The Interview Mistakes Candidates Make (Without Even Realizing It), According to CareerBuilder.ca Survey

Much like a highly anticipated first date, a job interview can go from pure potential to pure disaster in mere minutes. According to a new survey from CareerBuilder.ca, 51 per cent of employers know within the first five minutes of an interview whether a candidate is a good fit for a position. By minute 15, that number reaches 89 per cent.

The nationwide online survey of more than 400 hiring and human resource managers reveals the most off-putting interview behaviours candidates display during job interviews.

Top 10 Body Language Mistakes

Facial expressions, posture and other physical behaviours can reveal more about job seekers than the words they use. When asked to identify the biggest body language mistakes job seekers make, hiring managers named the following:

1. Failing to make eye contact: 72 per cent
2. Failing to smile: 44 per cent
3. Playing with something on the table: 38 per cent
4. Fidgeting too much in their seats: 38 per cent
5. Crossing their arms over their chests: 37 per cent
6. Displaying bad posture: 34 per cent
7. Playing with their hair or touching their face: 26 per cent
8. Having a weak handshake: 19 per cent
9. Using too many hand gestures: 9 per cent
10. Having a handshake that is too strong: 8 per cent