The Biggest Body Language Mistakes You Can Make In A Job Interview

The Biggest Body Language Mistakes You Can Make In A Job Interview

Hiring managers size you up in a lot of different ways during an interview, including how you physically present yourself. A recent US nationwide survey of over 2500 hiring and human resource managers found these body language mistakes hurt your chance of landing the job the most.

Photo by WOCinTech Chat.

The US nationwide survey, conducted by Harris Poll for CareerBuilder, includes more than 2500 hiring and human resource managers. According to the poll, about 50 per cent of employers know whether you’re a good fit for the position within five minutes of meeting you, and a lot of that has to do with your body language. Here are the five most common mistakes interviewees make:

  1. Failing to make eye contact: 67 per cent
  2. Failing to smile: 39 per cent
  3. Playing with something on the table: 33 per cent
  4. Having bad posture: 30 per cent
  5. Fidgeting too much in their seats: 30 per cent

You need to look comfortable, but not too comfortable. When it comes to your body language, look at the person you’re talking to, give them a smile, keep your hands to yourself, sit up straight and get your anxious energy out before your interview so you don’t fidget. Other bad body language cues included crossing your arms or touching your face. Don’t forget to mind your body language during video interviews too. You may not be in the room with them, but they can still see you. You can find more interview mishap data at the link below.

Employers Share Strangest Interview Mishaps and Biggest Body Language Mistakes [CareerBuilder via Fast Company]


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