Top 10 Business Etiquette Tips for New College Graduates
THE ETIQUETTE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK’S
Top 10 Business Etiquette Tips for New College Graduates
“The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in settingour aim too low, and reaching it.” -Michelangelo
It’s that time again! Thousands of young adults will soon be graduating from college–many seeking their first paid jobs or internships. Will they be ready? Too many opportunities are lost for graduates because they have not paid enough attention to their most visible credential–their professional image. Very few credentials can compensate for a poor impression, inadequate social skills, and weak non-verbal communication.
The following guidelines will help graduates prepare themselves for the professional business world:
1. Know the proper protocol for making introductions, and introducing yourself.
2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture.
3. Suit-up for success: wear appropriate business attire, and always make sure that you are well groomed when you go for a job interview, or to a business meeting.
4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and don’t use slang or foul language. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success.
5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your telephone and cell phone for business.
7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when your use your social media networking tools.
8. Master the art of mingling, networking and remembering names. Being skillful at networking will not only help you get a job, but it will also help you stand out in your new job.
9. Be polished and professional at the dining table: practice good dining skills and suitable table manners. You may have an interview scheduled as a lunch appointment so your potential employer can observe your table manners.
10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.