Interview Bad Habits to Avoid

Photo By Karen Iwamoto | ALIAMANU MILITARY RESERVATION — Chris Fuamatu-Maafala, assistant director of youth sports for CYS, and Jarred Serrano, program assistant for youth sports for CYS, interview a job candidate at the FMWR Hiring Fair, Aug. 28, 2017, at Aliamanu Military Reservation's community center. (U.S. Army photo by Karen A. Iwamoto, Oahu Publications)  

UNITED STATES

11.01.2017

Story by Jenny Hale 

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Interviews are stressful for many job seekers, especially transitioning Soldiers who may have never been in one. As a result, some interviewees can inadvertently show their nerves throughout their interview by having "nervous ticks."

Nervous ticks can range in appearance, but are generally a nervous reaction to an event that can cause unnatural, repetitive behavior or movement. Nervous ticks can become distractions to employers and interview teams if they are overly obvious.

Below is a list of common nervous ticks human resource managers see in interviews. It is important to be mindful of these movements and to manage them as much as possible during an in-person and video interview.

1. Hair Playing

Be aware of hair during the interview process. Tucking hair back behind ears, playing with longer hair, or constantly brushing hair out of eyes can become a nervous habit if done repeatedly during the course of the interview. Instead, keep hands clasped gently or gesture naturally. Woman can keep hair pinned back or put up to avoid touching it during the interview if this is a nervous habit.

2. Face touching

When interviewing, avoid consistently scratching the face, nose, or resting hands on a chin (which can come off as looking bored). In this case, it is again wise to avoid bringing additional attention to nervous habits.

3. Bouncing legs

Some job seekers become so nervous about their interviews that they bounce their legs or tap their shoes on the floor. During an interview, it may be easy to let off nervous energy this way, but employers can hear the movement (or sometimes feel it!). Bouncing can become distracting. Instead, focus on keeping two feet firmly on the floor and sitting up straight. An interviewee will seem much more confident in this posture.

To have a successful interview, it's always important to be professional at all times. Other annoyances for hiring managers can include chewing gum at an interview, drinking water excessively during a meal or interview (avoid having to get up repeatedly to take a restroom break), and eating food without proper etiquette.

In general, be aware of movements during an interview and practice potential responses in advance to help calm nerves.

Transitioning Soldiers can receive interview skills assistance at the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP). The program is available to Soldiers 18 months from their transition or 24 months prior to retirement. To learn more, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil or contact a local SFL-TAP Center.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2017
• Date Posted: 11.02.2017 10:32
• Story ID: 253842
• Location: US