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Good Manners are Important for Job Seekers & University Students

Career Fair Attendees

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 

More Articles by Rebecca Black

How to Get Noticed at Your College Career Fair  

How-To Become a Valuable Employee and Wow the Boss

 


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