Page 1 of 2
Below Are 10 Worst Body Language Mistakes You Can Make in an Interview
If you suspect you might be doing one or more of these in a job interview, practice in front of a mirror and/or
ask a trusted friend to give you a mock interview and get them to watch for any negative body language cues.
1. Poor or No Eye Contact / Looking Down ☐ Notes:
Lack of confidence
May be lying or stretching the truth
2. Bad Posture / Slouching ☐
Appear bored or disinterested
Lack of interest in the job
Low self esteem
3. Crossing or Folding Your Arms ☐
Closed off, not open to people or ideas
Aggressive or angry
Defensive
4. Limp Handshake ☐
Lack of confidence and assertiveness
Unlikely to assert authority
5. Nervous Fidgeting ☐
Crumbles under pressure
Driven by anxiety
6. Too Much Nodding in Agreement ☐
Lacks assertiveness
No independence
7. Forgetting to Smile ☐
Disinterested or not engaged
Lacks personal skills
8. Close Talker/Leaning In ☐
No respect for boundaries (3 feet)
Makes people uncomfortable
9. Leaning too Far Back ☐
Not particularly interested in the role
Not trustworthy
10. Checking the Clock or Your Watch ☐
Delivered by:
Bored and disinterested
Not committed to the role
Simpact a Division of Job Skills January 2018