Sometimes it is difficult to tell what may or may not be acceptable to do in a job interview. At times, the lines are blurred between what should or should not be done, like whether to wear a full-on business suit or simply business casual attire to an interview. Here are some things applicants will often do that can be harmful to their interview and some things applicants don't do enough.
Do's:
- Create a good amount of personal space between you and the interviewer. If seats happen to be placed very close together, try your best to manuveur your body in a position where neither you nor the interviewer feel as though you are too close for comfort.
- If you are being interviewed by several people, make it a point to give all interviewers eye contact when speaking. Then conclude with focusing your attention on the person who initially asked the question.
- Decrease the amount of perfume or cologne you apply before the interview. You want to be remembered for your qualifications and interview presence, not by your overwhelming fragrance.
- Keeping an engaged expression on your face by nodding and smiling in moderation is always a good thing. It shows employers your interest in what they are saying.
Don'ts
- Sitting with your arms crossed in front of your chest should not be done during an interview. It signals disinterest and is not a friendly gesture at all.
- Shaking your legs, whether crossed or apart, is something that should be avoided at all costs. Not only is it distracting, it also shows nervousness and tells the interviewer that you lack confidence.
- Slouching is something many people do on a regular basis, but an interview is not the place for it. This can come across as showing disinterest or laziness.
- Don't blankly stare at the interviewer. You might think it looks as though you are paying attention really hard or confuse it with a serious look, but this can come off as a lack of personality. This also looks as though the applicant is separating themselves from the interview.
