Is Body Language Killing You in the Job Interview?
Negative Body Language May Be Standing Between You and Your Next Job
In a job interview situation here are some of the more common body language messages recruiters could be getting from job seekers.
- Fear and insecurity - Not making eye contact
- Bias - Favoring one interviewer and ignoring the others
- No confidence - Weak handshake
- Disinterest - Slouching or hanging over the arm of the chair
- Arrogance - Leaning back in the chair
- Nervousness - Gesticulating wildly and relying on your hands to do all the talking
- Discomfort - Fidgeting with tight or ill fitting clothing
Of course recruiters are human too and could definitely be misinterpreting what they are seeing. However, if you think your body language might be impacting you in any of these ways, you can do something about it. It's hard enough to recognize when body language might be failing you in the interview. It's even harder to modify behavior and movements on the fly, while you are in the interview. The best time to fix a body language is before the real interview and the best way to do it, is by doing a mock interview.
Doing a mock interview, or practice job interview is a great way to see yourself as you might be in the interview.
Set up a video camera and get a friend to act as the interviewer. I guarantee that you will be surprised by one or two things you see or hear on the video. Ask for honest feedback, critique yourself carefully and take notes. A mock interview is a great way to invest an hour and get solid feedback to help make sure your body and your lips are saying the same thing on your next job interview.
Published by Marcia Robinson
Marcia has been writing about work, employment, careers, education, entrepreneurship and related political issues for thirteen years. She has a strong commitment to supporting the personal and professional... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentYes, I can see these trends would reduce chances at a job. Sadly, other things do, too, despite illegality - older people among them. Some jobs call for younger people. Some are best handled by mature individuals.
Hmmm. I am autistic, so of course, I don't make eye contact, and since I'm also legally blind, I wouldn't know where to look except in the general direction of the interviewer's voice, which more than likely would not be his or her face. All the advice about body language should be disregarded when dealing with people with disabilities.