Business Etiquette for High School and College Grads

An etiquette of business is an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal by Tara Weiss caught my eye the other day: College Courses Teach Young Adults How to Make Small Talk. 

 The article made good points that young graduates do not feel sufficiently well prepared for professional, in-person business interactions.  Today, any new professional must be digitally literate, but they must also be prepared to forge business relationships, contribute to face-to face conversations and to express themselves clearly.  For some young people who are shy and/or accustomed to digital interaction via their phones, “face-to- face conversations are more nerve-racking than decoding Chaucer,” the article stated.

At London Image Institute, we train image consultants who help seasoned and new professionals with a wide range of basic etiquette concepts. Our image consultants also teach the art of conversation, tips and techniques on professional appearance, behavior, and communication to all levels of professionals. 

While much of today’s job-seeking activities are done online, at some point young graduates leaving high school or college are going to have to present themselves professionally, pleasantly and with credibility to businesspeople with no mobile phone, texting, or email.  Landing that job will likely come down to face-to-face interaction even for remote positions. When meeting hiring managers, recruiters, or potential colleagues, it pays to ensure you’re presenting a professional image –virtually and in-person!  

Exuding Confidence and Professionalism in Appearance

Confidence plays a significant role in making a good first impression. When you exude confidence, you inspire others to also have confidence in you. Being prepared for interviews and doing your homework before such meetings are key to building confidence. Your outward appearance, body language, and communication style also contribute to the way you convey a sense of self-assurance and self-worth. 

At London Image Institute, we emphasize dressing appropriately for the business occasion. Ditch the jeans and T-shirts and invest in at least one group of clothes for professional networking events. The safest bet for men is to start with a blue suit or a tailored jacket or blazer. Match them with two pairs of well-cut quality cotton or wool pants, three dress shirts: blue, pinstriped and a light check, and one tie that matches everything. Leather, slip-ons such as Gucci loafers and matching socks complete the look. Ladies, consider getting a tailored jacket, a coordinating dress, or a trouser suit and two pairs of tailored pants with three small print or solid blouses or tops. Be more creative than black and choose teal, dark green, purple, burgundy, camel or blue. Tweed and checks are useful for jackets as their colors can coordinate with separates. Complete the look with low to medium heeled pumps and a medium sized shoulder bag to leave your hands free. The bag needs to carry a wallet, a phone, and a resume. Personal name cards are a useful tool with your name, email, and phone number, and you can design and print them yourself.

Pay attention to grooming details. Ladies, watch that the blouses sit neatly around the neck without sliding under the lapels; and men, when no tie is worn you can fix the shirt collars with metal collar stays to sit up perkily, framing the sides of the neck. 

These days hair for men is short and very tidy beards are acceptable, although clean shaven faces are professional and show your jawline, a powerful part of a man’s face. Ladies, have your hair trimmed to banish the split ends and ask for a good shape, to add weight and design. Tie your locks back or wear the hair down if it doesn’t flop or cover your face. One tip that really works: wear mascara and especially lipstick with color, because it brightens your eyes, skin and teeth. Manicures are a good idea for men and women because you show your hands a lot as you speak. 

Speak with Confidence and Clarity

Once you have made a positive impression through your appearance, it’s time to focus on verbal communication skills. The way you speak, your tone, and your choice of words can also communicate confidence and expertise.

Effective verbal communication involves speaking clearly, confidently, and with purpose. Here are some key tips to consider:

1. Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace: Enunciate your words clearly and ensure your speech is at a pace that is easy for others to follow. Speaking too quickly or softly can make it difficult for others to comprehend your message.
2. Practice active listening: Demonstrate your attentiveness by listening to what others say. Avoid interrupting, and make sure to ask relevant questions to show your understanding and engagement.
   
3. Use positive language: Choose your words carefully, focusing on positive and respectful language. Avoid negative or confrontational phrases that may create an unpleasant atmosphere or damage relationships.

4.  Be concise and to the point: Aim to communicate your ideas concisely, avoiding unnecessary jargon or excessive details. Being able to articulate your thoughts in a straightforward manner is highly valued in a business setting.

5. Show enthusiasm and passion: When discussing your business or presenting ideas, convey your enthusiasm and passion. Enthusiasm is contagious and can help captivate your audience, leaving a lasting impression.

Handshakes, Introductions, Connecting with People

Handshakes.

Sometimes you will need to shake hands with people and the handshake tells volumes about your personality, because it involves touch. Many young people from other cultures do not shake hands and confide that they don’t know how to do it correctly. A comfortable handshake requires you to stand close enough to the other person and lift your forearm with an outstretched hand. They lift theirs, and no stretching is needed. The web is the curve between your thumb and first finger and those should connect, both facing the ceiling in a professional handshake, never twisted over. Grasp the back of the other’s hand with a firm but gentle touch using your fingers, and perform the pump shake 2-3 times.  In the Western world a handshake is always accompanied with eye contact and a genuine smile coming from the eyes and the mouth. 

