You have put together the perfect resume and landed an interview. You spend time polishing your physical appearance, wanting to make a great first impression. At the interview, you greet and shake hands with each interviewer. You slouch down in the chair, cross your legs and let one shake idly over the other, and fold your arms across your chest.

Body language can leave a very negative impression in a job interview. Using the example above, you were doing great, up until sitting down with your interviewers. Slouching, idly shaking your leg, and crossing your arms are all things you should not do during an interview.

When it comes to body language during an interview, avoid the following:

• Folding your arms across your chest – This leaves the impression that you are not very approachable
• Idly shake your leg – This suggestions that you are nervous and uncomfortable. It may also be distracting to interviewers.
• Scratch or rub your nose – This is something that many people do when they are nervous. Not only is it gross, it also suggests that you are not being 100% honest.
• Slouch in the chair – Slouching makes you appear sloppy and uninterested. Chances are this is not the type of employee your interviewers are looking for.

You are probably wondering what you should do to give off a good impression. When it comes to body language during an interview, do the following:

• Sit up straight – This position makes you appear engaged and interested.
• Display enthusiasm – Smile, nod, and make positive gestures (in moderation) to show your enthusiasm and interest.
• Be attentive to all interviewers – There is often more than one person doing an interview. If so, be sure to make eye contact with all interviewers.