Making the Job Search Easier

In this article Business Etiquette guru Linda Allan shares her perspective on how interviews in informal settings like a coffee shop still require us to “mind our manners”.

Job Search Success Demands Good Manners

Mind your manners. Isn’t that something we’re told as children by our parents and, once learned, we presumably have the formula for all time and all occasions? The reality is that there’s a lot of diversity in the way people conduct themselves and disparity in the way we perceive each other’s conduct. 

Manners are very important during a job search. These days interviews held in a local restaurant or coffee shop are as common as those in the boardroom. And, despite the seeming informality, people do take note of whether you are sloppy, unorganized, badly groomed, and generally less well-mannered than you should be. If you are job-hunting, beware. How you handle your cup of coffee says a lot about you!  An untimely slip in manners can stall your career regardless of your skills and credentials.   

We are being observed all the time. In a matter of seconds people can tell a lot about us. We may think our standards are above reproach, but others may have standards higher than ours and will look on our behaviour as inappropriate.  Everything we do is up for scrutiny from the way we enter the room, dress, hang our coat, occupy a seat at a table, or drink our coffee.  Do you exhibit flair and finesse, or awkwardness and anxiety? 

Etiquette Tips for that “Coffee Shop” Meeting: Make Your Networking Efforts More Successful

·           If you requested the meeting, you’re responsible for ensuring the meeting place is presentable. If necessary, preview
the place in advance to be sure it’s clean, comfortable and quiet enough to carry on a private conversation. 

·           Just because a meeting takes place at a coffee shop doesn’t mean you should go dressed casual. Take your lead from the person you’re meeting with and the company they work for. It’s always best to overdress than to dress down too much.  What if they ask you to their office afterwards? Would you be comfortable with what you’re wearing?

·           Take care with your grooming, especially if you are dressed a little more casually. Hair and nails clean, shoes polished, clothes clean, well-fitted and up-to-date. The more casual you are dressed, the more attention you should pay to your grooming. 

·            Arrive early. Scan the place for best seats to have a discreet conversation. 

·            Bring an appropriate writing pad and pen to the meeting – make sure they are of good quality. Your business accessories speak volumes about you. 

·            Once a meeting starts, make sure your cell phone is turned off. Don’t handle your cell phone, or glance at your PDA during the meeting. 

·            Keep your voice down and don’t attract attention by being overly exuberant or outspoken. Don’t slouch in your chair; sit up straight and maintain good eye contact. Being professional means being discreet in what you say and what you do. 

·            Allow your guest(s) to precede you in line and place their order ahead of yours. Be sure you pay for their order if you’ve invited them to meet. 

·             If there is wait staff, allow your guest(s) to follow the waiter to the table since they will be assigned the best seat. If your guest insists that you walk ahead, ensure he/she takes the first chair that is pulled out. 

·            Take and use a napkin whenever you order anything to drink or eat. 

·             If you dirty the table (coffee spills, croissant crumbs, etc.), wipe it up before leaving.  

·           Throw your garbage in the proper bins. Stack your dirty cup and plate in the designated area. 

·            Take all of your possessions with you including your discarded newspaper or scribbled notes! 

·             Push your chair in so the table is presentable for the next person. Don’t expect wait staff to do that for you.

Linda Allan is a well-respected name and a leader in all matters of business etiquette – workplace conduct and dress. She has a seasoned perspective having worked for over 25 years at some of North America’s top companies. She is a management consultant with a background in organizational development and has extensive career transition and outplacement experience both at the client and candidate levels.  Linda Allan provides corporate and private clients with full service consulting, training and coaching.  Visit her website at www.LindaAllan.ca or contact her directly at lallan@LindaAllan.ca