Stepping Up: How to Present Your Best Professional Self 

When interviewing for a job or internship, your first interaction with an employer often begins with an email or a phone conversation. From that very first point of contact, the interviewer is evaluating your professionalism. Below are tips on how to put your best professional foot forward.  
  

Business man running on arrow shaped bridge to the top light. (3d render)

ProfessionalEmail Tips 

  • Use a professional email address  
  • Use a descriptive subject line such as “Marketing Assistant Interview”  
  • Keep your message professional, short, and concise  
  • Do not use casual language, abbreviations, all CAPS or emojis. Write in complete sentences  
  • Use an easy-to-read font  
  • Be sure to spell-check and proofread your message before sending  
  • Thank the professional at the end of the email   

  
Professional Phone Tips  

  • Record a professional voicemail message. For example, “Hello, you have reached _____________. I am unavailable at the moment. If you could please leave your name, number, and a brief message, I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.”  
  • Choose a quiet environment for phone conversations  
  • Do not answer your phone in a loud setting or while driving. Have the phone call go to voicemail and return the phone call  
      

Professional In-Person Interactions 

  • Dress professionally  
  • Greet the professional with a firm handshake, introduce yourself with your first and last name, and express your interest in meeting them  
  • Show that you are listening. Nod your head, smile, and maintain good eye contact  
  • Avoid excessive hand gestures. Keep your hands in your lap, if possible  
  • Turn off your cell phone. Do not answer your phone or text during any interactions with professionals  
      

Professional Virtual Interactions  

  • Choose a quiet location where you will not be interrupted  
  • Select a location that has a clean and professional background  
  • Be sure to download the virtual platform that is going to be used for the internship, job or informational interview 
  • Test the virtual platform prior to the start of your interview/meeting 
  • Test your Wi-Fi to ensure a good connection  
          

Professional Digital Presence   

  • Share content that is professional in nature or appropriate for a wide audience  
  • Maintain strict privacy settings on social media and monitor them on a regular basis  
  • Be sure that all profile photos are appropriate. Check other photos as well. If you are unsure if a photo is appropriate, it is best to just delete or untag it  
  • Google yourself. Delete and/or update inappropriate information (at least during your internship or job search)  
By Tracey Gray
Tracey Gray Associate Director, Employer Engagement and Outreach