How to Ace a Job Interview with Effective Body Language

Carry only one bag to an interview. Research shows that carrying multiple items like a purse and briefcase, or a coat and bag, makes you appear disorganized, messy, and out of control.

93% of communication is nonverbal, meaning most of what interviewers perceive comes from your body language and appearance, not from what you say.

• Remove scarves and mittens before entering the building • Always accept offers to take your coat from the front desk • Leave additional items in your car if possible

Pay attention to the back of your shoes—ensure they are polished and look nice. HR professionals often notice shoe condition as their last impression when you leave.

• Smile when you first meet someone and shake hands • Smile when you leave the interview • Smile when discussing something you're passionate about

Women tend to smile more when nervous to build rapport, but excessive smiling actually lowers perceived intelligence and makes you appear less confident.

The more powerful a person is, the less they smile. This perception affects how others view your competence and authority.

Do not smile excessively to cover up nervousness or discomfort. This makes you appear less confident and can seem fake to the interviewer.

Women often make themselves smaller when nervous by crossing legs tightly, tucking arms into chair arms, and hunching. This body language conveys weakness.

• Don't tuck yourself in during the interview • Sit with your feet planted at shoulder-width • This shows confidence and competence

Men sometimes overclaim territory when nervous by spreading legs wide or placing an arm over a chair, which appears aggressive to female interviewers and competitive to male ones.

Sit slightly angled rather than directly across from the interviewer. This positioning subconsciously signals that you're on the same side, not adversaries.

Begin displaying confident body language in the parking lot, elevator, and waiting room—not just when you enter the interview room. You never know who might be your interviewer.

• Receptionists and other staff members may influence the hiring decision • Security cameras throughout the building may capture your behavior • Interviewers might encounter you before the official interview begins

Before entering the interview, do a power pose for a couple minutes. Research by Amy Cuddy shows that adopting confident body language like raising your arms actually makes you feel more confident.

Look in the mirror and give yourself a pep talk. Tell yourself 'I'm here, I'm confident, I can do it' to loosen your shoulders and center yourself before the interview.