15 Body Language Communication Interview Questions and Answers

In order to ace a job interview, it is important to be aware of the nonverbal cues you are sending. Body language communication can be just as important as what you say during an interview. Here are some common body language interview questions and how to answer them.

1. What is body language?

This question is a basic one that an interviewer may ask to see if you know the basics of body language. They want to make sure you understand what it is and how it can be used in communication. In your answer, define body language and give examples of when you’ve used it in past situations.

Example: “Body language is nonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions and posture. I have used body language in my previous role as a customer service representative at XYZ Company where I would use body language to help customers feel more comfortable while they were talking with me on the phone. For example, I would smile into the phone and nod my head to show them I was listening to their concerns.”

2. Why do you think it’s important to understand the body language of others?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of interest in body language and how you might use it to benefit your work. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of reading others’ nonverbal cues and using them to improve communication.

Example: “I think it’s important to know what someone is saying without having to ask them directly because it helps me better understand their emotions, which can be helpful when I’m working with customers or clients. For example, if a client seems nervous about something, I can try to reassure them by speaking calmly and reassuringly. If they seem angry, I can take steps to calm them down before things escalate.”

3. Can you explain what open and closed postures are in the context of body language?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of body language and how it can impact communication. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you understand how body language affects interactions with others. In your answer, try to explain what each posture looks like and why they are important in business settings.

Example: “Open postures include things like standing up straight or leaning forward slightly when talking to someone. These types of postures communicate confidence and openness to ideas. Closed postures include folding arms across the chest or turning away from someone while speaking. These postures communicate defensiveness or disinterest.”

4. How can you determine if someone is presenting an open or a closed posture?

Body language can be a useful tool for understanding how someone is feeling or what they’re thinking. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to read body language and understand its meaning. Use examples from past experiences where you used this skill to help others.

Example: “I’ve noticed that an open posture, such as leaning forward with arms outstretched, indicates openness and confidence. A closed posture, like crossing one’s arms over their chest, shows defensiveness or uncertainty. I once worked with a client who presented a closed posture when we first met. After asking him some questions about his goals, he opened up and became more confident in our work together.”

5. Can you explain the meaning of mirroring? How does it affect our interactions with others?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of body language and how it affects our interactions with others. It also shows the interviewer that you understand the importance of mirroring in social situations. In your answer, try to explain what mirroring is and why it’s important.

Example: “Mirroring is when we mimic another person’s body language or speech patterns. For example, if someone crosses their arms, I would do the same thing. This helps us build rapport with others because it makes them feel more comfortable around us. Mirroring can also show that we’re paying attention to what they’re saying.”

6. What is the difference between positive, negative, and neutral body language?

This question tests your ability to recognize and understand the different types of body language. It also shows that you can apply what you know about body language to a real-life situation. When answering this question, try to give an example of each type of body language and how it might be used in a professional setting.

Example: “Positive body language is when someone uses their body to show confidence or happiness. This could include smiling, standing up straight with their shoulders back and arms uncrossed. Negative body language is when someone uses their body to show discomfort or unhappiness. This could include crossing their arms over their chest, looking down at the floor or avoiding eye contact. Neutral body language is when someone doesn’t use their body to show any emotion. They may have their arms crossed but aren’t leaning into the pose.”

7. What is the significance of nonverbal communication?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of body language and how it affects communication. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you understand the importance of nonverbal communication in business settings.

Example: “Nonverbal communication is extremely important because it can communicate more than words alone. For example, if I’m speaking with someone who speaks English as a second language, they may not understand what I mean when I say something verbally. However, if I use body language to convey my message, such as pointing or nodding my head, they will be able to understand me better. Nonverbal communication is especially useful for international businesses.”

8. What are some common mistakes people make when trying to interpret body language?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you apply your knowledge of body language to real-world situations. Your answer can show the interviewer that you know what not to do when trying to interpret someone’s body language and can also demonstrate your ability to teach others about this topic.

