Weak Handshake
One of the first three things you want to do when you walk into an interview, is look your interviewer directly in the eyes, smile, and extend your hand for a handshake. The way you shake hands says a lot about your level of confidence. Many perceive a weak handshake as a sign of low confidence. A knuckle-crushing handshake will come across as forceful. Aim a handshake that is in between by going for a firm handshake.
Not Smiling
While being overly bubbly is not the way to go in most interviews, neither is being too stern. Your smile must be natural, and not seem as if it is forced. Smile when you greet your interviewer, at the start of your interview, and when appropriate during the interview.
Clammy Palms
You may only have clammy palms because you are nervous, and the perspiration on your hands is hardly something you can control. A trick for keeping your clammy hands dry is to rest your dominant hand naturally on your leg while seated. This way your clothing will absorb the perspiration, and eliminate the need to wipe your hand dry. Just make sure you are wearing clothing that will not show the perspiration.
Poor Eye Contact
Interviews are a series of exchanging questions and answers that will require a heavier amount of eye contact than most conversations. While you do not want to seem as if you are staring your interviewer down, it is essential to maintain direct eye contact. However, feel free to direct attention to your resume or any documents shared with you if you need a break.
Fidgety Behavior
The challenging aspect of fidgeting, is that it may be a nervous habit you are unaware you are engaging in. This could be anything from tapping your foot, bouncing your leg, tapping your fingers, or squirming in your chair. If you notice you are fidgeting, correct your behavior immediately so that your nerves are not so obvious.
Eye Rolling
If you have a tendency to roll your eyes, it is something you may do in an interview without even realizing. Even if you mean no offense, your eye rolling comes across as disinterest, or as a sign that you do not take the topic seriously. A tip for eliminating this poor body language is to record yourself rolling your eyes. You are likely to find the way it makes you look unappealing, which subliminally increases your odds of banishing the habit.
Bad Posture
You want to look as if you are comfortable during your interview, particularly when sitting down. If you hunch your back, you will send the message that you are trying to shrink or hide. However, if you are stick straight you may look rigid. Strike a happy medium by sitting up tall and straight, yet in a natural position.
Defensive Arm Crossing
Crossing your arms may be comfortable, but it is also defensive body language. Even if you are tempted to cross your arms because you are cold, resist the urge to do so. Instead, cross your fingers on your lap, or set them on the armrest of your chair. If your interview includes a tour, keep your arms at your side while walking.
Appearing Distracted
It is important that the time spent in your interview is 100 percent invested in responding to the interviewer. No looking out of the window, no checking your cell phone, and do not allow your eyes to wander around the room. In addition, make sure you turn off you cell prior to entering the building so that it does not ring while you are in there.
Finding the Positive in Everything
Employers are not looking for employees who are overly negative or critical, but they do want employees who are able to look at things honestly. If asked a question that requires you to find a negative and a positive, provide factual and informative details. While you want to be positive during your interview, you will look and sound more sincere if you answer questions truthfully.
