Beyond the Blazer: Defining Professionalism in the Interview Process

Recruiters and employers alike are frequently touting the importance of professionalism in the interview process and workplace. But, what does that mean exactly? The full definition may surprise you.

The long standing perception of what it means to be professional brings up ideas of the perfectly polished job seeker— blazer and button-up blouse; suit and tie; modest and well-tailored. While outward presentation is important, the definition of professionalism goes far beyond appearances. Here are one seasoned recruiter’s thoughts on what it means to show professionalism when job hunting.

First, timeliness is key. Every job seeker should know that arriving on time to a scheduled interview is crucial to give a good impression. But, timeliness extends further. Be sure to respond to messages from recruiters and hiring managers promptly; this implies that, if chosen for the role, you will be a punctual employee.

Second, arrive to your interview with background knowledge. You don’t have to do extensive research on the company, but be sure to have a basic understanding of the employer and the specific role for which you’re applying.

Next, always test your technology. In our current workforce climate, many initial interviews (and often follow-up interviews as well) are conducted using video conferencing platforms. It’s always a good idea to test out your technology prior to the meeting in order to avoid any mishaps that may occur and make for an awkward first impression.

Further, be fully engaged in the conversation. A virtual interview is still an interview, and multitasking while on a call sends the message that you aren’t committed to landing the job. Just because you can take a stroll outside while speaking with a potential employer, doesn’t mean you should.

Lastly, be sure to follow up and maintain the connection. Maybe your initial conversation went swimmingly, and you’re very much interested in moving forward. Or perhaps you realize the position isn’t a good fit, and are no longer interested. Regardless, it’s courteous to not only follow up with a gracious “thank you” message to the interviewer, but to also avoid “ghosting” said individual. Not responding to messages can quickly put a sour taste in the mouth of recruiters and hiring managers. Every professional connection you make is important, so take care not to burn any bridges.

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