Impact Center

Guide to Business Etiquette

Navigating the professional world can be challenging for students transitioning from the academic environment. Understanding and practicing proper business etiquette can make a significant difference in creating a positive impression and building professional relationships. 

Dining Etiquette

1. Before the Meal
   • Arrive on Time: Being punctual shows respect for others' time.
   • Dress Appropriately: Follow the dress code specified or choose business casual attire if unsure.
2. At the Table
   • Wait to be Seated: Follow the host’s lead and wait until everyone is seated.
   • Napkin Placement: Place the napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. If you need to leave the table, place the napkin on your chair.
   • Ordering Food: Avoid messy or difficult-to-eat dishes. If you are unsure about the menu, consider following the host's lead.
3. During the Meal
   • Utensil Usage: Use utensils from the outside in. The fork is typically on the left and the knife and spoon on the right.
   • Eat at a Moderate Pace: Do not rush and try to keep pace with others.
   • Polite Conversation: Engage in light, professional conversation. Avoid controversial topics.
   • Handling Utensils: Place utensils on your plate when finished. Position them parallel with handles at the 4 o'clock position to indicate you are done.
4. After the Meal
   • Thank the Host: Always express gratitude to the host or organizer.
   • Tip Appropriately: If you are responsible for the bill, ensure you tip according to the standard (typically 15-20%).

The Impact Center hosts a professional etiquette dinner during the fall semester. For more information, please visit our upcoming events page.

Communication Skills

Verbal Communication

1. Clarity and Conciseness
   • Speak Clearly: Enunciate your words to avoid misunderstandings.
   • Be Concise: Get to the point quickly. Avoid long-winded explanations unless necessary.
2. Active Listening
   • Pay Attention: Show genuine interest in the speaker.
   • Avoid Interrupting: Let the speaker finish before you respond.
   • Ask Questions: This shows engagement and helps clarify points.
3. Tone and Volume
   • Use an Appropriate Tone: Avoid being too casual or overly formal. Match your tone to the context.
   • Moderate Your Volume: Ensure you are heard without being too loud.

Non-Verbal Communication

1. Body Language
   • Maintain Eye Contact: This shows confidence and attentiveness.
   • Posture: Sit or stand up straight to convey confidence and interest.
   • Gestures: Use hand gestures to emphasize points, but avoid excessive movements.
2. Facial Expressions
   • Smile: A genuine smile can create a positive atmosphere.
   • Show Interest: Nod occasionally and respond to cues from the speaker.
3. Personal Space
   • Respect Boundaries: Maintain an appropriate distance (typically an arm's length) to avoid discomfort.

Written Communication

1. Professional Tone
   • Be Formal: Use a professional tone and avoid slang or overly casual language.
   • Proofread: Always check for spelling and grammatical errors before sending.
2. Clarity and Structure
   • Be Clear and Direct: State your purpose at the beginning and provide necessary details.
   • Use Proper Formatting: Use paragraphs, bullet points, and headings to make the content easy to read.
3. Email Etiquette
   • Use a Professional Email Address: Ensure your email address is appropriate for business contexts.
   • Subject Line: Make it clear and relevant to the content of the email.
   • Greetings and Signatures: Start with a polite greeting and end with a professional closing (e.g., "Best regards").

Things to Avoid

• Inappropriate Language: Avoid slang, jargon, or offensive language in all forms of communication.
• Over-Familiarity: Maintain professionalism and avoid becoming too casual too quickly.
• Ignoring Cultural Differences: Be aware of and respect cultural norms and differences in etiquette.
• Neglecting Follow-Ups: Always follow up on emails and meetings if required.

Best Practices

• Be Respectful: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the company’s culture and industry norms.
• Be Punctual: Always respect others' time by being punctual for meetings and responses.
• Practice Active Listening: Show engagement and interest in conversations.

By adhering to these guidelines, students can present themselves professionally and build positive relationships in the business world.

Guide to Appropriate Business Attire for Students

Understanding the different types of business attire is crucial for making a positive impression in professional settings. This guide outlines the various types of business attire, from formal to casual, and provides tips on how to dress appropriately for different occasions.

Types of Business Attire

1. Smart Casual
2. Business Casual
3. Business Professional

Smart Casual

When to Wear: Casual Fridays, informal meetings, or after-work events.

Men:

• Pants: Chinos, khakis, or dark jeans.
• Shirt: Polo shirt, button-down shirt, or a neat sweater.
• Jacket: Casual blazer or sports jacket.
• Shoes: Loafers, brogues, or clean sneakers.
• Accessories: Belt, watch, and minimal jewelry.

Women:

• Pants/Skirt: Dress pants, skirts, or dark jeans.
• Top: Blouse, neat sweater, or casual top.
• Jacket: Casual blazer, cardigan, or neat jacket.
• Shoes: Flats, loafers, or neat sneakers.
• Accessories: Simple jewelry and a neat handbag.

Business Casual

When to Wear: Daily office wear in traditional industries, important meetings, presentations.

Men:

• Suit: Dark or muted-colored suit.
• Shirt: Dress shirt in white, light blue, or pastel colors.
• Tie: Professional tie, allowing for more color and subtle patterns.
• Shoes: Polished leather shoes, preferably in black or brown.
• Accessories: Belt, watch, and minimal jewelry.

Women:

• Suit: Skirt or pantsuit in neutral colors.
• Blouse: Professional blouse or top.
• Shoes: Closed-toe shoes, heels, or flats.
• Accessories: Conservative jewelry and a professional handbag.

Business Professional

When to Wear: High-level meetings, corporate events, job interviews in conservative industries (e.g., finance, law).

Men:

• Suit: Dark suit (black, navy, or dark gray) with a matching jacket and trousers.
• Shirt: White or light-colored dress shirt.
• Tie: Conservative tie (no bold patterns or bright colors).
• Shoes: Polished black or brown leather shoes.
• Accessories: Minimalist belt, watch, and cufflinks if applicable.

Women:

• Suit: Tailored pantsuit or skirt suit in dark colors.
• Blouse: Crisp, white or light-colored blouse.
• Shoes: Closed-toe heels or flats in black or neutral colors.
• Accessories: Simple jewelry, a professional bag, and minimal makeup.

Tips 

1. Fit and Tailoring: Ensure your clothes fit well. Invest in tailoring for a polished look.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Invest in a few high-quality pieces rather than many cheaper items.
3. Neutral Colors: Choose neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched.
4. Personal Hygiene: Always prioritize cleanliness. Ensure clothes are clean, ironed, and in good condition.
5. Appropriate Accessories: Keep accessories minimal and professional. Avoid overly flashy items.
6. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how professionals in your industry dress and adapt accordingly.
7. Prepare for Variations: Be prepared for variations in dress code expectations depending on the company and event.

By understanding these different types of business attire and following these tips, students can present themselves confidently and professionally in any business setting.

The Impact Center offers free new and gently used professional clothing for students to use for an interview, presentation, or event. The clothing closet is open most weekdays, during the academic year, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.