Face Touching and Other Body Language No-No's

Don’t touch your face too often because it can imply nervousness or dishonesty. Don’t jiggle your legs and definitely do not cross your arms.  Do not slouch, but do not sit up so straight that you look like you are on alert. Make eye contact but do not stare. You can talk with your hands, but do not wave them around so much that you look like a bird taking flight. Do not nod in agreement at everything that is said to you.

These are just some of the many body language no-no’s that you should follow to make a good impression on a job interview.

While thinking about all of the above, I was reminded of an episode of ABC’s show ‘Modern Family’ in which one of the characters Claire decides to run for city council. She and her family conduct a practice debate at home. Unfortunately she winds up feeling less prepared and less confident than she felt prior to the practice debate.

TV sitcoms aside, you do want to think about your body language on your job interviews. Body language contributes significantly to first impressions. You do want to conduct practice interviews. A practice interview will allow you to adjust your body language in a more comfortable setting. That way you do not have to freak out during the interview if you realize that your hand is touching your face.

You want to make a good first impression and your body language does contribute to that first impression. But if you are too self-conscious about your body language you are going to drive yourself nuts. In fact if you are overly concerned about every time you touch your face or cross your arms or shake your leg, you are going to come across as a bit of an odd ball. Just remember the guidelines and then relax and be yourself.

If you have a question about the human side of the workplace, just ask Margaret by sending your questions to Ask@MargaretMeloni.com.