1. Proper Business Etiquette
Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use. ~Emily Post

2. Overview
Good manners and proper behavior are essential for professional growth.
Companies not only want strong academic credentials and solid leadership skills, they're also insisting on excellent interpersonal skills and etiquette is considered a component of those skills.
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3. What is Business Etiquette?
Business Etiquette is all about everything you learned in kindergarten… manners. Employers are looking for candidates with the best skills for the job and the best interpersonal skills for the workplace. With the current state of the job market and economy employers can afford to be selective. Using good manners will help to make a good impression with your boss and co-workers.
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4. What are the different forms of Business Etiquette?
Conversation Etiquette
Greeting Etiquette
Dress Etiquette
Etiquette
Telephone Etiquette
Time Management
Attitude
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5. Conversation Etiquette
Make and maintain eye contact
Listen and observe carefully before speaking
Think about what you’re going to say so that you can keep it short and brief
Apologize if you must interrupt an ongoing conversation
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6. Greeting Etiquette Make eye contact
Stand up when meeting someone for the first time
Offer a firm handshake
When making introductions, introduce the lesser accomplished person to the more accomplished person
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7. Dress Etiquette Dress for success
Keep clothing neat and conservative (loose fitting, long skirts and high collars)
Use perfume and cologne sparingly
No public grooming ( hair brushing, flossing, clipping nails)
Practice personal hygiene daily
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8. E-mail Etiquette Be brief and to the point
Proofread and double check spelling and grammar
Make sure the tone of the is respectful, friendly and approachable.
Say “please” and “thank you”
Do not use text shorthand (i.e. u= you; 2 = to, too)
Avoid using all caps (yelling) and all lower case (mumbling)
Begin and end your as you would a letter (dear, sincerely yours)
Ask permission before sending attachments
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9. Telephone/Cell Phone Etiquette
Turn cell phones off or on vibrate
Keep personal calls to a minimum
Do not talk with food in your mouth or use foul language
Don’t use cell phones in restrooms or bring them to meetings
Try not to talk too loudly or use speakerphones
Don’t leave your party on an extended hold
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10. Time Management
Be on time allow for traffic, accidents and getting lost
Prioritize your tasks and plan your day
Say no to nonessential tasks
Complete work on time
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11. Attitude Be friendly, relaxed, happy and positive
Be eager to shoulder responsibility
Demonstrate what you can do to help
Carry your weight
Show patience and never overreact
Be sincere
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12. Break-time Etiquette Don’t talk with your mouth full
Avoid smelly and messy foods
Use silverware
Avoid eating noises (slurping, gulping)
Be considerate of others when refrigerator space is shared
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13. Best Practices Limit internet use to work related topics
Stay awake at your desk and during meetings
Don’t contribute to office gossip
Avoid discussions about religion, politics, your sex life, family problems, career aspirations and health problems
Don’t borrow from or lend money to co-workers
Don’t read s and faxes on someone else's desk
Maintain a professional list and friends list on social networking sites like Facebook
Review and adhere to your companies solicitation policy.
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14. Conclusion
First impressions are key in getting you noticed and advancing your career within any organization. Treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Don’t be afraid to practice what you’ve learned here when dealing with family and friends. As your etiquette skills improve, you will be able to spot bad manners during your daily interactions. Don’t pick up any bad habits but strive to make good business etiquette a natural part of your daily routines. Good Luck!
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15. Next Steps
If you haven’t chosen a career path yet, visit our tutorial “Choosing a Career”. Then begin working on your resume and cover letter using “Resume Essentials” and “Cover Letters”.
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16. Online Quizzes
Etiquette Quiz Telephone Etiquette Quiz Workplace Etiquette Quiz
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17. Resources and References
Your First Job Making a Good Impression By Dawn Rosenberg McKay
Job Etiquette By Ajanta Bhattacharyya
Etiquette tips : office etiquette by Deborah Ng
How to Deal With Personal Issues at Work By Dawn Rosenberg McKay
Emily Post Business Etiquette
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