The common do’s and don’ts of interview body language

To make the whole concept clear to you, we thought of giving you a tabular comparison of some of the major common dos and don’ts of interview body language. Keep reading to make the most of these powerful body language tips.

The Dos

Enter confidently:

You must enter confidently since the recruiters even check with the reception about your body language. They believe in observing from the beginning and noticing all the changes. First impressions do matter and, in some cases, they matter the most. Don’t be too nervous and try to breathe deeply to calm yourself.   

A firm handshake:

As mentioned earlier, a firm handshake makes an interviewer feel your enthusiasm and confidence. But remember to let go at the right time. A firm handshake makes them confident about your self-assured personality.

Sit straight:

Keep your back straight (not too stiff) and maintain your posture in such a way that your legs are firmly placed. Lean in towards the interviewers to give an impression of you being interested in what they speak.

Maintain eye contact:

It is of utmost importance that you look directly into the eyes of the person who asks you questions. Make eye contact with every panelist, to look confident and convincing. The average time should be 10-12 seconds. If you get nervous, look at their nose for a few seconds

Smile:

The panel never wants someone who is grim and grumpy. While it is necessary to take questions seriously, it is also important to show them the light side of you. Smile and make them aware of your pleasant and agreeable persona. Also, it makes you look less nervous, so it is a bonus!

Pay attention to your hands:

 Hands should not ever come in between the direct line of vision between you and the interviewer. Closing them to form a fist, fidgeting or bending your knuckles are a few things that must be avoided. Focus on making gestures with hands and if that is not possible, then start taking notes. Writing will not let your hands be idle and they won’t attract any undue attention.

Additional things to do:

 Keep your phone on silent/flight mode. Remember to carry a pen in your pocket. Place your feet firmly on the ground to make the process of answering the questions easier.

The Don’ts;

Come up as overconfident:

Overconfidence is a big no when it comes to interviews. Interrupting the recruiters believing that you know the company better than them and trying to behave overconfidently are the things which will make you look negative and arrogant. Be polite, humble and use your curiosity judiciously. This is a very important point in the common dos and don’ts of interview body language.

A loose handshake:

A weak handshake shows your lack of confidence and enthusiasm. You must try and mirror the handshake of your interviewer if you want to look active and confident. Don’t put too much pressure too because it can make you look aggressive.

Slouch/bend too much:

If you lean outwards too much or keep your shoulders bent, then it’s time for you to correct it before you appear for an interview. There is nothing more annoying than a lazy candidate who looks insecure all the time.

Stare blankly:

There is a difference between eye contact and staring. If you continue to maintain eye contact for more than 15 seconds at a go, then it would surely make your interviewer uncomfortable. Staring at the other things in the cabin shows that you are a distracted personality. Be the focused person they are looking for.

Toying with objects:

If you have a habit of clicking the pen repeatedly, adjusting your hair too often and touching your nose all the time, then you should seriously practice some ways to stop these. All of these actions look gross and interviewers would be irritated with them. You are there to impress them, not annoy them.

Fidgeting or drumming your fingers on the table:

These habits are signs of restlessness. Changing the position of your hands, legs or even fingers too much can seriously affect the continuity of the interview process. The last thing any company would want is a person who is so distracted that he disturbs everyone around him. Fidgeting affects everyone around you, so try to keep it in check for a positive interview experience.

Additional things you should never do :

Chewing a gum, checking the clock on your phone, taking a call, trying to be over-friendly/personal or going in for a hug. Maintain the decorum of your interview, as this is a thumb rule in the common dos and don’ts of interview body language.