Showing up for a job interview without preparation is like showing up for a final exam without studying!

To provide a positive first impression—and ace your job interview—there are a few things you can do BEFORE the big day.

1. Do your research. Find out everything you can about the organization where you’re interviewing. Combine that with the type of position you’re applying for within the company. Don’t be caught off guard if asked: What do you know about our company? (What they really want to know is: Did you prepare for this job interview by doing some research about us?)

 

2. If you plan to bring your portfolio, or any other information, take time to organize it well before you leave the house. You don’t want to appear disorganized by having to flip through documents to find a copy of your resume or examples of your work.

 

3. A day or two before your scheduled interview, scope our your interview location. Determine how long it will take you to get there on the day of your interview. Take into considerations things such as traffic flow for that time of day, construction detours, and anything else that may delay you. Everything you do and say at your interview is being reviewed—and your first test is to see if you show up on time.

 

4. If you carry a puse, make sure it’s well organized. That way if you’re asked for additional information during the interview, you can retrieve it quickly and easily.

 

5. Make sure your clothing is clean and doesn’t need repair (and that it fits properly!). Avoid flashy jewelry. Keep it simple. Many people make the mistake in thinking that no one will notice the small details. People do, especially when it’s their job to assess you to see if you’re a good fit for their company.

 
Have you interviewed for a job recently? Or are you a hiring manager who has some interview tips to share? We’d love to hear from you! Post in the comments below!

For additional interview etiquette tips, read “Outclass the Competition with Simple Interview Etiquette.“

I know Valentine’s Day is here already, but here are some Valentines Day etiquette tips that will ensure a romantic and memorable evening (and keep everyone out of the dog house!)

(Note: If you waited until today to buy a special Valentine’s Day card, you might be stuck with the leftover corny Valentine’s Day cards. Think about making your own card for your sweetie. Homemade gifts are always a hit in the romance department.)

• Turn your cell phones off: It goes without saying that you should give your date your undivided attention at all times, and most especially on such a romantic day as Valentine’s Day. Gentlemen: turn your cell phones off—and leave them off the table–so you’re not tempted to check sports scores during dinner, like this guy!
• Buying a gift: Valentines Day means different things to different people – depending on how long you’ve been together and how serious the relationship is. A traditional gift of flowers and chocolate are still time-honored traditions, and they fit into most budgets. Remember, it really is the thought that counts. Handwritten love letters are also a hit!
• Mind your table manners: As with any time you’re sharing a meal with someone, be sure to bring along your best table manners. Chewing with your mouth open or shoveling food into your mouth is NOT romantic.
• For the men: Remember the simple things, like opening the door for her, helping her with her coat, and pulling out her chair for her if the wait staff don’t do it for her.
• Who pays? Many women are still looking for that knight in shining armor–chivalry is desirable. So, men, pick up the tab unless your lady in waiting has extended the dinner invitation.

“Valentines hearts beat more passionately than everyday hearts”

~ Anonymous

 Wishing you all a very happy (and romantic) Valentines Day!

photo credit: pixieclipx 

With mobile technology today, it’s easy to scan an email, click “reply,” and send off a quick response without giving much thought to what you’ve written. And that can be dangerous.

When it comes to business communication—regardless of the mode of delivery—professionalism and courtesy should always be the first rule of thumb.

Here are some ways you can perfect your email etiquette to ensure you’re sending the “right” message:

Be clear in the subject line. The subject line should be a summary of the email message. Be clear and concise in the description. If you are emailing the same recipient on multiple topics, separate the emails by topic so the recipient can easily follow the trail of responses back and forth.

Keep the message brief and to the point. Your message should be brief and to the point, but not so slight that the message is lost. If the email includes several “back-and-forth” communications, delete irrelevant text so that no one has to scroll through a lengthy email to get the message. Keep only what is relevant to the conversation.

