Segment on table manners with Stacey Elgin and Kate Lewis on Fox5 GoodDayAtlanta

        

* Try to find out what benefits your employees have to do a task. Once you know what your employees motives are, you will know how to motivate them.

* Make sure you are consistent with all your employees – at all times!

* Explain to your staff why the task is important to the company to you and for them. Let them feel involved and know that the task is worthwhile.

* Take your employees serious and show them that you care about them. This can be achieved by being interested in them as people. Find out what their needs are, what they feel particularly passionate about. What their goals are. If they see that you care, they will also be more interested in achieving your company’s goals.

* Look for the hidden talents of your employees. Ask them e.g. “What do you want to do in the future? This will allow you to match your present needs with their future goals. If someone says I want to be a graphic designer. Acknowledge the answer and apply their skills now by involving them in the creation of your web design, marketing material, etc.

* Offer your employees to work flexible hours in order to allow them to meet their personal circumstances (child care issues, transportation issues, family health situations etc.) If the job allows it, take also into consideration of offering “working from home” for some days a week.

* Give incentives to all your employees regardless how they are employed by the company (whether full time, part time, etc.) and this not always based on performance but also in reference to: taking initiative to solve problems, working well with others, perfect attendance, outstanding customer service etc.)

* Do you need to motivate yourself sometimes? Use positive affirmations, say to yourself more times throughout the day: “I am a  winner, I work for a winning organisation, and because of my co-operation and contribution we will keep on winning!” You can also print it and invite your employees to do the same.

* Read other people’s biographies. By doing so choose those who really changed other people’s lives for the better. Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln etc. are some good examples. Get inspired by their success stories!

* Collect pictures of your dreams. You want a new car, a second home abroad, a new job? Create an album, a file or put them into your diary at which you can often look at.  Visualise your goals as if they are already accomplished. Imagine how it feels, what benefit it will bring to you, but maybe also to your family and friends! This will keep you on track and push you further.

* Help others but don’t always expect something in return. Keep your good deeds for yourself. It will come back to you tenfold in various ways. You feel good in knowing that you could help someone, people will talk about you and your deed! You will increase your confidence in knowing that you can make a difference.

* Lead by example. If you want to motivate your employees to turn up on time, to work hard, to keep standards high, not to over promise and under deliver – then do so too. Otherwise your credibility will be in jeopardy.

* Don’t forget that money is not the only motivating factor! Let your employees know that you appreciate it highly if they are able to make a difference to your company. Praise is often by far the most effective and least expensive approach you can choose.

* Communicate clearly to your staff and let them know what exactly you expect and what to achieve! Focus on the end result so that your employees will work as a team.

* Build on your employees’ strengths and whatever weaknesses they might have, provide them with coaching and training to make them and at the same time your company successful.

* Reward your employees. There are various ways to do so. Bear in mind, the more you reward (it doesn’t always have to be expensive) the more you receive more of the same behaviour in the future).

* Remember that every person is different! Money might motivate one person but might not have exactly the same impact on another person. So try to find out what motivates your employees in order to make them happy but also might result in your company’s success. If someone e.g. is a passionate reader, book vouchers might be appropriate. If someone else loves and owns a cat, provide free cat food for one year. The possibilities are endless. Just personalise your type of motivational strategy.

* Let your employees take more decisions, e.g. how the project should be done, what the deadline should be etc. That makes them feel in charge of doing what they want and how they wish.

* Invite all your employees to express their ideas and thoughts. It makes them feel that they are contributing as to how the business is developing. To many people this is really important.

* Give them feedback as soon as possible – on how they are doing. If they are working on a project, show your interest and offer help if required half way through. Don’t wait until the project is finished.

* Enter the office smiling, greeting your employees confidently, and set a positive mood for the day. This will also have a positive impact on your employees’ morale.

* Give your employees as many opportunities as possible to take their own decisions. Help them to think like an owner.

* If you are working in a company with hundreds or thousands of people learn each employee’s name! Once in a while walk around the floor to great each of them!

