What is Body Language?

Body language is the sum total of our non-verbal communication. The way we walk, sit, posture ourselves, look at others, and gesture all send subtle messages to the people we interact with, and speaks volumes about our true feelings and nature.

When it comes to your job search, positive interpersonal connection is paramount. This means your body language will be a key factor in making lasting, fruitful connections and performing well during job interviews.

But what defines positive body language? What makes up the subtle non-verbal messages that you use to communicate competence and stand out from your job-hunting competition?

Let’s explore what comprises positive body language and how you can best prepare yourself to project positivity and confidence during your next interview.

What Defines Positive Non-Verbal Communication?

We all know what negative body language feels like. Coarse tones, imposing stances, aggressive gestures, and angry facial expressions are things that make everyone uncomfortable — even more so in the workplace — and they are easily felt and identified by everybody.

Positive body language, while more subtle, has a just as noticeable level of impact, and is defined by your demeanor, presence, and connectivity in a few key areas.

Upright physical presence and posture

OJT speaker and body language specialist Deborah Bradshaw stresses the importance of posture when communicating your positivity and confidence effectively. “Good open posture, with your shoulders back and body comfortably erect, not only helps you appear more self-assured, it also helps you feel more decisive and convinced of your own abilities.”

Making eye contact

Maintaining a natural level of eye contact lets others know you’re truly listening to what they’re saying. It also helps keep an open channel of communication and promotes feelings of positivity when interacting with another.

Positive facial expressions

Smiling and nodding do more than help the other person know that you’re tuned into their thoughts and feelings. Smiling stimulates your own sense of well-being and fosters feelings of positive connectivity within others.

Hand gestures while talking

“Our hands are key to effective communication,” reminds Bradshaw. “Politicians, lawyers, and boardroom executives effectively use their fingers and hands to emphasize their point and to better communicate their message.”

How Does Positive Body Language Influence an Interview?

“Body language can have a big impact on the way you’re perceived by others, especially at work,” states Rosemary Haefner, Chief Human Resources Director for CareerBuilder.

She and other hiring experts agree: body language plays a large role in your job search. Your non-verbal communication ultimately influences a lot of the considerations your interviewer will weigh when talking with you.

  • Your overall level of professional ability

    Constant fidgeting, quick shifting of the eyes, and trembling — these things don’t normally describe a capable and dependable employee. Your body language communicates to your interviewer the confidence you place in your skills and your level of comfort when under scrutiny and pressure.

  • How comfortable it is to work with you

    Your interviewer, aside from assessing your professional qualifications, is there to see if you’re a likeable human being. If you’re giving off positive vibes, making them feel comfortable, and genuinely listening to their needs, you’ll stand out head-and-shoulders above the other applicants.

  • How you’ll interact with clients and customers

    Interviews also serve as a touch point for knowing how a potential applicant handles higher-stress or uncomfortable situations. Having trouble keeping your cool during the interview process? How, then, can an employer expect you to treat a customer or client with civility and care when tensions flare?

How Can I More Naturally Project Positive Body Language?

Everyone suffers from a lack of professional and personal confidence throughout their career — especially when out of work and looking for a job.

However, by putting in the time and effort to improve your disposition and by reminding yourself of how capable you are, you can more naturally exude confidence and positive body language.

Prepare ahead of time and conduct research

The best first step to confidence is preparation. Thoroughly research the needs and motivations of the company you’re applying to.

Do you see exactly where you can provide value? If so, it may be a valuable discussion point in your interview, but it’s also a great way for you to see exactly how and why you’re qualified to meet their needs as a professional.

Knowing how you’re qualified and having a thorough understanding of the company allows you to feel more relaxed during the interview — there won’t be too many surprise questions they can throw your way when you’re in-the-know from your time spent conducting research.

Remember the professional challenges you’ve overcome in the past

Think back to challenging scenarios you’ve faced at past jobs. You were able to overcome and find a solution to those problems because you were, and still are, capable of learning, able to adapt to new situations, and can apply critical problem-solving skills.

Know your story. Remember how you’ve overcome and progressed even when faced with obstacles that, at the time, seemed insurmountable. Remember the feelings of confidence that you felt when you found those solutions and came out on top.

Practice relaxation techniques

Does listening to music help you tune out negative thoughts? Does talking to a loved one or trusted friend help you relax and feel better about yourself? Prior to your interview, engaging in healthy, constructive relaxation exercises like these can help you de-stress and return to being your normal, relaxed self.

Can’t think of anything that helps you chill out? Simply taking deep, slow breaths — in through your nose and out through your mouth — lowers heart rates and can relieve tension before entering into a stressful situation.

What Have You Found That Works for You?

Everyone’s body language is unique and no one style of communication or interaction fits everyone. Have you found techniques that help you remain confident and positive? What have you done that helps you project confidence and make meaningful connections with your peers and career influencers?