| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Our Office Manager | 8/25/2008 |
Q: After 12 years with our company, our office manager got a "pink slip". We just found out tomorrow ...
A: Michelle, If you have a good working relationship with this person, then perhaps a simple token of ...
|
| Dress Code | 8/22/2008 |
Q: I was recently in a meeting with my female sales manager. When the potential client with whom we ...
A: Stacey, It is not inappropriate to bring a purse/handbag for business. The rule is that no matter ...
|
| writing a letter after being fired | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I was recently fired from a well known casino, they say the reason was unacceptable behavior. I have ...
A: Sal, It is unfortunate to hear of your circumstance. The odds of gaining back your position with ...
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| poor service | 8/12/2008 |
Q: My Name is Frank R Shafer, I been going to Friendly’s in Torrington Ct 06790 for years. I stopped ...
A: Mr. Shafer, Is Friendly's a national chain that serves food and ice cream? It is unfortunate in ...
|
| PHD's | 7/26/2008 |
Q: Is it appropriate to list a PH.D. in advertising etc that, while earned, is not relative to the ...
A: Richard, A PH.D is well deserved as it requires tenacity and hard work. In most cultures a PH.D is ...
|
| How to Quit Professionally | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I will be resigning from my job on a set date of 7/31, and I am planning on telling my boss 3 weeks ...
A: Will, Please do not use email. Compose a letter of resignation, as you will need it for their ...
|
| Workplace drama | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I am a hairstylist and rent a booth from a salon with 3 owners. Our building has indoor garage ...
A: Ashley, What if the paid spot was rotated so that each person had the opportunity to have a free ...
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| To Wear or Not to Wear? | 6/4/2008 |
Q: My question is in regards to dress shirts. I notice that more and more dress shirts don’t have ...
A: Be sure that the collared shirts are starched medium to heavy to ensure the collar will hold. When ...
|
| ref | 4/27/2008 |
Q: Good day, Lets say you are just starting out in business and trying to network with high profile men ...
A: Sam, A good book to read to get along with others regardless of social standing is "How to Win ...
|
| return to work | 4/4/2008 |
Q: I am a hair salon owner. I took a leave of absence from work nine months ago to stay home with my ...
A: Amy, Your letter could read: I am happy to announce my return to work on a regular basis (perhaps ...
|
| Cover Letters & Resume | 4/3/2008 |
Q: Good Morning Denise, I am writing cover letters and resumes to be sent to CEO's for a Senior ...
A: Bob, Use 100% cotton paper (look for watermark) in 24 or 28lb (preferred), it maintains integrity ...
|
| Spouses at casual business dinners | 4/1/2008 |
Q: I have always enjoyed taking customers out to dinner in a casual setting along with their spouse to ...
A: Don, Who mentioned it is not warranted or justified? It may be budgetary if on the company dollar. ...
|
| returning to you're old job after resigning. | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I'm having a small issue and I am not sure what to do. I recently resigned from a job that i was in ...
A: Miguel, I will need more information. Are you saying that you had to resign from the Academy ...
|
| interview with morethen one person | 1/29/2008 |
Q: I went on a 2 1/2 hour interview. I met with people in groups. To send the follow-up thank you, do ...
A: Sylvia, Ideally, if you have contact detail for each individual then send a handwritten note of ...
|
| babysittig problems | 1/26/2008 |
Q: i want to babysit at 11 but there is this woman to her job is to babysit.What should i do?
A: Tia, Are you saying a woman is babysitting as a job? and you would like to babysit too? You can ...
|
| ending a business relationship | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I am considering ending my professional relationship with my CPA. As my business has grown, I find ...
A: A hard copy (not email)letter of termination of services would be in your best interest as a paper ...
|
| Partnership vs. Sole Proprietership | 1/14/2008 |
Q: But I coud not find a catagory this fell under. I have and am taking a wonderful, prosperous ...
A: Julene, You may want to consider this venture on your own. You may partner using the person's ...
|
| Resume etiquette | 12/26/2007 |
Q: When responding to a website job posting stating "email or fax resume", after emailing a resume, ...
A: Most companies have strict rules about follow-up by phone or email. You may want to send a hard ...
|
| Etiquette for Opening Bonus envelope | 12/20/2007 |
Q: I work for a small office, and the boss typically hands each of the support staff an individual ...
