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Etiquette rules tell us what is acceptable behaviour within our society.
They reflect our traditions and cultures and while unwritten, they let
us know what is acceptable. People who disregard etiquette rules, display
a lack of social competence are often overlooked in the labour market!
And sometimes it is not what you do, but what you don’t do that
will get you noticed for the wrong reasons! Remember that first impressions
count and can influence your destiny!
Business Etiquette
Business etiquette is important in a working environment as they reflect
the personal attributes that our social and business community value.
While cultural differences do exist, many rules are universal and include:
- shaking hands when being introduced to someone
- making eye contact
- using appropriate language and gestures
- being courteous to everyone regardless of their position title
- not interrupting a discussion that you are not involved in (though
you may seek permission to)
- managing all forms of communication professionally and promptly
- demonstrating good table manners when at functions
- listening and allowing everyone an opportunity to talk at a committee
meeting
- not using someone else’s mug in the tea room (unless you
have asked permission!)
In Australia, the attributes that contribute to your employability
are:
- loyalty
- commitment
- motivation
- honesty and integrity
- reliability
- enthusiasm
- personal presentation
- common sense
- positive self esteem
- a sense of humour
- adaptability
- an ability to deal with pressure
- a balanced attitude to work and home life
Writing Protocols
Frequently, your first point of contact with an employer will be in
writing, so be professional in everything you put your pen too! Whether
you are writing an email, letter, résumé, completing
a form or submitting an online application make the best impression
you can.
Your writing reflects how you communicate, how you regard the employer
and your level of care and attention given to important documents. They
are also an example of your writing skills and how you may communicate
with co-workers and clients, so the quickest way to have your ‘hard
work’ placed in a rubbish bin is to submit poorly written material.
So:
- ensure your documents look like they belong together by using a
consistent layout and font style
- use a layout that compliments the organisation and position you
seek
- ensure that any tabs and bullet points you use are consistent
- use clear headings and appropriate language
- target your cover letter and résumé to the person
you are sending it to – this means researching its destination
first!
- And remember – potential employers will read your résumé
in about 20 seconds!
These same tips apply for communication via e-mail. It is not a wise
idea to assume an informal communication style and never write to an
employer using SMS shortcuts! Avoid spelling, grammatical errors and
typos. It is all too easy to press the send key without thinking first
so always take the time to read what you have written carefully.
Dress and Other Attire
How you dress and the accessories your wear can determine how people
respond to you. It may also affect your credibility factor!
When attending for an information interview, it is better to be smart
and ‘dress up’ than to arrive too casually. It is generally
not necessary to wear business attire to a building site, so always
research your destination first and find out their acceptable standard!
Oral and Interpersonal Styles
Listen to your answering machine message and notice the way in which
you answer the telephone and write messages or notes. Do you sound professional?
Do you have a friendly and professional style of answering the telephone?
Keep in mind, that when you give out your phone number such as on a
letter, résumé or application form (including web based
employer and recruitment sites) you are inviting someone to call you.
So manage answering machine messages and telephone calls in a manner
that reflects how you would like to sound to a potential employer. Many
interview processes will start at this very first point of contact and
once your words have been spoken you cannot take them back.
Similarly review your email address. What does yours say about you?
Is it professional? While it may be fun to have hotbabe@thiswebsite.com
to message friends, consider how a potential employer could interpret
this! Much better to have an address that reflects how you really want
to be remembered.
Remember, start on a good footing and take care when communicating!
Body Language
Body language is important. It can affect how you are heard on the
telephone and how you make an impact in your work placement. For example,
if you stand slovenly, then your work and attitude will probably be
seen this way too! Smiling on the phone will make a positive impression
on your voice, keeping arms unfolded is more friendly making you appear
approachable, and leaning slightly forward during an interview implies
you are interested.
ACTIVITIES
Review your email address and telephone answering messages. Update
where necessary.
Record, play-back and critique a telephone spiel
Resources:
Body
Language Etiquette
From why body language is important to the handshake, smiling, eye
contact, posture, leg and arm positions, you will find this information
very useful!
International Business
Etiquette Basics
When doing work experience in another country, it's essential to know
the respectable way to conduct yourself. The last thing you want to
do is to offend your international friends, colleagues, partners and
clients! All it really takes is a bit of research.
Phone
Interview Etiquette
Phone interviews are terrifying to some and absolutely painless to
others. Regardless of your feelings about phone interviews, you can
develop the right techniques and skills.
Email
Etiquette Netiquette
David Tuffley in the School of Information and Communication Technology
at Griffith University offers some great tips on using email as an indispensable
communication tool!
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