Etiquette Basics
Business Etiquette for College Grads
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Congratulations
Your hard-earned college degree will get you in the door, but it is your soft skills that will help you land a job. Soft skills are the new hard skills—the distinguishing qualities that will help you outclass the competition. They are the missing link between your education and success in the business world.
Following are The Etiquette School of New York’s top 10 business etiquette tips for new college graduates:
1. Know the proper protocol for making introductions and introducing yourself. Always have a prepared self-introduction for every interview and networking event you attend—one that will stimulate interest in you and make you memorable.
Following are The Etiquette School of New York’s top 10 business etiquette tips for new college graduates:
1. Know the proper protocol for making introductions and introducing yourself. Always have a prepared self-introduction for every interview and networking event you attend—one that will stimulate interest in you and make you memorable.
INTRODUCTIONS…Here are four steps:
Situation: Introducing business associates of different ranks
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2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture. These are considered your presence power points and they ‘speak’ volumes about your confidence and credibility as a person who is going places.
3. Suit-up for success: wear appropriate business attire–the attire that is worn by those in your industry or profession–and always make sure you are well-groomed when you go for a job interview or to a business meeting. Polished shoes translate to attention to detail. A polished appearance opens doors!
4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and don’t use slang, foul language, or filler words. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success.
5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your landline and cell phone for business. Always identify yourself when placing and answering a call. Be prepared to leave a voice mail when you place a call, since over half of all calls placed go to voice mail.
7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when you use your social networking tools. Every communication in the virtual, as well as the real world, is an opportunity to make a good impression. Often your first impression is made online, since HR professionals often Google your name before meeting you in person.
8. Master the art of mingling, networking, and making small talk. Being skillful at mingling and networking will not only help you get a job, but it will also help you stand out in your new job.
9. Be polished and professional at the dining table: practice good dining skills and suitable table manners. You may have an interview scheduled as a lunch so your potential employer can observe your table manners; and there is no better or worse place to make an impression than at the table.
10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.
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3. Suit-up for success: wear appropriate business attire–the attire that is worn by those in your industry or profession–and always make sure you are well-groomed when you go for a job interview or to a business meeting. Polished shoes translate to attention to detail. A polished appearance opens doors!
4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and don’t use slang, foul language, or filler words. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success.
5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your landline and cell phone for business. Always identify yourself when placing and answering a call. Be prepared to leave a voice mail when you place a call, since over half of all calls placed go to voice mail.
7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when you use your social networking tools. Every communication in the virtual, as well as the real world, is an opportunity to make a good impression. Often your first impression is made online, since HR professionals often Google your name before meeting you in person.
8. Master the art of mingling, networking, and making small talk. Being skillful at mingling and networking will not only help you get a job, but it will also help you stand out in your new job.
9. Be polished and professional at the dining table: practice good dining skills and suitable table manners. You may have an interview scheduled as a lunch so your potential employer can observe your table manners; and there is no better or worse place to make an impression than at the table.
10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.
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What to Do When Being Introduced
Remember that first impressions are always the time to shine, so when being introduced to someone, look them in the eye, offer a good handshake (when meeting a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand first), and say something like:
You should avoid introducing someone to people who are in the middle of a serious conversation. Maybe you're at a work event with a client, and you've been eager to introduce him to your boss. While this is an important introduction that should be made, you should avoid doing so if your boss seems to be entangled in a deep conversation with another person. You should wait for an opening, when your boss doesn't seem extremely absorbed; making introductions at the wrong time can lead people to not hit it off as well as they could.
Remember that first impressions are always the time to shine, so when being introduced to someone, look them in the eye, offer a good handshake (when meeting a woman, wait to see if she extends her hand first), and say something like:
- “I’ve really been looking forward to meeting you.”
- “I’ve heard such great things about you.”
- “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
- “It’s great to finally meet you.”
- Always stand up for introductions.
- Make sure you know how to pronounce people’s names correctly when making introductions.
- If outside and wearing gloves when meeting someone, remove your glove before shaking his or her hand.
- What do you do when you’re introducing your guest to another person and realize you don’t remember their name? Say to the person, “Have you met my friend John?” The person will then hopefully reply with, “No, I haven’t. I’m Sophia.”
You should avoid introducing someone to people who are in the middle of a serious conversation. Maybe you're at a work event with a client, and you've been eager to introduce him to your boss. While this is an important introduction that should be made, you should avoid doing so if your boss seems to be entangled in a deep conversation with another person. You should wait for an opening, when your boss doesn't seem extremely absorbed; making introductions at the wrong time can lead people to not hit it off as well as they could.
