• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

eMBA Career Coach

Martin Buckland - eMBA Career Coach

  • Home
  • eMBA Programs
    • eMBA Jumpstart
    • eMBA Accelerator
    • eMBA Presidential Suite
  • eMBA Speaking Topics
    • Keynotes
    • Corporate Workshops
  • Market Your Brilliance Workshop
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Body Language Mistakes

March 14, 2019 by Martin Buckland Leave a Comment

We make our first impression within split seconds, not just on oral dialogue but also attire, and body language supported with a smile and handshake.

body language mistakes to avoid
Nervous young man feels awkward looking away anxiously isolated on gray background.

Subconscious feelings on the first meet revolve around competency, likeability, threats and trust.  A relationship can be blown swiftly. 

Here are some body language mistakes to take onboard:

  • Breaking eye contact too soon – This can make you seem untrustworthy or nervous.  Hold eye contact longer especially during a handshake.
  • Nodding too much – This is not a time to mimic a bobble head doll.  Even if you agree with the conversation, nod once and try to remain still but attentive.
  • Babbling – Answer the questions asked, precisely.  Employers don’t want to hear your full life story!  Listening is also key in an interview.
  • Leaning forward – This shows signs of aggression.  Aim for a neutral, more acceptable posture.
  • Leaning back – This can portray you as being lazy or arrogant.
  • Finger pointing – Resonates aggression and dominance.
  • Crossing arms – Many mixed messages here.  Positions you as defensive, especially when answering questions.  Try to keep your arms at your side or middle body.
  • Fidgeting – Avoid at all costs, shows you are somewhat nervous.
  • Hands behind your back or in pockets – Gives the impression of being rigid and stiff.  Aim for a ‘natural hands at your side’ posture.
  • Looking up, looking around – Provokes thoughts of lying or not being true than their true selves.  Try to hold steady eye contact. 
  • Staring – This can be construed as aggressive.  There is a fine line between gaze and staring them down.
  • No Smile – Makes people uncomfortable when there is no smile.  Multiple thoughts can make you wonder if they are unhappy or if they really want to be in that environment.  Give a genuine smile when meeting someone.
  • Checking your phone or watch – Too prevalent today giving the impression that you really want to be somewhere else.  Let’s face it, very bad manners.

Can you recall a time when someone used these body language mistakes?  Are there any body language blunders you would like to add?  If so, please leave a comment below.

Want Help With Your Job Search? Contact Martin Buckland the EMBA Career Coach Today!

Related Articles:

  • Why Recruiters Don’t Call
  • Develop a Relationship with Your Recruiter
0/5 (0 Reviews)
Share...
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

Filed Under: Interview

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Look After Number One, You!

Tips and Tricks to Recession-Proof your Career!

Learn More

Contact Martin

martin@embacareercoach.net
LinkedIn Logo
Linkedin Company Pages Logo
Twitter Logo
dreaming big being bold book cover

Contributing Author
“All Jobs are Now Temporary”

Are You Ready for the Job Interview?

Once you get to the interview stage, you are in that very exclusive candidate pool. They've selected only a few special people to be interviewed, to … [Read More...] about Are You Ready for the Job Interview?

Tips To BOOST Your Confidence During A Job Search

Today we’re discussing ways to improve your confidence during your job search. I've been in business now for 26 years. So I've worked with … [Read More...] about Tips To BOOST Your Confidence During A Job Search

Business Keywords For My Resume & LinkedIn Profile…

Where Do I Find Them? The question today is how do I know or how do I find the business functional keywords that are pertinent to me for my … [Read More...] about Business Keywords For My Resume & LinkedIn Profile…

3 Unusual Ways To Get A Job

Today we’re going to discuss three unusual ways to access the job market. Volunteer! Firstly, I am a volunteer. You should be a volunteer. The … [Read More...] about 3 Unusual Ways To Get A Job

Blog Categories

  • career coaching
  • career management
  • Career Tips
  • eMBA
  • executive career management
  • Executive Coaching
  • Interview
  • Job Interview
  • Job Search
  • Motivational
  • networking
  • personal branding
  • resume
  • social media

Copyright © 2021 · eMBA Career Coach · Privacy Policy