Vincy Workplace
September 18, 2009

Crash course in dining etiquette

At some point, you may have to attend a formal luncheon or dinner or host one yourself for business purposes. It’s embarrassing and costly to your company when colleagues do not know the rules of business dining and how to build relationships with clients and colleagues. The meal is simply a test to see if you are able to build a relationship where you are known, liked and trusted.{{more}} Unfortunately, formal dining skills are not common, but the business expectations have not changed. It’s not uncommon for job interviews to be held over a meal to evaluate the social skills of the candidate. For business people and students who are accustomed to fast food eating, please take a moment to review these tips as they may save your job and even land you a new position.

PRIOR TO THE MEAL

• RSVP in a timely fashion
• If you invite a client or colleague to a meal, you pick up the bill
• Arrive early and set payment before your guest arrives
• Dress appropriately for the occasion
• Have something light to eat before you go

MEAL TIME BASICS

• Always work from the outside in when deciding which utensil to use
• Pace yourself, you don’t want to be the last one eating or the first one done.
• When passing food always pass to the right
• Always pass salt and the pepper together

STYLES OF DINING

American Style, Continental, Finger, Asian

NAPKINS

• Wait for the hostess/host to signal it’s Ok to unfold
• Unfold and place in your lap
• Place napkin to the left of plate when leaving the table during the meal
• Only bibs (for seafood or BBQ) ore tucked into the shirt or around the neck

PLEASE DON’T DO THIS!

X Season your food before tasting
X Criticize the food.
X Burp out loud
X Blow to cool hot food
X Apply make-up at the table.
X Speak with food in your mouth
X Ask for a doggy bag
X Chew with mouth open

ALCOHOL

• Limit to one drink
• Beer or wine only- No hard liquor
• Never at an interview
• Special note on Holiday Party/ events: It’s really NOT a party

Gratuity

Please tip the wait staff. On average it is 15%-25%

Karen Hinds – President/CEO
Workplace Success Group LLC
21 West Main Street 4th fl
Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: 203-757-4103
A CT Winner of the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business award!
Karen@workplacesuccess.com
www.workplacesuccess.com
http://twitter.com/successatwork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1041367689&ref=profile