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My question is about the don’ts of body language etiquette on a job interview. Friends are always telling me to watch my body language, but I don’t know what that means.

–JC, Providence

Body language etiquette for business:

• Don’t check for the time.
• Don’t slouch, instead hold your shoulders back.
• Don’t use dramatic gestures with your arms, such as pointing.
• Don’t turn your body away from the interviewer.
• Don’t cross your arms.
• Don’t spread your knees.
• Don’t fake a smile; your facial expression should be in sync with the tone of the conversation.
• Don’t nod your head in agreement with everything that is said.
• Don’t avoid eye contact.
• Don’t try to maintain constant eye contact.
• Don’t roll your eyes.
• Don’t frown or scowl.
• Don’t clench your fists.

• Don’t glance at your cellphone; turn it off before the interview.
• Don’t fidget, tap, scratch, pick at your nose, ears or nails or fiddle with your hair, clothing or jewelry.

• Don’t forget to check the odor of your mouth and body before leaving home.
• Don’t invade his or her space; keep at least two feet away at all times.
• Don’t touch or have any body contact between the greeting handshake and the exiting handshake.Don’t overstay your welcome, take the cue that the interview is over.

• Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time.
• Don’t neglect to send a thank-you note adding any pertinent info.

~Didi