3 Body Language Tips For Your Job Interview

While the phone interview can be limiting by its nature, there is one good thing about it: You don't have to worry about poor body language hindering your chances of getting the job.

There's simply no way to avoid it: Having poor body language during a job interview will make a hiring manager think twice about offering you the job. It's not all about folded arms, either; eye contact, weak handshakes, and posture also reflect poorly on your personality. Adjusting your non-verbal communications to present a more welcoming vibe will make you more likable and, as a result, more hireable.

Here are three of the most important body language errors you need to stop:

• The "Dead Fish" Handshake: Handshakes can tell a lot about a person. Someone with a weak handshake comes across as having no confidence, while a firm -- but not bonecrushing -- handshake reflects strength and confidence. Remember to smile while shaking the hand of the hiring manager.
• Too Much or Too Little Eye Contact: Appropriate eye contact is all about balance. You want to look into the other person's eyes while they are talking, but you also don't want to stare. A general rule of thumb is to make eye contact 60 percent of the time. More than this risks appearing too intense, while any less will make you appear uninterested.
• Slouching: The more straight your posture is during the interview, the better your confidence will be. Slouching also makes you seem lazy, something you want to avoid at all costs.

Job Interview Body Language Do's And Don'ts

The day of your job interview has finally arrived and you walk into the building feeling confident. Then something happens when you enter the hiring manager's office: You start to feel nervous. All that confidence seems to disappear and it starts to show in your body language.

What was described above is a nightmare scenario for any job seeker but it's one that happens more often than you think. Anxiety often manifests itself through nervous body language -- crossed arms, constantly fidgeting -- which in turn creates a negative impression on the interviewer.

Bad body language can also haunt interviewees who are not nervous simply because they do not know what constitutes poor posture. Below are some do's and don'ts to inform job seekers what is and what is not appropriate to do during a job interview:

Do:

• Sit up straight and lean slightly forward in your chair.
• Show your enthusiasm by maintaining an interested expression.
• Create appropriate personal space between you and the interviewer. Anything more than 20 inches can make for an uncomfortable situation.
• Don't wear too much perfume or cologne.
• Refrain from staring at the interviewer should an interruption concern, and show your willingness to leave the room if they desire.

Don't:

• Rub the back of your head or neck.
• Rub or touch your nose.
• Fold your arms across your chest.
• Slouch in your chair.
• Stare at the interviewer with a blank expression.
• Fidget with your fingers or shake your legs.