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When preparing for a job interview, you’re probably focused on your resume, talking points, and answers to common questions. In the lead up to the interview, it can be easy to overlook the importance of proper body language, which in some cases, can make or break your chances at landing the job. Today we’re going to talk about some body language mistakes you should avoid when going on job interviews. Let’s begin.
Weak Handshake (or No Handshake)
First impressions are incredibly important. A limp handshake can start things off on the wrong foot and might be interpreted as a lack of confidence. On the other hand, you don’t want to squeeze the interviewer’s hand and swing their arm around like a jump rope—this can be seen as a sign of aggression.
The goal here is a firm but friendly grip, paired with a smile and eye contact. A great way to learn how to strike the right balance with handshakes is to practice with friends or family members.
Poor Eye Contact
Avoiding eye contact can signal nervousness, insecurity, or even dishonesty. Conversely, staring too intensely can make the interaction uncomfortable. Once again, finding the right balance is critical. The goal is to make consistent and natural eye contact, breaking it occasionally so you don’t appear to be staring.
If you’re on a virtual interview, the same philosophy applies. The only difference is here you’d be looking at the camera occasionally rather than just your computer screen. This can be a bit awkward at first, but it will help the interviewer feel more connected to you.
Slouching
Posture says a lot about your attitude. Slouching can make you seem disinterested, bored, or even unprofessional. That said, sitting stiffly upright can make you appear rigid or overly anxious.
The best approach is to sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and slightly leaning forward in the direction of the interviewer. This will show that you’re engaged, attentive, and confident, which is the exact impression you’re trying to make.
Crossing Your Arms
Crossed arms can subconsciously signal defensiveness, discomfort, or even resistance. Even if you’re just cold or trying to get comfortable, an interviewer may read it as a barrier of sorts.
Your best bet is to keep your arms relaxed at your sides or resting loosely in your lap. This "open" body language will communicate approachability and a willingness to engage.
Fidgeting
Tapping your foot, clicking a pen, or constantly adjusting your clothing can be distracting and might make you look nervous. The truth is, almost everyone gets anxious during a job interview, but excessive fidgeting takes the focus away from your words and puts it on your nerves—not a good look.
If you know you’re prone to fidgeting, try clasping your hands loosely in your lap or keeping a notebook in front of you as a place to rest your hands. This should help to minimize persistent and unnecessary hand movements.
Lack of Facial Expression
Your face can convey enthusiasm and engagement, so a blank or overly serious expression can work against you. Employers want to see that you’re excited about the opportunity, not just going through the motions.
To strike the right balance, smile occasionally, nod when it’s appropriate, and show interest in the conversation. If you can come off as energetic and passionate about the role (and company) at hand, you’ll be more memorable to the hiring manager—just be careful not to overdo it, as constant smiling can seem forced.
Excessive Gesturing
Gesturing here and there can help you emphasize key points, but too much hand movement can become distracting or make you seem overly nervous. Wild or repetitive gestures can also come across as unprofessional in certain cases.
Instead, keep your gestures controlled and purposeful. Using your hands occasionally to illustrate points is perfectly fine, just be mindful not to let them take over the conversation.
Invading Personal Space
Everyone has a personal comfort zone. Sitting too close or leaning in excessively can feel intrusive, especially in a professional setting. On the other hand, sitting too far away can make you seem distant or disengaged.
Since everyone’s idea of personal space can vary, your best bet is to mirror the interviewer’s body language and positioning. Maintaining a respectful amount of space shows awareness and professionalism.
Forgetting About Your Entrance and Exit
Body language isn’t just about what happens during the actual interview—it also includes how you enter and exit the room. For example, walking in with your head down or leaving without making eye contact can leave a negative impression.
When you arrive, walk in confidently, greet your interviewer with a smile, and maintain good posture. At the end of the interview, thank them and make eye contact on your way out. This will help you leave a lasting positive impression and will make you more memorable in the eyes of the hiring manager.
Poor Virtual Etiquette
For virtual interviews, body language mistakes often look different. For instance, constantly looking off screen, failing to position your camera properly, or having poor lighting can all send the wrong message.
Before your interview, make sure your camera is at eye level, your face is well lit, and your background is free from noise and other distractions. Along with this, sit up straight in your chair and avoid slouching throughout the interview. These details show that you’re professional and prepared, even in a remote setting.
With the job market being so competitive these days, you’ll need every advantage you can get. Strong answers and impressive experience will get you far, but proper body language can often be the deciding factor when it comes time for hiring managers to extend an offer. Along with your work history and achievements, proper body language can help make you an ideal candidate.
Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.
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