A: Barbara, I would suggest that you open the envelope at a later time, as each bonus may not be the ...
|
| Formal letter writing | 12/13/2007 |
Q: how do i write a letter to my boss requesting for an office equipment or appropraite account codes ...
A: Sylvia, There are several options; one is an internal memo request, the other would be a more ...
|
| How to talk with seniors at work place... | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I am Pradip Patil, from India. i am software professional , have recently got a job in one company ...
A: Pradip, I would recommend seeking out a business etiquette professional in your area to assist with ...
|
| social invites sent to business addresses | 11/28/2007 |
Q: We are having an on-going debate in our office. We produce an annual black-tie event that raises ...
A: Janice, The man's name always appears first when addressing envelopes to a couple. If an honorific ...
|
| Should hourly employee be compensated for a business lunch | 11/17/2007 |
Q: From my past experiences I would assume that if a boss offers to take an employee out to lunch that ...
A: Brianna, Corporate policy would dictate compensation. However, in most cases, a business lunch ...
|
| ask for an interview | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I have applied on line for several jobs at an insurance company. I have 15 years experience working ...
A: Michele, Please be aware the success percentage of online resume submissions is only about 13%. ...
|
| Business Voicemail | 10/29/2007 |
Q: We are a commercial lender and just had a new phone system installed. The President of our company ...
A: Jo, Record in her voice that the caller has reached the office of "John Doe" and to please leave a ...
|
| Business Lunch Location | 10/22/2007 |
Q: My husband is the manager of a nice restaurant that rarely has a wait and has the perfect business ...
A: It is quite acceptable to dine at the restaurant your husband manages. It is not necessary to let ...
|
| Announcement letter to customer | 10/18/2007 |
Q: Help! A month ago, I quit my job at a mortgage company because another employee had engaged in some ...
A: Amy, A professional letter announcing your commitment to your employer, confirming for your ...
|
| How do I get my job back | 10/10/2007 |
Q: I was fired from a radio station as a Program Director a year ago. Since the station is in Delaware, ...
A: Steve, First, be aware that a company does not have to provide a reason when releasing an employee. ...
|
| Business Dress | 9/10/2007 |
Q: In regard to business attire, there seems to be a profitable answer and a right answer. I read ...
A: Mr. Hall, Thank you for your insight. We live in a visually oriented society where visual ...
|
| Delivery methods of Thank You notes | 9/5/2007 |
Q: We have a debate in our office as to whether the delivery of Thank You cards by hand to business ...
A: You certainly may hand deliver, however, keep in mind that it may be seen as an intrusion without an ...
|
| Type of Invites | 8/23/2007 |
Q: We are planning and event where one of our Doctor's will be hosting a talk discussing the cost ...
A: It will depend on the impression you are planning to make and how it represents your fitness center. ...
|
| Suck Ups (is there a more PC name?) | 8/15/2007 |
Q: I work with a someone that is a 150% suck up. He knows I don't like his behavior so now he has been ...
A: Lena, There are many times in business when we have to be tolerant of those in our workplace. You ...
|
| business etiquette for teens | 7/31/2007 |
Q: My teenage son is starting a job. I want to be sure he is well versed in business etiquette and the ...
A: Annie, If you type in business etiquette in the search bar of your internet provider, a host of ...
|
| Voice Mail Greeting | 7/12/2007 |
Q: The lawyer I worked for has just left the firm. I have to compose a voice mail greeting for her ...
A: Marsha, I would redirect the call to a key contact at the firm or to the administrative ...
|
| Wedding gift | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I received a wedding invitation from the daughter of one of my staff members. I am unable to attend, ...
A: Bob, Base your gift on the relationship with the staff member and see the daughter as an extension ...
|
| business card protocol | 7/3/2007 |
Q: Our president has a Lions Club logo on the front of his business card. Is this considered ...
A: Davy, The Lions club is a social/community/global organization and does not have any religious ...
|
| Pay Disparity | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I have been working for a company for 7 months in a PRN status, hired originally to help the FT ...
A: Mindy, Compensation is always a complicated factor in the place of business. It is important that ...
|
| workplace clique | 6/6/2007 |
Q: About six months ago I started working at a firm at which me and another lady are the only two ...
A: Jill, It is easy to get caught up in workplace politics and social discourse, however, do not allow ...
|
| Business Etiquette | 6/1/2007 |
Q: After being Prommoted how do I thak the Owner/CEO After 18 applicants that turned in esssya only 3 ...
