So I just took an interview test for my English subject (well last week tbh). Alhamdulillah for the mark that the lecturer gave me.
I find it funny because prior to the test I watched The Wolf of Wall Street. Y'know, the movie about a nerdy worker turn to multi-millionaire broker starring Leo DiCaprio. In that movie, I was greatly attracted to the way they (Leo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey) talked. The way they use their hands to convey the message. I even practiced the interview with my friends using hand gestures.
So I did some research (ya, research after the interview, such waste of time) on the internet. While hand gestures are actually helping you in an interview, excessive hand gestures may seemed aggressive and unnatural. And some gestures are really bad for your interview. I made a list on which and why hand gestures are not good during an interview.
1. Avoid chopping gestures.
What are you doing, an interview or karate? This gesture can show that you're confident, or maybe over-confident.
2. Avoid pointing.
Pointing your finger(s) is often perceived as aggressive and in some cultures is considered rude.
3. Avoid hands in your pocket
Pocketed hands indicate unwillingness, mistrust and reluctance. Not something you want in a company, aite?
4. Avoid hands at your back
What are you holding back there, a gun or a bouquet of flowers? Nobody knows.
5. Avoid crossing your arms in front of you.
Crossing your arms may show that you are not open to critism, new ideas, etc.
Other body gestures you should avoid:
1. Grooming gestures.
Playing with your hair, fingernails and jewelry is a no-no. This will be a distraction to the interviewer.
2. Leaning back.
Means you're uninterested. That simple.
3. Stare.
While keeping an eye contact is relevant, locking your eye contact for a period of time can be interpreted as aggressive and creepy.
Peace.
