Interviewing is not easy. It can bring on stress, anxiety and self-consciousness, but preparing is key to staying cool, calm and collected. Many people get nervous for interviews, and often do not include body language in their interview preparation routine. To give you a head start in your next job search, Amotec has provided you with a list of our top body language blunders to avoid during an interview process. Check out the tips below and in no time, you will be interviewing like a pro!
Don’t Use exaggerated gestures
Exaggerated gestures imply that you may be stretching the truth. This makes the interviewer question what you are telling them and can make them wonder if your skills actually match the job you are interviewing for.
Use small, controlled gestures during your interview. Using small, controlled gestures implies confidence in yourself. Using open gestures, like showing the palms of your hands, often indicates that you have nothing to hide from the interviewer.
Don’t Watch the Clock
Constantly watching the clock shows signs of impatience, disinterest and an inflated ego. It gives the impression that you have better things to be doing rather than being present in your interview and can be a sign that you want to leave the interview.
Pay attention to the interviewer. Ensure you have enough time in your schedule so that you can take the time to listen and care about what the interviewer has to sign. Stay engaged with the person while they are talking.
Don’t Fidget
Try and not fidget during your interview. Fidgeting during an interview signals that you are anxious, over-energized, self-conscious and distracted. It can be distracting to the interviewer as well, making the interview a complete bust.
Interviewing makes everyone nervous. Take the time before an interview to practice and get some of your jitters out. This should help during the interview to lessen some of your nervous ticks. If you try this it will help, you appear interested and engaged during the interview.
Don’t Cross your Arms
Crossing your arms creates a physical barrier between you and the interviewer. Even if you are engaged in a pleasant conversation and smiling, crossing your arms may be giving the interviewer the sense that you are shutting them out.
Don’t Turn Yourself Away from the Interviewer
Turning yourself away from the interviewer portrays that you are unengaged, uninterested, and uncomfortable. It may even make the interviewer feel that you do not trust them.
Stay engaged in the conversation. Staying engaged and maintaining your current position will make you and the interviewer stay engaged, interested and comfortable.
Don’t Slouch
Slouching communicates that you are bored and have no desire to be present in that interview.
Instead, try to maintain good postures commands respect from the interview. It keeps both parties engaged in the conversation-taking place.
Don’t avoid eye contact
Avoiding eye contact with the interviewer indicates a lack of confidence and interest in the conversation. For any business setting you never want to appear disinterested or give the impression to have a lack of confidence in yourself.
Instead, periodically look at the interviewer while you are speaking. It will show confidence in what you are saying and keep you and the interviewer engaged in the conversation.
Don’t have a weak or aggressive handshake
Having a weak handshake signals that you lack authority and confidence. Having to strong of a handshake can be perceived as aggressive and an attempt at domination.
Try to give a firm handshake at the beginning and end of your interview it will project authority and confidence. Having a firm handshake can help seal the deal in your interview.
Don’t get too comfortable
Getting too comfortable during an interview signals a lack of respect to the interviewer. It also indicates that you do not respect their space.
Aim to maintain good posture during the interview. Keep a respectful distance between you and the interviewer. Try to show respect for the interviewer’s space and belongings.
Don’t Yawn
Yawning during an interview shows that you are bored and not prepared for your interview. Yawning will also indicate to the interviewer that you are not interested in being there. Yawning can even highlight that you are not in the proper mindset to be present in the interview.
Don’t Use Your Phone
Texting or using your phone highlights that you have a complete lack of respect for others. This is something you definitely want to avoid in an interview.
Put your phone on silent and keep it out of your sight so you are not tempted to peek. If you think your phone may tempt you, leave it in your car to avoid the urge to look at your phone. Doing so will allow you to give all your focus to the person or persons interviewing you.
It can be hard to remember all these body language blunders during an interview especially if you are nervous. If you can avoid the majority of these blunders during your next interview, it will help set you up for success.
