Feeling at Ease in Job Interviews – Insights from Amy Cuddy
Job interviews can feel daunting, especially if you naturally prefer to listen rather than speak, or if being in the spotlight makes you uneasy. It’s normal to feel tension build before an interview, wondering how you’ll come across and whether you’ll find the right words in the moment.
In this video, Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, explores how our body language can influence not just how others see us, but also how we feel about ourselves. She shares small, practical shifts in posture that can help ease nerves and bring a sense of calm confidence to interviews.
How Body Language Can Support You
Often, when we feel anxious, our bodies respond by making us smaller—we might hunch our shoulders, cross our arms, or fold into ourselves. It’s a protective instinct, but it can also make us feel more closed off and unsure of ourselves.
Cuddy’s research suggests that making small, intentional adjustments—like sitting with an open posture or standing with your feet firmly planted—can gently signal safety to your body. This doesn’t mean taking up unnecessary space or forcing an unnatural stance, but rather allowing yourself to be present and grounded in your own way.
Practical Ways to Feel More at Ease
If you feel nervous before an interview, here are a few simple things you can try:
- Take a moment to breathe deeply. Slowing your breath can help ease tension and settle your nerves.
- Sit or stand with a relaxed but open posture. Instead of crossing your arms or shrinking into yourself, gently rest your hands on your lap or by your sides.
- Allow your shoulders to drop. Anxiety often causes us to tighten our shoulders without realising. Noticing this and releasing that tension can help you feel more comfortable.
- Hold a grounding object. Whether it’s a pen, a ring, or even a soft fabric, having something tangible to focus on can provide a sense of steadiness.
- Pause before answering. Giving yourself a moment to think can help you feel more in control of the conversation, rather than rushing to fill the silence.
Confidence Doesn’t Have to Be Loud
Confidence isn’t about being the boldest person in the room. It’s about feeling comfortable in yourself, even in moments of uncertainty. You don’t need to “perform” confidence to do well in an interview—you just need to create the conditions that allow you to feel at ease.
Amy Cuddy’s video offers an encouraging reminder that confidence isn’t just about what we say but also about how we carry ourselves. By making small, gentle shifts in body language, we can feel more present and self-assured, in a way that feels true to who we are.
A Final Thought
If job interviews make you feel anxious, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel nervous—it means you care. You don’t have to “fake” confidence or be someone you’re not. Simply finding small ways to support yourself—through your breath, posture, and presence—can help you feel more steady and ready to share your quiet strengths.
Would you like more support in navigating social situations in a way that feels right for you? Our community is here to help you connect with others who understand.
