No BS Career Advice: January 11, 2026
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
“The average person puts only 25% of his energy into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.” —Andrew Carnegie
I took a little time off for the holidays and was back at coaching and presenting this week. It was clear that people were ready to get back to work when a webinar I facilitated on the morning of January 2 had almost 200 attendees.
In addition, new signups for my coaching programs at JobSearch.Community have also increased. What gratifies me is that I listened to requests from people to offer individual products for purchase for people who don’t want to commit to a monthly recurring fee for coaching and content.’
One of the the services I offer at the site are $99 resume critiques and LinkedIn profile critiques. If you aren’t getting the results you want, let me correct some of the issues you may be experiencing.
The Silent Language: Master Your Interview Body Language
In a job interview, your words are only one part of the equation. Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that conveys your confidence, professionalism, and fit for a company’s culture. Some experts suggest that body language accounts for more than half of how a person is perceived, with one study indicating it may influence up to 93% of communication. Whether you are meeting in person or through a screen, mastering your nonverbal cues is essential for making a lasting impression.
The Power of Posture and Presence
Your posture is often the first thing an interviewer notices. Maintaining an upright posture—sitting up straight with your shoulders back and your head up—signals that you are confident, professional, and mentally alert. Conversely, slouching or slumping can inadvertently communicate a lack of energy, disinterest, or even insecurity.
For in-person interviews, the way you enter the building matters. You should be aware of your body language from the moment you arrive in the parking lot, as anyone you encounter could provide feedback to the hiring panel. If you are waiting in a lobby, avoid the temptation to slouch over your phone; instead, sit tall and observe your surroundings to appear engaged and observant.
For virtual interviews, posture remains just as critical. Sitting at eye level with the screen helps establish a sense of presence. Some experts even recommend standing during a video interview if you are physically capable, as it naturally keeps your shoulders back and exudes a larger, more confident presence.
Mastering Eye Contact and Facial Expressions
Eye contact is a primary measure of honesty and engagement. In a face-to-face setting, you should aim for natural eye contact, typically lasting between two and four seconds. Staring too long can make an interviewer uncomfortable, while too little eye contact might make you seem distracted or untrustworthy.
Virtual environments introduce a unique challenge: “digital eye contact.” To simulate a personal connection, you must look directly into the camera lens rather than at the interviewer’s image on the screen or your own video feed. This creates the illusion of direct eye contact and helps build rapport.
Facial expressions also tell a story. A sincere, natural smile conveys warmth and enthusiasm. A genuine smile often involves the muscles around the eyes, creating small “crinkles.” In contrast, a “poker face” can make it difficult for an interviewer to gauge your interest. However, be mindful of overdoing it; a slight tilt of the head or a gentle nod is often enough to show empathy and intent listening.
Managing Hands and Gestures
How you use your hands can either enhance your message or serve as a major distraction. Using open and relaxed hand gestures can help you emphasize points and express your personality. Open arms generally signal that you are relaxed and receptive to new ideas.
Ineffective body language often manifests as fidgeting. Unnecessary movements—such as tapping your fingers, bouncing your leg, playing with your hair, or messing with jewelry and accessories—can be interpreted as signs of nervousness, boredom, or a lack of truthfulness. If you tend to talk with your hands, do so naturally, as forcing them to stay still can sometimes lead to even more noticeable fidgeting. To keep your hands under control, you might try placing one hand on top of the other in your lap or on the table in front of you.
One major “don’t” is folding your arms across your chest. This is frequently perceived as a defensive or rigid posture that creates a barrier between you and the interviewer.
Mirroring and Active Listening
A high-level technique for building rapport is subtle mirroring. This involves emulating the interviewer’s posture, tempo, and mannerisms. If they lean in, you might subtly lean in as well. This creates a subconscious sense of connection and alignment.
Active listening is equally important. You can demonstrate that you are fully present by nodding occasionally and using brief verbal cues like “yes” or “uh-huh.” Leaning slightly toward the interviewer when they speak signals that you are interested in what they are saying.
Preparing for Success
Beyond your movements, your preparation influences your body language. Dressing professionally—ideally one level above the company’s daily dress code—ensures you make a positive first impression. Carrying only one bag, such as a briefcase or a single purse, helps you appear organized rather than flustered.
Before the interview begins, you can boost your confidence by practicing a “power pose” for a minute or two in private. If nerves kick in during the session, taking deep, slow breaths can help you maintain composure and keep your voice steady. By practicing these nonverbal skills until they become second nature, you can focus entirely on the conversation and let your best self shine through naturally.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2026
Last week, I released more new content in my blog including:
Change https://wp.me/p4aIk1-gXr
No BS Career Advice: January 4, 2026 https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDp
How Can I Be Honest About Why I Quit Without Bashing the Company? https://wp.me/p4aIk1-mbD
Why $200K+ Job Seekers FAIL (The Hidden Strategy That Works) https://wp.me/p4aIk1-op7
Deciding If This is The Right Job For You https://wp.me/p4aIk1-8VR
Before and After You Are a Leader https://wp.me/p4aIk1-h8d
The AI Career Playbook: 5 Strategies to Thrive https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDI
Use Google Gemini to Practice Salary Negotiation https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDR
They Are All Lying (In a Job Search) https://wp.me/p4aIk1-ecL
If No Recruiters Are Contacting You on LinkedIn Is Your Career Over? https://wp.me/p4aIk1-aOk
The Executive Playbook: Navigating a C Suite Transition https://youtu.be/V1l6gIowDts
What Are Warning Signs Interviewers Look for? https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDy
Mastering the Pivot: Your Career Reinvention Guide https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDZ
AI Prompt to Prepare for an Interview with the Hiring Manager https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDN
Turn Job Rejection Into Your Ultimate Comeback https://wp.me/p4aIk1-opz
AI Resume Screening: How Employers Use It https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oCc
Do You Have to Tell People Where You’re Going to Work? https://wp.me/p4aIk1-mbK
How to Sell Your Story in Job Interviews (Not Your Skills) https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oEf
Your Resume Is Just the Credits. This is the Main Event https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oEk
Your Guide to Not Sucking on Interviews https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDE
Stupid Resume Mistakes https://wp.me/p4aIk1-508
Prepare for Interviews https://wp.me/p4aIk1-mbG
Waiting to Get Laid Off Is Career Suicide. Get Ready. https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oEu
Ace Your Executive Interview https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oEp
Fix Your Resume: Stop Giving Away Your Age! https://wp.me/p4aIk1-opW
Master the Art of High-Value Job Interview Stories https://wp.me/p4aIk1-oDs
Interview Mistakes: Not Knowing When to Shut Up https://youtu.be/oE0EP5hudw4
Schedule a free discovery call with me at www.TheBigGameHunter.us/schedule to discuss my coaching you during your job search and beyond.
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#BeGreat
Jeff Altman, MSW, CCTC
People Hire Me for No BS Job Search Coaching, Career Coaching and Career Advice Globally Because I Make Job Search and Succeeding in Your New Job Easier | I’ll Help You Find Your Next Job
