You’ve done your company research, you’ve practiced your answers, and you think you’re ready for the interview. But are you really? One of the most important things you need to remember is that it’s not just what you say, but also how you say it. Your tone, your delivery, and your body language all play a role in how well you communicate with potential employers. So, if you want to make a good impression, you need to learn how to look interested in an interview. Here are a few tips:
1. Make eye contact.
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually harder than it sounds. When we’re nervous, it’s natural to want to avoid eye contact. But if you can’t look your interviewer in the eyes, they’re going to think you’re either not interested or not trustworthy. So, take a deep breath and focus on making eye contact throughout the conversation.
2. Lean forward slightly.
Leaning forward shows that you’re engaged and reinforces the fact that you’re interested in what the other person has to say. It sounds simple enough, but again, it can be tough to do when you’re feeling nervous. If sitting up straight feels too forced, try resting your elbows on the table or putting one hand on your chin—just don’t slump down in your chair!
3. Nod occasionally.
Nodding shows that you understand what’s being said and encourages the other person to keep talking. It’s a nonverbal way of saying “yes” and helps to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. Just be careful not to overdo it—a few nods here and there should suffice.
4. Smile occasionally (but not too much).
A genuine smile communicates warmth and friendliness—two qualities that are essential in any professional setting. However, resist the urge to grin from ear to ear throughout the entire conversation. A natural smile every now and then will suffice. Remember, this is an interview, not a social call!
5. Ask questions about the company/position/etc..
Asking questions shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re truly interested in working for the company in question. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about what they’re looking for in a candidate and tailor your responses accordingly. So don’t be afraid to ask questions—just make sure they’re thoughtful and relevant ones!
6 Avoid crossing your arms or legs..
Crossing our arms or legs is a natural way to protect ourselves physically, but it can also come across as confrontational or even bored/disinterested when we do it during a conversation. So if you find yourself wanting to cross your arms or legs during an interview (or any professional situation), try placing your hands palm-down on the table instead—it’ll help anchor you physically and mentally!
While there’s no guarantee that following these tips will land you the job of your dreams, they will definitely help you appear more interested—and therefore more appealing—to potential employers. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want? To be seen as competent, qualified candidates who would be an asset to any team? So go out there and nail those interviews!