Body Language That Fail you During Interview
what NOT to do when it comes to body language:
-While in the waiting room, do not slouch, bring food or drinks, chew gum, put your feet up on the table in front of you, or be on the phone (which should already have been on mute).
–Do not have your hands in your pockets when you are first introduced, or if you are standing at all during any part of the interview. It looks a bit too casual. You should let your hands drop to your side, and speak. When you need to use your hands, use them.
-For both genders, do not deliver the “dead fish” handshake. It implies weakness and a lack of confidence.
–Do not sit with your arms folded across your chest. This generally means you are blocking and could make you appear unfriendly, defensive, arrogant or possibly disengaged. I recommend also that you not cross your legs, and you try keeping your knees close together and crossing your legs at the ankles.
–Do not fidget with anything – your nose or your hair. Don’t bite your nails, wiggle your feet or endlessly tap or click a ballpoint pen. Don’t crack your knuckles or fiddle with your cufflinks, and don’t shake your legs, whether crossed or uncrossed as all of these actions imply nervousness.
-Eye contact is vital, yes, but don’t stare. Talk, look the interviewer in the eyes, you then have a thought, look away, then look back into the interviewer’s eyes. At times, look to the right, look to the left, etc. briefly, then back to the interviewer. I would recommend not looking down though.
-Don’t rub the back of your head or neck, as these gestures can make you look disinterested.
-Do not lean your body towards the door from which you will be leaving, as it makes it look like you’re ready to make a run for it.
-Don’t slouch in your seat. You want to have good posture with a straight spine and shoulders comfortably pulled back.
Hand gestures are fine, but not too exaggerated. Some larger-than-life movements can imply you’re stretching the truth, so be careful to monitor your arm movements. Use small, controlled gestures to indicate leadership and confidence
-Hand gestures are fine, but not too exaggerated. Some larger-than-life movements can imply you’re stretching the truth, so be careful to monitor your arm movements. Use small, controlled gestures to indicate leadership and confidence