Career Services Etiquette Dinner A Success

The Career Services Etiquette Dinner was held on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 P.M. The dinner began in the Hoff Room with appetizers and a short networking session. Leading the networking session was Michael Dixon, Director of Multicultural Studies and Campus Diversity. Mr. Dixon provided instruction on how to professionally introduce oneself and how to politely leave a conversation. During the networking session, students met a variety of local business representatives.

Following the networking session, all participants entered the Lahman Room for the dinner. The tables had already been set and business representatives were asked to act as Table Hosts. As such, they would set the standard for proper etiquette during the dinner. Liz Bushnell, Career Services Director, gave a short introduction to proper table etiquette as the soup was distributed to each table. Discussion of the placement of the napkin opened the etiquette presentation. Attendees were told that the napkin is to be placed in their laps during the meal and set to the left of the plate when they leave the table. The place setting designated for each participant was marked by the bread plate on the left and the glass to their right. Following this short presentation, participants ate their soup and salads. There was much discussion at each table as the participants became acquainted with each other.

Mrs. Bushnell ended her presentation after the main course was served. She explained the difference between business attire, standard business casual, and basic business casual. Door prizes were given by drawing business cards provided before the event that had been distributed during the networking session. Winners were given a Manchester College portfolio. Cheesecake was served for dessert. There were eighty-three participants at the Etiquette Dinner. Copies of the etiquette handout are available in Career Services.

Body Language and the Interview

One of the key elements of interviewing is body language. It can tell an employer a lot about you and affect your chances of being hired. Distracting or intimidating body language can be fatal to the job search.
There are four main movements to avoid:

1. fidgeting, of any type



2. crossing your arms



3. avoiding eye contact



4. and hiding your hands

Fidgeting, while not uncommon and often a result of nervous energy, is distracting to employers. It can also lead them to wonder why you are so nervous.

Crossed arms is a common stance for most people, but it codes as aggressive and intimidating during an interview. Keep your arms open, resting them on the arms of the chair.

Eye contact is key in interviews. If you do not look at your interviewer(s), they might think you are hiding something. However, do not stare at your interviewer(s), this is intimidating and nerve-wracking. Keeping eye contact with the person who is speaking and looking away on occasion is best.

Finally, interviewers will probably look at your hands occasionally. Hiding your hands by sitting on them or folding them in your lap under the table may make them question your interpersonal skills. Hand gestures and placement can tell an employer how well you would interact with clients.

For examples and pictures of body language gaffes in interview situations, click on the attached link: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ehkf/interview-body-language-gaffes-that-could-cost-you-the-job.

If you have any questions about interviewing or would like to schedule a mock interview, contact Betty Butterbaugh in Career Services at bjbutterbaugh@manchester.edu!