Job Search Etiquette
When networking and interviewing for a job your good manners will help you stand out as a professional, courteous person and will make you more employable. Some of my Clise Etiquette Facebook fans had specific questions about job search etiquette that I thought would be helpful to anyone who is looking for work.
Q. When meeting a potential employer for coffee or a meal to discuss the possibility of working together who picks up the tab? And how do you handle the payment awkwardness?
A. The rule with business meals is the person who called the meeting always organizes and pays for the meal. Not only that, but the person who is hosting the meeting picks the restaurant and confirms the meeting the day before if it’s a morning meeting, or the morning of if it’s a noon or later meeting. It’s best to suggest a couple of restaurants to the person you’re meeting with and let them choose.
Now, to avoid the awkward check grab, you can give your credit card to the waiter or maître d’ before your guest arrives and ask them to let you sign or pick up the receipt after the meeting. If you’re not comfortable with that, let the waitstaff know, before your guest arrives, that you’d like the check handed to you and not your guest. When the check comes simply say to your companion; “You are my guest and this is my treat.”
Q. When a business friend connects you with a possible job and you get a phone interview – how do you thank your friend for the connection?
A. Good for you for remembering to thank them. Always send a handwritten thank you note within 24 hours of someone doing something nice for you. Handwrite the envelope which should read: Honorific (Mr. Ms., Dr…) person’s first and last name Company name Address City, State Zip
Put your name and address in the upper left corner of the envelope. It used to be you put just the address on the back flap, but to make it easier for the USPS you should put it on the upper left corner.
Good luck with your job search efforts.
Arden Clise, President of Clise Etiquette, is a business etiquette consultant and columnist for the Puget Sound Business Journal. As a speaker and corporate trainer, Arden is an expert in the field of business etiquette. She can be reached at 206-708-1670 or arden@cliseetiquette.com
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