AboutCynthia Lett Expertise One of the few Certified Etiquette Professionals (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professionals(CPP) earned by examination through the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals (www.ispep.org).
I will be happy to answer your questions about business or social etiquette, international customs or protocol issues.
Experience Ms. Lett has been the principal of The Lett Group since 1983 when she was trained as a professional in Business & Social Etiquette, Business & Social Entertaining, International Protocol and Executive Communications Skills. She has been a program speaker and coach around the world - teaching and advising on these subjects. Currently she consults with companies including Saudi Aramco, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, United States Postal Service, the US Dept. of Defense, US Department of the Treasury, NASA, Smithsonian Institution, Exxon-Mobil, Hilton Hotels, Ritz Carlton Hotels, and government offices of protocol for the United States, South Africa, Columbia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Denmark, Finland, Canada, The Russian Federation, Chevron Overseas Petroleum and J. P. Morgan on these subjects. Additionally for the past eight years she has been an adjunct professor at The Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University, teaching the course in Business Protocol. She also offers private and corporate consultation and programs on the power skills necessary to compete in the international business arena. Clients include major universities, Fortune 500 companies, international associations and savvy professionals from all levels of the corporate ladder. She is the editor of APROPOS! - a monthly newsletter on these subjects and is host of It’s APROPOS! an internet talk show on similar subjects. Her new book, Lett’s Talk – Etiquette Dilemmas and How to Handle Them is due out September, 2007. There are nine universities which currently use her curriculum and text for their course on Business Etiquette. Her other new book, Mission Possible with Brian Tracy and Stephen R. Covey has just been released.
Ms. Lett holds a Master of Legal Studies degree from Antioch School of Law, Washington, D.C. and undergraduate degrees in Restaurant, Hotel, & Institutional Management and Public Relations from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. She also earned a certificate in Adult Learning Techniques from The George Washington University. Professionally, Ms. Lett is the founder of and serves as Executive Director of the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals headquartered in Washington, DC. She is an active member of the National Speakers Association, American Society for Training and Development; Women Business Owners; Professional Convention Management Association; and past member of the American Society of Association Executives; Foundation for International Meetings (Board of Governors 1986-1987). She was elected into Who's Who of American Women; Who's Who of Advertising Executives; 2000 Notable American Women; Who's Who of the World's Women; Who's Who of U.S. Executives and Who's Who of the World.
She has been featured and quoted in publications such as Successful Meetings, Meetings and Conventions, Meeting News, Business Travel News, Washington Business Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Regardies Magazine, Wall Street Journal, The Robb Report, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Harvard Business Review, Ohio Business Review, Training and Development Journal, CIO Magazine and others. During 1990, Ms. Lett planned a series of Business Exchange meetings in the Soviet Union for entrepreneurs from the United States who wished to learn about joint ventures with the Soviets in many different fields. Some of Creative Planning International's clients have included Wall Street Journal, A. T. & T., MCI Telecommunications Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, Department of State, McKinsey and Company, Duracell International, Security Pacific among others.
She is featured in the PBS special – Pioneer Living – as the protocol expert. Ms. Lett is also the etiquette expert for the Fine Living Channel and currently featured in Survival Guide – Office Etiquette. She is also a frequent expert on etiquette issues for Fox Cable News.
Expert: Cynthia Lett Date: 2/16/2005 Subject: Informal Interviews
Question Hi, I'm currently studying a maths degree at a UK university and I'm applying for investment banking and actuary internships in New York. Even though it's still relatively early days I have not heard anything from the companies I have applied to so far. I now have the opportunity to go to New York for a few days with a cheap flight, and was seriously considering how advantageous it would be for me, if I were to try and arrange informal interviews with companies in my field of interest, and also just go to as many companies as possible while I'm there, hand in my resume and ask to have an informal interview.
Do you think this would be a good idea and beneficial, as it would mean missing some university work? Also it may be my only chance of actually getting an internship.
If I were to go ahead with this plan of action, is there any advice you could give me about how to go about it, as in contact the human resources department of companies and questions to ask while I'm there?
Any further advice you may have regarding interviews or which you think is relevant would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time and help.
Marck
Answer Dear Marck:
I am glad to hear how motivated you are to succeed in your chosen field. I think that taking the opportunity to visit NY in person and meet with prospective employers is terrific. But... you need to do some planning. Target no more than three companies for each day you are there. More than that will tire you to the point you won't be showing your best to each company. Contact the department in which an internship would be appropriate - In your chosen fields I am not sure what the departments would be. However, don't start with Human Resources - they should be where you are referred by the primary person you meet. Call (don't email) the company main number and explain what you are seeking and the name of the person (ask them to spell it) who would be the right person to speak with. Then, call that person or ask to be connected. When you get them on the phone, identify yourself (first and last names) what university you are studying at and that you are calling with an interest in working in their industry and would there be a convenient time during the days you are planning to be in NY that you could take 15 minutes of their time at their convenience to meet with them for an informational interview. Don't mention that you want a job or internship. Just information that will help you decide on future coursework.
If they say yes, ask if it would be alright to send to them your resume. If they say yes, send it with a thank you for allowing you to take their time to help you with your future career path. If you get the interview, dress conservative and call the day before the meeting to confirm.
Making a great first impression is important to how the interview will go. Actually it will be mostly you asking the questions rather than the other way around. Keep your questions to no more than 10 or fewer so that you won't take up more than your allotted time. Make sure your handshake is firm but not too firm, web to web. Smile when you say hello and when you get a good answer to your questions. Make eye contact and speak clearly and with energy. When you are done, you end the meeting first since you are the one who asked for it. Stand up and thank the person for their invaluable advice and ask if you may contact them again. This would also be the time to mention that from what they told you, you would be eager to work for the company and you wonder if they offer internships for university students. If the person doesn't know, ask who would you contact to inquire.
Then leave with a smile.
Have stationery and stamps in your briefcase or hotel room. Within 24 hours of your meeting you must write a handwritten note thanking them for the their time and advice and express that working with them would be a great step in your career.
I hope this information helps.
Let me know if I may help again.
