Posts tagged "manners"
March 25, 2011
When you give someone your business card, you’re introducing yourself on paper. A business card is a representation of who you are so be sure that the card is in pristine condition before you hand it over. You wouldn’t wear a wrinkled suit to an interview, would you?
Presenting your business card
Always present your business card in your right hand, or in both hands. Never (and I do mean NEVER) pass out your business cards as though you were dealing a poker hand. If you travel for business, you’ll save yourself embarrassment by following this rule. In some countries, presenting your business card in your left hand is a serious insult.Look the individual in the eye and smile when presenting the card. Not only is it good etiquette, it shows them you’re engaged with them.
Receiving a business card
When being given a business card, accept the card in the same way it was presented—either in your right hand or both hands. Take a few moments to study the business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.
Don’t ever slide a business card into your back pocket and sit on it. Always keep your business cards in a separate case. When you are back in your office, add the information from the card into your database as soon as possible. You never want to be in a position where you have to ask that person for another card. That’s a big etiquette faux pas.
Business cards are an internationally recognized means of presenting personal contact information—so be sure you have a good supply on hand.
If you travel abroad for business, do a little research on business etiquette for your destination before you go. The etiquette “rules” in the UK, for example, are far more relaxed than in Japan. Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable and will help build trust when building business relationships.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, first impressions, manners, good manners, business etiquette
February 25, 2011
“You wouldn’t believe how many people applied for this job! The competition is fierce. I’m so nervous about the interview.”
Emily looked miserable. If this young lady was going to impress anyone, her confidence needed a serious boost.
I decided to level with her. “Emily, you are absolutely correct. The competition IS fierce. That’s why it takes more than just skills and education to land a great job.
“Qualifications can get you an interview – but class can get you the job.”
Now I had her attention. “Making a classy impression doesn’t usually happen by chance. It’s all about preparation!”
Here’s what I told her to do:
- Research your potential employer, the industry, and any recent developments or initiatives. Commit a few key facts to memory and mention them when the opportunity appears.
- Select your outfit the day before, making sure it is clean, pressed, fits well and flatters. Refrain from wearing anything low cut, short, tight. If you’re unsure about the dress code, dress “up” rather than “down” (i.e., dress a more formal way rather than a more casual way).
- Be freshly groomed, including nails, hair and face – and remember, no fragrances.
- If you carry a purse or portfolio, make sure it’s well organized so you can retrieve information quickly and easily. After all, spilling your private belongings across the desk is the antithesis of class.
- Make sure the vehicle you drive to the interview is clean. Some employers view how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll take care of their tools or equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination so you are sure to arrive as scheduled.
- Arrive early enough to make a quick stop at the rest room to check your hair, teeth, and clothing.
Each step sets you up to feel relaxed and confident when the pressure is on.
Once you get into the interview room:
- Stand when introduced to the interviewer and do not sit down until invited to do so.
- Place your belongings on the floor, not the table or desk.
- During the interview, show interest, confidence and deference.
- Stay focused. Don’t fidget, repeat yourself or move objects around.
- If you are being interviewed over a meal, follow your host’s lead. Don’t order any alcohol, unless you are interviewing with an alcohol-related company.
- No matter what: never criticize a former employer.
When the interview comes to a close, be sure to request a card from your interviewer(s) so you can send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note within 48 hours. In the note, be positive and genuine, and if appropriate, refer to something that was discussed in the interview.
Social grace under pressure, specifically, the intense pressure of an interview, always makes a strong impression. It implies a certain degree of personal power, insight and self control, uncommon qualities that any employer would value.
It will give you the “etiquette edge” you need to ace your next job interview!
photo: MyTudut
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged etiquette tips, manners, interview etiquette, job interview tips
February 9, 2011
Has rudeness become a way of life? Are we so busy that we don’t have time to say “please” and “thank you” anymore?
Have we forgotten the simple courtesies that set us apart from the animal kingdom?
Here is a list of simple courtesies (gentle reminders?) that will win you friends and earn you points in the manners department.
Simple Courtesies
- Say please and thank you
- Turn off your cell phone in the movie theatre
- Please, please don’t wear your baseball hat at the dinner table
- Write thank you notes. Handwritten thank you notes.
- A simple wave of acknowledgement when I let you into traffic
- Be on time. Plan ahead so you’re not that person (you know the one) who is ALWAYS late!
Do you have a pet peeve — when it comes to common courtesy? I’d love to get your take on the state of good manners today.
photo: Metro Transportation Library and Archive
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged manners, courtesies, rudeness, thank you
January 30, 2011
Even (and maybe “especially”) in a world where we communicate with quick texts and emails, the personal thank you card is still the best way to show your gratitude when someone gives you a gift.
But where do you start? What do you say?
Your personal note doesn’t have to be written on fancy paper, and you don’t have to have a degree in Journalism to find the right words to say. Don’t be intimidated. Be authentic. Be personal. Keep it simple.
Here are four key components to cover in your thank you note, to help you get you started:
- In the first sentence, say “thank you for” and state the gift you’ve been given. Example: Thank you for the wine glasses you gave us for our anniversary.
- Next, express a further detailed appreciation by remarking on qualities about the gift. Example: The glasses have already found a home on our dining room table. They look so elegant next to our everyday dishes!
- Share specific reasons why you like the gift. Example: We love to entertain, and can’t wait to show them off the next time we have friends over for a wine and cheese get-together.
- In the closing sentence, sign is pleasantly and friendly. And you can even add “Thanks again!” before your signature.
Don’t drag your feet…be sure to send out a personal thank you note within 48 hours of receiving a gift.
Gratitude will never be out of style, no matter how technically-advanced we become. Sending a personal note of thanks will not only let them know how much you appreciate the gift, but it also sends the message that you value the relationship enough to take the time to personalize your message.
Far better than being included in a group email of thanks, don’t you think?
photo: vistamommy
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged appreciation, gratitude, manners, thank you card
