the company’s culture, even for a remote interview.
How to Prepare for a Proper Dressing
Choose your outfit in advance and ensure it looks presentable on camera.
8. Groom Properly
Be sure to also groom yourself well – make sure your hair is neat and tidy and remember to wear minimal jewelry such as watches and earrings. Makeup should be kept to a minimum so it does not distract the interviewer from your interview answers. Your grooming will leave an impression on the recruiters just like if you were meeting them in person!
Examples of Grooming Properly:
Maintain a neat and professional appearance to leave a positive impression on the recruiter.
How to Prepare and Acive a Proper Grooming
Prepare your grooming routine in advance to ensure a polished appearance during the video interview.
9. Select the Right Background
Be mindful of where you’re conducting your video interviews; the background should be clean and professional. An uncluttered environment will help keep the focus on you, instead of what’s going on around you. If possible, try to set up near a blank wall or in a room with minimal distractions. If this isnt possible, ensure that the background is not too descriptive and opt for a more neutral backdrop.
Examples of how to Select the Right Background:
Choose a well-lit and clutter-free area in your home to conduct the video interview professionally.
How to Prepare and Be Sure
Test the video call setup beforehand to ensure the background looks professional and uncluttered.
More Resources for You To Practice Body Language
Here are some online courses, books, and videos that provide more in-depth guidance on body language:
Online Courses:
- “The Science of Body Language” on Udemy: This course delves into the psychology behind body language and how to interpret and use it effectively in various situations.
- “Body Language for Entrepreneurs” on CreativeLive: Designed specifically for entrepreneurs, this course teaches how to read body language in business settings and use it to build stronger connections with clients and partners.
- “Masterclass on Non-Verbal Communication” on Coursera: This course covers various aspects of non-verbal communication, including body language, facial expressions, and vocal tones.
Books:
- “The Definitive Book of Body Language” by Allan and Barbara Pease: This classic book is a comprehensive guide to understanding body language and how to interpret and use it in different contexts.
- “What Every BODY Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People” by Joe Navarro: Written by a former FBI agent, this book provides practical tips and insights into reading and using body language effectively.
- “The Power of Body Language: How to Succeed in Every Business and Social Encounter” by Tonya Reiman: This book focuses on using body language to succeed in both professional and social situations.
Videos:
- TED Talks on Body Language: TED has several talks on body language by experts in the field that provide valuable insights and practical tips.
- Vanessa Van Edwards YouTube Channel: Vanessa Van Edwards is a body language expert who shares informative and engaging videos on body language and communication skills.
- Joe Navarro YouTube Channel: Joe Navarro, the author of “What Every BODY Is Saying,” offers videos on reading and using body language effectively.
These resources should give you a deeper understanding of body language and how to apply it in different scenarios. Remember to explore multiple sources to gain a well-rounded perspective on the topic. Happy learning!
In conclusion, while body language may not be as obvious in video interviews, it is an important part of the process. Body gestures can speak volumes about your confidence and interest during the conversation. Be sure to dress appropriately, maintain good posture, use hand gestures to emphasize your points, and mirror some of the interviewer’s body language to build rapport. With these tips in mind, you will be sure to make a great impression on your recruiters and leave them with a positive view of who you are! Good luck!
