Professional Etiquette in the Workplace

Professional Etiquette

in the Workplace

University Career Center

1601 Irving Hill Road • Burge Union, 110

Lawrence, KS 66045 • 785-864-3624

KUCareerHawk.com • [email protected]

IntroductionsIntroduce…•A younger person to an older person

•A non-official person to an official person

•In the professional world: the junior to the senior

Explain who people are and use their full names

Don’t assume people want to be called by their first name—wait until you are told to use a first name

Handshakes

• Make a V with your thumb and forefinger

• Extend your arm across your body• Not too hard or weak• Two pumps (approximately)• Make a good first impression

Name Tags• Should be worn on the right hand side of your

front shoulder area

• If on a chord, should be in the upper middle of your chest

• Pay attention to people’s names on their nametag when meeting them and use their name once you have been introduced

Body Language• First impressions are extremely important - your initial

meeting forms a lasting impression

• Use good eye contact

• Smiling is an important non-verbal behavior - it shows interest and approachability

• Lean forward, look engaged in the conversation, don’t slouch

• Look and act interested

Business Attire: Professional

Women:• Conservative suit (dark colored)• Conservative blouse• Skirt (at least knee length) or

pants• Hosiery• Conservative matching shoes• Conservative minimal• jewelry• Light on the make- up• Hair out of face

Men:• Conservative suit (dark

colored)• Matching conservative

collared shirt• Matching tie (basic)• Dark Shoes• Socks that match your

suit• Jewelry: watch only• Clean cut: hair and face

Business Attire: Casual

•Nothing low cut, tight, or revealing

•No jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

•Use an iron!

•Find out the dress code of your organization

•Think conservative, but you can be more trendy than you can with business professional (usually)

Socializing VS. Gossiping in the Work Place

Socializing:• Friendly conversation• Work related• Small talk (appropriate

topics)• Anyone can hear it• Usually encouraged in small

amounts• Helps with camaraderie

among co-workers

Gossiping:• Not everyone can hear it• Usually potentially hurtful• Inappropriate topics• Can lead to trouble• Can lead to tension• Involves others as source of

topics• Reminds you of junior high

Tips: Stay away from cliques; be nice and friendly; volunteer to help out when you can; have appropriate fun; communicate with others

Communication: General• Be nice and courteous- “please” and “thank you”• Listen• Don’t interrupt• Share information with colleagues-new resources,

interesting articles, valuable information they need to know, etc.

• Respond in the same form in which you were contacted: ex. voicemail to phone call, not email

• Avoid sensitive topics: politics, religion, etc.• Avoid foul language, offensive terms/phrases

Communication: Email• Your email address should be professional, not

[email protected]• Be careful with personal emails/accounts at work;

know the policy • Use proper grammar and punctuation in email• Watch the sarcasm! It’s hard to read through email• Avoid emoticons in professional correspondence• Have a signature attached to your emails with your

title, contact information, etc.• Address people by Ms. or Mr. unless they have

requested otherwise or used only their first name in their signature

Communication: Phone

• Keep a pen and paper by your phone to take notes

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace• Don’t eat or chew gum while talking to someone• Don’t talk in a public place on your mobile phone• Turn your mobile phone off!• Leave a message: state your name (spell if

needed) and say your phone number, while you write it down

Communication: Phone Continued

• Monitor your personal message: Is it appropriate?• Always return messages (be timely-aim for within 24

hours)• Avoid texting at work while in a meeting• If your boss texts you, make sure you check your

messages for spelling and grammar before sending your response

• Personal calls at work—be careful and know the rules

University Career Center

1601 Irving Hill Road ● Burge Union, Room 110 ● Lawrence, KS 66045

785-864-3624 ● KUCareerHawk.com