Tip Sheet: Business and Dining Etiquette
This post and any other later posts labeled as tips sheet come from a college website I found while searching around about jobs. I’m bringing it to you all to save you the hassle. Enjoy!
How you conduct yourself and treat others in a business or dining setting speaks strongly of who you are as a professional. Research worldwide tips and strategies before traveling as different cultures have different protocols.
Use titles (Mr. Ms. Dr.), not first names until instructed to do so.
Be on time or 5-15 minutes early. Earlier than that can be awkward and invasive.
Prepare for meeting, developing an agenda if you are leading.
Do not interrupt meeting agendas, but in a timely manner, be confident in concisely sharing on-topic ideas/opinions.
Do not get intoxicated at work functions.
Do not use profanity or tell off-colored jokes.
Do not engage in office gossip.
Bring a positive attitude and leave personal drama at home.
Do not air work-related frustrations via social media (e.g. These people make me sick. #ISITFRIDAYYET)
Present yourself with confidence.
Smile and extend dominant hand.
State your name (and company).
Know how to introduce yourself (and company) in 15 to 30 seconds.
Avoid “closed” triads: two people facing shoulder to shoulder are likely having a private conversation.
Do not fold your arms or put them in your pockets.
Hi, Hey, Yo, What’s up?, What’s going on? are not appropriate.
It is your duty to introduce yourself.
Look people in the eyes and smile in order to seem confident and approachable.
Name tags should be placed high on right shoulder.
When should you introduce yourself?
When you realize someone does not recognize you.
When attending a business or social gathering.
When seated next to someone.
When person introducing you forgets your name.
When it is a friend of a friend whom you are talking to.
Use proper titles when introducing others.
Omit titles when introducing people of same rank and position.
Never introduce a co-worker/superior by first name.
Introduce person lowest on the totem pole to the one highest.
The name of the person of greater authority is spoken first.
This means you look at the most “important person” and say, “Ms. Important, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Student, an intern in our IT department. Mr. Student, this is Mr. Important, the director of technical marketing.”
When dealing with people outside the company, clients are more important than company employees, and hiring managers are more important than job seekers.
If you are seated while being introduced, stand to shake hands.
Have a firm handshake, but avoid death grips.
Tell something about the person whom you introduce.
Learn how to make small talk.
Be current on domestic and international events. If you’re not and the topic is brought up, say something along the lines of “I’m not familiar with the topic but I would enjoy learning more about it.”
Know what events impact your company or client’s.
Ask questions that focus on other person, not you.
Do not interrupt and/or finish people’s sentences.
Avoid conversations about health or diet habits, cost of things, personal life, gossip, off-color jokes and controversial issues.
Don’t gaze around room in a conversation—it’s rude and makes other person feel insignificant.
Do not touch others unless you know them well.
Do not just walk away if you see someone more interesting— ALWAYS make a closing statement before moving on:
“Please excuse me. It was nice talking with you.”
“It was really a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
“I enjoyed talking with you. I hope to see you soon.”
Summarize, “Oh, it looks like you have a fascinating job and I wish you good luck on your project.”
If graceful disengagement doesn’t work, be more direct: "I see it is really getting late and I really must go,” then back up physically. As a last result, say a parting statement while you are shaking hands and saying good-bye.
Always have enough and carry in a case.
Should not be wrinkled, written on, outdated or dirty.
Present the card with the print facing the recipient.
Your name should be the largest print on the card.
Don’t write on business cards in front of others.
Don’t exchange business cards while dining.
Never pass them out like you are dealing cards.
It is polite to comment on card before putting it away rather than immediately stashing it in a pocket without looking at it
If someone offers you their business card, offer yours in return
Before offering your business card, first say, “May I give you my card?”
Do not force your card on anyone or offer it too early in a conversation
Let senior executives ask for your card. Do not offer it to them.
Meetings/Networking Events
It is polite to offer to pay if asked to a lunch/dinner meeting. However, whoever extends the invitation typically pays.
Know why you are attending and who you want to meet.
Bring business cards; Remember you represent your company.
Do not carry a bag or notebook that fills your hands.
Step to the right when you enter room, pausing to first observe.
Greet hosts first, if possible but do not monopolize their time.
Introduce yourself to others, not just talking to people you know.
Do not immediately head for the bar or food; don’t go hungry.
Avoid foods that are messy or can’t be eaten in one bite.
Hold food or drink in left hand to leave right hand open.
Write a thank-you note within 24 hours.
Cooperate and develop a relationship of mutual support.
Focus on positive qualities and potential of co-workers (strengths, not weaknesses).
Be friendly, but do not join a clique.
Spend time observing how people act, who performs well and who takes a positive view toward the job and organization.
Beware of the gripers and avoid office gossip.
Do not talk about co-workers behind their backs.
Voice concerns, challenges and accomplishments.
Remember that a peer may someday be your boss or you his.
Be nice, polite and friendly to everyone, including individuals who work outside of your department.
Observe organization’s gift giving policy and be discreet when exchanging gifts if only exchanging with a few coworkers. Work Relationships:
Approach tasks with a willing attitude.
Enthusiastically complete “grunt” assignments.
Demonstrate poise and maturity in everything you do.
Ensure quality work is completed on-time.
Supervisors are your ally, not your enemy.
Supervisors train and develop; they aren’t best friends.
Do not ask supervisor for personal and financial advice.
Turn your phone off during meetings.
Invest in a watch so you don’t check phone for time.
Avoid answering in restaurants. If expecting important call, let those you are dining with know, and leave table to answer.
In public, be aware of voice volume and move at least two arm lengths away from those around you (or out of the room).
The people you are with should take precedence over calls.
If you expect a call that can’t be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time.
Public phone conversations are not private.
Craft a compelling subject line.
Treat email like a business letter; always be professional.
Keep it short and simple.
Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Never send an email when you’re angry.
Email is NOT confidential and can be forwarded.
Read it and check your spelling before sending it.
Confirm attachment you intended to attach is attached.
Answer an email within 24 hours.
Do not order foods that are eaten with your hands.
Pass food from left to right (counterclockwise).
If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both.
Never season food before tasting it.
Food is served from the left, dishes removed from the right.
Butters, spreads or dips should be transferred to your serving dish before spreading or eating.
Do not ask for a “to-go box” unless it is an informal situation.
For hard to scoop items, use bread, not your finger, to push items onto fork.
If hot food is burning mouth, discretely drink something cool.
Napkins belong in your lap.
If you leave table, loosely fold your napkin (do NOT refold your napkin or wad it up) and place it beside your dinner plate.
Meeting materials or briefcases should be left under your chair until it is time to discuss business.
Do not ask to taste or offer to let others taste your food.
Do not blow nose at the table. Politely excuse yourself.
You may order foods that are eaten with your hands.
When sharing chips and salsa, you don’t have to transfer salsa to your plate, but do not double dip.
Fifteen to 20 percent of the bill total is customary, but for exemplary service, a greater percentage is accepted.
For poor service, ask to speak to the manager; still tip.
General rule: use silverware from outside in as meal progresses.
When finished, do not push plate away. Instead place fork and knife across the center of the plate, handles to the right.
Between bites, your fork and knife are placed on the plate, handles to the right, not touching the table.
