29 May Body Language You Should Avoid During a Job Interview
The interview is one of the most important steps in the hiring process. This short period of time gives employers the opportunity to determine if you are a right fit for the company and if you can complete the tasks involved in the job. During this opportunity, you want to communicate well to ensure managers have all the necessary information to make a qualified decision. However, what you communicate is more than just what you say. It also involves your body language.
Here is body language during a job interview that you should avoid.
1. Failing to make eye contact
According to a survey by CareerBuilder, more than 67% of applicants fail to make eye contact. When you maintain eye contact, it not only shows others that you’re interested in what they are saying, but it also increases your credibility and control over the conversation. Unfortunately, for many individuals, eye contact is difficult to maintain. Remember: it is one simple thing that will help you stand out from many other applicants.
2. Crossing your arms
For many people, a job interview makes them uncomfortable and nervous. To help adapt to this environment, the individual will close themselves off by crossing their arms. However, this is body language during a job interview that must be avoided. When you cross your arms, it closes you off. It tells others that you are not open, and you feel uncomfortable. It is also a low-power pose – it takes away much of your control during the interview and gives it to those on the other side of the table.
3. A weak handshake
Your handshake is vital. It says a lot about who you are and it gives off a strong impression. When your handshake is weak and limp, it is a sign that you lack confidence and sureness. However, you also want to avoid a handshake that is too strong as that can show others you are fake and are trying to pretend you have all the strength and power during the interview.
4. Fidgeting
According to the CareerBuilder Survey, managers said more than 34% of those they interviewed were playing with something on the table and 28% were playing with their hair or touching their faces. This is also body language during a job interview you should avoid as it tells those you are talking to that you are insecure and uncomfortable. It is a sign that you lack self-confidence, which is a quality that you desperately want to portray.
Before you walk into an important job interview, you should strive to have a mock interview. This will not only give you the chance to think about how you will answer important interview questions, but it will also help you notice certain body language that you may be displaying. It can help you communicate clearly using your body and give the manager the message you desire.