Avoid shortcuts and emoticons (use real words). As texting is becoming a popular way to communicate, you might find yourself tempted to use shortcuts in your email. Don’t do it! “The proposal looks ‘Gr8’” is not an acceptable response in business. And smiley faces might be nice to include in your personal email, but it makes your business communication look less than professional. If you wouldn’t use it in a written letter, don’t use it in a business email. J

Refrain from one-line responses. Not every email needs a response. Sending an email with a “Thanks!” or “Okay,” is unnecessary. If you don’t anticipate a response, you can also put “No Response Necessary” in the subject line of your email.

Don’t yell! Most people know this, but as a refresher: DON’T USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS OR OVERSIZED FONTS (greater than 12 pts) in your business emails. The recipient will feel as though they are being yelled at.

Don’t Reply to All unless necessary. Be certain that “reply all” is appropriate. Does everyone on the original thread need to see the response? Our inboxes are already overflowing with email—think twice before sending a reply to everyone.

Follow the rules. As with any written communication for business, use grammar and punctuation in a normal manner.

Breathe and proofread. Have you ever received an email that just made you angry? And in the heat of the moment, you sent off a quick (and-maybe-not-so-nice) reply, without really thinking? When you receive an email that “sounds” confrontational, breathe and think carefully before you fire off a reply. When you’re finished crafting your response, proofread it one last time to be sure you are responding in a professional manner. The danger with email communications is that we can’t hear tone—and oftentimes, communications are misconstrued. Don’t assume. You know what happens then…

Respond promptly
Even if you cannot yet provide an answer, replying to someone’s e-mail within 24 hours lets the sender know that you received it. Sending immediate responses also keeps you organized and up to date on your e- mail correspondence.

Close with courtesy. Think letterhead here. Your signature should include your name and contact information—but should always close with courtesy. Something to the effect of “Sincerely,” or “All the best,” or “Thank you” works!

Even with the evolution of digital communication (and maybe even because of it), I still believe that the way we communicate with people sends a clear message.

What do you think?

“There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it.” Dale Carnegie

There are few situations that will make people squirm more than running into someone they know, and have met several times, and drawing a blank on their name.

If this has happened to you, rest assured, you’re not alone. Remembering names is something many people struggle with—and yet it’s one of the most important things you can do to connect with others. Being able to use someone’s name (and pronounce it correctly) can set you apart and show you are interested in them.

So how do you remember names when you’re introduced to dozens of people at a function or business meeting?

Start with these five tips to remembering names and you will be in great shape!

1. Pay attention. First and foremost, pay attention when you meet someone. Really listen to their name and how it is pronounced. Often, when we meet someone, there is a lack of focus on what is important—such as the person’s name. We can be so busy thinking of what they are going to say AFTER the greeting, we totally miss the important details.
2. Repeat the person’s name. When introduced, repeat the person’s name out loud. For example, “It’s wonderful to meet you, Tzaddi.” Use the person’s name during conversation. This will reinforce your memory, as well as make that person feel important.
3. Remember a unique detail about the person. Many of us are visual learners, so associating something physical with a person will help us remember. Laura has brilliant green eyes, the greenest you’ve ever seen. Tuck that detail away, associated with her name. The next time you see Laura, you’ll notice her green eyes and it will help you recall her name.
4. Repeat the name to yourself. If you’ve just met a group of people, and now you’ve stepped away, look toward the group and quietly repeat their names to yourself.
5. Write the name down as soon as you can. If you are not presented with a business card, write the name down as soon as you can in a notebook or journal. This will provide a good reminder for future meetings.

You can master the name game! Once you make this a priority, it will become a habit that will put you miles ahead of the competition.

“A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” ~ Dale Carnegie.

Don’t miss next week’s blog post. We’re talking about business email etiquette. Subscribe to the blog to get the latest etiquette tips delivered to your mailbox!

Looking for ways to enrich your referral strategy this year? Here are seven action points to help you develop valuable relationships and cultivate a network of endless referrals.

Secret #1. Know the Industry Norm for Referring
Follow the industry’s guidelines when making referrals. For example, in some industries, a formal referral letter is standard; in others, a phone call will suffice.

Secret #2. Disclose a Finders Fee Up Front
When it comes to commissions, make sure everyone is in the information loop. By communicating the arrangement upfront, you’re less likely to cause misunderstandings or fall-outs after the fact.