* Conduct an employee satisfaction survey on an annual basis. Take action to address employees concerns and let them know about the changes.

* Allow top performers to coach and train new hire, becoming an expert on a new initiative.

* Whenever possible promote employees from within your company. Create career plans for your employees and offer them ways to acquire the skills they might lack initially!

* Make it public if someone did an outstanding job.

 

        

Even though English is widely spoken in India it is important for me to learn Hindi. It will be a really long process since I'm busy with so many other things. However, fact is, before I even step out of the house it is difficult to converse with our home aids. Therefore, I thought to make my learning also accessible to others who might have the same intention. 

Monday: somvaaR

        

Although the business world grows ever more complex and competitive, there is one constant-etiquette. And so here are some tips you could use.

        

Tip 46

Listen and ask questions!

Tip 45

Invest time and money in relationships.

Tip 44

Help customers build their business, give them ideas they can use for their profit.

Tip 43

Network four to six hours a week. (Write a 1-year-networking plan).

Tip 42

It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you!

Tip 41

Give customers something that is low in cost but high in value!

Tip 40

Change everything ordinary to memorable!

Tip 39

What is WOW about your web site?

Tip 38

Be willing to do more than most other people are willing to do!

Tip 37

Read, listen to podcasts, attend seminars and practice what you’ve learned.

Tip 36

Sell to help customers, don’t sell for commissions.

Tip 35

Be always on time! Lateness says “I don’t respect your time”.

Tip 34

Have total product knowledge – it gives you the mental freedom to concentrate on selling.

Tip 33

Sell BENEFITS, not features.

Tip 32

Turn a sale into a relationship by delivering as promised.

Tip 31

Use testimonials.

Tip 30

Anticipate objections! Rehearse answers to standard objections!

Tip 29

Redefine rejection. They’re not rejecting you; they’re just rejecting the offer you’re making them!

Tip 28

Do more than anyone else does.

Tip 27

Say why you like things, people, job and family. Not why you don’t.

Tip 26

Lunch a customer, not a friend.

Tip 25

Work on your skills every day. Podcasts, books, seminars.

Tip 24

See every obstacle as an opportunity.

Tip 23

The way you treat a prospect will determine how often you get the order. 

Tip 22

Make clients feel special! Take an interest in what they do!

Tip 21

Help to buy – don’t sell them!

Tip 20

Use “If I (offer solution)... would you (buy) ....?

Tip 19

Join a business association and get involved.

Tip 18

Make sure the person closest to the boss likes you.

Tip 17

Ms Thompson is on vacation. You could say: Wow, that’s great. Where did she go? Get anything personal you can and refer to it subtly when you get her on the phone.

Tip 16

Have credibility builders – something in print.

Tip 15

Have samples to demonstrate.

Tip 14

Have a proposal in writing.

Tip 13

Use humour. If you can get the prospect or customer to laugh, you could get him or her to buy.

Tip 12

Be totally prepared!

Tip 11

Be totally professional.

Tip 10

Invest money in your business card, that people talk about it.

Tip 9

Ask the proper questions, it will make the prospect tell you everything you need to sell him or her.

Tip 8

Listen to 75%, talk and ask (open) questions 25%.

Tip 7

Use the following questioning technique (3 steps):

1. make a factual statement that can’t be refuted
2. make a personal observation that reflects your experience and creates credibility
3. ask an open-ended question that incorporates the first 2 stages.

This technique is powerful, builds credibility and identifies needs.

Tip 6

Ask questions: How do your customers react to ....? What does your competitor do about ...? Are there other factors ..? What is one thing you would improve about ...? What do you like about ....? What makes you choose ...? How do you determine? How have you successfully used....?

Tip 5

Questions: What do you do? .... Example: How many employees do you have? Do you give them 1 or 2 weeks of vacation? How do you ensure that the level of service to your customers isn’t reduced during these vacation times?

Tip 4

Personal commercial: Name, company name, creatively say what you do, insert your power questions insert your power statement, why the prospect should act now.

