A Simple Conversation With My Aunt That Holds a Big Interview Lesson
- Manisha V
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Yesterday, I met my aunt at a family function. She is 76 years old, warm and gentle, the kind of person you would expect to be calm and wise after a long journey through life. We often think of people at this age as serene, matured, and unshaken by what life throws at them. But reality isn’t always like that.
As we were chatting, she began sharing her health updates, something she usually does whenever we meet. This time, she told me she had been diagnosed with high BP. It unsettled her because she had stayed fairly healthy all her life, and this was unexpected.
Then came the aha moment. She said something that stayed with me:"When my husband was alive, I would share all my problems with him. Now that he’s gone, I keep everything to myself. Do you think being stressed and holding things inside is the reason for my BP?"
Her words were framed like a question, but her body language told me something different. It wasn’t doubt—it was conviction. The way she spoke, her expressions, her gestures—it was clear she already believed this was the cause. Her body confirmed what her words only questioned.
That struck me. At any age, whether we are 26 or 76, our bodies speak what our hearts hold. Sometimes louder than words.
We assume old age brings calmness, maturity, and resilience but it also carries loneliness, unspoken stress, and emotions that don’t find words. And often, those bottled-up feelings show up as ailments in the body.
As a transformation coach and as someone who runs an HR organization that constantly works with people, I see this often and I know how powerfully body language reflects the mind. Even in a casual family conversation, I could see it play out: words may hide, but the body rarely does.
Think about it:
You can’t think of “two” and show “three” fingers at the same time. Try it—it’s almost impossible.
Our body naturally aligns with our inner thoughts.
Even when people lie, unless they are trained, their body language usually gives them away.
Now, here’s why this matters for job seekers.
In interviews, recruiters don’t just listen to what you say—they observe how you say it.
🟠 When you say “I’m confident I can handle this role” but your eyes look down, your shoulders droop, or your voice lacks energy, your body cancels out your words.
🟠 When you talk about teamwork but your posture shows disinterest or closed-off arms, your body tells a different story.
🟠 When you claim honesty but fidget or avoid eye contact, the interviewer senses hesitation.
On the other hand, authenticity shines through effortlessly:
If you genuinely believe you’re a good fit, your posture will be open and relaxed.
If you’re truly passionate about the role, your tone and expressions will carry that excitement.
If you’re being honest, your presence itself will feel trustworthy.
That’s why my advice is simple:
🟠 Prepare your mind before you prepare your words
🟠 Align your confidence with your body, don’t just rehearse answers, believe them
🟠 Bring honesty to the table, because nothing convinces like authenticity
Because whether it’s an interview or life itself, people don’t just hear your words, they read your presence.