Interview etiquette rules you should never break

There’s no secret playbook that separates strong, confident candidates from nervous, inexperienced ones. But I won’t lie — there are many unwritten rules in the interviewing world.

These are the nuanced social cues, communication strategies, and subtle behaviors that signal you’re professional, even if it’s crystal clear you’re a fresh face.

Whether you’re a recent grad stepping into your first professional interview or someone who’s never been in the corporate world before, I promise this guide will come in handy.

Let’s start with the basics:

1. Do your homework
Being prepared means you won’t lose focus or have those uncomfortable “umm” moments. You should research the company and be able to explain why you want to work there. Make sure to cover the 5–6 interview questions that come up in all job interviews. Memorize a few cool facts about the company and their recent projects to show you’re genuinely interested and not just desperate for a paycheck.

2. Dress professionally

One formality level above the company’s dress code is your magic formula. If it’s a casual startup, think crisp button-down, not your favorite hoodie. If it’s a retail job, business casual is fine, and for corporate interviews, you may need a suit. Make sure your entire outfit is on point — nails trimmed, and hair clean.

3. Mind your background (if it’s a video interview)

A messy video background screams “unprepared” and can seriously undermine your professional image. These quick fixes will only take you 5 minutes, but can make a real difference.

• Sit with a neutral-colored wall behind you

• If that’s not possible, clear clutter from your background (no dirty laundry, unmade beds, or random objects)

• Position yourself in front of a bookshelf or neat, minimal workspace

• Use virtual backgrounds if your real background is chaotic

• Don’t ever do job interviews from cafes, airports, or crowded areas

Pro tip: Do a test recording before your interview to see exactly what the interviewer will see. Your background should look intentional, tidy, and professional — like you thought about every detail of your presentation.

4. Body language is your secret weapon

Your body speaks volumes before you say a single word. In interviews, uncross your arms, sit up straight, don’t bite your nails or look at your phone. Instead, focus on the here and now, make genuine eye contact, and limit distractions. You want to look nice, attentive, and interested. Your goal is to communicate confidence through every subtle gesture, not just your words.

Pro tip: The key is balance — you’re aiming for “polished professional,” not “robot” or “overly casual friend.” Your body language should send the message: I’m competent, I’m prepared, and I’m the right person for this role. Confidence and positive body language come naturally to some people. If you’re not one of them, it just means you need to practice more. If you’re a Big Interview user or if your school has access to Big Interview, you can practice this in the interview simulator tool and get feedback on your body language too.

Want the other 5 game-changing interview tips?

Check out our full guide on 9 Job Interview Etiquette Rules. With it, you’ll also get a downloadable checklist you can use right before the interview to make sure you cover all the key points.