Interview with an Etiquette Consultant
As an etiquette
consultant, I'm often interviewed. Many of these interviews concern the
importance of using good manners in the workplace. What follows are the most
often asked questions and my replies.
Question
Are manners important in
the workplace and does it give someone an edge?
My Reply
One of my favorite quotes
is “Our good manners are the key to open doors of opportunity.” Good manners
are perceived by others as excellent "people skills", which are so highly
prized by employers. Those with excellent people skills are those who succeed.
Question
It appears that college
students are primarily focused on how much they will earn when graduating, but
sincerely lack finer personal skills. Will this hurt them in the
workplace?
My Reply
Unfortunately, yes. Too
often university students think that if they narrowly focus on their studies, a
huge paycheck is guaranteed. While it is true that employers are looking for
those with excellent educational backgrounds, refined social and communication
skills are necessary. If the job candidate appears "socially inept",
the diploma may not matter nearly enough.
Question
Since many work from home
and must virtually meet, are social skills less important?
My Reply
Social skills are as
relevant today as ever before and are always evolving. Take for example the
term "netiquette", which is the etiquette we use for Internet
communication. Due to the need for a politeness guide for using this medium, a
new term and set of rules followed. With ubiquitous cellphone use and social
networking, we now have even more etiquette rules. All these relatively new
etiquette rules are now a part of our modern social skills. Those who follow
these rules are viewed as socially savvy.
Question
Do you think manners and
etiquette training should be required for university students and if so, what
courses should be included: dining etiquette, proper business attire, etc.?
My Reply
Absolutely! In fact, some
colleges and universities included etiquette training as part of the
curriculum. For example, I have taught etiquette for multiple colleges. After
all, how can even the most educated person get a job if he or she does not know
how to treat an interviewer with respect?
Most all etiquette and manners
training are useful in the workplace and beyond. Some of my favorite workshops
are dining etiquette – focusing on business meals and networking skills –
international protocol, non-verbal and verbal communication, proper business
attire, and dealing with sticky situations in the workplace. Of course, hours
could be devoted to office politics as well.
Question
What final etiquette
advice can you give those struggling to find a job?
My Reply
Always consider how
others perceive you. Others will judge you based on your body language and
attire. Knowing this, stand tall with head up, shoulders back and down. Dress
for the position you are seeking and with the business culture in mind. Treat
interviewers and everyone else in the office with respect. If you talk down to
the receptionist, do not expect a return call. Finally, turn your cellphone
off, remove your blue-tooth device, and send a handwritten snail-mail or email
thank you note within 24 hours!
Originally published on
Yahoo
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