Integrity plays a key role in how your interviewer perceives your personality and how well you will fit into their work environment. There are a number of ways to conduct yourself with integrity. Pay attention to what you say. Do not speak poorly about any former employers or work associates. Speaking negatively about others will make your interviewer question what you will say about them when they are not around. Instead, talk about everyone in positive terms. Even though others may have traits that do not agree with your personality or perception, find the beneficial traits. For instance, when the high expectations placed upon you by a former employer cause you frustration, point out that your former employer expected only the best out of all employees.

You must conduct yourself in a knowledgeable manner. This means you have done your research into the company, prepared a list of questions and gained insight into what type of company it is to work for. Do your research. Taking the time to learn more about the company, its mission, products and/or services, the industry it is involved in, industry trends, and other pertinent information shows interviewers that you are resourceful, take initiative and respect the opportunity they are presenting. All these qualities point to you being a beneficial employee.

Interviews can be trying, and you may be as nervous as anything, but you cannot show it. You must remain calm throughout the process to instill confidence and trust in your interviewer. Working well under pressure shows you can be a productive employee who deserves the respect of superiors and associates alike. Give an appearance of calmness by sitting up straight with your feet firmly on the floor, your hands calmly placed in your lap, making direct eye contact and nodding in agreement when appropriate. Sit directly facing your interviewer to open lines of communication. Body language can make or break your interview.

The initial impression you make plays an important role in how you need to conduct yourself during an interview. When first introduced to your interviewer, stand and extend your hand. Appear genuinely happy to meet your interviewer. Shake his or her hand firmly, but without squeezing or pumping the hand. Do not handshake using a limp grip, since it can come across as being indecisive. An inappropriate handshake can signify lack of confidence, something employers do not like in potential employees. Look your interviewer directly in the eyes and state how nice it is to meet them. Speak with a friendly, yet authoritative tone that is easy to understand. Sincerity goes a long way in interviews.

Interviewers place importance on professionalism. Professionalism involves your social media connections and your real-life connections. Many employers go online to research potential employees. If they spot any unprofessional text, pictures or communications that put you in a negative light, they will move on to the next candidate. Before any interview, go through your social media accounts and clean them up so only professional images and comment exist. With real-life contacts, wear appropriate clothing that fits in with the business atmosphere. Going into an interview appearing conservative is better than going in with an outlandish appearance that may offend your interviewer. Stick with either a business suit or casual business attire to be safe.