Body Language Tips for Job Interviews

After analyzing 1,000s of first impressions it’s clear: A first impression is made before you say a single word. And there are 3 mistakes costing you opportunities: For context, most people (especially introverts) want to believe their first impression starts when they start speaking. The science says otherwise: Someone decides if they like you, trust you or want to work with you, the moment they first see you - when you walk into a room, open a door, or even when someone looks at your profile picture. After analyzing thousands of first encounters, I've identified what I call the 'triple threat' of first impression mistakes that people unknowingly make: 1. Making yourself small: Tucking your arms close to your sides and hunching your shoulders signals low confidence and submissiveness. The less space you take up, the less powerful you appear. This is why waiting for your job interview or date while checking your phone is sabotaging you before you've said hello. Every time you look down at your device, you accidentally adopt what scientists call the 'universal defeat posture': - chin tucked - shoulders hunched - making yourself small In evolutionary terms, you literally look like a loser. (Yikes!) 2. Hiding your hands: When your hands are in pockets, under the table, or out of sight, it creates subconscious distrust. Evolutionarily, we need to see hands to feel safe and assess intentions. 3. Avoiding eye contact: We experience a chemical burst of oxytocin during direct eye contact, which increases trust and connection. Avoiding eye contact in those first few seconds prevents this critical bonding opportunity. Research shows these first impressions are lasting. If you've made a bad one, recovery is difficult - but not impossible if you practice the right body language. Instead, adopt the confident alternative: - keep your hands visible and expressive - take up appropriate space with good posture - make deliberate eye contact in the first few seconds Master these 3 elements and you'll create positive, accurate first impressions that open doors rather than close them.

You might be saying all the right things. But is your body language telling a different story? 🚨 The truth is, words only go so far. Your nonverbal cues can make or break your workplace image. Here are 7 subtle body language mistakes that might be holding you back (and how to fix them): 1/ Avoiding eye contact. ↳ Looking away signals insecurity or disinterest. → Maintain eye contact to show confidence and focus. 2/ Slouching or poor posture. ↳ Hunching makes you look tired or disengaged. → Sit upright to project confidence and professionalism. 3/ Crossing your arms. ↳ It signals defensiveness or being closed off. → Keep arms relaxed to appear open and approachable. 4/ Excessive fidgeting. ↳ Restless movements show nervousness or impatience. → Use controlled gestures to appear calm and composed. 5/ Weak or overly firm handshake. ↳ A weak grip feels unconfident; too firm seems aggressive. → Aim for a steady grip with eye contact and a smile. 6/ Failure to smile. ↳ A neutral face makes you seem unapproachable. → Smile naturally to appear warm and engaging. 7/ Facing away from others when speaking. ↳ Turning away suggests disinterest or disrespect. → Face people directly to show engagement and respect. 🚨 Final Thought: Body language speaks louder than words. Master these habits to project confidence, approachability, and professionalism. Which of these habits do you need to work on most? Let me know in the comments! 👇 ♻️ Follow César Solís and reshare to help others. 📌 Save this post for future reference!⁣⁣⁣⁣

Your Body Speaks Before You Do—Mastering First Impressions in 7 Seconds ⏳ People decide who you are within the first 7 seconds of meeting you—before you even say a word. We all want to come across as confident, charismatic, and engaging, but the real secret? It’s all in your body language. I recently listened to an incredible episode of The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett featuring Vanessa Van Edwards a behavioral investigator who studies human connection. Vanessa, a self-proclaimed “recovering awkward person” (which I deeply relate to), unpacks the science behind how people perceive us—and I couldn’t stop taking notes. Body Language Wasn’t Something I Was Taught. Like many children of Asian immigrants, I was raised to make myself smaller—sitting quietly, keeping my hands in my lap, and lowering my gaze out of respect. Eye contact wasn’t a sign of confidence but of defiance. So when I stepped into the professional world, I constantly second-guessed my social cues: Am I making too much eye contact? Where do I put my hands when I talk? Am I coming off as engaged or just awkward? Hug or no hug? Learning the unspoken rules of communication has been a journey, and I wish I had known earlier how small shifts in body language could make such a big impact. Key Takeaways from the Episode ✅ Success is contagious – The people around you shape your confidence and mindset. ✅ Use hand gestures while speaking – It makes you more engaging and credible. ✅ The power of the slow nod – Three slow nods while someone is talking makes them feel truly heard. ✅ Smile with your eyes (Duchenne smile) – A genuine smile that reaches your eyes boosts likability. ✅ Maintain eye contact 50-60% of the time – Enough to show confidence without being intense. ✅ Lower your pitch, steady your tone – Instantly makes you sound more confident. ✅ Subtle mirroring builds connection – Matching the body language of the person you’re speaking with strengthens rapport. ✅ Use light, natural touches – A gentle touch on the shoulder or elbow (or even a slight vocal shift or lean-in) helps build connection; however, don't talk on the back or head. ✅ Know your RBF (resting bored face) – What does your neutral expression communicate? Does it unintentionally look bored, sad, or unapproachable? Adjust accordingly. ✅ Respect cultural differences – Personal space and social norms vary across cultures. This episode is packed with game-changing insights! 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/gkr4Myri And a huge thank you to Jennifer B. Kong for sharing 🙌 💬 What’s one body language tip that has helped you feel more confident? Drop it below! 👇