Follow these norms at work

Know your work etiquette.

The time you spend at your work place can be your best or the worst hours of a day! Apart from performing well and being in your boss’s good books, remember factors like ‘friendliness’ and ‘manners’ matter most during appraisals. Here are a few key points that are most important when you are at work or outside with your colleagues!

Grooming

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A well-groomed candidate is taken more serious and respected by all. Formal or casual, ensure you wear neat clothes. Style your hair according to the length, so that you don’t look messy. Be positive and carry yourself professionally.

• Ice breaker at a meeting

  
  
  
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  Very often we wait for someone to break the ice. Why not do it ourselves? Introducing yourself and seeking others’ introduction is most important. Ask more questions based on what others’ answer. Don’t overdo it, or you might end up doing all the ...

• Phone calls

  
  
  
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  Office conversation over telephone can be very critical, as it can send out a lot of signals. Start off with a warm greeting. Even if you are in a hurry, talk slowly, with proper breaks and be precise. Remember, long conversations are always boring.

• E-mails

  
  
  
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  There are a few dos and don’ts to be followed while writing a formal mail. Don’t leave the subject blank. While replying to a question, copy the question to your mail and then answer. Follow the writing guidelines. Include name and contact.

• Table manners

  
  
  
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  Lunch time is the best time of the day, to get to know people. Mingle with everyone and know them personally and professionally. Do not restrict yourself to the same group. Remember not to discuss others in their absence. It might just do no good.

• Networking

  
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  Break out of your comfort zone and mingle with everyone. This will ease you out both professionally and will let you enjoy work. Make direct eye contact while you interact with colleagues. Contribute to the conversation with open ended questions.