CV blogger Kate Seidametova, listed on resumark, notes some of the top behaviours to avoid:

Arguing or engaging in an open conflict with a co-worker: Disagreeing (when done respectfully and politely) is acceptable and can sometimes produce a more informed decision. Use good judgment, do not cross the line and be mindful of your manners.

Dressing “too casually”: A sloppily dressed employee portrays the image of a disorganised and messy worker. Dress professionally, especially if your boss is on a conservative side.

Making comments or jokes that could be offensive to others. Avoid references to anyone’s personal characteristics such as nationality, race, gender, appearance or religious beliefs at work. Be careful not to be lulled by “office banter” – you’ll still be responsible for your own words.

Raising your voice or acting on emotions. If you’re an emotional person, try to take a break and calm down before having an important conversation. People often do and say things driven by a spur of the moment that they later regret.

Lying. Being deceitful or dishonest (including embellishing past experience, or covering for not having quite finished a task yet) will tarnish your reputation if you get caught. It is not worth it.

Over time, you will begin to define your own idea of what constitutes professionalism, based on the behaviours you have seen in yourself and others, good and bad. You will be influenced by the cultures that you have worked in, their level of formality and specific challenges. Wherever you go, and wherever you end up, Kate’s final words on the subject make for a good mantra: “Professional behaviour is never having a need to prove that you are superior to anyone else”

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

5a3. Professionalism in the workplace

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