Table of Contents
Want to make a lasting impression on a hiring manager without saying a word? Mastering your body language is key—avoiding common mistakes can ensure you come across as confident and poised during your interview.
“As much as words matter, body language speaks volumes during an interview,” says Kathryn M. Partan, principal at Partan Communications LLC. “The trick is to release your energy rather than bottling it up. When you let go, you appear confident; when you hold it in, anxiety takes over.”
FlexJobs Career Experts emphasize, “Your body language plays a critical role in your overall interview performance. We’re naturally drawn to visual cues, so using your body language strategically can help leave a powerful impression on a potential employer.”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 common body language mistakes to avoid, ensuring you present your best self during the job interview.
1. Slumping
Don’t give off the vibe that you’d rather be somewhere else! Instead, imagine a string pulling the top of your head toward the ceiling to keep your posture upright. Likewise, when standing, maintain good posture by keeping your shoulders back, chin up, and your feet slightly apart.
2. Wandering Eyes
Do your eyes wander around the room while you’re speaking or listening? Do you catch yourself staring at the ceiling or floor instead of making eye contact? These behaviours can make you appear nervous and distracted.
“Make direct eye contact with your interviewer while both listening and speaking,” advises Kathryn M. Partan, principal at Partan Communications LLC. “This creates an instant connection, helping the interviewer see you as confident and capable. Practice by sharing a story with a friend without breaking eye contact.”
3. Fiddling With Objects
If an interviewer notices you fiddling with your jewellery, picking at your nails, or twirling your hair, they may interpret it as a sign of boredom or impatience. The good news is, this body language mistake is easy to correct. Simply leave your bracelets at home or tie your hair back to avoid distractions. Another useful technique is to press your fingertips together to form a “church steeple.” This not only displays confidence but also keeps your nervous hands under control.
4. Clenching
Gripping the armrest of a chair or holding tightly to the edge of a desk can make you appear anxious, much like a roller coaster rider having second thoughts. This tense grip may also trigger other nervous habits, such as toe-tapping or chair swivelling.
Instead, try using your hands to gesture while speaking. This makes your responses more engaging and demonstrates that you’re open and interested. As Partan suggests, “Using your hands positively channels your energy.” Just be mindful not to overdo it.
5. Looking Unhappy
A simple yet often overlooked body language mistake is failing to appear happy to be there. Instantly boost your approachability and trustworthiness by smiling. People are naturally drawn to a smile, and the feel-good chemicals released when you smile can 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 unintentionally make you seem uninterested or unenthusiastic about the role or the company,” said Career Experts.
6. Defensive or Aggressive Body Posture
Crossing your arms, leaning too far forward, or invading the interviewer’s personal space can come across as overly aggressive.
In an interview, it’s important to present yourself as calm and balanced, not confrontational. Keep your hands in your lap or resting on the chair’s armrests to signal a relaxed and composed demeanour.
7. Wild Hand or Arm Movements
Being excited about a job is fantastic, but excessive hand gestures can become distracting. While using your hands to emphasize points and convey enthusiasm is helpful, overdoing it can shift the focus away from your words.
“Large or frequent gestures can pull the interviewer’s attention away from your responses. It’s best to use hand gestures sparingly and intentionally to reinforce your message without overwhelming the conversation,” say the Career Experts.
8. Shrugging
Shrugging your shoulders during an interview can convey a sense of indifference or dissatisfaction with the conversation. It may also imply uncertainty or a lack of honesty. To create a positive impression, avoid shrugging and maintain confident, engaged body language throughout the interview.
9. Stiffness
Feeling nervous during a job interview is completely normal, and it’s common to become a bit stiff because of it. While this is one of the less concerning body language mistakes, it still signals anxiety, which hiring managers will likely recognize. Just remember to relax and focus on appearing calm and confident throughout the interview.
10. Leaning Backwards
Leaning back during an interview can make you appear disengaged or disinterested in the conversation. Whether you’re pausing to think of an answer or creating more space, this posture may give the wrong impression. Instead, try to lean slightly forward to demonstrate that you’re attentive and engaged.
Leaning forward a bit shows your interest and enthusiasm, but make sure not to invade the interviewer’s personal space.
Conclusion
Mastering body language can greatly enhance your interview performance. Avoiding common mistakes—such as slouching, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting—can significantly impact how you’re perceived. By maintaining good posture, using appropriate gestures, and engaging with your interviewer through positive body language, you’ll come across as confident and capable. Practice these techniques to ensure you make a strong and lasting impression.
