Professional communication is that which in some way relates to business professions or occupations. Every business expects you to conduct yourself professionally and to follow a line of conduct that suggests you are competent. Universal principles of professional conduct include integrity, respect, openness, responsibility, teamwork, self-improvement, and ethics. When your skills and behaviors are anchored by these principles, then making the right, moral, honest, lawful, and ethical decisions becomes spontaneous, routine, and habitual.

An interview is a series of questions and answers, usually between two people, for the purpose of getting and understanding information about a particular subject. Interviews can be used for a wide variety of purposes including speeches, group projects, and research papers. Careful preparation is essential.

Information interviews will help you get the most up-to-date information and feedback; they are the most personal way of getting information. Preparation should include deciding on the angle you want to take, the format you plan to use, the kind of questions that will be most appropriate, and whether to use tape or notes.

Before you go to an employment interview, research the organization offering the job. Be prepared to talk about your job expectations, your academic and work backgrounds, your knowledge of the organization, your career goals, and your strengths and weaknesses as a potential employee. Your manner of dress, the kind of questions you ask, and your awareness of potential negative factors will affect the outcome. After the interview, write a follow-up letter or call the interviewer indicating that you are still interested in working for the organization.

There are cultural differences in the workplace, and an understanding of cultural differences may not only facilitate communication but also avoid potentially embarrassing or even insulting situations. To deal with cultural differences, follow the principles of professional conduct, approach others with an open mind, use empathy, prepare yourself, and avoid generalities and stereotypes about others.

Gender differences in the workplace often stem from the differences between men's report style and women's rapport style. This difference affects whom people choose to work with, goal setting, giving feedback, expressing feelings, handling problems, and asking questions.

Communicating within a professional atmosphere should place an emphasis on ensuring accurate, clear, and effective communication. You can do this by giving more attention to face-to-face communication, revealing effective listening, speaking clearly, sharing your ideas, giving and receiving feedback, calming down before responding, building your credibility, and being ethical.

The best way for dealing with conflict is to plan, prepare, and rehearse. You will need to set an appropriate climate; adopt a constructive attitude; assertively state your message; allow your message to sink in; listen carefully to the response; restate, clarify, and recycle; focus on solutions; and, finally, plan to evaluate the solutions adopted.

The Internet has become the job market of the twenty-first century. Two important technologies include searchable job databases and résumé databases. Make certain you use the private posting option when you post your résumé and remember the importance of personal contacts.