5 Body Language Mistakes to Avoid During Your Interview
Before going to a job interview, most people do everything they can to be well-prepared and make a good impression. They do their research about the company and the position they’re applying for. They also prepare portfolios and answers to the hiring manager’s possible questions. While these preparations help job seekers become more knowledgeable and ready, how they present themselves matters, too.
Whether you’re finding jobs in the Philippines or in other countries, hiring managers will take note of your nonverbal communications during the interview. They will observe your gestures, facial expressions, and other body language to gain more information about you. Often, your actions will speak volumes more than the words you utter. Body language can reveal if you’re well-prepared, confident, and focused. On the other hand, some poses and gestures will reveal that you’re nervous or bored. If you are aware of the visual cues that you project, you can use them to leave a good impression on your prospective employer.
If you want to wow the hiring manager and land the job, here are five body language mistakes you must avoid during your interview.
Avoiding Eye Contact
Answering the interviewer’s question effectively can be impressive, but it’s important to do this while maintaining eye contact. When you avoid looking the other person in the eye, it suggests dishonesty and lack of interest. Also, lack of eye contact can give the idea that you aren’t confident, so hiring managers might think that your list of skills and achievements aren’t as impressive as they should be.
Making direct eye contact doesn’t mean staring intently into the interviewer’s eyes throughout the entire interview. This can appear creepy and make the other person feel uncomfortable. Instead, shift your gaze once in a while but don’t let it wander. Listen to everything the interviewer says attentively and make eye contact when answering questions.
Slouching
When sitting down, make sure to observe good posture. Slouching will make you appear unsure and lacking in confidence, so sit up straight. Pretend there’s a string tied from the top of your head to the ceiling, so apart from keeping your posture tall, you should also keep your chin up. This will help you straighten your back and maintain good eye contact instead of seemingly shrinking into your seat.
Having good posture won’t just give your interviewer a good impression; it will also help you feel more confident so you perform better during the interview. Sitting up straight makes you look taller and more alert, and it seemingly conveys strong leadership skills. On the other hand, slumping in your seat can add to whatever stress or discomfort you may be feeling so you might not be able to pay close attention to the interviewer.
Additionally, remember to lean forward slightly every once in a while. This pose conveys that you’re interested in the discussion.
Fidgeting
Fidgeting can be very distracting for the interviewer. It will also make you look nervous. Although it’s normal to experience uneasiness during an interview, you need to avoid moving too much in your seat or fiddling with your clothing or accessories. It can make the interviewer think you’re an anxious person and they might question your assertiveness and interpersonal capabilities.
Instead, keep your hands in a steady and comfortable position close to your body. Try to project a calm and confident mood, even if you feel nervous. If you have a challenging time staying still, practice answering questions in front of a mirror. Pay attention to how your body displays nervous energy and be more mindful of your movements.
Crossing Your Arms
It can be tempting to cross your arms over your chest during an interview because it feels comfortable and keeps your hands from fidgeting. However, you should resist the urge to do so because this gesture can leave a negative impression on the interviewer. Crossing your arms can make you appear defensive and indicate that you aren’t comfortable with the situation. Your prospective employer might think you have poor social skills and are unfit to lead a team.
To appear friendly and confident, keep your hands relaxed on your lap. This pose will also assist in calming you down because you aren’t applying any twisting pressure on your arms.
Failing to Smile
While you may want to appear serious about your application and to be seriously considered for the position, this doesn’t mean that you have to take on a somber appearance. In fact, looking too stern may cause you to look unfriendly and unapproachable. Instead, it’s best to flash your pearly whites the moment you meet the hiring manager and before leaving the interview. A sincere smile will set the tone for your interaction and communicate that you are a pleasant and friendly person. During the interview, make sure to smile without overdoing it. Keep a natural and positive expression.
If you’re like most individuals, you make sure to come to a job interview well-prepared to increase your chances of getting hired. But you must also take note that hiring managers will scrutinize your actions just as well as your credentials and answers to their questions. Your body language and facial expressions can be a reflection of your character, so you need to be conscious of these gestures. Just as you are drawn to people who look happy, relaxed, and confident, strive to exhibit that same positivity in your body language to leave a positive impression.