Tip 3

Don’t tell a prospect how you can help until you have uncovered what kind of help he/she needs.

Tip 2

Solidify an action plan and get together.

Tip 1

Get some information about the client and his company before the first contact is made. Don’t say: “I was given your name by ...” Say instead “Hi, my name is K.S., my company is...., and you don’t know me. I’ve been doing business with (.....) for some time now, and she thought I might be able to help you in the same way I’ve helped her. I just wanted to introduce myself and get your address to send you some information I think you’ll find of interest.

        

* Telephone Interview: 

- What they’re looking for: A genuine interest in the firm, enthusiasm and a polite nature. 

- What they’re not looking for: Unprepared answers or distractions

- Handy hints: Find a quiet spot to take the call 

* Group exercise: 

- What they’re looking for: Teamworking ability and a logical, analytical approach to the task at hand

- What they’re not looking for: Domineering personalities who don’t actually contribute

- Handy hints: Read up on current affairs and be supportive of other members of the group

* Presentation: 

- What they’re looking for: Confidence, flair and good communication skills

- What they’re not looking for: Arrogance or a nervous breakdown

- Handy hints: Structure your presentation so it has a beginning, middle and end and keep to the assigned timescale

* Panel interview: 

- What they’re looking for: Good eye contact and confident, succinct answers

- What they’re not looking for: Someone who can’t work within a group

- Handy hints: Engage with each person on the panel and take a breath before answering so you can consider the question fully

* Lunch interview: 

- What they’re looking for: Common sense and a sociable personality

- What they’re not looking for: Abuse of the alcohol

- Handy hints: Eat (to give yourself strength and energy) but make sure you talk to everyone

* Personality profile: 

- What they’re looking for: Evidence of the type of person you are and the skills you have

- What they’re not looking for: Answers you think recruiters want to hear

- Handy hints: Answer honestly – recruiters want to get to know the real you  

* Aptitude test

- What they’re looking for: Reasoning skills, numeracy and literacy 

- What they’re not looking for: Einstein

- Handy hints: Try to do some practice tests beforehand. Once in the interview, read the questions carefully before answering

* Case studies: 

- What they’re looking for: Initiative, leadership qualities and problem-solving and analytical abilities 

- What they’re not looking for: Intricate knowledge and MBA-level analysis 

- Handy hints: Get involved, articulate what you’re thinking and ask clarifying questions if you’re not sure 

        

        

Tip 1: Think positively

        

I'm looking for people who would like to share their opinion (pros and cons) on this topic. Thank you very much.  

        

There are many examples out there which show you why you should not post any negative comments regarding your current job (eg. how boring your job is) on social networking websites. Have a look at the following videos and learn from it. 

        

Die faszinierende Rednerin Sabine Schwind von Egelstein zeigt Ihnen, wie Sie die eigene Wirkung mit einem durchgängig stimmigen Konzept in der verbalen und nonverbalen Kommunikation nachhaltig verbessern.

        

        

The correct order is as follows: 

White wine, red wine, dessert wine. 

        

Transform the decline in social and leadership skills into confidence, poise, and excellence in young people by investing and equipping children and young adults with life-changing abilities. The Etiquette & Leadership Institutes training and materials are high-quality, proven, field-tested and developed by veteran etiquette experts. The lab school, Perfectly Polished, the Etiquette School, is the nations premiere leadership, manners and social dance school where Debra Lassiter, Cindy Haygood and April McLean teach over 1200 students each year.

        

Judi Vankevich (known as "The Manners Lady") on Canada AM & clips from Media & concert tours across the U.S. and Canada.

        

This video has been submitted by Natasha Galve and Arjay Ordona. 

        

        

Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore discusses "royalty etiquette" with CNN's Anderson Cooper as the President and Mrs. Obama prepare to meet and have tea with Britain's Queen Elizabeth for the very first time.