Secret #3. Find Opportunities to Reciprocate Referrals
Referral reciprocity helps build lasting, trusting relationships, shows appreciation, and strengthens business bonds. This reciprocity feeds on thoughtfulness. Continued business success results.

Secret #4. Always Speak with Respect
Be professional and positive at all times. Know that you put the referring agent in a good light if the match is successful. Also, if you speak ill of others, it could get back to them just as fast as they can flip their Rolodex to a new business contact. Capital “R” referral etiquette means showing respect for everyone involved: both those who connect the parties and those who have something to give.

Secret #5. Keep Track of Where a Referral Came From
If you were referred to for your specialty, stick to what you specialize in. Send your referral back to the referring agent if additional work needs to be done. This builds trust and sets the stage for future referrals. Keep track of who referred you so you can officially thank them.

Secret #6. Send “Thank You” Notes to All Referral Sources
Say “thank you” to all referring agents, whether you take on the work or not. If you do the work, show your gratitude by sending each of them a formal “thank you” note when you complete it.

Secret #7. After the Connection, Follow Up
Follow up via phone or email to your referring sources. This will strengthen your relationship, improve how you do business together, and keep your name “top of mind” when the next opportunity comes along.

Follow this basic format for all your referrals and feel confident that your referral etiquette is on track for business success.

For more business etiquette tips and advice, download “The Power of Polite: A Guide to Etiquette in Business” today (and get one step ahead of your competition!)

Make no mistake, etiquette is as important in business as it is in everyday life. Knowing how to present yourself with a positive professional image will give you the ability to set yourself apart from your peers, and excel in business.

Sometimes it can be the little things that you do—or don’t do—that can make or break your career.

Here are my picks for the top five business etiquette faux pas (and how you can avoid them):

1. Taking calls or texting while in conversation with others. When engaged in a conversation, turn your cell phone off—or put it on vibrate. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and find a quiet place to talk, away from everyone.
2. Not being fully present to conversations. Stay engaged when talking with someone. In person, always use direct eye contact when speaking with people. When on a call, avoid the temptation to check email!
3. Bad mouthing others. This should really go without saying, but unfortunately we know it happens all the time. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
4. Arriving late for a meeting. Punctuality is a must! Being tardy tells others that you don’t value their time, and that other things are more important to you than they are. Make a conscious decision to stay on schedule. Set a reminder on your calendar, or your smartphone, to alert you in plenty of time to arrive at the meeting on schedule.
5. Making excuses for not living up to your commitments. Honor your commitments. When people know you will do what you say, when you say it, you will gain trust—and be successful. Avoid the stress, and embarrassment of failing to keep your commitments by assessing your ability to complete a task BEFORE you take it on.

What’s the biggest etiquette faux pas you’ve encountered? Share in the comments below!

At this time of year, more than ever, fitness centers are filled with people determined to get back into a healthy routine.

For gym-goers who haven’t been in a while, or who are new to working out, here are a few simple etiquette guidelines that will make your experience, and your fellow gym-goers experience, more enjoyable.

1. Flex a little consideration. Replace weights and set equipment back to the lowest setting after use and never let weights drop after exertion.
2. Watch your time. Most gyms have a 20-25 minute limit on cardio equipment. Play within the limit.
3. No sweat. Carry a personal sweat towel and wipe down the equipment with product provided by the gym after each use.
4. Dress the part. Save your flip-flops for the beach. Proper fitness shoes are a must, as is proper exercise clothing and gear. Leave your belly button ring at home and choose a top that covers your navel—and pants that cover your “you know what!”
5. Safety first. Use a spotter for challenging weight lifting moves.
6. Take turns. Let someone else have an opportunity to use the machine while you’re recovering from your set.
7. Save your breath. You’ll get the most from your workout if you avoid distractions—and so will those around you. Be courteous and keep your phone in your bag while you’re on the gym floor. Note: If you’re able to talk easily while exercising, you may not be exerting enough effort!
8. Use common sense when it comes to scents. Not everyone will enjoy your particular perfume—some may even be allergic—so when in close quarters, like the gym, keep it clean and fresh. Save the perfume for after your workout.
9. Be aware of personal space. If you’re participating in an aerobics or any other group class, always be aware of where your classmates are situated. This is to avoid collisions and to respect personal boundaries.
10. Exercise patience. If someone is using the machine you’re waiting for, instead of hovering over him, find another piece of equipment to use or take a water break while you wait.

