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.  
  

Professional Email 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)