You did all the initial work.
You defined and differentiated your personal brand and unique value proposition to your target employers, written brand-supporting career marketing materials (resume, biography, LinkedIn profile, etc), built an online presence for social proof, and researched and prepared for interviewing.
And it’s paying off!
You’re getting interviews with your target employers.
Along with practicing your answers for expected questions and knowing what questions you should ask, are you preparing to convey the right body language?
In her Forbes article, “Interview Body Language Mistakes That Can Cost You The Job“, Jacquelyn Smith cautions that thousands of non-verbal cues job seekers do without thinking, can sabotage their chances to land the job.
She offers 10 body language faux pas (in pictures) to remind yourself to avoid, as you enter the interview:
- Weak handshake.
- Invading personal space.
- Crossing your arms.
- Playing with your hair.
- Bad posture.
- Lack of eye contact.
- Looking like you’re not interested.
- Not smiling.
- Fidgeting.
- Hiding your hands.
Related posts:
What NOT To Do in a Senior-level Executive Job Interview
Meg,
As a job search trainer for primarily middle management and below jobseekers, it’s surprising to hear that executives have the same issues at interviews. I tell my workshop attendees that no matter who you are, you have to be cognizant of your body language.
Bob,
I can see that it would be surprising to learn that executives, even those at the very top, may need to adjust their body language. You’d think that they couldn’t rise to that level without good interviewing and networking skills. And understanding the cues their body language can send is part of good interview technique. But they’re just as guilty as those at the middle and lower levels.
Thanks for commenting!