        

Interview with Michelle T. Sterling, Training Director and Founder of the Sterling Style Academy. What to expect as a new image consultant? What are the benefits of professional image consulting training and certification?

        

Setting the record straight on whether or not it is disrespectful to refer to the President as Mr. Obama. Lisa Mirza Grotts from the AML Group (www.amlgroup.com) gives the answer. 

        

        

If you want to impress a potential employer with your CV make sure that "key achievements" is one part of it. If you don't know how to quantify your achievements then have a look at the following questions:

        

Title: 200 Etiquette Quotes

        

The vast majority of people think that everyday manners and common courtesy have declined, and want to see a return to the polite and chivalrous attitudes of the past, according to new research.

Three quarters of people who responded to a survey by first direct support the idea of a kinder society in which gestures of thoughtfulness and respect are exchanged on a regular basis.

But, in this hectic modern era, amid rapidly shifting social and gender attitudes, how would it work? When we think of past traditions of common courtesy, we conjure images of gentlemen walking on the outside of the pavement, protecting their ladyfolk from the spray of passing traffic. You may already have summoned a mental picture of a man holding open a door for a woman, holding out her chair or offering up his seat on the train.

Of course, men should continue to extend courtesy to women. But modern perspectives dictate that it should no longer be one way traffic between genders; these chivalries should now been seen as a shared duty. If our newly mannered society is going to work, women need to step up to the plate too.

In fact, we all do men, women and children alike. Why? Because common courtesy isnt simply a nice way to behave it knits the social fabric together. Just as importantly, sharing a joke with a stranger or helping someone with their bags makes us happy. It can be hard to break out of the bubbles of self-protection that modern living sometimes pushes us into. But offering up our seat on the bus to the person with the heavy shopping or the baby bump instead of pretending you havent seen them wont just help them out well feel good about it too.

The Web TV Show, hosted by psychologist Dr Gary Wood, is essential viewing for anyone who longs for a return to a more courteous way of life. Joined by Lisa Wood of first direct, Dr Gary will be discussing in detail the psychology of good manners and explaining how we can better get the message across to our family and to the next stranger we see in the street. 

Social Psychologist and author Dr Gary Wood and Lisa Wood of first direct join us live online to discuss the psychology and importance of courtesy and manners, and how parents can better get the message across to their children.

For more information visit http://www.firstdirect.com

        

http://www.meettheboss.tv is the latest business tv channel. Become the complete executive with exclusive video and audio lessons from the worlds most innovative and influential business leaders.

From visionary entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 CEOs, this business tv channel focuses on challenges that matter today, clearly explaining the solutions, competitive strategies, people, and thinking around them.

These lessons add to your skills set, giving you the tools you need to make a difference both professionally and personally.

        

Online Reputation Expert Kirsten Dixson is interviewed on Etiquette in Social Media.

        

        

Demo video of professional speakers Joanne Blake and Terry Pithers. They speak and train at conferences and inhouse on business image, dress, etiquette, networking and dining. htttp://www.styleforsuccess.com

        

Title: 178 Ideas for a Special Mum - An eBook for Career Women who want to strengthen the bond with their child  

        

"What is the single most important thing for a person to know when selecting an etiquette/image coach", was the question that recently I've been asked by Walethia Aquil. Here I would like to share my personal opinion. 

Most of the people I think would say “An etiquette certification from a reputable institution”. I personally would not just rely on that. If I'm supposed to spend really lots of money on it I would take into consideration also other points (see below). 

                  

* How many years of experience does this coach have in this particular sector? (Is there also some international experience involved in it?)

* What do other people say about this coach? (the press, testimonials from the corporate website, clients on the internet, reviews, etc.). I would not just rely on it but if possible even getting in touch with those who have given positive feedback.

* Are there any other credentials (having written an etiquette book, etc.)

* What is the coaching/training/presenting style of this professional? (I would check for videos online or audio/video podcasts which might give me some kind of idea.)

* How much does the person care about his clients? I would approach the person by email, on the phone or – if not living too far away – even personally. Then I would have a look at how much attention this coach dedicates to his potential clients. I would expect great customer service.

