Basic Etiquette

What is Etiquette?  Etiquette is a set of social codes and manners determined by society. In order to socialize in a proper way we, as individuals within the society must abide to the set of codes that is being dictated to us. Based on our environment we tend to develop our unique set of manners and etiquette. Places such as our home, school and workplace may serve as a major factor in influencing the etiquette we acquire as adults.

How to create a positive impression in the business world? The way you present yourself to others in the business world speaks volumes. People tend to form their first impression about others within seconds of their first meeting. Therefore it is crucial to ensure you are properly prepared to present yourself as a professional. Here are some important tips towards making a good impression.

In the office:

• Posture – Stand up straight, make eye contact, turn towards people when they are speaking, and genuinely smile at people.
• Dress code - Make sure you are in proper dress code, perhaps dressing a step above the norm.
• Portable Portfolio - Your briefcase or bag and the things you carry in them say something about you. Messy items may detract from the image you would like to present.
• Greeting - When meeting someone for the first time, be sure to shake hands palm to palm with a gentle firmness.
• Language - Your colleagues deserve the same respect as clients. Keep the language in emails and other communication grammatically correct.
• Noise/Smells - Don’t forget that sound and smells travel. In an open office, chomping and chewing or reheated lunches can easily grate coworkers’ nerves.
• Help Yourself – Although many co-working spaces value collaboration and debate, near all expect you to be self-sufficient.
• Punctual - Arrive early!

Business lunch etiquette reminders:

• Don’t rush - Don't dig into business immediately, wait until after you've ordered lunch will prevent you from getting interrupted in mid-thought.
• Know what to order - Before you order something, think about how you will look eating it, Avoid foods that are complicated to eat, like spaghetti with a red sauce, barbeque ribs, oversized sandwiches, or lobster in the shell.
• Put your cellphone away - Place your cell phone on the table and then glance down at it every time it pings or vibrates. Silence your device and keep it out of sight until you leave the restaurant.

Pay with card - If you're paying the bill, do it with a credit card, not cash. You will have a record for your expense account and it looks more professional.

                                                                        Amina Adalat

                                                                       Nathalie Jean-Elie

SD11

This year, I took the SD 11 course, it helped me improving my skill and knowledge, there I learned how to write resume and cover letter. The SD 11 course was very profitable, I received a lot of helpful and sociable information in class. They taught how to conform and behave myself when I have an interview. Before the SD 11 course, there was a time I had a job interview I was so frustrated, now during the SD 11 course I gain my confidence when I have a job interview I feel very comfortable

                                                                                              Jackyto jean Louis

How to Prepare a Proper Resume

How to write a proper resume and ace a job interview?

A good resume is built out of the following sections:

• Heading – The heading must include your first and last name, address, phone number and a professional email address. Make sure that the phone and the email address you provided are valid.
• Education – Should include the name of the college you are attending or graduated from. Be sure to mention the graduation date, the major you are pursuing and mention a GPA on your resume only if it is 3.0 and above.
• Experience – Name and address of the company worked for – the address should include only the city and the state. Mention the period of time in which you worked for the company in dates. Use action verbs to describe your duties and mention any achievements
• Skills – In this section you might include any specific skills that you believe would be relevant to the desired job. These may include skills such as: Computer skills, language skills etc.

Formatting: A proper resume must be clear and consistent in format. The recommended font for a resume is Times New Roman size 10-12. The resume should not be longer than a page. Proof read your resume for misspelling.

To get a better position in getting a job it is highly recommended that you’ll send a cover letter.

A cover letter should contain 3 paragraphs:
1^st paragraph – Introduction, position for which you are applying, how you heard about it.
2^nd paragraph – 2 or 3 previous work or education experiences as support for why you should be hired.
3^rd Paragraph – Thank the employer for their time and let them know of your availability hours.  

How to ace an interview

An interview allows both parties to get to know each other; it provides you with a chance to sell yourself. In addition it provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the job. Employers use interviews to test your qualification to determine whether you are a good fit for the job or not.

There are several ways to create a great impression and increase your chances of getting the job:

• Dress Professionally- For men, suit, and shirt with tie and polished shoes.                                     For women conservative pants and skirts stockings & dress shoes.
• Always arrive 10-15 minutes early, bring few copies of your resume, be polite to every one you encounter and turn your cellphone off.
• Read your resume carefully and be prepared to answer questions regarding your interests skills and goals.
• Be confident about yourself and believe that you are the right person for the position.
• Research the job you are applying for and learn about the responsibilities involved in the position.
• At the interview, keep your answers brief and focused, be honest and truthful about your skills and interests. 
• Be sure to prepare questions for the interviewer. This will show that you put an effort to learn and research your future position.
• It is recommended to bring the following items; briefcase or portfolio in which you’ll carry a pen – note pad, copy of your resume, at least three references.  
• Finally, prepare yourself for the interview by practicing in the mirror, schedule a mock interview with a career adviser. This will prevent anxiety during the real interview.                                                             

 

Nathalie Jean –Elie, Yosef Bagdadi

Job Fair Readiness

Job fairs bring together job seekers and employers with opportunities available within their organizations. Over the years, it has become one of the leading means for entry-level recruiting, giving employers the opportunity to meet job seekers, and to get firsthand knowledge about them through their appearance and first impressions.

Why Should I attend A Job Fair?

• Meet with potential employers to develop a job search network.
• Discuss potential career opportunities.
• Present resume to employers for consideration for part time, full time, or internship position.
• Earn an opportunity to attend valuable workshops.

Planning ahead prior to the job’s fair

• Obtain a prioritized list of organizations based on your interest in the potential opening
• You may visit the organizations’ online sites to acquire more information and learn more details about the corporation you are interested in.
• Prepare a list of potential questions for the employer and develop a personal pitch!
• You may come to c-102 and get hold of the full list of employers attending the jobs' fair.

What Should I bring?

• Around 30 copies of professionally prepared resumes; if you feel like you need help with preparing your resume, don’t hesitate to see a counselor in C-102.
• In addition, you may also bring a business card to hand to potential employers.

First impressions are highly important!

• Dress conservatively, Professional attire is best – Men; wearing ties is a must!
• Be neatly groomed
• For women; avoid heavy perfumes, lots of jewelry and overdone makeup
• Avoid bulky cases and briefcases

During the job fair

Timing is important. Arriving on time to the job fair gives you a calm feeling and you will have the opportunity to meet with as many employers as possible. You want to maintain a positive attitude and be polite, so turn off your cell phone, and remove hats and headphones. After meeting with employers that you might be interested in remembering, collect their business cards so you can send them a thank you note for taking the time to meet with you.

After the fair

Attending a job fair is not a guarantee of getting a job. It is an opportunity for you to present yourself as the right person for the position. Being able to present yourself well takes preparation and positive attitude that would convince an employer to give you an interview.

Kingsborough Community College fall 2013 Job fairs will take place on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13. For more information stop by C-102.                         

Yosef Bagdadi,
Merquisha Auguste