How to Sit and Act Professionally During an Interview

A job interview is an inherently stressful situation. When the nerves and the pressure start to build up, it can be easy to forget yourself and act unprofessionally. By making an effort to stay composed and in control, you can make a strong, professional impression.

During a job interview, your body language communicates a great deal about your attitude and experience. If you sit too stiffly, it can let the interviewer know that you are nervous and formal. If you slouch or sit too informally, it tells the interviewer that you don't take the process seriously. Sit up straight, but not to the point of discomfort, and avoid hunching your shoulders. Instead of slumping back in the chair, place your forearms on the table and lean forward to look interested and alert.

When you are wound tightly during a job interview, you may feel tempted to take steps to appear relaxed and confident. Unfortunately, it can be easy to take it too far and come off as too informal or uninterested. To look professional and relaxed in a job interview, USA Today recommends that you demonstrate your interest in the position by asking thoughtful, informed questions about the company and job responsibilities. Listen carefully to the interviewer and ask questions that prove you are engaged and intelligent. In doing so, you'll be an active participant in the interview and avoid looking bored or disinterested.

The stress of a job interview can undermine professional behavior, leading you to act differently than you would in a normal situation. A common reaction to nerves is to talk quickly, making it difficult for interviewers to follow you. If you find yourself getting out of control, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts. Do the same after each question. The small pauses will give you time to reflect, so each answer will be less scattered. As an added benefit, it will show that you are comfortable with silence and make you appear more confident.

The end of a job interview is a final chance to make a strong impression. Don't simply thank the interviewers and make a run for the door; take the time to thank them for their time, ask about the next step and let them know you'll be looking forward to their next contact. Look your interviewer in the eye as you shake his hand and express your enthusiasm for the position. By exhibiting your professional behavior to the very end, you can leave interviewers with a positive feeling.

Despite the natural stress and nerves of a job interview, it is possible to act professionally. By staying aware of your body and your reactions, you can stay relaxed and alert even in the face of extreme pressure.

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