* Is the person applying all those etiquette rules that s/he is preaching? (I would try to contact the person on the phone, by email or/and in person).  This would give me a quite good idea about it.

* And once you get to talk to him/her personally, how passionate does s/he sound about this subject, his core business? 

* Is this coach able and willing to deliver a tailor-made training program for my specific needs?

* What is the image/appearance of the coach? How does the coach present him/herself?

* An etiquette certification from a reputable institution (as mentioned at the beginning). 

What do you, dear Reader, think? I would be very interested in your opinion or/and personal experiences in hiring one. 

An Etiquette Expert I would highly recommend is 

Diane Gottsman

www.protocolschooloftexas.com 

 

        

There are six reasons why you should subscribe to my blog:

1.) You get access to high-quality content (business etiquette and career tips) for free in more than 68 categories.

2.) The content can be watched (videos), listened to (podcasts) or read (articles).

3.) If you are an Etiquette Professional it will be particularly informative for you. I started writing some unique content and did some interesting research in the business etiquette industry (such as interviews, resources to use, etiquette ideas, reviews of various etiquette products, marketing ideas, research and analysis about Etiquette Professionals etc.). As far as I know, there is nothing similar out there that gives you this kind of insight into the etiquette industry (for free).

4.) The website doesn’t just focus on etiquette or career, but provides relevant content on both topics, Manners as well as Career in general. Readers would have one place to visit online in order to find material on both topics.

5.) There are regular up-dates, therefore always something new and interesting that you can learn from.

6.) And last but not least, even though most of the content is presented in English it also offers blog entries and podcasts in German, my mother language. This is ideal for those who want to brush up on their German language skills or for German native speakers who want to brush up on their English language skills at the same time. There are very few bilingual websites on the internet.

How you can subscribe:

It's easy. Just enter your email address in the blank field on the top left hand side of my website and press the orange "subscribe" button. You will get an email which will ask you to confirm your subscription. Then just click on the link provided and you will get my regular updates. THANK YOU VERY  MUCH! 

        

        

On this occasion I would like to say a big THANK YOU to the following Etiquette colleagues:

        

Barbara Pachter 

Pachter & Associates

PO Box 3680

Cherry Hill, NJ, USA, 08034, 856.751.6141, 

www.pachter.com

* Typical working hours: 

I have flexible hours due to the nature of my training and coaching schedule, but I normally work more than 40 plus hours a week. I will often get up at 6 a.m. as I like to do my writing early in the morning.

 * Main current clients: 

Con Edison, Novo Nordisk, EcoLab, Pfizer, Rutgers University, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Beneficial Bank. 

* Favorite business reading: 

The Wall Street Journal

* Favorite non-business reading: 

Mystery novels

* Best way she gets clients: 

80% of my business comes from repeat business and referrals from current clients. I also get clients from my web site, books and publicity in newspapers and magazines.  

* Worst wage-slave job she ever had: 

A long time ago, I was a photographer at a small paper and worked from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Sundays and Tuesdays off.  

* How do you market yourself? 

Through my books, press releases, blogging, Facebook business posts, daily tweets, speaking at conferences and association meetings.

* How do you keep your skills sharp? 

Talking with people, reading, staying up-to-date on current events. I get a lot of material from people in my seminars as they love to share their favorite etiquette stories with me.

* What financial issues do you grapple with and how do you overcome 
them? 

Running a small business requires a delicate balance of cash flow. I request payment of services within 30 days, and most of them meet this requirement. There are times that I do need to be flexible with my clients.  

* Whom do you turn to for advice and empathy? 

I talk to other colleagues, my office manager, Joyce Hoff, is a great sounding board and I often bounce ideas off my husband.

* What was worst project you ever worked on and why? 

Years ago, I gave a two-day seminar on how to write business objectives. The participants did not want to be there! I discovered their objections at the beginning of the first day, found out what they wanted to know about business writing and incorporated their needs into the seminar. The seminar ended up being a great success.

