GETTING IN SHAPE IS HALF THE BATTLE - NOW YOU HAVE TO SHOW IT OFF: DAY TO DAY PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, etiquette is “the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” In other words, etiquette is procedure for proper behavior in social situations.

 

Cell Phones

  • Leave the phone in the car (or turn it off) when going to the movies, a concert, or a restaurant
  • If you absolutely MUST answer a call, go somewhere you won't disturb others
  • Answer a business call with your first and last names
  • When calling someone else, identify who you are and ask if it is a good time to talk
  • Voice mails should be professional

     

    Business Cards

    Uses

  • Tell people who you are and how to reach you
  • Forwarding agent attached to report, article, or newspaper
  • Gift enclosure with business gift


    Handing Them Out

  • Be selective
  • Wait until a senior executive asks for your card
  • Be discreet
  • Avoid bringing them out during meals
  • When at a meeting outside your office, hand the card to the receptionist, but wait for someone else in the meeting to initiate the exchange
  • Only hand out cards in good condition, with name facing up
  • Know how to hand out business cards if you’re working with clients from differentcultures (Standard practices by cultures and countries can be researched on the internet.)

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    Email Etiquette


  • Address should sound professional
  • Include all contact info at the bottom of your e-mail.
  • Run spell check—no less formal than regular mail.
  • Save resume/CV with your name—not just resume.doc
  • Double check that you are not sending a virus.
  • Format documents in Word or PDF.
  • Check e-mail daily.
  • E-Mail Thank You notes?- Usually sent via regular mail. Only if recruiter will be “on the road,” is a tech. type person, or if you’ll have second interview before handwritten note could reach the recruiter.

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    Social Networking Sites
    Sure, Facebook Can Be Risky-but It Can Be Rewarding Too!- I’m sure by now you have heard enough warnings about the potential dangers associated with social networking web sites like Facebook and MySpace.  So…I’m not going to repeat what you already know; rather, I’m going to share with you something you may not know already.  You can use such websites to your ADVANTAGE!  For example:

  • Use the "About Me" section of the Facebook profile to boast about your skills and qualifications.
  • In your "Photo Album"place pictures that show you in leadership positions, accepting awards, presenting professionally, and participating in community activities.
  • Use your "Wall or Comments" section as a reference list. Have people write positive comments on your abilities and successes.
  • Career Services has a Facebook Account- HOKIEJOE. ADD HIM TODAY!

    BUSINESS vs. BUSINESS CASUAL- Learn the Lingo


    MEN BUSINESS

  • A two-piece suit in navy or another dark color
  • A tie in a simple pattern that matches the color of your suit
  • A button-down dress shirt
  • Polished dress shoes in a dark color; Leather Shoes

    MEN BUSINESS CASUAL

  • Sports shirts w/collars or polo
  • Tailored denim/chambray shirts
  • Sport coats, blazers
  • Nice sweaters, turtlenecks
  • Slacks, Khakis, chinos, Dockers cords

    WOMEN BUSINESS

  • A neutral colored suit in navy or another dark color
  • A cotton or silk blouse.
  • Panty hose in a nude or conservative color.
  • Basic pumps with "1-2 inch heels (No strappy sandals or platforms).
  • Simple accessories (no more than 13)

    WOMEN BUSINESS CASUAL

  • Casual skirts or dresses
  • Tailored denim/chambray shirts Blouses, blazers, nice sweaters, turtlenecks, okay with jacket or cardigan
  • Slacks, Khakis, Dockers & Cords Sleeveless

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