Getting the Basics Down
Figure out which person of the two has a higher rank or authority in a social setting. This is important to know because the person of lesser rank or authority should always be presented to the person of higher rank or authority. In general, in a social setting, gender is the "trump card" and determines the higher rank; women are always ranked over men, unless the man is significantly older than the woman. After that, age is the next determining factor; an older person ranks over a younger person, which can be a helpful distinction if both people are of the same gender. Here's what you need to know:
Be delicate when you don't know a person's name. We've all been there. You try to introduce two people when you realize that you just completely forgot the name of the person standing in front of you. There are two approaches you can take:
• Politely excuse yourself and say, "I'm so sorry, would you mind reminding me of your name?"
Figure out which person of the two has a higher rank or authority in a social setting. This is important to know because the person of lesser rank or authority should always be presented to the person of higher rank or authority. In general, in a social setting, gender is the "trump card" and determines the higher rank; women are always ranked over men, unless the man is significantly older than the woman. After that, age is the next determining factor; an older person ranks over a younger person, which can be a helpful distinction if both people are of the same gender. Here's what you need to know:
- Your 70-year-old mother-in-law is of greater seniority than your brand new boyfriend.
- Great age takes precedence over most rank or authority, out of courtesy and respect. Your eighty-year-old male neighbor should be ranked higher than your fourteen-year-old niece (according to most people).
- All other things being equal, the person you've known the longest should be named first: introduce your junior friend to your senior friend.
- For social introductions, men are usually introduced to women, as a sign of respect. Gender is not a factor in business settings, where rank is more important.
- Your relatives hold higher rank over your friends.
- Introduce a friend or significant other to a relative. The relative has a higher rank: "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Danny."
- Introduce a lower-ranking business associate to a higher ranking one: "Mr. CEO, I'd like to introduce Mr. Underling."
- Introduce a client to a business associate: "Mr. Client, this is Mr. Money, my associate."
- Introduce a younger person to an older one: "Mr. Oldson, I'd like you to meet Sally Youngling."
- Introduce a man to a woman: "Mary, this is Jeff."
- In a business setting, let rank take precedence over gender. If Mr. Thomas is a higher-ranking male than Mrs. Davis, Mr. Thomas gets the higher authority because of his business position, even though Mrs. Davis is a woman:" Mr. Thomas, may I introduce Mrs. Davis."
- "Elizabeth, have you met Fitzwilliam? I believe you both share a love of reading Jane Austen while walking on the moors."
- "Mom, this is my friend, Stacy. She teaches classes at your yoga studio."
- "Mr. Jones, this is Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith has been helping me on the Connor account. We never would have closed the account if it wasn't for your help, Mr. Jones."
- "Mary, I'd love for you to meet Mark Charles, my neighbor. Mark is actually a published writer. Mary has just started taking creative writing classes."
- "Amy, have you met Rick? Rick actually works with Jeff, your roommate. Isn't Jeff the greatest? I wish he could be here tonight..."
- Use both first and last names, and include any title such as "Dr./Sir". For example, "Dr. Jones, may I introduce Stephanie Smith. Dr. Jones is my art history professor. Stephanie is an art history major."
- Include relevant details as you introduce the two together, such as any established relationship you have with the person you're introducing. For example, you might say: "Mr. Boss, may I present Mark Jones. Mr. Boss is my boss. Mark Jones is my associate."
- For more formal, larger groups, introduce the newcomer to the whole group first, then take the newcomer to each person and introduce by name: "Caroline, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss; Lydia, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss," etc. Continue working your way around the group in this manner.
- Though you may think it's funny or just easier to say, "Mary, this is everybody. Everybody, this is Mary," this doesn't actually help get a conversation going. Besides, it's rude to "everybody," because it makes it seem like you don't think it's worth it for Mary to get to know each person. Of course, use your discretion: if you're at a loud party and Mary just got there, it may be overwhelming to introduce her to twelve new faces immediately. Instead, ease Mary into the conversation and introduce her to a few people at a time.
Be delicate when you don't know a person's name. We've all been there. You try to introduce two people when you realize that you just completely forgot the name of the person standing in front of you. There are two approaches you can take:
• Politely excuse yourself and say, "I'm so sorry, would you mind reminding me of your name?"
EXECUTIVE ETIQUETTE
Good manners are good business. Successful professionals possess personal skills that make the difference in relationships: confidence in one's self and sensitivity to the personalities of others. Because 85% of your success in business is based on your people skills, your demeanor and behavior toward others are as important as your technical abilities and professional competence. Refine your etiquette skills and you will represent your organization with poise and assurance.
