![How to Conduct Yourself in an Interview: 6 Tips for Professionalism A man interviewing a woman for a job, who knows how to conduct herself in an interview](https://www.shortform.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/job-interview-2-750x350.webp)
How are candidates expected to act during an interview? Do you want to transform your interview performance from mediocre to memorable?
Learning how to conduct yourself in an interview requires mastering essential techniques, as outlined in Russell Tuckerton’s book, 15 Minutes to a Better Interview. The book covers everything from professional appearance and authentic enthusiasm to maintaining proper boundaries during your interview interactions.
Read on to discover how to stand out from other candidates and significantly boost your chances of landing your dream job.
How to Prepare for Your Interview Success
Learning how to conduct yourself in an interview is crucial for making a lasting impression. By focusing on thorough preparation and maintaining professional conduct, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
1. Professional Appearance Matters
Selecting the right attire is essential, even if the company has a casual dress code. Dressing professionally shows respect for the interviewer and demonstrates your understanding of workplace etiquette.
2. Demonstrate Authentic Enthusiasm
Enter the interview with genuine eagerness and dedication, as if you’re interviewing for your dream role. Your enthusiasm should feel natural and sincere – interviewers can easily detect feigned interest, which could harm your chances of success.
3. Research and Engagement
Take time to investigate the organization and its offerings thoroughly. Throughout the interview, demonstrate your knowledge by asking insightful questions about the company’s operations, goals, and culture.
4. Focus on Value Proposition
Instead of emphasizing what you hope to gain from the role, concentrate on what you can contribute to the organization. Discuss specific ways you plan to enhance team productivity and support the company’s growth objectives.
5. Highlight Collaborative Skills
While it’s important to show you can work independently, emphasize your ability to function as part of a team. Share concrete examples of successful collaborative projects and express your enthusiasm for working with others.
6. Maintain Professional Boundaries
Keep conversations focused on relevant professional topics and exercise good judgment about sharing personal information. This demonstrates your understanding of workplace boundaries and confidentiality.
When discussing previous work experiences, including any challenges or conflicts, frame them constructively as learning opportunities that have prepared you for future success. Avoid speaking negatively about former employers or colleagues, as this can reflect poorly on your professional character.