In some interviews, your posture can make or break your chances of landing the position. Posture isn’t the only non-verbal communication you should focus on, though. In this post, we’ll go over the dos and don’ts of body language in a professional interview.
Make Good Eye Contact
Don’t stare at your interviewer. That’s unnerving and awkward. Good eye contact doesn’t require persistent staring, but it does require you to look up from your lap from time to time. We suggest making an effort to look your interviewer in the eyes about 50-75% of the time.
Sit Still
Keep your arms and other extremities from stealing the show. To ensure this, rest your forearms on the table in front of you and make a triangle with your hands. Doing this will keep you from fidgeting and it will also help you maintain good posture.
Sit Up Straight
Nothing says uninterested like someone leaning way too far back in their chair during an interview. If physically possible without pain or discomfort, we advise interviewees to sit upright in their chairs to make the best impression on their interviewer.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
Last, but certainly not least, we suggest practicing good hygiene before an interview. That includes showering, washing your hair, brushing your teeth, and applying some sort of deodorant. Nothing will remove you from consideration faster than an unkempt appearance.
Thank you for reading. For more information about job seeker services through Upper Peninsula Michigan Works, please click on this link.