10 Habits That Make You Look Unprofessional And How to Fix Them with Simple Changes
Your daily actions at work can shape how colleagues and managers perceive you. Even small habits may influence your professional image and career growth.
Interrupting others during meetings
Interrupting others can make you come across as impatient or disrespectful. It might suggest you’re not valuing what others have to say.
To fix this, practice active listening. Wait for the speaker to finish before sharing your thoughts.
If you have something urgent, jot it down or raise your hand politely. Respecting speaking turns shows you’re considerate and helps create a positive meeting environment.
Using slang or texting language in emails
Using slang or texting abbreviations in your emails can give the wrong impression. It may make you seem casual or unprofessional, especially in a work setting.
Stick to clear, simple language that everyone can understand. Avoid shorthand like “u” for “you” or “btw” for “by the way.”
Taking a moment to write full sentences shows respect for the reader. If you want to keep your tone friendly, use polite phrases instead of informal shortcuts.
Dressing too casually for the workplace
Showing up in overly casual clothes can give the impression you’re not serious about your job. Even if your office has a relaxed dress code, choosing neat, clean, and appropriate attire matters.
You don’t need to wear a suit every day, but avoid items like ripped jeans, sweatpants, or graphic tees. Instead, opt for smart casual options such as chinos, blouses, or button-down shirts.
If you’re unsure about what to wear, observe how your colleagues dress or ask your manager.
Checking your phone during conversations
When you check your phone while talking to someone, it sends the message that you’re not fully present. This can make the other person feel unimportant or ignored.
Try to keep your phone out of sight and on silent. Focusing on the conversation shows respect and helps build trust.
If you must check your phone, politely mention why and excuse yourself.
Arriving consistently late to appointments
Showing up late sends a message that you don’t value other people’s time. It can make you seem disorganized or unreliable, even if that’s not the case.
To fix this, try setting reminders or alarms before meetings. Leave early to account for unexpected delays.
If you know you’ll be late, communicate promptly. Apologize and explain briefly.
Not making eye contact when speaking
When you avoid eye contact, it can make you seem unsure or distracted. People often interpret lack of eye contact as a sign of disinterest or dishonesty.
To fix this, try to maintain gentle eye contact during conversations. You don’t need to stare, but looking at the other person’s eyes regularly shows confidence.
Practicing in front of a mirror or with a friend can help you get more comfortable.
Failing to follow up on emails
When you don’t follow up on important emails, it can make you seem unreliable. People might think you’re uninterested or disorganized.
A simple, polite follow-up shows that you value communication and deadlines. Set a reminder to check back if you haven’t received a reply within a reasonable time.
Keep follow-up emails short and to the point.
You might think your personal social media accounts are private, but they can affect how others see your professionalism. Posting inappropriate content or sharing negative opinions about your job can create a bad impression.
It’s important to keep your posts respectful and thoughtful. Avoid discussing confidential work details or complaining about coworkers online.
Showing good judgment on social media helps protect your professional reputation.
Overusing filler words like ‘um’ and ‘like’
Using filler words like “um” and “like” too often can make you sound uncertain or unprepared. It distracts your listener from your main point.
To fix this, try pausing briefly instead of filling space with these words. Pauses give you a moment to think and make you appear more confident.
Recording yourself while speaking can help you notice how often you use fillers. Practice replacing them with silence or a simple breath.
Not proofreading written communication
Skipping proofreading can allow small mistakes to slip through. Typos and grammatical errors make your message harder to understand.
Your professionalism may be questioned if your emails or reports appear sloppy. Taking a moment to review your writing shows attention to quality.
Reading your message aloud or using a spell-check tool before sending can help you catch errors. This habit lets you present yourself more clearly.
