Basic Business Etiquette Tips for Young Professionals

Imagine job hunting in the 21st century! This is the reality of many young professionals. Fortunately for some, they have managed to gain employment shortly after being interviewed, while others have attended several futile interview sessions. Many are unsuccessful in these interviews for various reasons. In this feature, I want to highlight a few tips that will help you, our young professionals, to gain a competitive advantage during the interview process and increase the likelihood of getting the job or promotion you want.

Your assessment and evaluation begin long before you actually attend the interview. They begin with that first call you place to the organization to inquire about any vacancies, that follow-up call you make after your application is sent, the very email you send with your attached documents, or more recently, your social media interactions. So, it is important to always present yourself as best as you can.

In your pursuit of elevating yourselves as professionals, you are always expected to demonstrate a sound knowledge of business etiquette long before you enter the world of work. For more than one reason, the job interview is one such opportunity that allows you to demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to secure a particular position. Though your skills alone will not allow you to get that dream job, attributes such as being able to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms and displaying good manners and social etiquette have the power to set you apart from your competition.

Be Prepared

If you truly want to be successful in a job interview, you must show interest in the organization. This is done by researching the organization and its culture, its employers and employees, and the possible interviewer or interviewers. Be sure to take note of its strengths and weaknesses, and how you can enhance those qualities or bring about a positive change. Information about the organization or the interviewers can be retrieved from Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, among several other websites and social media platforms.

I like that etiquette aims to ensure that you and the people around you are comfortable. As a result, your actions are less likely to offend others. Notably, good manners teach us to be kind, respectful and considerate. So, while it is customary for the interviewers to have copies of your application and resume, it doesn’t hurt if you carry extra copies to the interview. Enter the interview room with a portfolio that has been neatly organized with extra copies of all your documents (resumé, application letter, identification card, birth and qualification certificates, and letters of recommendation). Take at least two pens, a pencil, a notepad – preferably a new one – and/or clean paper, just in case you need them.

Dress for Success

Did you know that you are judged by what you wear? Fashion designer and renowned businesswoman Coco Chanel summed it up nicely when she said, "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman." It is said that you only get five to seven seconds to make a first impression. That’s in the blink of an eye! Obviously, upon your arrival at the interview, the first impression you make sets the tone. Don't jeopardize your chance of being hired by dressing inappropriately. Having understood the culture of the organization through your research, it would be up to you to choose the appropriate business attire that will positively influence the interviewer's perception of you and boost your self-confidence. You want to be seen as a polished professional, whether the culture of the organization is conservative or relaxed. Whatever that culture is, you are going to learn it, practise it, and become it.

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the ever-changing nature of fashion. Clothes and their formalities – or lack thereof – have changed with it. Therefore, what was once exclusively thought of as the ideal, professional office attire, such as a tailored suit with matching socks and a matching pair of shoes, belt, shirt, and tie for the males is now outdated. Similarly, the females who were expected to wear mid-calf dresses or tailored suits with matching stockings do so less evidently today. Instead, we see chinos, oxford shirts, and long-sleeved shirts with ties and blazers. Additionally, there are trending multi-coloured or bright solid-coloured socks, designer belts, close-fitting dresses and pencil skirts, neon and multi-coloured jackets, jet black and knitted stockings… the list cannot be exhausted! These new trends are neither sophisticated nor appropriate for the business world.

Trends will come and go, so dress conservatively, and stick to your darker, solid colours such as navy blue, brown, and charcoal grey. Remember that you can't go wrong with black. To accessorize, stick to your pastels like baby pink, lavender, ice blue, sky blue or white, which will enhance your professional demeanour. Dress for your size, body type, and personality. If you must stand out, do so for the right reasons.

Always put your best shoes forward. Selecting your shoes is very important, and the appropriateness varies across industries. However, I recommend that you remain cautious and choose a more conservative pair of shoes. For instance, a couple of black or brown laced-up or slip-on shoes for the males, and a pair of black or brown closed-toe pumps – no higher than three inches – for the females, especially if the job will require you to stand for extended periods.

Practise Good Hygiene

Indeed, dressing for success is about your attire, overall appearance, and hygiene. You must pay keen attention to your hygiene, which includes taking a shower and using appropriate deodorant or antiperspirant. To avoid bad breath, brush your teeth and always have some kind of breath freshener on hand, whether in aerosol or strip form. Ensure that your fingernails are neat and clean, and if you wear nail polish, they should be free of chips. Get your hair nicely groomed so that no hair will fall and prevent your interviewers from seeing your entire face.

Be on Time

Arrive early: at least ten to fifteen minutes before your scheduled time. This will give you ample time to settle down and familiarize yourself with the environment. Bear in mind that you have prepared for that big day, so you don’t want to ruin it by being late. Like the rest of the preparation you have put in, you need to plan to be early. Remember that you may or may not be the only one scheduled to be interviewed on the day in question, so you don’t want to be held responsible for spoiling the entire day for everyone and making a poor first impression.

Put your People Skills to Work

You are reminded to be courteous to everyone you meet. After all, you don't know where their influence stops. Make eye contact, own your voice, greet politely, and smile periodically. These little things will help you appear confident and likeable, warm, and friendly. Your interviewer will also think that you are enjoying your time with them. It is also at this stage that your ability to communicate orally is put to the test. Remember to greet each person personally and professionally, followed by extending a hand for a handshake. In greeting, you want to show respect for honorifics and address females and males appropriately. Here are some common titles we use when addressing people:

Dr. - Used when addressing someone who has earned their doctorate or completed relevant medical schooling

Mrs. - Used when addressing married women

Miss - Used when addressing unmarried women below the age of eighteen

Ms. - Used when addressing women over the age of eighteen and those whose marital statuses you are unsure of. This is usually pronounced with the s taking on a z sound (miz)

Mr. - Used when addressing a man, and

Mstr. - Used when addressing a young man below the age of eighteen and is the abbreviated form of Master

It is recommended that you use only these titles unless otherwise cautioned.

Ace the Interview

It is advised that you listen attentively to questions asked and respond accordingly. Remember that you are under no pressure to respond quickly, so take your time to think through each response. Seek clarity if you do not understand or if the question sounds ambiguous to you, then deliver your response clearly and concisely. Be truthful when providing your responses; you don't want to furnish false information that will cost you your job if the truth is found out. Just as it is forbidden to discuss medical conditions, race, religion, politics, and sex in other social settings, so it is for an interview. Ask questions: a lack of questions can be interpreted as a lack of interest in the position. Prepare at least three pertinent questions that you will ask your interviewer.

Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

Immediately after your interview, thank your interviewer(s) for their time. It is also an excellent gesture to reiterate something of importance that stood out to you. To appear more polished and professional, you can also follow up with an official email expressing your appreciation. This action will most definitely set you apart, and up for success.