Nervous body language could cost you the job

Do you practice your body language before an interview? Do you remember to stay calm, sit up straight, smile and keep eye contact?

Apparently, many job-seekers don't bring their best game face to the interview. Nerves may cause job candidates to feel uncomfortable, but they need to look as confident as possible.

Hiring managers are less likely to hire a job-seeker that doesn't keep eye contact, fails to smile and moves around too often, according to a CareerBuilder survey that questioned at least 2,500 hiring managers. Other body language that hinders job candidates from making the best impression at the interview: bad posture, weak handshake, crossing arms over chest, playing with their hair, touching their face and using too many hand gestures.

"In a highly competitive job market, job-seekers need to set themselves apart in the interview stage," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources for CareerBuilder. "All the pressure, though, may have some job-seekers making body language mistakes that don't convey a confident message.

"To avoid these faux pas, and ensure you're remembered for the right reasons, try practicing ahead of time in front of a mirror or family and friends," she adds.

Haefner provides suggestions to maintain positive and confident body language in an interview:

n Remain calm. Try to stay calm before the interview in order to project a composed appearance. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, skip caffeine and take deep breaths.

n Take the time to practice. Your nervousness will decrease the more you prepare before the interview. Practice your body language with friends or family members, study information about the company and be ready for general interview questions.

n Watch yourself. While speaking, observe yourself in a mirror or use a video recorder. You can see what body language no-no you need to change.

Go into the interview with a positive attitude, a big smile and confidence. You could be at the door of your dream job. Even if you don't get the position, it is a great opportunity to practice your job interviewing skills.

For more information, visit the website www.careerbuilder.com.