Example: “One common mistake people make is assuming they understand a person’s body language without actually knowing them or their situation. For example, if I see someone who looks upset, I might assume they’re mad at me because they’re scowling. However, it could be something else entirely, like they have a headache or are stressed out. Another mistake is thinking that everyone uses body language in the same way. Some cultures use different gestures than we do here in America.”

9. Are there any universal signs that mean something specific regardless of where in the world they’re being used?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of body language and how it can be used in different cultures. It also shows the interviewer that you’re aware of cultural differences when using body language.

Example: “There are several universal signs, but one of the most common ones is the ‘thumbs up’ sign. In many countries around the world, this means everything’s good or positive. However, in some places like Greece, Turkey and Russia, it actually means something negative. So, if you use this gesture with someone from these countries, they may think you’re insulting them.”

10. What is your understanding of cross-cultural differences in body language?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of body language and how it relates to different cultures. It also shows the interviewer that you are aware of cultural differences in nonverbal communication, which can be important when working with clients from other countries.

Example: “I understand that there are many cross-cultural differences in body language. For example, in some Asian countries, nodding means no while shaking one’s head means yes. In America, however, nodding usually means yes and shaking one’s head means no. I know that if I were to work with an international client, I would need to adjust my body language accordingly so they could understand me.”

11. What are the different types of body movements we use while communicating verbally?

This question is a continuation of the previous one, and it allows you to show your knowledge about body language. You can answer this question by listing all the types of movements that are related to verbal communication.

Example: “There are three main types of body movements we use while communicating verbally. The first type is facial expressions, which include smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows, widening eyes or narrowing them, wrinkling our nose, squinting our eyes, turning up our lips or lowering them and more. We also use gestures with our hands, arms, legs and feet. These gestures include waving, pointing, crossing our arms, rubbing our chin, putting our hands in our pockets, scratching our head, tapping our foot, nodding, shaking our head and more. Finally, we use postures, such as sitting, standing, leaning forward, tilting our heads, crossing our legs and more.”

12. Do you think introverts have a different body language than extroverts? If yes, then how?

This question is a great way to assess your knowledge of body language and how it relates to personality types. It also allows you to show that you understand the importance of body language in communication, which can be especially important for customer service roles.

Example: “I think introverts have different body language than extroverts because they’re more likely to avoid eye contact and physical touch. They may also use less facial expressions and gestures when communicating. Extroverts, on the other hand, are more likely to make eye contact, use open body language and engage in physical touch with others.”

13. Do you think certain personality traits affect the way one uses their body language? If yes, then which ones?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your critical thinking skills and how you apply them to body language. Your answer should show that you can analyze, interpret and evaluate information.

Example: “Yes, I do think certain personality traits affect the way one uses their body language. For example, extroverts tend to use more open body language than introverts because they are more comfortable in social situations. Similarly, people who are confident will often have more relaxed body language than those who are insecure. However, it’s important to note that these traits don’t determine someone’s entire body language.”

14. What are some ways to improve your own body language skills?

Employers may ask this question to see if you are self-motivated and willing to improve your communication skills. They want employees who can learn on their own, so they might be looking for someone who is eager to develop their body language skills. In your answer, try to list some ways that you have improved your body language in the past.

Example: “I’ve found that practicing my body language in front of a mirror or recording myself helps me notice things I do without realizing it. Then, I can work on changing those habits. For example, at my last job, I noticed that when I was nervous, I would cross my arms. I practiced uncrossing my arms while speaking until it became more natural.”

15. What are the best ways to learn more about body language?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have a plan for improving your communication skills. They want to know that you are committed to learning more about body language and how it can help you succeed in the role. In your answer, share some resources you’ve used in the past or explain what steps you would take to learn more about body language.

Example: “I think one of the best ways to learn more about body language is by taking an online course. I took an introductory course on Udemy last year, and I learned so much from it. The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided many examples of body language cues. Another way I could improve my knowledge of body language is by joining a professional organization. I found out about this opportunity through a friend who’s already a member.”