Professional Etiquette

Back to Career Advisory

Prepare for success with expert tips on interview preparation, etiquette, and salary negotiation strategies.

Effective communication is key to success in any professional setting. Follow these guidelines:

Clear and Concise
Communicate your ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Active Listening
Listen attentively to colleagues and clients, asking clarifying questions when needed to ensure understanding.

Respectful Tone
Maintain a respectful and professional tone in all written and verbal communications, even in challenging situations.

Timely Responses
Respond to emails and messages promptly, acknowledging receipt and providing updates as needed.

Make the most of meetings by observing these best practices:

Punctuality
Arrive on time for meetings, respecting everyone’s schedules.

Preparation
Review the meeting agenda and prepare any materials or contributions in advance.

Engagement
Participate actively in discussions, offering insights and contributing to the conversation.

Respect
Listen to others’ perspectives and avoid interrupting or dominating the conversation.

Your appearance speaks volumes about your professionalism. Adhere to these guidelines:

Know the Dress Code
Understand the company’s dress code policy and adhere to it.

Professional Appearance
Dress in clean, well-fitting clothing that reflects professionalism and respect for the workplace.

Avoid Distractions
Minimise distracting accessories or attire that may detract from your professional image.

Adapt to the Occasion
Dress formally for client meetings or presentations and adjust attire based on the workplace culture.

Maintain professionalism in your email communications with these tips:

Clear Subject Line
Use a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of the email.

Professional Salutation
Begin with a professional salutation, using the recipient’s name if known.

Brief and Relevant
Keep emails concise and focused on the topic at hand, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents.

Proofread
Review emails for spelling and grammar errors before sending and consider the tone and phrasing to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Build valuable professional connections with these networking principles:

Introduce Yourself
Approach networking opportunities with confidence, introduce yourself and initiate conversations with others.

Active Listening
Listen attentively to others’ experiences and perspectives, showing genuine interest and respect.

Follow-Up
Follow up with contacts after networking events, expressing appreciation and continuing the conversation.

Reciprocity
Offer support and assistance to others in your network, fostering mutual relationships and professional goodwill.

Navigate the workplace with professionalism and respect:

Respect Diversity
Treat all colleagues with respect and consideration, regardless of differences in background or perspective.

Mindful Behaviour
Be mindful of your actions and their impact on others, avoiding disruptive or offensive behaviours.

Collaboration
Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, valuing teamwork and cooperation.

Conflict Resolution
Address conflicts or disagreements professionally and constructively, seeking solutions that benefit all parties involved.