By Emily Henion, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown
As recruiters, we want to say this up front: interviews are not meant to be interrogations. At their best, they are conversations, and they can, and should, be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Yes, qualifications and experience matter. But interviews are also about connection. When candidates feel comfortable enough to engage, ask questions, and let some personality come through, the conversation is almost always stronger.
That is where body language comes in. Whether an interview happens across a table or through a screen, how a candidate sits, looks, and reacts strongly influences how confident, engaged, and comfortable they appear. From a recruiter’s perspective, small details often make a big difference.
First Impressions Happen Quickly
Interviewers form opinions fast. In the first few minutes, we are subconsciously picking up on things like:
Confidence
Interest
Comfort level
Posture, eye contact, and facial expressions send those signals immediately, often before a candidate finishes their first answer.
In Person Interviews: What We Notice
Dare I say that eye contact matters the most? Steady, conversational eye contact builds trust, while staring or avoiding it altogether can be distracting.
Candidates who sit upright but relaxed tend to come across as more confident and engaged. Slouching can look disinterested, while sitting too stiff can feel forced. A slight lean forward usually signals genuine interest.
Natural hand movements help reinforce what someone is saying. Hiding hands, crossing arms, or leaning too far back can unintentionally make a candidate seem closed off.
Video Interviews: Small Details Stand Out
On video, body language is even more noticeable. Camera placement at eye level and good lighting immediately make a candidate appear more professional. When candidates look at the camera while speaking, it feels like real eye contact. Watching their own image instead can create distance.
We also notice movement more on screen. Excessive fidgeting, chair swiveling, or tapping can pull focus away from strong answers. Facial expressions carry more weight on video, so nodding and smiling naturally helps show engagement.
Confidence Is About Being Present
From a recruiter’s point of view, the best interviews rarely feel stiff or scripted. They feel like conversations.
Interviews can, and should, be an enjoyable experience. When candidates relax a bit, show curiosity, and allow some personality to come through, the discussion tends to flow more naturally. That comfort often reads as confidence.
Confidence is not about being perfect. Pausing to think, correcting yourself, or briefly stumbling over words is completely normal. What stands out is the ability to stay present and engaged in the conversation.
Final Thought
From our side of the table, or screen, interviews work best when they feel human. We are not looking for perfection. Instead, we are looking for connection, curiosity, and clarity. The interview is a two way conversation. Candidates are evaluating the role and the company just as much as we are getting to know them.
When words and body language align, and when the conversation feels relaxed and genuine, candidates tend to come across as more confident, credible, and memorable.
So consider this your permission from a recruiter: it is okay to enjoy your next interview. When you allow yourself to be present, engaged, and even have a little fun, it often shows up in all the right ways.