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Etiquette

It is important to know how to have good manners. The rules of dining etiquette are fairly straightforward and mostly require common sense. Some things to remember…

• When dining with a prospective employer remember it may look like lunch/dinner but its still business. The way you act during a meal will have impact on an interviewer’s hiring decision and your future.
• When meeting someone, rise if you are seated, smile, extend your hand and repeat the other person’s name in your greeting. A good handshake is important—it should be firm and held for three-four seconds.
• Introducing people is one of the most important acts in business life, yet few people know how to do it. Introduce a younger person to an older person; introduce a non-official person to an official person; and in business introduce the junior to the senior. Be sure to explain who people are and use their full names. Also do not assume that everyone wants to be called by his or her first name—wait until you are told to use a first name.
• In many situations you will be wearing a nametag to identify yourself and your affiliation. Nametags serve an important purpose and should be worn on the right hand side of your front shoulder area. Do not clip nametags to the bottom edge of your jacket.
• Most receptions or social hours are for the purpose of mingling and making contacts whether for job leads, as part of an interview or an employee entertaining clients. When you enter the reception observe the layout of the room: is everyone standing or are there tables for seating. Seeing the room layout gives you a clue on how to proceed at the reception.
• If no tables are available, you should only have a drink or your food in your hand—never both. You should be prepared to greet and shake hands with individuals. If having a drink hold it in your left hand to keep your right hand dry and ready to shake hands. If eating hold your plate on the right hand and eat with the left hand. When someone approaches, you are able to switch the plate to your left hand and your right hand is clean and ready to shake. If tables are available you may have your drink and food together. However, always be ready to stand and greet people.
• Networking and/or mingling are an important aspect of attending a business function even if the event is described as a social time. Be sure to greet or introduce yourself to the host/hostess. Spend a few minutes conversing with them on topics that relate to the event or to their business. To move on you can politely say I know you need to talk with your other guests.
• Connect with as many of the attendees as is possible. Do not interrupt people but wait until they include you or there is a break in the conversation and you can introduce yourself. To start conversations ask the person something about themselves or their job. You will find most people enjoy talking about themselves and this is a good way to begin a conversation. Focus eye contact on that individual and after a time politely excuse yourself to move on to someone else.