PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

COMMUNICATION

PHONE

DO − Respond in a timely manner to voicemails − Stay on point when discussing matters − Use company phone for work related business − Answer with a professional greeting

DON’T − Have an unprofessional voicemail − Neglect to check your voicemail − Use company phone for personal business

EMAIL

DO − Set up an automatic reply for when you’re out of the office − Use proper grammar and syntax for correspondence − Have a professional email signature (Name, Company, Position, Contact

Information) − Always include a subject

DON’T − Write emails in text speech, emoji, or use emoticons − Have an email signature that is longer than your actual email.

Uplifting quotes and admonishments about printing are frowned upon SOCIAL MEDIA

DO − Use social media to reach out and connect with clients − Network with potential new employers and colleagues − Stay informed on trends

DON’T − Talk poorly of colleagues/employer.

Once it is posted it can never be taken back. − Spend time on social media sites in office if forbidden by office policy − Share everything. Ask yourself, would

I want to see this?

THANK YOU NOTES

Congratulations! You have managed to complete your interview. But you’re not done quite yet. Now comes the easiest part of the entire process — thank them for their time.

In a world of instant written communication, the traditional thank you letter goes a long way. IF, and that is a big if, your handwriting is legible enough, write a thank you letter to the interviewer. Let them know that you value the time they took in considering you and that you look forward to hearing from them in the future. If your handwriting is not up to par, send an email. Attention to small details like thank you letters goes a very long way in helping you obtain the coveted position. For your reference, there is a sample not on page 43.

DINING

DO

− Pass food from left to right − If asked for salt or pepper, you should pass both. − Use a piece of bread to scoop difficult foods, not your fingers. − Place your napkin in your lap. It is not, in any circumstance, to be tucked into your collar. − Wait on your host to begin eating.

Take your cue from your host. − Focus on your host and their questions. You’re there to be evaluated in a different setting, not just to eat.

DON’T

− Order complex foods prone to mess or foods that must be eaten with your hands. − Season your food before tasting. − Ask for a “to-go box.” − Ever, under any circumstance, double dip from community dishes. − Offer for others to sample your food. If offered to sample others’ meals, politely decline. − Order the most expensive thing on the menu. PLACE SETTING TIPS

The formal place setting can be an intimidating thing to use effectively. With its various tools, the opportunity for mistake is high, but with these helpful hints you can minimize the risk!

− When in doubt on which piece of cutlery to use, a good rule of thumb is to work your way from the outside in. − When finished, do not push your plate away, simply place your silverware across your plate from 10:00 (top) to 4:00 (bottom) − Between bites, place utensils on plate.

Drinks are to the right of your plate, bread to the left. Tip: When making the “ok” sign with your left hand makes a “b” for bread. Your right hand makes a “d” for drink.