It’s not what you said, but how you said it.

Sounds familiar?

This is true for relationships and job interviews.

As a job applicant, you need to remember that the way your body moves says a lot about you. Body language is one way people communicate without talking.

If you want to get a job offer, you have to be aware of your body language, just as you’re careful of the way you dress during an interview.

Simple Body Language Tips that Communicate Competence and Confidence

Eye Contact and Eye Level

Looking someone in the eye is considered a sign of good faith and honesty. But you don’t have to be aggressive, such as staring at the interviewer too long.

Just make sure that your eyes don’t dart around the room when you’re answering questions. Don’t look to the ceiling, as if you’re bored, while the interviewer is explaining about job.

You need to know how to maintain proper eye level when talking. Looking up or to your side on or before speaking gives the impression that you’re confidence. Worse, the interviewer might doubt your integrity.

Firm Handshake

Another factor in body language that’s important for a successful interview is a good, firm handshake. A good handshake isn’t floppy or dominating, don’t crush the other person’s hand or control the handshake.

A good handshake is also brief but not too short. Most importantly your hands should be clean and not sweaty.

No Fidgeting

Fidgeting in your seat, playing with your cuffs or tie, and drumming your hands on the table are all signs of boredom or nervousness. That’s definitely not the impression you want the interviewer to get on your first meeting.

Tapping your foot, stroking your hair, and fidgeting with your resume are also a sign of nervousness. Fidgeting makes you look anxious, as if you’re not sure of your qualifications or your answers to the interview.

Walk with Confidence

Don’t strut, you’re not in a catwalk. How you walk and carry yourself says a lot about your confidence, which in turn affects how the interviewer will see you.

Keep your chin up and your back straight. Relax your shoulders so you don’t look tense, and don’t slouch.

If you stutter or forget something, shake it off. Act as if nothing happened. Ignoring your clumsy moment is better than looking angry or embarrassed.

Control Your Reactions

Interviewers are good at observing people, especially their reactions. Don’t let your face show that you’re shocked, anxious, or nervous. Keep your face and your reactions neutral or you wind up giving the recruiter more information than you know.

For instance, swallowing suggests you’re nervous about something, while pursing your lips suggests you’re concealing information. Your facial reactions affect how the interviewer perceives your answers during the job interview.