When you’re getting ready for a job interview, you probably spend a lot of time preparing what to say: your answers, your experience, your strengths. But there’s something else that can seriously affect your chances of getting hired – your body language, especially what your hands are doing.
Most people don’t think about it, but your gestures can either make you look confident or nervous, even before you speak.
1. HR isn’t just listening, they’re watching
When you pause to think during an interview, what do your hands do? If you start playing with a pen, touching your face or squeezing your fingers, it can be a sign that you’re feeling anxious.
Even if your voice sounds calm, these small habits send a message to the interviewer: you’re not fully in control. And that can hurt your chances.
2. Nervous gestures means doubt
These movements usually happen without us even realizing. They’re just ways to deal with stress. But to the person across the table, it can look like you’re unsure of yourself or your answers.
The interviewer probably won’t say anything about it, but they might write down one word in their notes: “uncertain.” And that could put you behind other candidates who seem more confident.
3. Calm hands show confidence
The good news? You can prepare for this. Professional speakers and negotiators often practice how they sit and where they place their hands.
The best position? Rest your hands calmly on your lap or on the table. Try to keep them still. Even if you’re nervous inside, sitting like this makes you look confident, and that’s what your interviewer will notice.
4. But don’t be too stiff
There’s a balance. If your hands are completely frozen, that can also look uncomfortable. It’s okay to move your hands a little when you talk, just keep it natural and slow. Opening your palms or making small gestures can show that you’re open and in control.
Instead of thinking: “They seem nervous,” the interviewer will think: “They’ve got it together.”
5. Don’t let your hands betray you
Here’s the tricky part – you can spend hours preparing the perfect answers, but your hands might give away your nerves in seconds. That’s why it’s so important to practice not just what you say, but how you act while saying it.
Your body language is the first thing people notice, sometimes even before they really hear your words.
Remember this:
Your words matter, but so do your gestures, facial expressions, and posture. If you want to leave a great impression, take a few minutes to practice how you sit, how you use your hands and how you carry yourself.
In interviews, confidence isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about what you show.
