Interviewers form a first impression within seconds, before you've answered a single question — from how you walk in, greet them, sit, and look. Strong body language and etiquette won't get you hired alone, but poor ones can quietly sink an otherwise good interview. The good news: these are the easiest things to get right with a little awareness.
Confident, open, respectful
Aim for body language that reads as confident and open: good posture, steady (not staring) eye contact, a genuine smile, and calm hands. Etiquette is simply respect made visible: arrive early, greet warmly, wait to be seated, switch your phone off, and thank them at the end.
The essentials
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| sit up straight, lean in slightly | slouching or leaning back |
| steady, natural eye contact | staring, or looking down/away |
| a firm (not crushing) handshake | a limp or aggressive grip |
| calm hands, occasional gestures | fidgeting, tapping, crossed arms |
| smile and nod while listening | a blank or tense expression |
⚡ The edge
- Dress one notch above the role's everyday wear — for most campus and IT interviews, clean, formal or smart-business attire, well-groomed. When unsure, slightly overdressed beats underdressed.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early and switch your phone fully off (not just silent). Greet everyone politely, wait to be offered a seat, and thank the interviewer by name at the end.
Worked example
What should you do in the first 30 seconds of an interview?
- Walk in calmly, make eye contact, smile, and greet: 'Good morning, I'm [name] — thank you for having me.'
- Offer a firm handshake if appropriate, and wait to be offered a seat before sitting.
- Sit upright, settle your hands, and project calm attention — you've set a positive tone before any question.
Answer: Greet warmly with eye contact and a smile, a firm handshake, wait to be seated, and project calm — a strong first impression.
Worked example
How do you manage nervous body language?
- Plant both feet, sit back fully in the chair, and rest your hands in your lap or on the table to stop fidgeting.
- Slow your breathing; a calm body calms the mind and steadies your voice.
- Maintain natural eye contact and nod while listening — engaged, not rigid.
Answer: Ground your posture, still your hands, slow your breathing, and keep natural eye contact — calm body, calm mind.
⚠ Watch out
- Don't slouch, fidget, or cross your arms — these read as disengaged or defensive.
- Don't stare or avoid eye contact — aim for steady and natural.
- Don't arrive late, leave your phone on, or dress too casually — small lapses cost goodwill.