Business Etiquette & Professionalism

What does professionalism mean to you?

Work Place Etiquette Professionalism…what is it? Your professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents (ex: clients, managers, professors, colleagues) It is also RESPECT

Work Place Etiquette Respect for others Recognizing that other people’s time is as valuable as yours (being on time, canceling appointments or meetings ahead of time if you cannot make them) Always pay attention! Don’t make promises you cannot keep. Follow through is important! If you are unable to meet a project goal or other expectation let those involved know the new timeline and that you are working on it. Don’t just ignore. Take responsibility for your behavior – successes and failures

Do’s and don’ts Dress

Work Place Etiquette - Dress Prepare a few business casual (or professional dress if that's your office's style) outfits for the first few weeks and get a feel for what mid- and senior-level professionals wear. Males As for the first few days, men should wear khaki pants or dress slacks with a button- down, long sleeve shirt. Avoid the short-sleeve polo. (It might be okay, but err on the side of caution) Females Wear pants or a skirt that comes--at least--to just above your knee. Avoid flip-flops and no tank-tops

Work Place Etiquette - Dress

Work Place Etiquette - Dress

Professional communication Do’s and don’ts Professional communication

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Employer Communication – Do’s Communicate effectively Write down all topics you want to discuss Be clear with what you need Schedule your communication Be an active listener and listen respectfully Be assertive, not aggressive Assume best intent Keep an open mind and be flexible Have a positive attitude Communicate regularly (too much is better, than not enough) Suggest and listen to feedback (DON’T BE A KNOW-IT-ALL)

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Employer Communication – Don’ts React or get upset Gossip or spread rumors Don’t be on your phone Go to your supervisor when you’re stressed/upset Give yourself a few minutes to clear your head

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Person-to-Person Welcome and Introduce Yourself Smile and make eye contact (cultural*); firm handshake How can I help you? Listen and repeat for clarification Provide answers and follow up if needed Ask if there are further questions Be aware of body language and cultural differences Remember your speaking volume and tone Always ask questions if you do not know the answer! Do not give the wrong information.

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Person-to-Person Have your head down, not paying attention to what is going on around you Provide long and complicated answers or use departmental jargon Inappropriate body language Answer questions that you don’t know

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Emails – Do’s Do you have a professional email? What’s your subject? Use a professional email address Be clear and direct Paraphrase Tailor conversation to audience Watch your tone Use professional salutations Exercise cultural awareness Be respectful Be empathetic Provide accurate information Add a signature block Add the email address last

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Emails – Don’ts Leave the subject line empty Use text speech lol, ttyl, brb Emoji’s Be sarcastic and use jokes Be rude Yell (all caps and exclamation points) Be too familiar Write too much – keep messages short Demand or insist

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Phone Calls – Do’s Taking calls Identify yourself, department or company Greet them with the time of day ( good morning, good afternoon, etc.) Smile Listen to caller’s request Making Calls Determine what you’re going to say before the call Identify yourself Be clear and concise Use your voice and watch your language Be polite and friendly Adjust your volume Respect quiet zones

Work Place Etiquette - Communication Phone Calls – Don’ts Speak too loudly or softly Leave the caller on hold for a long period of time Check back every few seconds Use slang words Talk with your mouthful Ramble Argue Hang up first Leave long voice mails

Do’s and don’ts General Rules

Work Place Etiquette – Technology Corporate culture includes technology and it is your responsibility to be informed on company policies and procedures.  General Rules on Using Technology in the Workplace Learn your company's policy regarding the use of electronic devices in the workplace; if these policies are not shared, look on the company's web site. If not available, request the information from your manager or the human resources department. Understand that your company has the right to monitor your use of e-mail and may terminate you if you do not adhere to its policies. Beware of a false sense of security before sending an e-mail. Ask yourself if you would mind if your message was sent to the world. Remember you have no control where your message goes after you click send. Certain web sites can be off-limits; understand what these are. If you accidently log onto one of them immediately report it to your information security officer or IT department. Downloading of some programs can be prohibited (RealPlayer, freeware, shareware, games, and so on); find out what these are. It is often against company policy to use office technology for commercial or personal use. Set up a separate e-mail address for these purposes. If policies prohibit the personal use of the Internet during work hours, limit your use to breaks, lunch hours, or from your own home. If company guidelines permit a "reasonable use" for personal reasons, let your friends and family know of this restriction and ask them to respect this privilege.

Work Place Etiquette – Cell Phone usage Use may be restricted to breaks.  Know your company's policies. Select a ringtone that is appropriate for your work environment.  When talking on a cell phone, speak in a normal tone of voice.

Work Place Etiquette – Build a professional network Get a mentor! Do informational interviews with professionals and get their take on professionalism Join student or professional organizations Volunteer Job Shadow Do an internship!

Questions? Conclusion…