What you need to know to build an Etiquette foundation
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.
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.
2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture. Project your voice during an introduction. (Don’t whisper, don’t shout, don’t shake the other’s hand like the handle on a water pump.) 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, and always make sure that you are well-groomed when you go for a job interview, or to a business meeting.
4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and do not use slang or foul language. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success. Always: yes not yah. No not nah. Pardon not huh? Try not to speak in contractions: I would like to excuse myself NOT I’d like to excuse myself. May I get you a napkin NOT Here’s a napkin.
5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your telephone and cell phone for business.
7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when your use your social networking tools.
8. Master the art of mingling, networking and remembering names. Being skillful at 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.
10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.
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.
2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture. Project your voice during an introduction. (Don’t whisper, don’t shout, don’t shake the other’s hand like the handle on a water pump.) 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, and always make sure that you are well-groomed when you go for a job interview, or to a business meeting.
4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and do not use slang or foul language. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success. Always: yes not yah. No not nah. Pardon not huh? Try not to speak in contractions: I would like to excuse myself NOT I’d like to excuse myself. May I get you a napkin NOT Here’s a napkin.
5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your telephone and cell phone for business.
7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when your use your social networking tools.
8. Master the art of mingling, networking and remembering names. Being skillful at 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.
10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.