* What was the best project you ever worked on and why? 

I was part of the Microsoft Annual Women’s Conference and spoke to 1000 women. It was exciting. I had to adjust my seminar to accommodate the very large group.  

* What do you say when people ask about "your job"? 

I tell them I go into companies and teach their employees about communication and etiquette. I also add that I write about these topics and have authored eight books on them.

* What's the best thing about being an Etiquette Professional?  

I get to help people develop in their careers.

* What's the worst thing about being an Etiquette Professional? 

Sometimes people are nervous about having lunch with me. I tell them to relax. Unless I’m coaching them; I won’t be looking at their table manners.

* Do you have any advice for other Etiquette Professionals? 

Work hard and stay current.

* What's your guiding philosophy?  

Don’t wait for things to happen to you. Take action and do something.  The more persistent you are, the more you accomplish.  

 

Thank you very much for your time Ms Pachter. I really appreciate having this interview on my blog and look forward to reading more of your great books. 

        

In a recent interview Walethia Aquil asked me the following questions:

        

Read my interview that I gave recently to Etiquette Consultant Karen Hickman at the following website: 

        

Introducing new learning software with extensive text excerpts from the successful business etiquette book by Gretchen Schaupp & Joachim Graff. 

Career success demands the right behavior. Whether youve just finished your studies and are on the look-out for a new job, or you are already established and hoping to make new business contacts, the appropriate business etiquette is essential from interviews, to daily office routines, to business lunches.

        

Book Title: Pearls of Polish - An Etiquette Guide for today's busy woman 

        

        

It has always been viewed as one of India's best planned cities and now it is set to become one where employees of the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking mind their p's and q's. Bus drivers are now being trained on road etiquette, which promises to make a huge difference to driving on the city's streets.
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking wants its staff trained on good manners and communication skills for which it has sought the services of experts from various institutes in the city.

        

The way you handle yourself in a business and social environment can reveal a lot about you, and your position within an organization. From meetings with the boss to meetings with clients and customers, knowing the right things to do and say can make a tremendous difference in helping you and your company reach its goals.

        

        

When Lady Diana went to finishing school in Switzerland she learnt dainty table manners and the polite way to step out of a Rolls Royce. Princesses and super rich kids still grace the corridors of the Institut Villa Pierrefeu in Glion , but many of them are entrepreneurs with university degrees, so the curriculum now includes business etiquette and public relations. (swissinfo, Julie Hunt)

        

Click on...Etiquette teaches what industry professional journals fail to teach and begins where common sense ends: the ability to manage the complexities of human-to-human contact. With a fully developed skill set in interpersonal relations, the professional has an unrivaled competitive edge, leaving the unpolished professional to continually remain at status quo in connections, achievement, sales and advancement.

Think of Click on...Etiquette as a power lunch, where you can satisfy your appetite for goal achievement. In an atmosphere that puts you in touch with powerful concepts, you will learn to tailor and understand diverse business relationships.

        

Hindus consider the cow a sacred animal. They don't eat any meat from these animals (even though they drink milk). Leather is forbidden because it is a cow derivative. Thus, you should avoid bringing a gift of something leather to a Hindu. 

For all Non-Hindus:   

This gift makes a lovely, precious gift for friends, loved ones, business associates, or even as a treat to yourself with a lovely rustic charm that you’ll treasure forever. 

Material and binding: Leather bound outer cover with embossed peacook design (front designs might vary from case to case)

Colour: Brown

Paper: high-quality plain handmade paper

Pages: 100 sheets (200 pages)

Weight: 230 grams

Dimensions: 12 cm x 16 cm 

Leather wrap: 97 cm long for securing cover

Can be used as: diary, journal, notebook, sketchbook, photo album, comments book, scrapbook. 

Price: £ 15

Postage: included in the price for worldwide destinations

Shipping: worldwide by registered mail 

Discount is available for multiple item purchases. Please email to discuss (karin@mannersandcareer.com). Thank you. 

