Getting your Body Language Interview Technique Right

Your impeccable CV and cover letter have secured you a much sought-after job interview. Now, it’s time to impress in person. The way you compose yourself and the body language you display during an interview can have as much bearing on the outcome as your ability to actually do the job on offer.

Hiring managers want to meet candidates who are at ease and able to confidently discuss key issues. Here are essential dos and don’ts to help you succeed in getting through the interview with confidence and composure, tailored to social work, nursing, and allied healthcare roles.

Understanding the Impact of Body Language

Why Body Language Matters

Body language can convey confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism. In healthcare roles, where interaction with patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders is critical, positive body language is essential.

Dos and Don’ts of Body Language in Interviews Don’ts

Avoid Nervous Habits

1. Scratching or Rubbing Your Head or Neck: This can make you look disinterested or distracted.
2. Fidgeting with Your Hands: Drumming your fingers or playing with objects can indicate nervousness or a lack of focus.
3. Touching Your Face: Rubbing your nose, eyes, or face can make you appear dishonest or anxious.
4. Crossing Your Arms: This posture can come across as defensive or unfriendly.
5. Rocking or Slouching: Rocking back and forth or slouching in your chair can make you look lazy or uninterested.
6. Constantly Crossing and Re-Crossing Your Legs: This can signal nervousness and discomfort.

Dos

Positive Body Language Tips

1. Compose Yourself Before Entering: Find a mirror, straighten your clothes, and check your appearance to ensure you look neat and professional.
2. Stand and Greet: Stand up before greeting your interviewers, and offer a firm handshake while making sincere eye contact.
3. Wait to Be Seated: Only sit down once you’ve been invited to do so by your interviewers.
4. Sit Up Straight: Maintain good posture by sitting up straight with your hands above the table. Align yourself to make eye contact with all interviewers.
5. Show Enthusiasm: Use positive gestures such as nodding, smiling, and agreeing when appropriate to show your engagement and interest.
6. Stay Composed Until You Leave: Keep your professional demeanor until you’re well clear of the building. Only then should you loosen your attire if needed.

Preparing for the Interview

Confidence through Preparation

Positive body language comes from feeling confident, which you can only achieve if you’re well-prepared. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to showcase your best self:

1. Research the Organisation: Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. This knowledge can help you feel more at ease and prepared to discuss how you align with their goals.
2. Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare answers to common questions related to your field. For example, a nursing interview might include questions about patient care scenarios, while a social work interview might focus on case management.
3. Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice maintaining positive body language under pressure.

Tailored Examples for Healthcare Roles

Social Work Interviews

In social work, showing empathy and strong interpersonal skills is crucial. During your interview, demonstrate active listening by nodding and maintaining eye contact. When discussing your experience, use open hand gestures to convey openness and honesty.

Nursing Interviews

In nursing, confidence and attention to detail are vital. Sit up straight and maintain a calm demeanor when discussing patient care experiences. Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact to convey your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.

Allied Healthcare Interviews

For allied healthcare roles, demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving skills is important. Use positive body language to show your enthusiasm for collaborative work. Smile and nod when appropriate, and keep your posture open to show you are approachable and ready to contribute.

Mastering body language during your interview can significantly enhance the impression you leave on your interviewer. By demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm, you can set yourself apart from other candidates.

Positive body language comes from thorough preparation, so ensure you are well-equipped to show off your skills and ask the right questions. Ready to put theory into practice? Browse our latest jobs to find your next interview opportunity in social work, nursing, or allied healthcare.

Prepare thoroughly and present yourself confidently to increase your chances of success in your interview. Good luck!

Additional Resources

For more advice on interviews, check out our other interview advice resources.