What does your body language say about you?
“It’s the little things!”
Sure, we’ve all heard someone say that before, probably shrugged it off
and forgotten about it. But it’s true. The little things matter, and they could
sabotage your chance at a new career. Everyone has physical habits that go
unnoticed, but those are the things that might send the message that you’re
nervous, incapable, unhappy. Here are
some common habits to practice avoiding:
1. SLOUCHING. You probably thought the adults in your life were being annoying when they told you to stand up straight. But they were right! Slouching makes you look uninterested and disengaged, and leaning forward can make everyone else around you feel crowded. If you stand up straight, you look confident, capable, and fully in charge of the situation.
2. SLUMPING. You’ve been to a social gathering and seen people with crossed arms or hands in pockets. It makes them seem insecure. Crossing your arms across your chest may be comfortable but it also sends the message that you are unapproachable. In a job interview, you want to be open and approachable. Relax your arms at your side, maybe hold your resume in your hands to prevent the bad habit from sneaking in. Make yourself look and feel more confident!
3. SMIRKING. You don’t want to show them you’re nervous or anxious or frustrated. You also don’t want to act cocky or smug. Show them your personality in the best way possible—smile. When you smile, it breaks the ice and softens the mood. It will also help you relax so you can put your best foot forward.
4. FIDDLING. Nervous gestures appear out of nowhere. If you keep touching your face, tucking your hair behind our ears, tapping your nails on the table—you might look distracted or self-doubting. Easy solution? Stop the fiddling in its tracks by placing your hands on the armrest or the table.
5. HANDSHAKING. You’ve gotta master the art of the handshake. Too firm and you can indicate that you are overcompensating. Too light and they might think you lack confidence. If you have a weak handshake, the interviewer might wonder how you would handle meeting an important stakeholder. So extend that hand and give a strong (but not too strong) shake—instill kindness and confidence!
6. EYE CONTACT. While eye contact is very important, it can be challenging for many. If you are constantly averting your eyes, it might make the interviewer think you can’t be trusted. If you stare too long, it can feel unnatural and intense. So find a middle ground! Maintain eye contact about 70% of the time…and don’t forget to smile.
Don’t undermine your skill set with bad habits. Practice good habits so that if your dream job comes about, you are prepared for success.
