Business etiquette is very closely linked to professionalism and your brand, both vital parts of career success. What you do and how you act in every situation – from in-person interviews and networking events to online discussions – contribute to your business reputation. Commit to being a professional and exercising appropriate business etiquette from day one, no matter what the situation. Here’s how you can do it:
Communicate Professionally
Speaking, listening, writing, body language - all aspects of effective communication and the foundation of business professionalism. Keep in mind these tips on reaching out to a business contact and remember to follow-up with and thank your contact.
No matter your method of communication, pay attention to your message’s content and tone. Tone is especially important in emails; for example, some types of humour might not translate well in writing.
Business Writing
Employers and career coaches have previously expressed that business-school graduates tend to ramble, use pretentious vocabulary or pen too-casual e-messages. As well, employers would prefer to see students trained in ‘persuasive writing’ before they are hired. Writing well conveys our ideas convincingly and provides a strong advantage in the workplace.
Improve your business writing skills: The UBC Sauder David Lam Library offers business communications guidance to help you find resources for writing assignments, prepare presentations, obtain writing tutoring, and refine your skills for the workplace. Business writing coaching by professional tutors is available free of charge to UBC Sauder School of Business students.
Use Good Email Etiquette
Email Address
As a Master of Management Dual Degree candidate at the UBC Sauder School of Business, ensure you create a professional email for correspondence, business cards, and your resume.
An email address can project certain interpretations of who we are, regardless of how true it may actually be. If you are using an address such as livingthehighlife@email.com, sweetdoll@email.ca or superstar@email.com to send queries to UBC Sauder staff, faculty, and prospective employers, you're not going to be taken seriously.
Create a professional email account. A safe bet is a combination of your first and last name. For example, firstname.lastname@gmail.com.
Resources
Dress Appropriately
What you wear sends a powerful message about who you are. You want to present an image that is professional and credible to your prospective employers. At Sauder, we expect students to make a positive first impression and we have guidelines for professional attire at our events that fall into categories of business formal and business casual. In a workplace setting, expectations for professional attire vary depending on the industry and workplace so it’s best to get prepared for any occasion – especially an important job interview or networking event.
Refer to the Guide on Professional Business Attire for specifics on business formal and other types of attire for UBC Sauder students.
Understand Proper Networking & Dining Etiquette
Networking
As a Sauder student, you’ll be attending many exciting networking events, engaging in career-enhancing networking opportunities, and meeting with prospective employers, industry experts, and making many other types of career connections. We’ve assembled a quick summary guide to support you as you network.
Get Noticed! Your Career Networking Etiquette Quick Reference Guide
The Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre can provide individualized support with any of your networking or career-related questions. Book an appointment with your career coach if you would like any further information or support.
Dining
Attending a business meeting or event that involves food? Most dining etiquette rules are just common sense: always thank your host, don’t take phone calls during the meal, and don’t chew with your mouth open. If you’ve any doubts about what you should be doing, remember that etiquette is about respecting other people and acting accordingly and review these helpful tips on dining etiquette.