5 Body Language Mistakes You Might Be Making in the Interview
After receiving an invitation to interview for a job you’re really excited about, you spend an excessive amount of time preparing for the big day. From coming up with responses to common interview questions to choosing the perfect outfit, no detail is left untouched — at least that’s what you thought.
If you’re like many professionals, you don’t give your body language much thought before heading into an interview. While it might seem trivial, the manner in which you carry yourself can make or break your chances of getting hired.
Here are five body language mistakes that could be keeping you from your dream job.
Poor Posture
When you sit down in the chair to be interviewed, your posture might be the farthest thing from your mind, but it shouldn’t be. Slouching gives the impression that you’re lazy while leaning forward makes you appear arrogant. Send the right message by sitting up straight, with both feet firmly planted on the floor.
Crossed Arms
Job interviews are typically nerve-wracking, which can inadvertently make you want to give yourself a hug. You might even cross your arms over your chest without realizing it because you’re not sure what to do with them. Chances are, you’ll think nothing of this, but it will make you appear defensive and closed off to the interviewer. It might feel a bit award, but it’s much better to keep your arms by your sides instead.
Misaligned Facial Expressions
What you don’t say actually speaks louder than words. Therefore, if you tell the interviewer you’re passionate about this line of work, but don’t smile, they’ll question your sincerity. It’s easy to make this mistake when you’re focused hard on saying the right thing, so make a point to also think about your facial expressions. Together, your words and the manner in which you give your response will show the interviewer you’re genuine.
Lack of Eye Contact
Eye contact can be tricky during a job interview because it can feel uncomfortable to hold a stranger’s gaze — especially one who might have the key to your future. However, good eye contact is crucial because it shows interest in the job and gratitude for the interviewer’s time. Nerves can cause you to inadvertently spend more time looking at the floor than the person in front of you, but avoid this behavior at all costs. This will cause the interviewer to assume you’re dishonest or not interested in the position.
Fidgeting
It’s completely normal to feel anxious during a job interview, but fidgeting lets the interviewer know exactly how you’re feeling. Constant small movements of your hands and feet make you appear to lack confidence and be unprepared for the interview. If you’re prone to fidgeting, keep it to a minimum by going into the interview with a watchful eye on yourself. Don’t panic if you catch yourself behaving in this manner, but do put a stop to it right away.
Finding the right job for your skills and interests is hard work. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].