How to Bomb an Interview Without Even Talking
Before you even open your mouth you could do something to bomb an interview. Pay attention to your body language, clothes, general attitude, and other things in order to nail your interview and get the job. Be sure to consider all of the following things before your next interview.
Don’t Bomb an Interview
Eye Contact
Eye contact is part of overall body language and is something you should spend some time thinking about. Too much eye contact can make you seem creepy and not enough makes you seem disinterested. Check out the article How Much Eye Contact is Too Much in a Job Interview for tips on how to strike the right balance.
Hand Shake
The messages we send when we shake hands are more complex – and more powerful – than many realize. A good handshake can tell a potential employer a lot about you: how confident you might be (or not) and how trustworthy you are. Combined with a smile and sound eye contact, your handshake can be one of your best tools for impressing a hiring manager. Read What’s in a Handshake? for more info.
Fidgeting and Touching Your Face or Hair
Any sort of repetitive habit or movement you have can become distracting to someone who is interviewing you. If you know you have a tendency to tap your foot, pick your nails, or something else equally distracting, try as hard as you can to not do these things in an interview.
Posture
Poor posture, slouching, or even appearing too relaxed during an interview can also make you appear disinterested or worse, lazy. Keep your back straight and sit upright in your seat. This is better for your back and will help you appear interested and engaged.
Crossing Your Arms
Don’t do it. In any situation, when you cross your arms it makes you appear aloof, unapproachable, and unwelcoming. Of course, this is not ideal in an interview. You don’t want to put out any nonverbal cues or vibes that suggest that you’re cold and distant. This may make them think twice about hiring you. After all, you have to fit in with the team and culture in addition to being able to do the job.
Smile, Smile, Smile
Be sure to smile a lot during an interview. It’s a lot like not crossing your arms. It makes you seem enthusiastic, friendly, and approachable. If you tend to have odd or off-putting facial expressions when you are thinking or nervous, practice in a mirror. Work on perfecting a friendly smile.
Which one do you need to work on?
We get it. Interviewing is hard. Remembering all of these things is also hard when you are already nervous about talking about yourself. Practice interviewing with trusted friends or family members who will give you honest feedback. We have lots of helpful tips in our blog for all types of interviewing questions and scenarios. You’ve got this.
We are here for you.
Need more job search advice?
Join Our Discussion
For more insights and a community of like-minded professionals join our LinkedIn group Resume Help and Advice for Professionals and Executives
