Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Thursday, February 28, 2008
Expert offers etiquette advice for professional settings
 Joshua Pike butters a roll while learning about proper etiqutte during a meal from nationally known speaker Deborah Thomas Niniger at the Cleary and Friends Alumni Center at UW-La Crosse. Erik Daily |
If your mother ever told you to “sit up straight,” “chew with your mouth closed” or “put your napkin in your lap,” she wasn’t nagging — she was right.
Manners, whether polished or poor, can make or break a job interview or leave a lasting impression on just about anyone you meet, said Deborah Thomas-Nininger, who has worked in professional development for 27 years and speaks across the nation on etiquette.
She gave a group of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students some pointers on professional behavior Wednesday over an evening meal on campus.
Most on-site interviews will include a meal, so learning dining etiquette is important, said Karla Stanek, UW-L’s director of career services.
Thomas-Nininger explained when to put the napkin in the lap, which utensils to use first and even how to properly eat a dinner roll.
“There are people who impress you with intellectual accomplishments,” she said. “But if they all of the sudden start licking their fingers or using their napkin for a handkerchief, then that becomes the focal point and that is what is memorable.”
UW-L junior Joshua Pike said they didn’t cover etiquette much in high school, and he admitted his manners could use some polishing.
“I use my fingers for pretty much everything when I eat out with my parents,” he said.
Thomas-Nininger also addressed professionalism outside the confines of food, from dress to the use of verbal slang.
In an earlier interview, she listed her top five things to do to be memorable — and five things to avoid — when in an interview or professional setting:
To be memorable
1. Learn how to mix and mingle. The ability to make small talk and network have become more important in a variety of fields, as professionals find the need to be more visible.
2. Practice good table manners.
3. Wear appropriate dress, taking into consideration the age, demographics and the company where you interview or work.
4. Choose words wisely. Watch excessive use of terms such as “like” and other slang. Good word choice helps establish confidence and credibility.
5. Body language doesn’t lie. Thomas-Nininger said employers repeatedly tell her they are impressed by a firm handshake, good eye contact and nice posture. “Body language simply doesn’t lie,” she said. “It will let that employer know if you are calm and comfortable and if you are looking forward to working with them.”
What not to do
1. Don’t be self absorbed. Asking questions early in the interview process about such topics as vacation time, pay day and sick days available can make it seem like the person is not interested in the company.
2. Don’t be late — or too early. Even being 30 minutes early for an interview or appointment may be seen as not managing time wisely.
3. Cease with the cell phone. In an interview, it is best to leave it in the car. Even on vibrate, cell phones are a disruption.
4. Don’t forget to send a thank you after an interview. A handwritten note is best — it shows you go the extra mile and will keep you on the employer’s mind.
5. Don’t go into an interview without doing homework. Study up on the company in advance.
KJ Lang can be reached at (608) 791-8226 or klang@lacrossetribune.com.
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