By Lisa Finn Updated October 01, 2022
How can body language, tone of voice and eye contact improve your ability to secure a job during an interview?Many of the impressions people get about you when they look at you are processed by the brain are based on a person's body language. This means that your facial and eye movements are constantly being judged – perhaps even more so than the skills and previous employment listed on your resume.
Making the right amount of eye contact in an interview can make the difference in whether you successfully snag a job, advises jobs website, Indeed.com. The eyes become the window into your interest level, confidence and professionalism during an interview. When you establish good eye contact, you'll feel heard and appear likable.
It Can Convey Confidence
Looking down at your shoes or focusing on the table are actions that can convey a lack of confidence and nervousness. Making eye contact, on the other hand, sends the message that you are prepared to answer – and ask – regarding your skills, previous employment and experiences. If your eyes are darting around the room during an interview, this can send the message that you are trying to fake an answer.
When you're asked a question and begin answering without taking your eyes from your interviewer's, that shows you're confident about your answer. Adding a smile can add even more openness with your interviewer and build trust.
It Shows Honesty
Make eye contact but avoid a sudden change in where you are looking. Have you ever asked someone a difficult question and they immediately looked down as they answered. That's one of 12 signs someone is lying, according to a Business Insider interview with FBI Special Agent, Mark Bouton.
Rapidly blinking, eyes that dart around the room, looking up or down to the right (for a right-handed person) and closing your eyes for a second are always dead giveaways your not telling the truth, or are at least nervous about what you're saying. Make sure your eye contact remains consistent throughout the interview without turning into an awkward stare.
Manners and Likability
In some countries, such as Japan, it is considered rude to make constant eye contact. In the United States, however, the appropriate amount of eye contact shows good manners and makes candidates appear likable and appealing. Good eye contact during an interview can show you are interested in what the interview is saying. A lack of eye contact is often seen as disrespectful and can make you look like you're not paying total attention – which means you're not really that interested in the job.
It Demonstrates Interest and Intent
Allow your eyes to light up when the interviewer is talking about something particularly interesting or you are revealing information you are proud of, for example. "When a candidate is authentically interested in the conversation, there is a chemical released and the eyes dilate," said Constantine. This sparkle, in turn, inspires the employer, letting her know your adrenaline is up and you are interested and engaged in what is being presented or expressed.
It Removes Trust Issues
As a society, we're taught to distrust someone who looks away while answering a question. This isn't always accurate and is oftentimes an unfair strike against candidates. Some eye movements, such as looking away, might occur because you're focusing on an object or other point in the room while you're trying to recall something. If you find yourself breaking eye contact during an interview, gradually look back at your interviewer while assessing her body language to see how your answer was received.
If you sense the interviewer is uncertain, simply ask to restate your thought in an effort to clarify. In addition, it's a good idea to practice talking about project or client successes before the interview so that your thoughts flow smoothly. Be careful that you don't default to looking at your interviewer's lips or chins – keep looking into her eyes, if possible.
FAQs
Eye contact is one of the most important nonverbal cues in communication, especially in interviews. It can convey confidence, interest, honesty, and professionalism. However, too much or too little eye contact can also create a negative impression and damage your rapport with the interviewer.
Why is eye contact important in an interview? ›
Making eye contact can help show that you're actively listening to the interviewer and understanding what they're saying. Keeping eye contact can help you build trust with the interviewer because it gives them the feeling that you intend on addressing their questions truthfully.
Why is eye contact important in the workplace? ›
Eye contact helps you maintain concentration and focus while showing confidence in what you're saying or presenting. If you maintain eye contact with another person, you can feel better knowing they're paying attention and thinking about your topic. Improved authority and empathy.
How important is the role of eye contact body language and grooming in a job interview? ›
Professionalism: Poor body language, such as fidgeting, looking around the room, or failing to make eye contact makes you look less professional and reliable in a job interview. It makes it harder for hiring managers to visualise your position in their company.
