Body language plays a significant role in the impression you make during a job interview. Here are some do's and don'ts to help you navigate interview body language effectively:
Do's:
1. Maintain Eye Contact:
• Do make regular, natural eye contact with the interviewer(s) to convey confidence and attentiveness.
2. Firm Handshake:
• Do offer a firm, confident handshake at the beginning and end of the interview.
3. Good Posture:
• Do sit up straight with your shoulders back to project confidence and attentiveness.
4. Smile:
• Do smile naturally to show enthusiasm and approachability.
5. Active Listening:
• Do nod occasionally and use other gestures to signal that you are actively listening and engaged in the conversation.
6. Mirror Positive Gestures:
• Do subtly mirror the interviewer's body language to build rapport, but avoid mimicking excessively.
7. Open Gestures:
• Do use open gestures, such as keeping your palms open and avoiding crossed arms, to appear approachable.
8. Expressiveness:
• Do use facial expressions to convey enthusiasm, interest, and a range of emotions appropriately.
9. Confident Walk:
• Do maintain a confident and purposeful walk when entering and leaving the interview room.
10. Space Awareness:
• Do respect personal space but engage comfortably within the appropriate distance during the conversation.
Don'ts:
1. Avoiding Eye Contact:
• Don't avoid eye contact, as it may suggest lack of confidence or honesty.
2. Weak Handshake:
• Don't offer a limp or overly strong handshake, as it may convey passivity or aggression.
3. Slouching:
• Don't slouch or hunch over, as it can make you appear disinterested or lacking in confidence.
4. Nervous Habits:
• Don't engage in distracting nervous habits like tapping your foot, playing with your hair, or excessive fidgeting.
5. Crossed Arms:
• Don't cross your arms, as it can be interpreted as defensiveness or a lack of openness.
6. Excessive Fidgeting:
• Don't fidget excessively, as it may convey nervousness or lack of focus.
7. Invasion of Personal Space:
• Don't invade personal space by standing or sitting too close, as it may make the interviewer uncomfortable.
8. Inappropriate Facial Expressions:
• Don't display negative or inappropriate facial expressions, such as rolling your eyes or sighing.
9. Over-Gesturing:
• Don't overuse gestures, as it may be distracting or convey nervous energy.
10. Rushing:
• Don't rush your movements; instead, aim for deliberate and controlled gestures and expressions.
