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Are you about to graduate? How confident are you about your knowledge of Western business etiquette? Knowing the social graces in business can make or break your career, because no matter how brilliant a student or employee you may be, a lack of business protocol and social grace will hold you back in the corporate world. In a market that's growing more competitive every day, you certainly want to have every advantage.
When you've followed the basic guidelines in this article, you can consider yourself to be a true professional.
- Start with some etiquette research: For hands-on etiquette experience, graduating students need only to do a little research. You can find shelves of etiquette books, etiquette DVDs, and etiquette training companies across the United States. Check with your school to see what's available, and search the Internet for additional resources.
- Get noticed with a flawless cover letter and résumé: Absolute accuracy in a cover letter and résumé is essential for making a positive impression on a potential employer. If your résumé contains glaring errors, potential employers will waste no time deleting it or throwing it out.
- Present yourself professionally: Many people try to avoid passing judgment too quickly, but at first meetings, they inevitably assess other people by how they look. Make sure that your work wardrobe presents a confident, well-groomed image, that your clothes are suitable for the type of work you want to do.
 | Depending on the type of job you're interviewing for, you should conceal your tattoos and remove your body jewelry unless you know for certain that those adornments are acceptable to the employer. Build your business wardrobe as soon as possible, too. Fine apparel and accessories can be quite an investment, so shop wisely, and coordinate classic items for versatility. |
- Communicate with style and confidence: Leave the slang phrases, jargon, and four-letter words in the dorm room. Trendy talk isn't appropriate in a professional setting or in the break room or cafeteria of your company. Master several ways to start conversations, and know how to end them gracefully. Always remember to listen more than you talk.
- Make yourself clear on the phone: Many times, the first contact you have with an individual is over the telephone, so the impression you make can be a lasting one. Therefore, you want to sound confident and professional — especially if the call is about a possible job.
- Cultivate contacts via e-mail: Strive to communicate with colleagues from other countries who share your interests. If your company has offices internationally, check the employee directory and contact co-workers via e-mail. You also can search country-specific international job sites on the Internet or look for specific international companies that post job openings.
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