Do you want to appear more confident in job interviews? Here are four non-verbal body language techniques that are backed by science to make you look and feel more confident.
Did you know that 80% of the impression that you make on other people comes from your non-verbal communication? So even if you’re nervous, excited, or whatever you’re feeling, you can make a really confident impression by doing these four things.
Number 4: Smile, even if you’re nervous.
If you’re nervous, you will probably forget to smile. But did you know that if you smile, you’re tricking your brain and your body into thinking that you’re happy? And from the outside, if you’re smiling, you look warm, approachable, and friendly. It’s a simple move that changes how others see you—and how you see yourself.
Number 3: Sit on the edge of your seat.
Whatever you do in a job interview, sit on the edge of your seat. Do not use the back of the chair. When you lean back, you risk looking a little lazy, disengaged, or overly cocky—and you don’t want to make any of those impressions. Instead, sitting on the edge of your seat projects interested, engaged, “put me in coach” energy. It signals that you’re ready, present, and fully invested in the conversation.
Number 2: Put your hands on the table.
When you’re sitting on the edge of your seat and not using the armrests, what do you do with your hands? Everyone talks with their hands, but whatever you do, don’t put them under the table. That just looks weird—like you’re shuffling cards or hiding something. Instead, put your hands on the table. It’s been proven over and over again by scientists: the more space you take up, the more confident you will feel. Obviously, you’re not going to sprawl out like you own the room, but you can put your hands on the table, sit on the edge of your seat, and quietly command your side of the room.
Number 1: Make eye contact.
Whether you’re in person or virtual, eye contact is crucial to making a strong, confident impression. In a virtual interview, eye contact means looking at the camera lens—not at yourself. When you look at yourself on the screen, it feels like you’re not making eye contact with the interviewer. But when you look directly into the lens, it feels as though you’re talking to them directly and truly connecting. That small shift makes a huge difference.
To appear confident in interviews: sit on the edge of your seat, put your hands on the table, smile, and make eye contact. These four simple techniques will change how you show up—and how they see you.
