Elsewhere on the web, a lot of attention is given to the proper way of writing a resumé (which we’ve also covered, with a twist), or on dressing properly for an interview. However, these are just parts of a greater concept called professional etiquette. This is how professionals – or aspiring professionals – are expected to carry themselves when searching for a career or conducting business. Let’s expand a little on this concept with the following 8 points.
1. Courtesy is key. You never know, that other person you were rude to inside the bus or at the train station just might be the hiring manager at the company you have an interview appointment with today. And even if not, being courteous is just so becoming of an aspiring professional.
2. Listen more. Yes, especially during interviews. Many recruiters actually tell you a bit about the company and the vacant position during the first few minutes of the interview, and later ask you some questions to test whether you were listening. God help you if you weren’t. Listening more is an excellent way to absorb useful information from any environment. Listening more (probably 70% listening and 30% speaking) will also help in making sure that you…
3. Speak concisely and accurately. By listening more than talking, you can actually build up a habit of speaking straight-to-the-point because you get used to having less time for talking. And if you have less time to say what’s on your mind, you’ll learn to filter out the fluff and ensure that what you’re saying is completely accurate or true. This can help you build up your credibility, bringing you far away from a reputation of dishonesty. Remember: nobody likes a liar. Speaking of what other people don’t like…
4. Mind your language. Just as much as people don’t like liars, they also dislike people who speak rudely or downright perversely. This ties into being courteous; it’s really hard to keep yourself from cursing if you don’t have a habit of courtesy. A courteous person will find a way to express their thoughts and feelings politely, no matter how stressful or frustrating the situation.
5. Value other people’s schedules. An appointment is one of the worst things to break. It’s not always easy for recruiters to put aside other tasks just to have time for you. Just as much as you hate it when other people waste the time you set aside for them, you also need to be mindful of the value of the time other people are willing to spend with you. In general, punctuality and proper time management skill are attractive qualities in a prospect employee.
6. Know where to go. This helps a lot with being on time. Try practicing how to get to an appointment venue a few days before the actual appointment. If possible, test different modes of transport and alternative routes and be conscious of the time spent for each ride. Also, a general familiarity with the cityscape will come in handy and is worth the time needed to build up.
7. Prepare your stuff. Everything you need for career-seeking has to be readily-accessible at all times when you’re out there pursuing the position you want. Most of the time people just bring their resumés, but completely forget to bring pens. A true professional is prepared for any business-related situation. When in doubt, ask the recruiter who gave you your interview appointment about the things you’ll need to bring. We also have this neat guide for what to bring on your career-seeking journey, so feel free to check it out!
8. Prepare yourself. The common understanding of this point is that the career-seeker must be well-dressed. While that is true, pay attention to other aspects of physical, mental and behavioral well-being. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat proper meals and observe good hygiene along with dressing professionally. You also need to ask yourself whether you’re really ready to start finding work and whether you’re doing it for a valid reason. Finally, examine which of your habits and mannerisms dictate how you present yourself. Try to moderate gestures that aren’t too pleasing, and be more comfortable with actions that enhance the professional image you want to project.
And there you have it, the 8 hallmarks of a consummate career-seeker. There are countless situations where you’ll find these tips useful, not just for a career search but also for life in general. After all, a professional is passionate about being decent in both career and lifestyle.
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