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Want to impress a hiring manager without saying a word? Be self-aware and avoid common body language mistakes that can send the wrong message. Your body language constantly communicates something that may not be positive during an interview.
“There are many ways body language can either make you sink or soar during an interview,” says Kathryn M. Partan, principal at Partan Communications LLC. “The key is to release your energy instead of keeping it trapped inside. When you release it, you’ll look and feel confident. When trapped, anxiety and nerves take over!”
The FlexJobs Career Experts added, “Your body language is a crucial part of your overall interview performance, and sometimes it can have a significant impact. As humans, we naturally pay attention to visuals. Using your body language effectively during your job interview can help you leave a great impression on a potential employer.”
Here, we review 12 body language mistakes you should avoid to put your best foot forward during a job interview.
1. Slumping
Don’t give the impression that you’d rather be anywhere else! Instead, sit as if a string is pulling the top of your head toward the ceiling. Similarly, watch your posture when standing. Keep your shoulders back, chin up, and stand with your feet slightly apart.
2. Wandering Eyes
Do your eyes dart around the room while listening and speaking? Do you find yourself looking at the ceiling or floor instead of at people? These actions can make you seem nervous and unfocused.
“Make direct eye contact with your interviewer while listening and speaking,” said Kathryn M. Partan, principal at Partan Communications LLC. “This builds immediate rapport, and the interviewer will see you as a confident and capable candidate. Practice by telling a story to a friend without breaking eye contact.”
3. Fiddling With Objects
If an interviewer sees you playing with your jewelry, picking at your fingernails, or twirling your hair, they might think you’re bored or impatient. Fortunately, this body language mistake is easy to fix. Remove the distraction by leaving your bracelets at home or tying back your hair. Another helpful tip is to press your fingertips together to form a “church steeple.” This shows confidence and keeps your nervous hands in check.
4. Clenching
Gripping a chair’s armrest or holding tightly to the edge of a desk can make you appear anxious, like a roller coaster rider having second thoughts. This tense grip might also lead to other nervous behaviors, such as toe-tapping or chair swiveling.
Instead, use your hands to gesture while speaking. This makes your answers more engaging and shows you are open and interested. As Partan suggests, “Using your hands positively channels your energy.” Just be careful not to overdo it.
5. Looking Unhappy
A simple yet frequently overlooked body language mistake is not appearing happy to be there. Boost your approachability and trustworthiness instantly by smiling. People are naturally drawn to a happy face, and the feel-good chemicals released when you smile will help you stay calm and positive.
“Smiling communicates a lot to an employer, but when we’re nervous, we often forget to smile. Practice answering interview questions while reminding yourself to smile. If you don’t smile during a job interview, it might mistakenly make you seem uninterested or not enthusiastic about the role or the company,” say Career Experts.
6. Defensive or Aggressive Body Posture
Crossing your arms, leaning too forward, or invading the interviewer’s personal space can make you seem overly aggressive.
In an interview, you want to show that you’re calm and balanced, not confrontational. Keep your hands in your lap or on the chair’s arms to convey a relaxed and composed attitude.
7. Wild Hand or Arm Movements
Being excited about a job is great, but overly dramatic hand gestures can come across as distracting. While hand movements can help make your points and show enthusiasm, using them too much can shift the focus away from what you’re saying.
“Big or frequent gestures can divert the interviewer’s attention from your answers. It’s best to use hand gestures sparingly and purposefully to enhance your message, without overwhelming your interviewer,” say the Career Experts.
8. Shrugging
Shrugging your shoulders during an interview can give the impression that you’re indifferent or dissatisfied with the conversation. It can also suggest that you might be unsure or not telling the truth. To make a positive impression, avoid shrugging and keep your body language confident and engaged.
9. Stiffness
It’s normal to feel nervous during a job interview, and it’s common to become a bit stiff as a result. While this is the least concerning of body language mistakes, it still signals that you’re anxious—something hiring managers are likely to expect. Just remember to relax and do your best to appear calm and confident.
10. Leaning Backwards
Leaning backward during an interview might make it seem like you’re not fully engaged in the conversation. Whether you’re thinking of an answer or trying to create more space, this gesture can give the impression that you’re disinterested. Instead, try to lean slightly forward to show that you’re attentive and involved.
Lean forward slightly to show interest and excitement, but be careful not to invade the other person’s personal space.
Conclusion
Mastering body language can significantly boost your performance in an interview. Avoiding common mistakes—like poor posture, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting—can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. By maintaining good posture, using appropriate gestures, and engaging with your interviewer through positive body language, you can present yourself as confident and capable. Practice these tips to ensure you leave a strong and lasting impression.
FAQs
Q1: What are common body language mistakes to avoid in an interview?
Ans: Common mistakes include poor posture, lack of eye contact, fidgeting, crossing arms, and appearing disinterested. These behaviors can signal insecurity or lack of enthusiasm.
Q2: Why is eye contact important in an interview?
Ans: Eye contact shows confidence, attentiveness, and engagement. It helps build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrates that you’re actively listening and involved in the conversation.
Q3: How can poor posture affect my interview?
Ans: Slouching or leaning back can make you appear disinterested or unconfident. Good posture, like sitting up straight, conveys professionalism and attentiveness.
Q4: What should I do if I feel nervous and start fidgeting?
Ans: To manage nerves and avoid fidgeting, practice deep breathing and focus on maintaining calm, controlled gestures. Preparing thoroughly for the interview can also help boost your confidence.
Q5: Is crossing my arms a bad sign in an interview?
Ans: Yes, crossing your arms can seem defensive or closed off. Try to keep your arms relaxed at your sides or use open gestures to appear more approachable and engaged.
Q6: How can I show enthusiasm through body language?
Ans: Show enthusiasm by leaning forward slightly, nodding in agreement, and using expressive facial expressions. Smiling and maintaining an open posture also convey interest and positivity.
Q7: What role do facial expressions play in an interview?
Ans: Facial expressions communicate your emotions and reactions. Positive expressions, like smiling, and nodding, help convey friendliness and interest, while negative expressions can give a poor impression.
Q8: How important is it to mirror the interviewer’s body language?
Ans: Lightly mirroring the interviewer’s body language can help build rapport and make you seem more relatable. However, be subtle to avoid coming across as insincere.
Q9: Can body language impact the interview outcome?
Ans: Yes, body language plays a significant role in how you’re perceived. Positive body language can enhance your chances of making a good impression and landing the job.
Q10: How can I practice good body language before my interview?
Ans: Practice by conducting mock interviews, recording yourself, and reviewing your body language. Pay attention to your posture, gestures, and facial expressions to ensure they align with the professional image you want to project.