Is Etiquette Important? Do Manners Matter?
by Marcia Klipsch
You bet! According to Peter Post, director of the Emily Post Institute and business etiquette guru, "there is a real desire on businesses' part to remedy a problem that they’re seeing in their workforce. They have people coming in, or who are already in their workforce, who may have the job skills but who are embarrassing these companies when they're with clients." So, during the hiring process, companies are looking for employees who already have business etiquette skills-dining, dressing, writing, communication, and social-or, what today is called Biz Et.
What about you? As you prepare to apply for internships and jobs, do you know the business etiquette skills that companies desire—the skills that set you apart from other job seekers? I suggest you consider some of these questions and answers:
Q: Do you know the difference between business professional and business casual dress?
A: Business professional dressing requires a suit that fits well, shined shoes that are in good repair, a nice shirt and conservative tie for men or blouse (never too tight!) for women, dark sock or nylons. Business casual is simply a step or two down from business professional dress and requires neat, coordinated ensembles.
Q: Is having a meal with a recruiter still an interview?
A: Emphatically yes! Recruiters notice how you hold your knife and fork, if you salt your food before tasting, if you eat everything in sight, if you know how to make conversation while eating (taking small bites is the key), if you blow your nose in your napkin, or if you drink alcohol rather than iced tea.
Q: Are your writing skills flawless?
A: There are many opportunities to communicate in writing these days, but most common is e-mail. E-mail in a professional setting must be grammatically correct with no spelling errors or digital slang. Ranting, complaining, or private messages should never be sent through cyberspace, which we all know is public domain. Consider, too, your resume-is it clear, well organized, concise, action and results oriented, and without errors? A second or third set of proofreading eyes is always helpful.
Q: What does your voice mail message say and what about your e-mail address?
A: Put yourself in the position of a recruiter calling to ask you a question, or even better, offer you a job. Will they hear some curt, off-the-wall message or will they hear you clearly say your name, that you are currently unable to answer the phone and that if they will leave their number you’ll call them back in a timely manner (and do!). The same logic prevails with your e-mail address; something like sexymama@yahoo.com doesn’t really impress anyone!
To sum it up, Biz Et is a way to build relationships, get a job, and move up the corporate ladder. Pay attention to appearances (yours!) and be sure that the first impression you make is a good one.