Introductions.

Just in case an introduction is needed there are a few rules to follow. In a Job Market or near an exhibition table you might just be asking for information and introductions aren’t necessary. When you want to speak longer to the other person you will need to introduce yourself.If you happen to forget, kindly express with a smile: ‘Apologies, I seem to have misplaced my manners. May I ask for your name?’ In case you are prompted to introduce yourself initially, share your full name and then politely request to be addressed by your Christian or first name.”

If the situation requires another fact about you, say what you studied and from which college or university and any other interesting fact or post graduate situation. 

Introducing two people.

Etiquette rules state that when introducing, you say the most important person’s name first and include a title if the person has an elevated role. “ Mr. Smith or Mr. John Smith I’d like you to meet my classmate, Jennifer Brown.” Add a linking sentence such as: “She and I both graduated recently from the local Business School. We would love to know more about the program you are offering in your organization.”

Building Authentic Connections

While grooming, body language, and verbal communication all contribute to a good first impression, building authentic connections is what truly sets you apart. Instead of focusing solely on impressing others, aim for genuine interactions that establish trust and build relationships. Here are a few strategies to help you achieve this:

1. Show genuine interest in others: Ask thoughtful questions and actively listen to the responses. Show curiosity about the other person’s background, experiences, and goals. People appreciate when others hear and understand them.
   
2. Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Embrace your unique qualities and let your true personality shine through. Practice actual examples to illustrate any event or occasion you are proud of. It is refreshing to tell one on yourself, but a great tip is also to mention how you address the issue. Authenticity is refreshing and helps establish a sense of trust.

3. Find common ground: In an informal business conversation it’s important to be genuinely interested in the other person. Ask questions and look for shared interests or experiences that can serve as a basis for connection. Identifying commonalities helps to create a more meaningful and memorable interaction. “Oh that’s interesting. How did you solve it?” “What happened?”

4. Be ready for the “Tell Me about Yourself” question.  In an interview or in a natural conversation you often get asked to talk about yourself.  Be careful not to overdo it – a description of your childhood is likely not pertinent!  Have personal anecdotes ready and practice the delivery. Your selective anecdotes should demonstrate that you know your unique qualities, whether personal or professional.  Consider providing an example of a time when you met and  overcame a challenge. Outline your contribution to the situation, and add in the final outcome or result. It shouldn’t be a lengthy account.  Time yourself to a pithy 20-30 second account. Yes, it’s possible!

5. Have your 20 second elevator pitch ready! You should adapt it to the situation with different versions for a business after hours vs. a formal interview. Know the points you want to make, and practice so that your delivery is natural and not stiff. Ironically, it takes a lot of practice to sound natural and unrehearsed!

6. Your name and degree; b. Any stellar grades or awards you should mention; c. Positions with companies or charities you have had. E.g. work experience. d. Hobbies, sports, or travel or activities you are proud of.

If appropriate, add the anecdote that illustrates your qualities. Don’t just say, I’m good at communication. Illustrate with an example. 

6. Follow up promptly: After an initial meeting or networking event, make it a point to follow up promptly with a personalized message or email. Referencing specific points of the conversation shows that are engaging and value the interaction. You can include in the email the reasons you think you would be a perfect fit for the job. Add your resume to the email or letter. 

Opening Doors to Opportunities

A negative or underwhelming initial encounter can lead to missed opportunities or closed doors. Conversely, a well-crafted first impression can open doors to new possibilities and accelerate your success.

In today’s interconnected world, social media and professional networking platforms often serve as first touchpoints for potential connections. Ensuring your online presence is consistent with your professional image is crucial. Take the time to audit your social media footprint.  Look at your posts from the perspective of a job recruiter.  What should you change when looking at it through this lens.

London Image Institute is Your Partner for Success

Making a good first impression in business etiquette is of utmost importance. It can determine whether you attract or repel potential colleagues, employers, or collaborators; consequently, it ultimately shapes the perception others have of you.

By projecting trust, credibility, confidence, and professionalism, you lay the groundwork for building fruitful business relationships.

If you are ready to take your professional image to the next level and unlock new opportunities, London Image Institute is your partner for success. Visit our website to explore our range of courses, consulting services, and resources. Invest in yourself and your professional image today, and watch as you create a lasting impact in the business world.

www.londonimageinstitute.com 

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Authored by Leigh Woisard and Lynne Marks