Corporate Etiquette
December 30, 2008
So, now that you have managed to bag that much sought after job and are all ready to attend your first day at work but you still have some doubts and you are feeling a bit unnerved. There are a few things about corporate etiquette that will make the way easier to trod, if you are well versed with them.
To begin with you must be groomed to the best of your ability if you want to make that very important first impression with the rest of the people you will be working with. You are probably anxious about the way you wear your tie. Does it rest over the belt or just above it? Do you engage someone in conversation and drop a hint of how you got in? Do you have to let anybody know at all? These are niggling thoughts that will have you lose sleep the night before.
So take a break from tension and do something to make yourself fit in a bit more. You should do some investigation and find out how the rest of the people at the new place dress. Do they wear half sleeved shirts with ties and can you wear sandals to work? Does the new set-up allow t-shirts and casual wear or do they have a special casual day to wear this attire? These are just a few questions that will get you to relax a bit.
When you finally have your answers you must inspect your wardrobe and add the kind of clothes you will need for your official days. If you decide that you need to wear a tie every day you will need at least three ties in your wardrobe. When you go shopping for ties you must keep in mind that Mickey Mouse ties are not official ties. Do keep the kind of shirts you have in mind before splurging on ties that will not match up.
Your shirts should include a few different colored shirts and at least two white shirts. Trousers should include a grey pair and one tan. A few months down the line you will be able to add a few more sets of clothing to your wardrobe and you will do just fine because you will have an idea of what the dressing trend at the office is and where it is going.
Some other things you need to know are as follows:
Never offer your hand to a lady first. Wait for her to offer hers when you are being introduced. While entering a room and there is a lady with you or entering at the same time open the door for her first. Never ask a lady her name, let her volunteer it, but go ahead and let her know yours. Do not make conversation for the first few days; you will have plenty of time to do so a week down the line.
Desist from speaking in your mother tongue when you meet a country cousin this especially important if there are others in the room who do not understand your language. Pay attention and try to catch any nuances being spoken and how it is being applied. Office language is a big barrier and you need to adapt to it if you want to fit in. Hon these skills and you will find that you are pretty comfortable at your new place of work.
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