It’s true when they say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to a first impression during an interview, that may not be the case. Even though you may know how to dress for success at the interview, some employers can get varying messages when they read body language.
We told you about what your body language says during an interview, so here are seven body language mistakes that you should absolutely not make!
- Minimizing Yourself – Don’t crouch, sit down and keep your hands and legs together. It looks like you’re trying to shy away from others.
- All Smiles – You shouldn’t smile too much because some people might take you as being fake, of they may get mixed messages when you’re telling them serious news.
- Weak Handshake - You want to show that you have confidence and that you’re in control, so give a straight up and down firm handshake.
- Partial-Arm Cross – When you stand with one armed cross you are displaying that you are anxious or that you have low confidence.
- Touching Hair, Face or Jewelry -Whenever you play with your hair, face or jewelry, you are either showing a lack of confidence or people may take it that you’re being flirtatious.
- Head Tilt - Try not to tilt your head to the side when you’re talking to someone because although it may seem like you’re agreeing with them, it also may seem like you’re flirting.
- Inappropriate Clothes - Women should never wear short skirts or low cut shirts, and men should never wear jeans. Clothing is the first thing that potential employers see, so you want to dress professionally.
In addition to avoiding these body language mistakes, Theresa Zagnoli, founder and CEO of Zagnoli McEvoy Foley, says that interview preparation should consist of you shutting your door or going to the restroom and taking 10 to 20 deep-belly breaths to relieve anxiety.
Source: Forbes
Tags: body language, Interviews