7 avoidable body language mistakes (and how to avoid them!)

Did you know your body expresses emotions too? Pay attention to your body language and you might just ace your next interview!

1. No Eye Contact

Lack of eye contact can make you seem untrustworthy and insecure.

How to avoid? Practice with a friend to make yourself feel more comfortable using eye contact.

2. Fidgeting

Playing with your hair, touching your face, or other fidgeting habits sends the interviewer a message that you're under confident and haven't prepped well.

How to avoid? Cross your hands in front of you whilst you're not talking, but don't stay rigid.

3. No Smiling

If you fail to smile, your interviewer will perceive you to be unhappy or unfriendly, or uninterested in the discussion.

How to avoid? Force yourself to smile repeatedly in the run-up to your interview.

4. Weak Handshake

This can help reduce your anxiety and lower your blood pressure. Candidates who begin job interviews with a limp handshake are deemed less impressive, trustworthy and enthusiastic than those who have a strong handshake.

How to avoid? Practice shaking hands with a friend or family member. Use a complete grip, a firm squeeze and three shakes whilst making eye contact.

5. Slouching

Interviewers may take your slouching as a sign of low confidence, potentially causing them to question your ability to take on the new role effectively.

How to avoid? Plant your feet firmly on the floor, push your hips back on the chair, straighten your back and rest one arm on the arm of the chair.

6. Crossed Arms

Having your arms folded across your chest can give the interviewer the impressive you are insecure, defensive and uncomfortable in their presence.

How to avoid? Make a conscious effort to keep your arms apart. Place one hand in your lap and rest the other on the table, keeping them ready to gesture naturally.

7. Exaggerated Nodding

Nodding excessively in an interview can make you seem like you don't fully understand something or that you're not really listening.

How to avoid? Limit and control nodding to once or twice, whenever relevant to the conversation, but if you're unsure about what has been said, ask for them to explain further, rather than nod.

If you’re looking for work, you can either view our current opportunities on our job pages, or get in touch with one of our consultants on 0203 793 8867 or via admin@centogroup.com.