Dining Etiquette Target

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Dining Etiquette

Syracuse UniversitySpring 2007

Gregory J. VictoryAssociate Director

Career Services

Brought to you through the generous support of Target


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Despite the location, an interview is still aninterview.

In today's business world, a tremendousamount of business is conducted at adinner table.

Whether at home or in a restaurant, it is

important to have a completeunderstanding of how to conduct yourselfwhen entertaining or being entertained.

Keep in mind


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Before the Meal

Dress Appropriately

Men: A traditional suit is preferred to a blazer. The color should eitherbe a dark blue or grey in either a solid or invisible plaid with a pressed

long-sleeved (even in summer!) white dress shirt.

Women: Skirted suits are almost always preferable. A solid navy,grey or black suit with a solid or light colored blouse is recommended formost positions. Avoid brown, green or pastel suits. Business dresses areacceptable in fields that are less formal and less conservative.. No

dangling or distracting bracelets. Avoid purses of any size - carry aportfolio or briefcase instead.

Turn off Cell Phone

Be PunctualArrive no later than five, but no more than ten minutes early.


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Stay on TARGET

Should I Stand to shake hands with

someone at the dinner table?


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First Impressions

When escorted to a table by a maitre'd, theguest(s) tends to walk behind the host, theinterviewer will follow behind.

If you are seated before the others arrival, be sureto stand and shake hands.

Place napkin on your lap immediately following

the actions of the host. All leads should be takenfrom the host.


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Decoding the Menu

If the host makes a recommendation, use it as aprice guide as well.

Generally, as the guest, your order will be takenfirst.

Ask the server questions about the dish, but donot make too many substitutions.

Do not order more than two courses unless thehost makes a comment to do so.

Never order the most expensive thing on themenu.


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Stay on TARGET

How far can you reach across the

table?


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Decoding the Menu

Table DHote: Everything is included in the

price of the entre. (Beverages will beseparate)

Al La Carte: Each item is priced seperately.

When in doubt, ask your host for arecommendation.

Items to avoid: spaghetti, cherry tomatoes,etc


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Drinks

WaterAlways

Soft DrinkSometimes

AlcoholNever Soda water/lime

Any Questions?


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Stay on TARGET

What do you do if you drop your

napkin on the floor?


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Where is the food?

Between ordering and the foods arrival isprime conversation time.

Maintain good posture.

Remember Eye Contact.

Give equal time to all diners.

Keep jokes tasteful and to a minimum.

Topics to avoid: politics, religion, etc Take cues from the host.


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Bread/ Butter/ Appetizers

Butter individual, bite sized pieces of bread.

Place used butter knife on bread plate.

Take one appetizer portion and put in onplate.

Never, never, take the last portion.


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Stay on TARGET

What do you do if yourhost/hostess uses the wrong

utensil? Follow the lead or eat

correctly?


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What am I looking at?

Plate/Napkin

Dessert /Coffee Water

Wine

Wine

Coffee Cupand Saucer

Bread PlateButter Knife

MeatMeatSalad Salad

Soupseafood


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Tricks of the Table

To find where your place setting begins andends remember BMW: Bread-Meal-Water

When passing main dishes, always pass tothe right.

Use silverware from outside in.

Never cut more than three bites at a time.


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Stay on TARGET

Should one go out of his/her way touse utensils when eating finger

foods?


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Specifics

Soup: Spoon, dont slurp. Dont crush crackers. Do not slurpor tilt the bowl. Do not drink from your bowl unless you are inan Asian restaurant, where it is appropriate.

Salads: Salad bowl will be placed to the left of your plate or in

front of you. Do not move it. When finished, put fork on saladplate tines down between 10 and 4.

Beverage: Swallow completely and wipe you hands andmouth before taking a drink. This will keep glass free andclear from grease marks.

Pace your self with the host. Your meals should end at thesame time.


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Excuses Excuses Excuses

Try to refrain from leaving the table duringdinner.

If necessary excuse yourself from the table,exit on the right. Place your napkin on yourseat. A napkin on the table signals the endof dinner.


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Stay on TARGET

What do I do to signal that I amfinished with my meal?


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Upcoming Target Series Events:

Negotiating SalariesThursday April 5

209 Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, 7 PM

Understanding Benefits PackagesThursday, April 12


Your Financial Health!Thursday, April 19thSchine 228B, 7 PM

Succeeding Your First Year on the JobThursday, April 26



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Center for Career Services

Suite 235/ Schine Student Center

315-443-3616

[email protected]

http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/

Special Thanks to TARGET

Dining Etiquette Target

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