Not Your Mother’s Etiquette Lesson

Students might remember their mother’s advice about proper table manners, but on Wednesday, Nov. 11, leaders from the Insalaco Center for Career Development had a different kind of etiquette in mind. An etiquette workshop was held in the Mary Kintz Bevivino Library to help students be confident when interacting with potential employers. Bernadette Rushner and Robert Williams led a group of 12 students through the general rules of introductions, interview attire and dining etiquette.

The event began with common ways of introducing oneself to prospective employers or business associates. Presenters emphasized the “pause/part/punch” method: Rushmer explained that during introductions it is important to give one’s first name, pause and then give one’s last name while shaking hands so one’s name does not get lost in communication, which could make it difficult to understand. It is proper to repeat the other person’s name to help with remembering it in the future while still seeming very interested in the introduction, said Rushmer.

Another tip was about wearing a nametag or badge on one’s shirt. When a nametag is worn, it should be worn on the left hand side on one’s body. The reason for the placement of this accessory is that when people shake hands, the left side shifts away thus allowing the nametag to still be visible to read if placed on the right.

Rushmer and Williams then divided the class into groups by gender in different rooms. While in these groups, the discussion of appropriate and suggested dress for interviews according to one’s gender was discussed.

Women were told that skirted suits in navy or charcoal gray are preferred. The reason behind the choice of color is because future employer can be distracted by bright colors instead of focusing on the interview. Next, the skirt must be of an appropriate length and the blouse should be white, off-white, blue cotton or silk. Shoes should be low to medium leather heels with a closed toe. Minimal makeup is preferred and should be worn, while fingernails should be neatly trimmed and preferably polish-free or use a neutral color. Finally, the rule of thumb about accessories is that no more than 13 pieces should ever be worn at one time. This would include belts, buttons, bracelets, watches, rings and earrings. “’Tis better to risk over-dressing for an interview than under-dressing,” said Rushmer.

The men were told that a single-breasted navy or charcoal gray suit is best for interviewing. Shirts should be long-sleeved white or any other light-colored oxford shirts. Ties should be maroon or red silk, depending of the color of the shirt, while still having a small, if any, conservative pattern. Dark socks should be worn to match one’s belt, and shoes should always match those same colors. A watch may be worn only if it is professional-looking and does not have an alarm that may sound during the interview.

Williams then told the men about the Windsor knot ties. These knots have an interesting history. There was once a club called the Windsor Club. These members developed a secret tie knot. Only the club members knew how to knot the tie in this particular way, thus making it exclusive and only visible to other members. These knots are more v-shaped and classier than a regular knot. He then showed everyone a video from You Tube entitled, “How to Tie a Tie.”

For both groups, the rules are the same for body piercing and tattoos: remove the piercing and cover the tattoos. They are not professional in any interview and are looked down upon.

Rushner and Williams then showed the group a presentation about dining etiquette. This was very informative and showed how to properly behave at a business dinner and which dining utensils to use for that particular course.

But most of all, the video showed that Mom was right about one thing: “Keep your elbows off the table.”