Polish your image and boost self-confidence in your personal and professional life.
Good manners are good business. Successful professionals possess personal skills that make the difference in relationships: confidence in one's self and sensitivity to the personalities of others. Because 85% of your success in business is based on your people skills, your demeanor and behavior toward others are as important as your technical abilities and professional competence. Refine your etiquette skills and you will represent your organization with poise and assurance.
Polish your image and boost self-confidence in your personal and professional life.
PROTOCOL AND EXECUTIVE ETIQUETTE
85% of success in business is based on people skills, demeanor and behavior toward others. THESE ARE as important as education and training, technical abilities and professional competence. Protocol and etiquette skills are required in order to represent yourself and your organization with poise and confidence. A lack of these skills can lead to insults, embarrassment, and distractions that prevent you from accomplishing your agenda and reaching your business goals. Successful professionals possess personal skills that make the difference in relationships: confidence, polish and poise, sensitivity to the expectations and cultures of others, and the ability to interpret nuances of customs, individuals, and situations that require special attention.
85% of success in business is based on people skills, demeanor and behavior toward others. THESE ARE as important as education and training, technical abilities and professional competence. Protocol and etiquette skills are required in order to represent yourself and your organization with poise and confidence. A lack of these skills can lead to insults, embarrassment, and distractions that prevent you from accomplishing your agenda and reaching your business goals. Successful professionals possess personal skills that make the difference in relationships: confidence, polish and poise, sensitivity to the expectations and cultures of others, and the ability to interpret nuances of customs, individuals, and situations that require special attention.
EXTREME ETIQUETTE - YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EDITION
Because 85% of your success in business is based on your people skills, your demeanor and behavior toward others are as important as your technical abilities and professional competence. Employers and clients look for your personal qualities that make the difference in business relationships: courtesy, tact and confidence. Etiquette skills are the foundation of good relationships. Good relationships are good business.
Because 85% of your success in business is based on your people skills, your demeanor and behavior toward others are as important as your technical abilities and professional competence. Employers and clients look for your personal qualities that make the difference in business relationships: courtesy, tact and confidence. Etiquette skills are the foundation of good relationships. Good relationships are good business.
EXTREME ETIQUETTE - COLLEGE EDITION
Did you know that you have five (5!) seconds to make a positive first impression on the people you meet? What are the personal qualities that can help make a positive and lasting impression? Etiquette skills will help you stand out from the crowd when you meet corporate recruiters, internship coordinators, graduate school admissions officers and others who loom large in your future success.
Through lecture, demonstration and participatory exercises, you will learn:
• How to prepare yourself for success
• Body language and appearance
• Introductions and a proper handshake
• Forms of address
• Listening and conversation skills
• Interview etiquette
• Electronic etiquette
• Host/guest responsibilities
• Dining etiquette
Did you know that you have five (5!) seconds to make a positive first impression on the people you meet? What are the personal qualities that can help make a positive and lasting impression? Etiquette skills will help you stand out from the crowd when you meet corporate recruiters, internship coordinators, graduate school admissions officers and others who loom large in your future success.
Through lecture, demonstration and participatory exercises, you will learn:
• How to prepare yourself for success
• Body language and appearance
• Introductions and a proper handshake
• Forms of address
• Listening and conversation skills
• Interview etiquette
• Electronic etiquette
• Host/guest responsibilities
• Dining etiquette
DINING ETIQUETTE ESSENTIALS
Lunch or dinner can make or break a new relationship or a business deal. How do your dining etiquette skills measure up? for an instructional dining experience that will put you at ease in any social or business setting and enable you to focus on the agenda, not the silverware. Enjoy a four-course lunch or dinner in a relaxed setting, served with a generous portion of modern etiquette instruction.
Through lecture, demonstration and participation, students will learn:
• Greetings, introductions and a proper handshake
• Receiving line protocol
• Place settings and utensils
• Mastering difficult foods
• Toasts
• Host/Guest responsibilities
• Business dining tips
• Top 10 dining etiquette mistakes
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Lunch or dinner can make or break a new relationship or a business deal. How do your dining etiquette skills measure up? for an instructional dining experience that will put you at ease in any social or business setting and enable you to focus on the agenda, not the silverware. Enjoy a four-course lunch or dinner in a relaxed setting, served with a generous portion of modern etiquette instruction.
Through lecture, demonstration and participation, students will learn:
• Greetings, introductions and a proper handshake
• Receiving line protocol
• Place settings and utensils
• Mastering difficult foods
• Toasts
• Host/Guest responsibilities
• Business dining tips
• Top 10 dining etiquette mistakes
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