Things to take note of:
- Mention the name of the person of authority or importance first
- Rise, if you are sitting down
- Establish eye contact
- Shake hands
- Introduce a senior to a junior/a man to a lady when they are of equal status
- Never introduce yourself with title
- Talk about safe topics (eg. weather, travel, sports, arts)
- Be aware of bad mouth odour
- Practise good body language
According to Tuxedo.sg, a poor introduction is the number one mistake to avoid in the business world. I have to agree, as first impressions can decide if you should fail or succeed, and first impressoins will stay for a very long time.
Business Etiquette Mistake #1: A Poor Introduction: A handshake is the first impression another person gets of you in the business world. Fumbling here might mean that you're judged to be an undesirable candidate for a job, partner for a business venture, or employer for a promotion. Remember, in the business world, every time you see a career acquaintance both inside and outside of the office, you'll be shaking hands, meaning that your whole business life will be filled with mini introductions. A firm handshake is first and foremost important. If you have a weak handshake, you may come off as a weak businessperson. In addition, stand up to shake someone's hand if you have been sitting and make eye contact. When you are meeting someone for the first time, it is also proper etiquette to repeat his or her name, which will help you remember the name for later as well. Forgetting someone's name is a sure way to make a bad impression!
The only reason why I've mentioned above about first impressions can decide if a person should fail or succed is simply because that it is highly competitve in the industry. You may one out of thirty candidates going for a particular interview. Once you make a mistake, in perhaps giving a weak handshake, you may have already lost the battle to twenty others who know how to give good and firm handshakes. It does not matter if you are highly capable when it comes to job scopes of what are expected of the position you are applying, as you have no chance to prove your worth as an employee once you fail the interview by setting a bad first impression.
Just last Friday, I went for a job interview as I need to apply for an intern position for my 3.2 semester. The day before, not only did I read up on the company's profile, I also familarised myself with business etiquette's "Dos" and "Don'ts" as I wanted to set a professional image of myself for my potential employer. It was a smart move, as I felt prepared and confident knowing what to do and what not to do during the interview. I was not lost; I could give a firm handshake, appear confident with the right eye contact, facial expressions and sitting posture, and know what to say for small talks as my potential employers were very friendly people.
I thought my body language that day was rather good for a girl who goes around slouching on all other days. I sat up straight, maintained good eye contacts and just the right amount of smiles, and kept my elbows and hands off the table.
As it was my first interview, which also meant my first-time-practice of the business etiquettes, I did not expect that just these etiquettes alone could score me the intern position when the company was only hiring one intern. I have not given them an answer though. However, I have not belittled the power of business etiquette practice eversince then. The result of the interview has made a huge impact on me on how you can actually get yourself a job as long as pay attention to follow up on the simple rules of business etiquette.
I feel that business etiquettes are knowledge which all business students should cultivate into their heads. Put the internship aside, there will come a day which I will need to enter the working society. And I cannot stress on the utility of knowing how to meet and greet as you will need the knowledge when you meet your interviewer, when you meet your boss, when you meet your clients, when you meet your potential business partners... All these will just happen on a day-to-day basis. Hence, by knowing how to meet and greet, it ensures me a good start in my future career.
I shall end this entry off with a lighthearted tutorial on handshaking.
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