Professionalism Starts with “You Guys”

One comment we frequently hear from employers is that recent graduates don’t seem as polished in the professionalism department as they could be. Texting instead of calling, using emojis in emails, and answering the phone with a “Hey, what’s up?” instead of a “hello” are all signs of a lack of professional communication skills. In some workplaces, this may be ok, but as the Culture and Manners Institute points out, it’s always better to “err on the side of formality.” Here’s some wonderful advice from their Tip of the Week:

“Hey guys! It’s time to talk about informal language.

That means not starting an email salutation with “Hey” or using “guys” to refer to everyone.

If someone says, “Thank you,” our response should be, “You’re (or You are) welcome” and not “No problem” or “No worries.”

Why should we care? Because other people care about this… a lot (or a great deal.) They tell me about it all the time.

Don’t freak out. That doesn’t mean they are old fashioned, uncaring, unfeeling stiffs. You might be surprised to learn they are people who are pulling for you, professionally and personally. (If you argue that you don’t want to be judged because of your informality, that train track runs both ways, Honey Bun.)

The whole idea of etiquette is to make the people around us more comfortable. Some think being informal makes people more comfortable. But sometimes, informality creates discomfort.

Err on the side of formality – in emails, snail mails and the spoken word, especially with people who are new to us. And even with people familiar to us with whom we have a businesslike relationship.

Instead of “Yeah” and “Nope,” kick it up a notch to “Yes” and “No.”

Not to say we should look unkindly upon the informals, if their intentions were honorable. Personally, it doesn’t bother me when people say, “No worries,” because I know they meant well. I have been known to let slip a “Yeah” or a “No problem” myself. Chillax! I’m working on it.

But I never say, “My bad” in place of “Excuse me,” or “I’m sorry.” That’s really irritating.

Err on the side of formality.

Glad we could have this talk. Love ya’ gobs.”

To find out more about professionalism, etiquette, and manners, we recommend checking out the Culture and Manners Institute at www.cultureandmanners.com.

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Are You A “People Person?”

The season of On Campus Recruiting is upon us, and one of the questions we see so many student struggle to answer is “Are You A People Person?”  Or, they’ll confidently put “People Person” on their resume, but then are unsure of how to convey that in their interview.  Don’t worry, the Culture and Manners Institute at http://www.cultureandmanners.com/  is here to save the day!

 

“I’m a people person.”

What does that even mean?  It makes me think of people who say, “I’m a dog person” or “a cat person.”

The idea is to show potential employers (or potential clients) you get along with people without saying, “My etiquette skills rock.”  Because in a me-focused world, employers want to know if you will get along with others or be a human volcano of bickering, fighting, gossiping, whining, blaming… and leaving a splash of coffee on the bottom of the coffee pot to burn, instead of refilling it after you take the last cup.  Nobody wants that in their workplace.

There’s a better way to show you get along with others and that’s to say it on your resume (or sales materials) by starting each bullet point with what I call, “I-work-well-with-others action words.”

•  Collaborated with…
• Teamed with
• Involved with team
• Negotiated
• Contributed
• Joined
• Joined forces with
• Worked together with
• Supported
• Cooperated
• Co-authored
• Resolved
• Assembled group of

Mix these words with bullet points of individual initiative and leadership action words: (Managed, Specialized in, Supervised, Initiated, Delivered, Designed, Motivated, Selected, Directed, Drove, Created, Trained, Coached, Counseled, Researched, Edited, Produced, Fostered, Enhanced…) and you have a winning resume.  All of these action words work well in your cover letters and the actual interview, too.

When Actions Speak Louder Than Words

When Actions Speak Louder Than Words

We often mention the importance of knowing what to say during an interview.  It’s always good to use positive words, have solid examples, etc.  However, what your body says is just as important as what your mouth says.  Folding your arms can make you seem closed off, and staring off into space and avoiding eye contact can come across as though you aren’t totally focused on the interviewer.  Careerealism has 5 things you should focus on during your interview to make sure your body language matches your verbal language.  Don’t forget, you only get one chance to make a good impression, and with some interviewers, your body language will be your first impression.  Don’t let fidgeting get in the way of a new job or internship!