Employment Etiquette: Courtesy, Connections and Conduct

Etiquette is a questionable and subjective topic at the best of times. It covers those silent rules and expectations that inherently govern how we compose ourselves, both personally and professionally, on a daily basis. Gone are the days where doors were held open for strangers, where people politely greeted one another as they passed by on the street, where extended eye contact wasn't considered creepy. As things have changed, so too have the blurred boundaries of appropriate social etiquette and, consequently, the impressionable impact it is having on the workplace environment.

We can blame these changing expectations on a number of things: generational differences, shifts in manners, growth of media, and the flavour of the month- impact of technology. But ultimately etiquette comes down to our personal values. Therein lies the tricky part. How do we determine what is, and most certainly is not, appropriate etiquette if we all have a different take on it?

In a market where jobs are often in high demand, with an increasing smorgasbord of opportunities, recruitment is paving the yellow brick road for aspiring employees. Whether it's Tim the tech-expert Tin Man, Lionel the listening Lion, Susan the serious Scarecrow, or Dorothy the dipsy - yet determined- leader, recruiters are regularly meeting a diverse range of individuals trying to navigate the yellow brick road. With diversity and range comes competition and comparison. What gives you the upper hand? Etiquette.

From the moment you walk through the door, shake hands and lock eyes, your etiquette and personal conduct does more talking than you do. First impressions count. But not enough people realise the importance that comes after this. The critical follow up. Have you sent a polite follow up email? Used full names correctly? Ensured you have impeccable grammar? Was it prompt? Heck, did you even turn up to the interview? An unsettling and unprofessional trend emerging today are those individuals that don't turn up for arranged interviews. The workplace is a connected web and although you may not always turn up and meet new names, they'll certainly remember the names of the "no-shows". Dorothy didn't know that the Wizard of Oz would be able to help her, but she turned up and asked. She turned up with a smile on her face, a warm salutation, pristine blue dress, and manners oozing from her every pore.

Etiquette is like Dorothy's red sparkly shoes that, when used appropriately, get you where you want to go. Recruitment and consultancy can help foster and grow your sense of professionalism; which ultimately is your 24-7, living and breathing personal brand. Don't underestimate the importance of how you conduct yourself from the moment you make your first point of contact, right through to the moment you sign on the dotted line. Etiquette and conduct may seem somewhat old fashioned but this is an integral retro trend that needs to be revived. Be part of the revival. Don't be the person lost in the Land of Oz, that sends a text to the recruiter saying "soz".