Attended a course on business etiquette on Tuesday afternoon with Elaine and Fionna. It was a great session and the consultant – Ms Marion Teo – was great with dishing out advice and tips for everyone.
Some general tips for a networking session.
1. Start the greeting with a “Good Afternoon” or “Good evening”. “Hi” or “Hello” are considered informal and not appropriate at formal settings.
2. Always introduce yourself using your full name. i.e. Good afternoon, my name is Edwin Ting. (not simply Edwin). Always include your given name and your family name. Never put a Mr. or Ms in front of your name as it implies superiority which is a big no no for asian culture.
3. Only shake hands after the greeting. It usually happens after both parties have introduced their names and not both party are about to say: Nice to mee you. That would be the cue to shake hands.
4. Shake a firm handshake. Never shake with sweaty palms. Hold a handkerchief in your other hand and dab on it occasionally to dry your hands. You never want to be caught in a situation when you have to shake a hand and you start rubbing it all over your pants.
5. Guys should take their name cards out from their shirt pocket. Ladies out of the purse. Never take it out from below the waist level. Its considered rude. Ladies, lift your purse up to above the waist then take out the card holder, which was placed at a location readily accessible.
6. As usual use 2 hands to give the name card with words facing the receiver.
7. Guys stand on 2 feet and not 1. Roughly shoulders width apart and hands by your side or at the back. Do not put your hands fingers crossed right in front of the crotch area. Ladies stand with poise, possibly 1 leg infront of the other aka model, or just stand on 2 feet with knees and legs close to each other.
8. Stand at arms length from the person. We do not want to invade other people’s personal space.
A little on interview tips.
1. Knock on the door (if its close) before you enter the interview room.
2. Enter the room and close the door without turning your back towards the panel of interviewees.
3. Either stand there and make an introduction then walk up to the chair OR walk up to your chair and introduce yourself. Pick one that suits your style and something that will show your confidence.
4. Never sit down till the interviewer invites you to. Sit down without breaking eye contact with the interviewer.
5. Don’t fidget!
6. Rest your hands on your tighs as that will be the position that prevent you from fidgetting too much.
7. Always make eye contact.
8. When leaving, walk to the door, BUT when you walk out of the room, face the interviewers and walk out. Do not walk out with your back towards them.
What is an appropriate formal attire?
Guys:
1. Suits should be matching with pants. i.e. colour, shade, materials should all be matching for it to be considered formal.
2. Tie should be of a lighter colour than pants.
3. colour of the belt should be the same as the shoe
4. colour of socks should be the same as the shoe
5. never half more than 5 accessories (ear rings, watch, cuff links, tie clips, etc.)
6. Clean finger nails (and no long ones)
Ladies:
1. Wear covered shoes. (or at least court shoe type of styles)
2. Wear a decent blouse under a jacket suit. In case there are reasons to take off the jacket.
3. never have more than 8 accessories (ear rings, necklace, etc)
4. Use colour appropriately.
5. Fingernails should not be more than 1 cm. Colouring is ok, as long as its not chipped.
6. stockings are necessary anymore.
Hmm … alot more pointers, but as I wasn’t paying so close attention to ladies stuff, I think I left out a number of stuff.
Perhaps ladies who were there can add on??!?!
And so, for an unproductive day, I learnt alot.!
Since that session took up 2 of my tutorials, I went to find my CS3230 professor after 4 pm to discuss the tutorial. He gave me a personal session in his office. (“,) Not bad, I think I got the materials covered. Afterall, I was the only want he was talking to. He even prgrammed right on the spot to let me see certain examples … hahaha … ok .. he is a good lecturer!
