The study of Body Language during interview, also known as Kinesics, teaches that most people have little control over the silent messages that are sent by their bodies. Gestures, mannerisms, expressions and movements can all betray true feelings. It also teaches that in most people, the body can absorb and display the discomfort people naturally feel when they lie.

These signals can tell us a great deal about the truthfulness, confidence and attitude of applicants. Some of the most commonly accepted Body Language signals are:

Stress Indicators / Nervousness:

• Insincere smiles or failure to make eye contact.
• Wringing hands or running fingers through the hair.
• Licking lips, blushing
• Frozen or fidgeting, fascinating watch of fingertips
• Frequent crossing of arms and legs and/or twitching of legs.
• Hands clutched firmly in the lap
• Running tongue along teeth, clicking tongue, clearing the throat

Insincerity / Exaggeration/Lying:

• A smile that doesn’t involve the whole mouth and only shows top teeth.
• Covering the mouth when speaking
• Rubbing or stroking the nose
• Eyes that dart or failure to make solid eye contact
• Looking down and to the side when answering a question.
• Scratching the ear or neck.

Confidence:

• Strong handshake
• Solid eye contact
• Steeping of fingers
• Hands behind neck
• Smiles that involve the whole mouth and eyes.
• Sitting upright and slightly forward
• Unbutton jacket to sit
• Comfortable gestures