What are the most common and obvious nervous habits?

Want to conquer those pesky nervous habits before a job interview? We break down the most common nervous habits and how to identify them.

Nervous habits, we all have them! Whether it's fidgeting with your hands, cracking your knuckles, or biting your lip, these habits can be a huge distraction during a job interview. But fear not! By understanding and identifying your nervous habits, you can take control. Hopefully with time and practice, you become more self aware during the interview process and also realise that nervousness is normal and something you do not have to apologise for. Nirvana!

In this article, we'll explore the most common nervous habits and provide tips on how to overcome them. So let's dive in and knock out those nervous habits for good!


Fidgeting with your hands

Fidgeting with your hands is a common nervous habit that many of us are guilty of when interviews become tense and scary. Whether it's playing with your pen, tapping your fingers, or twirling your hair, these actions can be distracting to both you and the person you're speaking with. It's important to be aware of this habit and try to control it during a job interview.

One way to do this is by keeping your hands busy with a notepad or a folder, or by resting them on the table in front of you. This will give you something to do with your hands and help you focus on the conversation.

Cracking your knuckles

A habit that can be perceived as rude - Cracking your knuckles is another nervous habit that can be distracting and annoying to others. It's important to be aware of this habit and try to break it, especially during a job interview. Not only is it a distraction, but it can also be perceived as rude or disrespectful.

One way to overcome this habit is by finding a new way to release tension, such as squeezing a stress ball or taking deep breaths. This can quickly stop the nervous feelings you get during the job interview itself.

These are just a few examples of nervous habits that can be distracting during a job interview.

Biting your lip

This is a habit that can make you appear anxious when you are not. Biting your lip is a nervous habit that can make you appear anxious or nervous. It's important to be aware of this habit and try to control it during a job interview.

One way to overcome this habit is by finding a new way to release tension, such as squeezing a stress ball or taking deep breaths.

Another way is to get your friend to run mock interviews with you. When he sees you bite your lips, make him tell you as soon as you do it so you are aware and immediately stop doing it. Your friend can be the observer or pretend interviewer whilst helping you eliminate your nervous behaviour.

Also you would want to keep your lips moisturized so that you're less likely to bite them.

Playing with your hair

Playing with your hair is another common nervous habit that can be distracting and unprofessional. Whether it's twirling your hair around your finger or constantly running your hands through it, it's important to be aware of this habit and try to control it during a job interview. One way to overcome this habit is by finding a new way to release tension, such as squeezing a stress ball or taking deep breaths. Another way is to keep your hair styled and out of your face so that you're less tempted to play with it.

Fidgeting with your clothes

Fidgeting with your clothes is another common nervous habit that can make you appear nervous or anxious. Whether it's constantly adjusting your tie or shirt, it's important to be aware of this habit and try to control it during a job interview. Unless you are a kid looking for a job, considering acting your age and leave your clothes alone. One way to overcome this habit is by finding a new way to release tension, such as squeezing a stress ball or taking deep breaths. Another way is to make sure your clothes are comfortable and not too tight so that you're less tempted to fidget with them.

Picking at your nails

Picking at your nails is another common nervous habit that can make you appear disinterested in the conversation. At worst, interviewers could think that you would rather be preoccupied by your nails than their presence in a serious job interview attended by mature adults.

It's important to have self-awareness of this habit and try to control it during a job interview should you agree that it could be negatively perceived by others.

One way to overcome this habit is by finding a new way to release tension, such as squeezing a stress ball or taking deep breaths. Another way is to keep your nails trimmed and clean so that you're less tempted to pick at them.


Conclusion

Nervous habits can be a major distraction during a job interview. By understanding and identifying these habits, you can take control and present your best self. Fidgeting with your hands, cracking your knuckles, biting your lip, playing with your hair, fidgeting with your clothes, and picking at your nails are all common nervous habits that can be distracting. It's important to be aware of these habits and try to control them in order to ace your job interview.

While this article has provided some tips on how to overcome these habits, it's ultimately up to you to take control and eliminate them for good. Do you have any other nervous habits that we haven't mentioned? Let us know in the comments below!


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