Body Language Tips for a Video Interview Though you’ll most likely be in the comfort of your own home, that doesn’t mean your nerves won’t get the better of you. And when you’re nervous, your body language can send the wrong message to the hiring manager.
A successful video interview requires different preparation compared to a phone or in-person interview. You need to make sure your background is interview-appropriate, test your tech to work out any glitches, and pick out a fantastic interview outfit—including pants!
Presenting confidence, friendliness, and positivity should be your aim in any interview, but how you convey that during a video interview is different than in person. Below we have seven tips to help you be aware of your body language during a video interview.
Body Language Tips for a Video Interview
1. Maintain Eye Contact
Looking directly at your interviewer is essential during any interview. But some job seekers might find it challenging to know exactly where to look while talking during a video interview.
Make it a point to look directly into the camera, rather than your computer screen. Looking anywhere else—even at the interviewer—makes it seem like you’re paying attention to someone or something else. Hide your “self-view” to resist the temptation to check yourself out. And if you have trouble remembering to look into the camera, place a sticky note by the camera with a reminder to “look here!”
That said, it’s OK to break eye contact occasionally, just like you would in an in-person interview. Constant staring could be creepy and can feel hostile and threatening. If you do need to look away from the camera (like to check your calendar), let the hiring manager know what you are doing so they don’t think you’re talking to someone else or looking up the answer to a curveball interview question.
2. Sit Up Straight
Having a good posture during your interview shows you’re alert, interested, and engaged. Slouching in your seat can look unprofessional and make it seem like you’re a little too casual—and therefore not truly interested in the position.
If you think that you might start to sink into your seat, prop yourself up with a small—and unseen—pillow. It’ll help you sit up straight and pay attention.
3. Lean In
Usually, when someone says something interesting, the natural response is to lean in closer. But in a video interview, there’s only so far you can lean in before you’re just one big eyeball to your potential employer.
When you feel it’s natural to do so, lean in as the hiring manager speaks, just not too far. Leaning forward a few inches is often enough during a video interview to express your interest.
4. Keep Your Gestures Small
Many people gesture as they speak to animate their stories or get their point across. But most people don’t realize how often they use their hands or how large their movements can be. Using your hands frequently or making broad gestures can be intimidating or make it seem like you’re nervous.
During your video interview, you can and should gesture as your answer. After all, no one is expecting you to sit on your hands for the duration of your video interview, and it would look odd if you didn’t gesture once in a while. Just make sure you keep it to a minimum.
5. Don’t Cross Your Arms or Legs
In an attempt to keep yourself from gesturing wildly, you might be tempted to fold your arms in front of you. Unfortunately, you might come across as closed off and upset, or it will make you look hunched up and uncomfortable.
Since that’s not the image you want to present, keep both feet firmly planted on the floor. This will help you look open and engaged. Plus, you won’t risk uncrossing, shifting, and recrossing your legs, which could make you look bored or irritated.
Your hands can go in your lap, provided you don’t fidget (twiddle your thumbs, tap your legs). Alternatively, you can keep your hands at your sides or rest comfortably on the armrests.
6. Nod When Necessary
You don’t want to interrupt your interviewer with a boisterous, “That sounds amazing!” when they’re telling you about the company culture. That’s where the art of the nod comes in. You should nod as your interviewer is speaking; this conveys a connection between the two of you and shows that you’re listening to what they’re saying.
But don’t feel like you need to nod constantly. Keep your nodding natural—enough so the interviewer knows you’re listening to and engaging with what they are saying but not too much as to look comical or not genuine.
7. Smile
Smiling is a great way to show friendliness and approachability. When people try to force a smile, it can come across as fake, which can be a big turn-off for a potential employer. So, be sure to smile during your job interview when it feels right. It’s been shown that smiling while speaking also makes you sound friendlier and can give you a more upbeat tone to your voice. And if your interviewer says something funny, smile and laugh!
Speak Silently
Being aware of your body language during a video interview can be the difference between presenting yourself as a confident or nervous candidate. Follow these tips to showcase the best body language and let your skills and experience shine.
One of the best ways to master body language during an interview is with practice. The FlexJobs career coaching team can help you perfect your body language, virtual background, and anything else you need. Schedule a mock interview, and our in-house pros will give you the advice and feedback you need to ace your next video interview.
Source: flexjobs/body-language-tips-video-interview
Steven Ransom 