Why Body Language Matters in HR Interviews

Research shows that communication is conveyed through:

• 55% body language

• 38% tone of voice

• Only 7% words

This means that in HR interviews, how a candidate behaves is often more important than what they say.

10 Critical Body Language Signals Every HR Professional Should Know

1️⃣ Facial Expressions: Do Words and Face Match?

A candidate says “I’m comfortable,” but:

• eyebrows are tense

• lips are tight

➡️ This often indicates internal stress.
HR signal: ask a deeper follow-up question.

2️⃣ Eye Contact: Confidence or Pressure?

• Constantly avoiding eye contact → discomfort or lack of sincerity

• Excessively fixed eye contact → artificial behavior or dominance attempt

➡️ Healthy eye contact is natural and intermittent.

3️⃣ Tone of Voice: Does It Align with the Message?

The same sentence can send different signals:

• trembling voice → anxiety

• fast speech → need to prove oneself

• very slow speech → uncertainty

➡️ HR focus: does intonation support the content?

4️⃣ Hand and Arm Movements: Indicators of Openness

• Open palms → honesty and openness

• Arms crossed → defensive posture

➡️ If body language changes as questions become harder, this is an emotional reaction.

5️⃣ Sitting Posture: Attitude Signal

• Leaning forward → interest and engagement

• Leaning too far back → detachment or excessive comfort

➡️ HR question: is the candidate physically engaged in the conversation?

6️⃣ Clothing Style: Cultural Fit Indicator

The issue is not expensive clothing. The issue is:

• style not aligned with the role

• inability to read company culture

➡️ This reflects the candidate’s preparation and research level.

7️⃣ Signs of Nervousness: Normal or a Red Flag?

Normal nervousness:

• appears in the first minutes

Risky nervousness:

• increases with new questions

• repeats on the same topic

➡️ This distinction is critical for HR evaluation.

8️⃣ Microexpressions: Short but Powerful Signals

Expressions lasting a fraction of a second:

• sudden eyebrow raise

• lip tightening

➡️ These often reveal subconscious reactions.

9️⃣ Body Synchronization During Answers

If words, facial expression, and tone don’t align:

• answers may be memorized

• real experience may be weak

➡️ Golden HR rule: inconsistency = verify further.

🔟 Silence Moments: When the Most Information Appears

When a candidate pauses:

• not immediately after the question

• but after a few seconds

➡️ This is a moment of thinking or hesitation.
Do not interrupt — observe.

Practical Advice for HR Professionals

❌ Don’t make decisions based on a single gesture
✅ Observe behavior patterns over time
❗ Always consider cultural differences

Body language is a supporting tool, not a verdict.

Conclusion

A strong HR professional:

• doesn’t only read CVs

• doesn’t only listen to answers

• reads behavior

When body language is interpreted correctly:

• hiring risk decreases

• candidate fit is assessed more accurately

• interview quality improves

HR Option, Human Resources Development and Training Center

Sources: Harvard University, American Psychological Association, Paul Ekman, MIT, Society for Human Resource Management