Interviews: What your body language says about you

Tapping your foot and feeling around for your vibrating phone is usually not a problem. That is, unless you’re in a job interview.

While you may be nervous, these nonverbal cues tell employers you’re not prepared. Instead, work on strategies to show you’re engaged during your job search and interview.

Steve Look, executive vice president of recruiting, The Medicus Firm, Dallas, recommends the following:

• Make eye contact, maintain it, and give your full attention to the people you’re talking to.

• Don’t slump—your posture should suggest you’re engaged.

• Don’t yawn or look out the window.

“Common feedback when the interview didn’t go well was that the candidate didn’t seem engaged and didn’t seem to be paying attention throughout the day,” he says.