        

After reading several etiquette books I would say that the following 6 points are the ingredients of a great etiquette book: 

        

Golden Recruiting Rules

by Jodi R. R. Smith

They say you never forget your first time.

My first job requisition posting as a brand new human resources representative was back in the days when newspapers ran the listing in the Help Wanted section. From a 3 day ad, I received over 250 responses. There were the easy "no" piles: resumes with typos, resumes for positions other than the one advertised, and the occasional application from prison. Culling the "yes" pile was 1 part art and 3 parts science. Of the 250, there were 11 who were qualified based upon education and experience. I also had 30 internal applications, of whom 4 were qualified to interview.

15 candidates were brought in for first round interviews. 8 candidates were brought in for second round interviews. 3 were brought in for third round interviews. 1 job offer went out. When it was accepted, 14 non-select letters were sent.

The next day, I had 29 internal candidates wanting to know why they were not chosen. Two days later, I had 11 external candidates wanting to know whey they were not picked. What I thought would be so exciting and positive -- someone having a new job -- turned into a real learning experience about how to tell everyone else they were not selected. Luckily, I had a great mentor and I learned quickly what to say and what not to say. Judging from what I hear now, apparently, not all HR reps were as lucky as I.

For those rude recruiters and clueless hiring managers, here are a few of the Golden Recruiting Rules for communicating with applicants:

1. Thou Shall: carefully consider the position, requirements and experience prior to posting. It is irresponsible to evolve the position in the midst of the interview process because you did not take the time to plan appropriately before accepting applications.
    
2. Thou Shall: acknowledge all applications electronically, by phone or by mail. People put their hearts and souls into their resumes. Have the courtesy to let applicants know their resumes have reached you.
    
3. Thou Shall: have a realistic timeline for bringing on-board a new employee. For most candidates, tomorrow is too soon to start and 6 months is too long to wait.
    
4. Thou Shall: clearly explain the process to all candidates. People understand the concept of the selection process and know not everyone will be picked. Anxiety arises from ambiguity. Better to share the process and the timeline.
    
5. Thou Shall: set realistic expectations and avoid false flattery. Like a first date that goes well, it can be intoxicatingly exciting to speak with prospective candidates. Proceed with caution. Do not promise, or even hint that someone is at the top of the list unless you are about to hand this person a written job offer.
    
6. Thou Shall: provide honest feedback to non-selected final candidates. For those candidates not chosen, prepare in advance an appropriate response should they ask you point blank why they were not selected.
    
7. Thou Shall: give timely notice to all applicants not chosen. Once your new employee has been determined, do provide closure for the other applicants by communicating the position has been filled.
    
8. Thou Shall: treat each applicant as an individual and with respect. Especially in recessionary times, the sheer number of applications can be overwhelming. Luckily, today's technology allows for low cost, low effort electronic responses or other mailing services.
    
9. Thou Shall: keep in contact with candidates you liked. Business is built on relationships. Why start at square one when you can connect with a previous applicant who showed promise.
    
10. Thou Shall: understand that human resources is public relations. Job candidates (including their friends and their family) may be clients, customers or consumers of your organization. Treat them well to reinforce your organization's reputation.

For those job applicants still in the throes of a job search do keep in mind that recruitment is a mutual-selection process. Just as the company is looking at you, you should be evaluating the company. It should come as no surprise to you that companies who break the Golden Recruiting Rules are the same companies that do not treat their employees well. On the plus side, the economy is starting to brighten. Companies are starting to hire again. My neighbor, a bright, affable guy, after 555 days of unemployment just started his new job on Monday. No matter how many rude rejections you have suffered through as of late, remember, you only need one yes. Good luck!

        

        

        

Etiquette Consultant Phyllis Davis answers the following questions:

* Can workplace gossip and good business etiquette co-exist?
* How do I respond if I become the target of gossip in the workplace?
* What is the proper way to excuse myself from participating in business gossip?

The Social Side Of American Business:
Business Gossip