Can Your Body Language Cost You the Job Offer? Posted

You have an impeccable resume and referrals. You nailed all the job interview questions with concise and smart answers. You look the part in your expensive suit…but if you didn’t act it too, then it can cost you the job interview.

As one of Rancho Cordova’s top employment agencies, we know that bad body language – from poor posture to averting eye contact – can actually make more of an impression on the interviewer than a perfect cover letter and brilliant interview answers. And in fact, your body language says a lot more about you than what comes out of your mouth. It tells interviewers whether you are strong and confident, or timid and stressed out.

So if you think bad body language has cost you a job offer, what can you do moving forward?

One of the best ways to overcome bad body language is to conduct a mock interview with a friend or family member. Ask them to prepare common interview questions and go through the process with them. There could be things you’re doing that you aren’t even aware of, such as wringing your hands while you’re talking or constantly touching your hair or your face.

Here are some other tips to help:

  • When you’re meeting an interviewer, make eye contact and smile. Offer a firm handshake, but don’t try to overcompensate by squeezing their hand too hard. Keep an appropriate distance and try to appear relaxed.
  • When you walk into the interviewer’s office, don’t sit with your hat, brief case, or purse in hand. Set them aside somewhere. Sit up straight and avoid crossing your harms or hiding your hands. If you use your hands when you talk, that’s great. In fact, it shows you’re expressive and enthusiastic.
  • Keep in mind that confidence is typically portrayed through body language. As a result, an employer can get a better sense of who you are simply by watching you. And if you’re giving off signs of stress, fear, or passivity, an employer is less likely to hire you because they know they can’t boost your confidence levels or help you work better under pressure.

And if you’d like additional help with your job search or with the interview process, give us a call. As one of Rancho Cordova’s top employment agencies, we’ll take the time to learn about your career goals, interests, and aspirations – all so we can help you make the next right step in your career. Contact us today to learn more.