1) When greeting someone for the first time, a cupped handshake (in which your left hand covers the normal handshake) is a good way to show my sincerity and interest.

True

False

2) At an interview or meeting, it is generally necessary for me to stand only when a women walks into the room (regardless of my gender).

True

False

3) At job fairs ? and other professional settings ? when I receive a business card from someone, I should take the time to really read the card before sticking it in my pocket or briefcase.

True

False

4) I should always turn off (or silence) my cell phone and beeper before heading into any interview or business meeting.

True

False

5) In dining situations, my drinks are on my right and my bread plate is on my left.

True

False

6) When on an on-site interview, if I get a parking ticket while at the interview, I can add the cost of the ticket to the expense reimbursement form I submit to the company.

True

False

7) After a job interview, regardless of whether I am still interested in the job or not, I should always follow up with a thank you note.

True

False

8) A few days after a job interview, I begin calling the employer every day to see when a hiring decision will be made.

True

False

9) When introducing myself at job fairs or other business settings, I should avoid saying anything except my name until the other person responds in kind.

True

False

10) When I know a company I am interviewing with is having a casual day on the day I am interviewing, it is best to dress down for the interview.

True

False

11) During an on-site interview, it’s okay to order a cocktail before the meal or wine with my meal when everyone else is drinking.

True

False

12) I have a great sense of humour, so it’s perfectly fine to have a humorous greeting on my voicemail (or answering machine) when job hunting.

True

False

13) When at meetings at which people are wearing nametags, the best place to put your nametag is on your right chest/shoulder area.

True

False

14) When I place telephone calls to potential employers, I use a clear and confident voice and always first identify who I am and why I am calling.

True

False

15) At job and career fairs it’s okay for me to walk up to a group of people engaged in conversation and interrupt by introducing myself.

True

False

16) When talking on the phone with a potential employer or other business contact, it’s okay for me to put them on hold while I answer another phone call.

True

False

17) I always avoid asking questions at an interview because it is rude to interrupt the interviewer by asking questions.

True

False

18) During an on-site interview, when dining out, I always rest my soup spoon and butter knife on the saucer or plate rather than on the table.

True

False

19) The rules of etiquette aren’t as important in businesses that have a “laid back” corporate culture.

True

False

20) No matter what type or level of job I am applying for, I always go out of my way to greet the receptionists and secretaries with sincerity.

True

False

ANSWERS

1)False. The proper handshake is very important because it is one of the first impressions you make in an interview ? and you do not want to do the cupped handshake, which can be seen as condescending. Use your right hand and give a firm handshake ? it communicates confidence, interest, and respect.

2)False. You should always stand when someone walks into the room, regardless of their gender. When someone enters the room, you should rise if you are seated, smile, extend your hand and greet the person with a firm handshake.

3)True. It is seen as quite rude when a person who receives a business card quickly puts it away. You should show respect for the person who gave you the card by reviewing it for a few seconds, perhaps even using that time to remember the person’s name. Then thank the person for the business card and put it away.

4)True. If something is happening in your life that is so important that you need to be available 24/7, perhaps the best solution is to postpone the interview. At a minimum, you should turn all your electronic equipments’ sound off, utilising the vibration mode if you have it. But most etiquette experts suggest turning off all beepers and phones before any business meeting.

5)True. You will always find your drinks ? water glass, wine glass, and other glasses ? to your right and your bread (and perhaps salad) to your left.

6)False. Never pad your expenses and never make a company pay for your mistake.

7)True. One of the smallest and easiest things you can do is write a simple thank you note after every interview. You might be surprised at how big an impact this can make, but when the majority of jobseekers do not send thank you notes, it makes you stand out even more.

8)False. First, one of the key pieces of information you want to leave the interview with is a timetable for when the employer expects to make a hiring decision. Second, while you should definitely follow up with the employer, you should never cross the line from the interested job seeker to an annoying nuisance.

9)False. Why just state your name when you have the perfect opportunity to give a short pitch about yourself that will not only help people remember who you are, but perhaps also be a prelude to a lengthier conversation? Those 20 seconds or so, called the sound bite, give you a chance to express your unique selling proposition ? one thing that makes you different from everyone else.

10)False. Always dress for the interview. While you want to appear to fit in with the corporate culture of an organisation, casual days are not the norm. So make sure you discover what the business attire is on normal days, and wear attire at that level of formality to the interview.

11)False. Don’t ever display any bad habits while on an interview. Avoid all alcoholic beverages while interviewing. And most experts say you should avoid smoking as well.

12)False. While job hunting, you want to have a message. Start your message with “Hello, you’ve reached the voicemail (or answering machine) of?” Don’t make jokes; don’t have screaming or shouting; don’t have background music; and don’t have cute greetings from your kids.

13)True. You should place your nametag on your right shoulder because during the handshake (using your right hand), the other person’s eyes naturally follow your right arm up to your head to make eye contact, allowing time to slip another look at your name.

14)True. Phone manners are very important ? and often overlooked. Prepare ahead of time and have some notes about key comments you wish to make. By clearly identifying yourself at the beginning of the conversation, you also allow the other party to be prepared.

15)False. It’s best not to interrupt an employer representative when s/he is speaking to one or more candidates. Wait for your turn. If the conversation goes on for too long, either attempt to make eye contact with the representative to show you are interested or move on to the next booth and make a note to return later.

16)False. Call-waiting is a curse on business etiquette. It’s better to always let the other phone call roll onto your voicemail than to interrupt your current conversation. Not only is the practice rude, but in doing so, you stop any momentum you had leading up to the interruption ? which you probably won’t be able to get back.

17)False. Yes, it is rude to interrupt someone when s/he is speaking, but a higher order rule takes precedence here. Job candidates who do not ask questions during an interview are often perceived as uninterested or lazy. Does this rule allow you to interrupt the employer? Of course not. Use your judgment and interrupt only when absolutely necessary.

18)True. Once used, dining utensils should never again touch the table.

19)False. Just because an office has a “laid back” atmosphere does not mean that common courtesy and manners are thrown out the window. It’s always better to behave at a higher etiquette level than a lower one.

20)True. There are two issues here. First, sincerity is always the strongest form of communication ? and people respond well to it. Second, while often some of the lowest paid employees of an organisation, the receptionists and secretaries play key roles and can offer assistance in numerous ways.