Corporate Etiquette: Business Card Protocol 2011

Corporate Etiquette: Business Card Protocol Primer

*Handing a business card to a potential customer or client should be done in a way that allows the recipient to receive the card with the print facing them. Be sure your card is clean, and crisp so they remember your name.

*Be sure to carry clean, up-to-date business cards without handwriting.  Refrain from writing on the face of a business card for numerous reasons of civility.

*When handling business cards in the United States, use the right-hand or both hands, to present the card. Avoid using your left hand to present a business card. Keep your right hand free at at times for handshaking and presenting cards.

*Use a business card case to keep cards clean and crisp!

*When receiving a business card, do not receive it with your left hand, or place it in your rear pocket or wallet. Receive it with your right hand or both hands, and take a moment to look at the card, and ask a question. For more about business card protocol, contact Sharon at 512.306.1845.

Filed under Business Etiquette · Tagged with business card, business card case, client, customer, etiquette, left hand, print, protocol, protocol intelligence, right hand

Job Interviewing Business Etiquette Tips

Job Interviewing Tips:

Preparation: Research the company and the interview panel. Read the company/firm website, newsletters, annual report, and sales brochures. Research. Do your homework!

Personal Appearance: Studies show that clothing may account for 55% of a job candidate’s first impression! Understand corporate culture and dress appropriately.

First Impressions: Normally it takes 5 seconds to make a first impression. In a job interview, you may have up to 30 seconds – and the observation may begin when parking, walking or riding the elevator. Leave that PDA in the vehicle or at home.

Introductions: Be prepared to stand for all introductions, women and men. Avoid a business faux pas by standing for all introductions and handshakes!

Honorifics & Names: Be sure to refer to the interviewer as “Mr.” or “Ms.” or “Dr.”

Hot Topics:  Unless it is a BFOQ, or a bona fide occupational qualification ~ then Sex, Religion, Politics and Money are hot topics to be avoided in the US.

Culture Check: Do your homework. Does an applicant bow from the shoulders or waist? Kiss or shake hands with an interviewer from a different culture?

Hand Shakes & Body Language:  Studies reveal 90% of a first impression is based on body language or non-verbal skills. Employers determine interest in the job through the applicant’s body language.

Thank You Trio:  Thank the interviewer verbally at the beginning and end of the interview. Then, remember to send a hand-written note with a hand-addressed envelope, within 48 hours of the interview. Use personalized stationery.

If you wish to inquire about scheduling Sharon for future training engagements, please contact our office at 512.306.1845, email us at sharon@protocolww.com or submit a request via this website.  You may also visit the News & Events page or visit facebook.com/protocolww to view our previous events.  Thank you for your interest in Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide.

Filed under Business Etiquette · Tagged with etiquette, first impression, handshake, handwritten, introduction, job interview, thank you