Body language in interviews, it Works Both Ways
When we talk about interview body language, the conversation usually focuses on the candidate.
But employers sometimes overlook another side of the interview.
The interviewer’s body language matters just as much.
An interview isn't simply an employer assessing a candidate. It is a two-way conversation where both sides are deciding whether they want to work together.
And in today's recruitment market, where good candidates have several options, the impression you create as an employer could make the difference between securing the person you want or losing them to a competitor.
Your candidate is watching you too
Think about what happens when a candidate walks into an interview. They are probably nervous. They know they are being assessed, and they are conscious that every answer, reaction, and movement could be interpreted.
But while you're assessing them, they are assessing you.
That's why body language shouldn't be viewed simply as a tool for reading candidates. It is part of the employer's sales pitch.
Put the candidate at ease
A nervous candidate doesn't necessarily make a bad employee.
In fact, some of the strongest candidates can be nervous in an interview because they genuinely want the job.
If you sit with your arms crossed, avoid eye contact, look at your phone, or constantly glance at the clock, you're unlikely to get the best from them.
Instead, small things can make a big difference.
It sounds obvious, but these simple actions can completely change the atmosphere.
The more comfortable the candidate feels, the more likely you are to see the real person behind the CV.
Don't spend the interview looking at your paperwork
We've all seen it.
The interviewer asks a question, the candidate answers, and the interviewer immediately looks down at their notes. Then another question, more notes, another glance at the CV, and before long, the interview feels like an interrogation rather than a conversation.
Of course, notes are important. You need to make sure you're covering the areas you want to assess.
Good interviewing isn't about getting through 20 questions.
It's about finding out whether you've got the right person sitting in front of you.
Your facial expressions can give you away
Interviewers should also be conscious of their reactions.
These little signals can tell a candidate far more than you might realise; they may suddenly become defensive or start second-guessing their answers.
Equally, constantly smiling and nodding can give away that you've already made your decision.
Your body language should encourage an open and honest conversation without unintentionally giving the candidate the impression that they've already passed or failed.
Don't forget the power of listening
One of the biggest mistakes interviewers make is thinking they need to do all the talking.
A good interviewer should be doing plenty of listening.
Sometimes the most useful information in an interview comes from the answer you weren't expecting.
You're representing your company
There's another important reason employer body language matters.
The interview is part of your employer brand.
You might have a fantastic company, a great salary, excellent benefits, and a brilliant team, but if the person interviewing the candidate appears disinterested, arrogant, or unprepared, that's the impression the candidate takes away.
Candidates talk to their friends, former colleagues, and other people in their industry.
A poor interview experience can damage your reputation as an employer, particularly in specialist sectors where everyone seems to know everyone else.
On the other hand, even if you decide not to offer someone the job, a professional and positive interview experience can leave them with a good impression of your business.
It’s a two-way street; don't forget that you're being interviewed too.
You might be deciding whether the candidate has the skills, experience, and personality you're looking for.
But they're deciding whether your company is right for them, so before your next interview, think about the impression you are going to give them, because body language isn't just about reading people; it's about communicating with them as well.
And when you want to attract good people, how you make them feel during the interview can be just as important as the questions you ask.
We believe recruitment should be one-to-one, not automated, robotic, or starchy, and...if the boot was on the other foot, how would you like to be interviewed?
Experience, qualifications and skills matter. But so do personality, communication and cultural fit.
That's why we believe recruitment is about more than matching a CV to a job description. It's a one-to-one thing!
