Learning the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of Workplace Etiquette

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter most when a person is on a job interview. On March 26, Career Services and Student Life held a Workplace Etiquette Luncheon to give tips and strategies to students. Six employers: Jim March, of Micro Staffing; Lisa Pontbriand, of Salmon Health; Joe Tomaski, of Wakefly; Marcia Bowles, of UMASS Memorial; Meg Coffin, of Center for Living and Working, and Jonathan Simms, of Westaff discussed the skills and qualities and characteristics that employers look for in a candidate during an interview.

Discussion was had on how to be a standout candidate in an interview. Key takeaways included dressing professionally (business casual at a minimum) and having good communication skills (smile!).

Students were afforded the opportunity to ask questions which ran the gamut from whether or not you should disclose a disability (No, it’s a voluntary disclosure unless it impact the job) to gaps in employment history (If you are asked try and be honest in your response), to whether or not to send follow up thank you emails.

The panel agreed that it’s important to follow up after an interview with a thank you, either through an email or a handwritten note. In about a week it’s acceptable to reach back out and follow up and ask when you will hear back.

In addition, they also addressed workplace etiquette once a person gets hired. Mr. Simms told the audience that there’s a bit of a balance for when to get to work each day, and it’s important to be ready to start the work day at the time you are scheduled to be working.

“If you’re not ready to start working at that time, you should show up early and be prepared and ready to work at your start time” he said.

Cell phone protocol was also a big topic of conversation among the panel. Certain industries, such as healthcare often have a strict no cell phone policy because they need to be concerned about patient privacy and HIPPA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). On the other hand, there are some jobs that require cell phones. The key takeaway was to follow your company’s cellphone policy.

Discussion was had on tattoos, which have become extremely prevalent in the last few years, and how they fit into the workplace. Finding out if your company has a policy is important, as well as finding out what other people are doing.

A great way to make a lasting impression at your new company is showing an eagerness to learn, fit in and try and be as friendly as possible.

“Don’t say this is not my job. Everything is your job,” Mr. Tomaski said.

Ms. Pontbriand agreed, adding, “Treat people respectfully, use excellent phone skills and smile when you answer a call because you are presenting your company to the world, and treat other people the way you want to be treated.”

Other tips included:

• Being very careful what you put in an email because once you hit send it becomes the property of the company. Read and re-read the email before you send it.
• Not talking about politics or religion  (know what is acceptable)
• Not eating someone else’s food in the communal refrigerator
• Slowing down when you are talking on the phone – have a professional phone etiquette
• Dress properly and professionally
• Be a team player
• Follow the rules of the company
• Go out of your way to go above and beyond
• Always be respectful – if you cannot respect the person, respect the position

“There’s a lot of competition out there so you want to stand out,” Ms. Coffin said.