Are making eye contact throughout an interview and appearing engaged in conversation are part of good? ›
It can convey confidence, interest, respect, and sincerity, or it can create the opposite impression if done poorly. In this article, you will learn some effective ways to maintain eye contact in an interview, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.
What is the most important purpose behind good eye contact? ›
Effective eye contact heightens self-awareness, as individuals tend to be more conscious of their actions and behaviors when maintaining eye contact. Eye contact also fosters attraction between individuals, shaping perceptions and relationships in both personal and professional settings.
Why is eye contact important in leadership? ›
Maintaining eye contact with others can help establish trust and build rapport, as it signals that you are actively engaged and interested in what they have to say. Additionally, good eye contact can help convey confidence, sincerity, and credibility, which are all important traits for leaders to possess.
What is eye contact and why is it important? ›
Eye contact is what happens when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time. This is a form of nonverbal communication that humans use to communicate many forms of emotions. Unlike other primates, we can easily see where humans are looking because of the amount of white surrounding our irises.
Why is eye contact so powerful? ›
Eye contact makes us feel good and connects us
Prolonged eye contact has been thought to release phenylethylamine, a chemical responsible for feelings of attraction. It has also been thought to release oxytocin, the love chemical most closely associated with longer term bonding and commitment.
Why is eye contact important for confidence? ›
“When thinking about eye contact in the workplace, I think about it as nonverbal communication. It is a way to connect and express yourself. It is important because people want to be perceived as trustworthy and interested in what is said,” explains Tameka Wade Brewington, MS, LCMHC, CCS, NCC, CCMHC.
Eye contact is one of the most important nonverbal cues in communication, especially in interviews. It can convey confidence, interest, honesty, and professionalism. However, too much or too little eye contact can also create a negative impression and damage your rapport with the interviewer.
Why do we need to maintain eye contact in interview and speech delivery? ›
A deliberate look in the eyes of an audience member can communicate how much you care about their thoughts. Sustained eye contact is an invitation to turn your talk into a conversation. It creates a bond between speaker and listener, a connection that is beneficial to both parties.
What might an interviewer think if you do not make eye contact? ›
Over 30% of interviewers said avoiding eye contact or not being polite to other staff members are big red flags for potential new hires. According to the research, studies show that eye contact has a positive neurological effect in conversation – making the other person feel more engaged and involved.
How much eye contact should you make in an interview? ›
How much eye contact is normal in an interview? The proper length of eye contact is around two to four seconds. Less eye contact could go unnoticed — more may make the interviewer uncomfortable. Making effective eye contact during a job interview indicates that you're engaged.
What type of communication is more important during a job interview? ›
Verbal Communication:
Allow the interviewer to direct your interview and never interrupt. Use clear, concise answers – don't ramble. Don't use fillers when answering questions, such as “you know,” “uh,” or “like” Don't exaggerate and don't be negative about any thing in any way.
Why is it important to maintain eye contact during public speaking? ›
Creating positive and meaningful eye contact is important to engage your audience and help them remember more of what you said. Eye contact is everything in public speaking. It will make you appear more authoritative and trustworthy. It is one of the most important non-verbal communication skills that you can master.
What is the significance of eye contact? ›
The significance of eye contact in communication lies in decoding non-verbal cues, and revealing others' true emotions and intentions. Paying attention to the eye movements and other non-verbal behaviours that you and others might display is the best way to understand the true feelings and intentions of others.
Why is eye contact necessary in speaking? ›
Positive eye contact helps you build rapport with your audience and keeps them engaged with your presentation. It also gives them a sense of involvement and conveys your message on a personal level. Here are the key benefits of eye contact followed by tips on how you can improve yours during a presentation.
Why is good eye contact essential to an effective Counselling interview? ›
By maintaining eye contact with the client, a counsellor shows they value what the client has to say. Looking at the client, as they speak, also shows the counsellor is respectful. A counsellor should also be aware of the tone of their voice during the time in the client's presence.
Why is it important to look good at an interview? ›
When you dress well, you tend to feel more confident. Your outfit can affect your posture, body language, and overall demeanor. Feeling confident can help you perform better in the interview and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
