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Gestures you don’t want to make in a job interview (and the one you do)

An in-person job interview is about more than the questions and answers. Job interviewers will make judgments about a potential candidate based on what they are wearing, how punctual they are and — during the interview — not only their verbal answers but also their body language.

Kick Resume teamed up with body language experts to pinpoint the gestures candidates make that can negatively impact their impression, and some that can project positively.

Among common gestures some people unconsciously make is covering their mouth when they speak.

“When the interviewer asks you a question, they might think you are hiding something. Also biting your lips. This can make you look anxious or stressed,” said Martin Poduska, a resume expert at Kick Resume. “If you fidget, or tap your fingers on the table, they might think you are bored or impatient.”

Crossed arms or legs indicates being defensive or closed off. Clinched fists indicates frustration or anger.

At the top of the list for body language considered positive in a job interview is eye contact. But just the right amount of it.

“Maintaining eye contact for 70% of the time when you are listening, and 50% of the time when you are talking may help you come across as more open, confident, interested and honest,” Poduska said. “On the other hand, too much eye contact is bad.”

Gesturing with your hands, palms up, is open and friendly body language. Body posture can be positive. So can holding your head high.

Interviewees can keep an eye out for signs from the interviewer as well.

The study suggests an interviewer learning toward you indicates interest or excitement, and resting their head in one hand indicates interest. But, smiling without involving eyes indicates insincerity, and blinking rapidly suggests distress or being uncomfortable.

Kick Resume’s full report on how body language plays a role in job interviews is online.

Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts' highest court heard oral arguments Friday in the state's lawsuit arguing that Meta designed features on Facebook and Instagram to make them addictive to young users. The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, alleges that Meta did this to make a profit and that its actions affected hundreds of thousands of teenagers in Massachusetts who use the social media platforms. “We are making claims based only on the tools that Meta has developed because its own research shows they encourage addiction to the platform in a variety of ways,” said State Solicitor David Kravitz, adding that the state's claim has nothing to do the company's algorithms or failure to moderate content. Meta said Friday that it strongly disagrees with the allegations and is “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.” Its attorney, Mark Mosier, argued in court that the lawsuit “would impose liabilities for performing traditional publishing functions” and that its actions are protected by the First Amendment.
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