Professional etiquettes in the workplace

• Identify the importance of a professional presence
• Demonstrate a professional introduction and handshake
• Dress appropriately for the workplace
• Explain the impact that appearance can have on your career
• Utilize the most commonly accepted email best practices
• Write professional emails
• Make and receive calls using appropriate phone etiquette
• Practice and exhibit basic common courtesies

• The way you look and behave in public is a reflection of your maturity and conveys the level of importance you place on your job
• An outstanding first impression starts with a professional presence
• A professional presence is a combination of traits such as:
  • Poise
  • Competence
  • Style
  • Credibility
  • Self-confidence

There are three types of formal introductions for which you should prepare:

1. Meeting someone you don’t know (where you initiate the introduction)
2. Meeting someone who has been introduced to you
3. Meeting a person of influence (potential employer, business owner, and so on)

• The way you dress for an interview is different, in most cases, from the way you will ultimately dress for work.
• The best rule of thumb is to dress for the position you want next, not for the current position you hold or for which you are applying.
• Knowing how to dress for the workplace is one of the toughest transitions new professionals have to make.

TIP

Dressing professionally does not mean completely abandoning personal style and taste, but the trick is knowing what is acceptable and what is not

The following items are not acceptable to wear to work:

• “Sweat” clothes (athletic suits, workout gear, and the like)
• Clothes with holes, rips, or frays (even if they are in style)
• T-shirts with offensive language or images
• Pajama bottoms or tops
• Revealing clothes of any kind

Often, employees are invited to attend special functions such as:

• holiday parties, annual company parties, or awards ceremonies

You may also be asked to attend:

•  off-site meetings, third-party training sessions, or conventions

A common mistake employees make is believing the notion that attending a workplace party is an invitation to drink and go nuts! 

• Don’t be the “life of the party”, or it could literally end your career 
• Remember that you are still representing your company, so behave like a professional
• Have fun, but don’t go overboard

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines courtesy as behaviour marked by polished manners or respect for others.

Basic common courtesies in your everyday and professional life:

• Always say “please” and “thank you”
• Never intentionally embarrass another person
• Do not talk only about yourself
• Do not gossip
• Do not stare or point at someone
• Do not talk too loudly
• Do not ask intrusive personal questions
• Send thank you notes to anyone who has gone out of his or her way to assist you

In addition to the basic courtesies previously addressed, you’ll want to observe some manners while dining with others:

• Sit with good posture
• If applicable, lay a napkin on your lap
• Start eating only when the host is seated and has started eating
• If there is no obvious “host”, wait for everyone else before you start eating
• Take small bites and keep your mouth closed when chewing
• Keep you area clean and tidy

• Say “excuse me” if you have to use the restroom and wash your hands before returning to the table
• Don’t dip your chip or other food after you’ve bitten into it
• If you’ve used your fork or spoon in your mouth, do not use it to serve yourself more food out of a common dish. Get a new utensil or use the communal serving utensil
• Last but not lease, write a thank you note

1. Use spell and grammar check
2. Avoid abbreviations
3. Use sentence case
4. Don’t use email for everything
5. Don’t send chain letters, virus warnings or junk mail
6. Select “high priority” only in emergencies or when an immediate response is required
7. Remember that email isn’t private
8. Avoid emoticons
9. Use the subject field to indicate content and purpose
10. Keep messages brief and to the point
11. Reply. No matter what
12.  Never put in an email message anything that you wouldn’t want made public
13.  Do not assume you know the tone of an email
14.  Don’t change the wording of the original email
15.  Do not forward another person’s message without permission
16.  Use the Bcc and Cc options appropriately
17.  Be sparing with group email
18.  Use a signature that includes contact information
19.  Know the specific culture of your company

• The importance of answering the phone for a business should never be underestimated. We all become the “face of our business” every time we answer the phone.
• In today’s competitive job market, every contact you have with a potential employer needs to be a favourable one. The first few seconds of a phone call will leave a lasting impression of you. Make sure it’s a positive one!

Essentials of Professional Phone Skills:

1. Answer the phone properly
2. Listen with intent
3. Use appropriate pitch and voice tone
4. Remain calm
5. Leave effective messages