Body language mistakes to avoid in a job interview

Many of us mistakenly assume that having a good resume, or excellent work experience or skills is enough to help us through the interview process. We often do not pay much attention to the non verbal signals generated by our body during the whole process of our interaction i.e. our body language. It is most often, our unconscious body language which will impress people on the meeting and determine the fate of the job hunt.

Hence, it is very critical to understand the mistakes we make through our unconscious body language, which when in sharp contrast with our verbal language will send mixed signals and hence create a question mark about our trust ability in the potential employer’s minds.

  1. Carelessness and heedlessness of time as reflected in our physical and verbal attitude towards punctuality (slouching, careless body language) while attending interviews are one major mistake we make.
  1. We must not appear needlessly obsequious to the interview committee. Plan a confident but balanced attitude while interacting with the members for the first time.
  1. Adopt a relaxed but interested posture during the interview. Many times, a slouching attitude in a chair reflects a carelessness and lack of interest while a rigid attitude would imply discomfort and sitting on the edge of the chair, would create an image of nervousness and fear.
  1. One should also project an interest in what the speaker is saying by leaning slightly towards him or her and looking at him while he is addressing you. Also, not looking at the subject when he or she is addressing you may be considered rude. While replying to one person, you must also take in the others in a sweeping glance so that you include all of them.
  1. Another common mistake we make is improper placing of our hands. Folding our hands too close to our chest indicates nervousness and defensiveness. Hands can just be left relaxed on the lap or on the table, free so that they can be expressive. Open body language indicates fearlessness and trust.
  1. Use of wide and open gestures is indicative of ease and comfort in the given context but when used excessively can give a theatrical and exaggerated effect, which may leave an unpleasant feeling in the minds of the interviewers. So, it is better to modulate your use of gestures in accordance with that of the other people there, mirroring them so that you convey that you can appreciate their feelings or views. When gesturing with your hands, keep them just above the desk and below your shoulder levels so that it is proportionate.
  1. Crossing your legs while sitting, shaking legs indicates nervousness so try to avoid that by keeping a relaxed posture.
  1. Interviewers may think you are disinterested, if you do not seem to be paying attention to what they are saying, appear blank and unfocused as well as rubbing your neck.
  1. A firm handshake and a confident and straight look in the eye leave a very positive impression.Jacey Johnson is an educator and a student counselor at Au Assignment Help a company that offers academic writing help for the graduate and post graduate students to attain success in their academic. Click here to know more about the service.

 

By Jacey Johnson
Jacey Johnson