Santa Clara University

Professional Social Etiquette

• I've been invited to an employer event, what should I expect?

  • RSVP whether you are able to attend or not.
  • Do not cancel without a good reason.
  • Arrive ten minutes early.
  • Clarify appropriate attire in advance.  First impressions matter. 
  • Turn off your cell phone!
  • Place your nametag on the upper right side of your clothing, toward your shoulder.

  Back to Top
   
  

• How do I talk to people I don't know?

  • Go first; be the one to start the conversation.
  • Introduce yourself with a smile, firm handshake, and friendly eye contact. 
  • Use the person's name immediately in conversation to indicate you are paying attention. 
  • Express appreciation early in the conversation. For example, you may thank the person for organizing the event.
  • Avoid controversial subjects. Keep an eye out for common interests.
  • Be a good listener; ask open-ended questions; paraphrase what you hear. 
  • Be sincere, maintain eye contact, and smile.
  • Don’t gossip and don't preach.
  • If all else fails, bring up the weather.

  Back to Top

  
  
  
  

• How do I make introductions?

  • When making introductions: Remember this rule: Look at and say the name of the most “important” person first. The order of the most important person is clients/ customers, senior executives, junior executives.
  • Introducing yourself: If you are not immediately introduced, you should introduce yourself as promptly as is decently appropriate. 
  • Responding to introductions: If seated, rise and be prepared to shake hands. Make eye contact with a handshake and smile.

  Back to Top

  
  

• How do I graciously leave the event?

  • You may exit at a natural break, without having to give a reason why you are leaving.  You might say, "So nice to meet you, Ms Nguyen, please excuse me..."
  • Always send a thank you note within 1-2 days.

  Back to Top
  

• Tips for Dining With Success

  • 
    

  • Sitting down and getting up.

  • In business settings, men and women may seat themselves.
  • Place your napkin on your lap when you are seated. Do not entireley unfold the napkin; the napkin fold lies toward you on your lap.
  • If you need to rise during the meal, place your napkin on your chair, not on the table.
  • If you are introduced to someone during the meal, stand up to shake hands.
  • Keep purses, briefcases, cell phones, keys, etc., off the table.
    
  • 
    

  • Table posture.

  • Sit upright.
  • Be sure to place your hands in your lap when not eating.
  • Avoid putting your elbows on the table.
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    
  • 
    

  • Silverware.

  • Silverware is used from the outside in.
  • Once a utensil is used, it should not rest on the table again.
  • When you are finished with your soup, place your soup spoon on the plate underneath the bowl.
  • When resting a knife on your plate, the blade of the knife should always face you and be placed at the top of the plate.
  • If you drop a utensil on the floor, ignore it.
    
  • 
    

    Ordering.

  • Select a medium priced meal.
  • Avoid messy foods.
  • Ask your host for recommendations.
  • The person who invites pays the bill.
  • Be polite to servers.
    
  • 
    

    Courses.

  • Do not start to eat before your host/hostess begins unless you are told to do so.
  • Pass food, condiments, and other items counterclockwise.
  • Salt and pepper shakers always travel in a pair.  Do not salt or pepper your food prior to tasting.
  • When you are finished eating, do not stack your plates.
    
  • 
    

    Drinks.

  • If you spill a drink, use your napkin to protect yourself and then ask the server for assistance.
  • Do not chew on ice cubes.
  • Sugar packets should be opened and remain in one piece.
  • Do not stir your drink with the common sugar spoon.
  • Avoid alcohol. 

  Back to Top
  

  
  
  *Special thanks to Debbie Kubena from The University of Texas at Austin’s Communication Career Services for her contributions.