Body language do's and don'ts in the interview

When it's time for an interview, there are a lot of steps to take to get ready, such as preparing your answers, choosing an outfit, and scheduling transportation. Another key step that you can take to make a positive impression is thinking about your body language. When you consider your body language in an interview, you'll be able to make sure you appear confident, professional, and approachable, which may increase your chances of getting hired. Here are the body language dos and don'ts of interviewing, organized by tips to use and actions to avoid.

Before thinking about your body language during the interview, consider how you'll make a great first impression when you get there. You'll want to make sure everyone in the workplace has a positive impression of you, as this will show how you'll fit into the culture once hired. In terms of body language, this means staying upright and open when you greet the receptionist and maintaining this posture as you wait for your appointment. Other key tips for great first impressions are a strong handshake and a warm smile.

Eye contact may not be the first thing you think of when you're talking about body language, but it's exceptionally important. Maintaining good eye contact with someone will physically invite them to keep talking with you, as you're constantly signaling that you're still listening and engaged. To maintain eye contact, look into your interviewer's eyes any time they're speaking and break eye contact naturally without gazing around the room aimlessly.

Another way to use body language to your advantage during an interview is to be an active listener. This involves offering non-verbal cues that tell your interviewer that you've heard what they're saying and are taking it in. For example, you might nod your head during a longer question to show that you're listening. Similarly, it's beneficial to lean forward slightly while your interviewer asks questions, as this conveys that you're paying attention.

"When you consider your body language in an interview, you'll be able to make sure you appear confident, professional, and approachable, which may increase your chances of getting hired."

An effective way to maintain good body language in an interview is by keeping yourself comfortable. Choose an outfit that allows you to sit up straight without pulling or stretching too tight. Additionally, it's essential to wear comfortable, professional footwear. Shoes that cause discomfort will often result in bad posture, as you'll be shifting around or leaning to compensate for being uncomfortable.

Body posture in an interview is especially important, as you'll want your interviewer to know you're giving them your full attention and engagement. Poor posture, including slouching, crossing your arms, or leaning against your surroundings, can convey a lack of interest or respect. Similarly, if you remain too stiff during an interview, you can come across as uptight or nervous. Try to stay loose during your interview while sitting up straight with your shoulders back. This will show your professionalism and respect by conveying your interest and presence during the interview.

Your hands are part of your body language, and you may not even know that you're using them too much until it's too late. When you're very animated and wave your hands around wildly, it can come across as unprofessional. If you naturally move your hands while you talk, allow yourself to, as straining to keep your hands still can make you seem tense and stressed. Allow your hands to naturally move on important points, making sure to leave them neatly folded in your lap otherwise.

There are also quite a few don'ts regarding body language during interviews. For example, actions such as rubbing your nose or the back of your neck can convey disrespect by alluding to disinterest or discomfort. Sitting with your arms folded across your chest can make you come across as unfriendly or disengaged from the interviewer. Another element of body language to avoid is too much blank eye contact, as staring at someone without changing your facial expression can be unsettling and suggest that you're bored. Here are a few other body language don'ts to avoid in your next interview:

• Don't slouch in your seat.
• Don't wear too much perfume. 
• Don't cross your legs.
• Don't sit too close or too far away from your interviewer.
• Don't lean your body toward the door.

These are a few of the most important dos and don'ts of body language in a job interview. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you always put forth a positive, confident, and engaged demeanor, giving you the best chances of acing the interview and landing the job. If you're still searching for jobs, upload a resume with CareerBuilder to increase your chances of getting even more interviews.

When preparing potential answers, read about the most common interview questions and how to answer them.

To make sure you're ready to highlight your skills, learn about answers to seven skills-based interview questions.

If you're planning your prep time, read about different types of job interviews and how to prepare for them.

To ensure you engage with your interviewer, learn about questions to ask in your next interview.

For insight into more complicated questions, explore some tough interview questions and how to answer them.