Professional Etiquette
First Impressions
- Good grooming is essential since a person’s first impression of you is your appearance.
- Appropriate attire is also essential and can leave a lasting impression.
- Some people may be offended by piercings and tattoos.
Handshakes
- Always have a firm handshake; a floppy handshake portrays lack of confidence and can send the wrong signal.
- Maintain eye contact and smile while shaking hands; it reinforces your confidence and friendliness.
- Introduce yourself and say, “it’s nice to meet you”.
Mind Your Manners
- Remember the basics: say please and thank you, use Mr. and Ms. when addressing others, open doors for others, etc.
Social Etiquette
- Be sociable but avoid gossip and controversial issues such as religion, politics, etc.
- Do not show up late to appointments or be a no-show.
- Ask questions and show sincere interest.
- Excuse yourself if you must leave a conversation.
E-mail Etiquette
- Use professional tone and language in the body of the e-mail AND the subject line.
- Address superiors and those you might not know as Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor unless they have made it obvious that it is acceptable to address them.
- Do not use emoticons, slang, or abbreviated words.
Telephone Etiquette
- Identify yourself when calling someone.
- Use a welcoming tone. It also sometimes helps to smile while you are talking.
- Be polite. How you treat the caller will determine their impression of you.
Cell Phone Etiquette
- Do NOT text or talk on your cell while in the middle of a meeting or appointment. This is viewed as rude and sends the message that whoever is on your phone is more important than who is in the meeting with you.
- Turn your ringer off when in class, at a job interview, in a meeting, etc. It is viewed as a disruption.
- Make sure your voicemail message is professional and avoid ring back tones.
Dining Etiquette
- Wait until your host begins eating to start eating.
- When passing a dish or condiment, always offer it to everyone else first. Pass to the right.
- Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk with food in your mouth.
- If you must leave the table, politely excuse yourself and place your napkin on your chair.
- For more dining etiquette tips, visit: www.diningetiquette.org.
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• Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Phone: (315) 279-5274
• Fax: (315) 279-5329
• E-mail: experiential@keuka.edu
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