By exercising your “gym manners muscle,” you show consideration and confidence. Bring these characteristics to every work out and enjoy yourself!

What are your biggest gym-time pet peeves?

This is the time of year when people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions and creating goals. For some it is easy to look at all of the things in our life we want to enhance or improve to follow through on in the coming year, for other it is more of a challenge.

But before turning the page to 2012, spend some time reflecting on all the things you’ve accomplished in 2011.

Sometimes we forget the hurdles we’ve overcome, the barriers we have broken through and the accomplishments we’ve already ticked off the list.

Before I even think about reviewing my goal cards, I spend some time compiling a list of 100 accomplishments or successes I’ve had throughout the past year. Yes, 100! I usually do this between Christmas and New Years. At first the list flows and when I slow down I know it is time to put it aside for a couple hours or a day. When additional items come to mind I go back to the list and add them and the flow begins again. Give yourself permission to take a few days or even up to a week to complete it.

My “List of 100 Accomplishments” is a great exercise that helps me appreciate and celebrate how much I’ve achieved over the year. It also puts me in the right frame to review my goals and what additions or deletions I want to make for the upcoming year.

Give it a try! Grab a pen and paper or open a fresh new Word document on your computer and start your own “List of 100 accomplishments in 2011” today! Then, come back and tell us what you learned from the exercise.

Wishing all of you a very happy New Year!

Gift giving, especially during the holiday season when everything is so shiny and bright, can be fun! But holiday gift giving can also be tricky. For example: Do you buy a gift for your boss? What do you do when you’re caught by surprise—when someone gives you a gift and you find yourself empty-handed? Do you rush out and purchase a gift?

Keep in mind that the most important aspect of gift giving is that it comes from your heart. It’s truly a gesture of appreciation extended to those who have touched us in some way throughout the year.

If you receive a gift, graciously thank the gift-giver. If you don’t have one to reciprocate, remember the gift-giver isn’t giving you a gift simply to get one in return. A simple, “How thoughtful of you. Thank you so much,” will be appreciated by the gift-giver.

Other gift-giving tips include:

• Avoid giving holiday gifts that have your logo on it. Gift-giving is a way to show your gratitude.
• Stick to your budget. It really is the thought that counts.
• Include a gift receipt. This tells the person that it’s OK to exchange the gift.
• Your boss would probably prefer you save your money or purchase gifts for others rather than them. It can also make fellow employees uncomfortable if some people give a gift to the boss. Alternatively get together and purchase a group gift for the boss.
• If you’re exchanging gifts with a colleague (or just a select few), be discreet. Choose a time before or after work hours to exchange gifts.
• Regifting is tricky– my advice is to avoid it. If it is discovered that you have regifted, it’s uncomfortable for everyone.
• It’s perfectly acceptable to give a gift to someone who doesn’t celebrate the same holiday.

In addition to gift-giving etiquette questions, this it the time “who to tip”—and how much to tip—is a topic of concern for some. Here are a few tips for holiday tipping that will help you plan for the season.

Happy Holidays!

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s likely you’ll be attending more social functions than any other time of year. And many of those social gatherings will include business colleagues, executives, and clients—and your supervisor. One of the key things to remember when attending a business function—especially as the holiday festivities kick into high gear and everyone is in the spirit of the season—is that “it’s still business.” How you present yourself at these out-of-office functions is a direct reflection on you—even when there’s champagne flowing and Christmas carols playing in the background.

Here are a few business dining and entertaining etiquette tips to help keep you on track:

1. Dress for success
2. Arrive on time
3. Wear a smile
4. Handshakes matter
5. Introduce yourself to others
6. Be a good listener
7. Ask others about themselves
8. Good mouth others
9. Remember the platinum rule – “Treat others as they would like to be treated”
10. Be gracious and send a thank you note