A: Did you interview directly with the Owner/CEO? If so, then address them directly, and if not, then ...
|
| Complaints on Business Letterhead? | 5/23/2007 |
Q: If you are sending a letter of complaint to your human resources department should one use company ...
A: If this is an internal document I would recommend that you do not address a letter of complaint on ...
|
| Requesting Appropriate Attire | 5/18/2007 |
Q: Ms. Taylor, I am coordinating a function in August for my company. The owner (manager) of the ...
A: Erin, Obtain the dress code detail from the location and because summer garden party attire is ...
|
| attorneys | 5/7/2007 |
Q: Denise, I am a newly-trained Nurse Life Care Planner. It seems attorneys are looking for NLCP's. ...
A: Crystal, I would begin by contacting firms in your area and asking the receptionist or ...
|
| College Meeting | 4/19/2007 |
Q: Taylor, I have a meeting with a college representative coming up who also works in the field I ...
A: Ed, Dress in a professional manner, if a suit is too formal, consider sport coat, shirt, tie, and ...
|
| Names | 4/18/2007 |
Q: How do you respond to a business associate who has addressed you by the wrong name on several ...
A: Lisa, Be sure to correct an individual immediately when you recognize they have mispronounced, ...
|
| letterhead | 4/17/2007 |
Q: Is it formal for business purposes in the US to print a letterhead as well as the text on a blank ...
A: Formal letterhead is usually found on 100% cotton paper 24lb or 28lb in weight, with letterhead at ...
|
| Shirt Etiquette | 3/31/2007 |
Q: At my place of employment [Car Audio & Home Theater Store] we have two styles of shirts. Each shirt ...
A: Based on your description, one is a three button, polo shirt (casual) and the other is a button ...
|
| Help Making Rain | 3/28/2007 |
Q: I'm a piddly little junior associate at a huge firm and it's never too early to think about rain ...
A: Junior Associate, Do you have any morning timeslots or lunch slots available during your day/week? ...
|
| Thank you letters? | 3/23/2007 |
Q: I recently accepted a new offer with the assistance of a "head Hunter" I am going to send a thank ...
A: I apologize for the delayed response, I had server trouble. A thank you letter, handwritten, is ...
|
| Let go without any notification | 3/8/2007 |
Q: I was working at a job with maybe 0 to 4 hours a month. I called frequently to see if I was on the ...
A: Cindy, Unfortunately when you read the tiny print on most employment agreements, an employee can be ...
|
| Not Clocking out for a Dinner Meeting | 2/6/2007 |
Q: Our office had the pleasure of meeting the president of the company who flew in and hosted a ...
A: Kristine, Corporate policy usually dictates this particular situation. However, future ...
|
| Apology | 1/22/2007 |
Q: Taylor, One question that comes to mind is what price I should expect to pay for a quality business ...
A: Ed, Your first suit should be of high quality and the price may range about $400.00-$600.00. There ...
|
| Handling a delicate situation | 1/8/2007 |
Q: The wife of one of my company's VPs recently made headlines for some illegal activity involving ...
A: Dan, Concern is a natural response to such a situation. However, other than remaining aware and ...
|
| Name Tags | 1/6/2007 |
Q: We are having a company function (Employee & 1 guest) my boss wants us to wear nametags as not all ...
A: Wendy, The name of each individual should be noted (without further explanation) on the name tag, ...
|
| Business Etiquette for celebrating a Promotion | 12/30/2006 |
Q: If someone has been promoted to Partner in a large national company - (500 people in 4 locations) ...
A: Susan, The family may provide celebration for such an achievement, however, it should remain a ...
|
| Holiday Bonuses | 12/18/2006 |
Q: Is it appropriate to send a thank you note for a year end bonus. This is not a formal part of the ...
A: Mr. Guimot, It is not always customary to send a thank you note for holiday bonus. However, when ...
|
| Luncheon Invitations | 12/4/2006 |
Q: Every year I take my staff out to lunch, my treat, as their Christmas present. This year one of my ...
A: Ann, Although it was inappropriate of the individual to invite the General Manager to your ...
|
| Vocabulary and speech | 11/20/2006 |
Q: Taylor, In keeping with the positive changes you have assisted me with, I am wondering if perhaps ...
A: Ed, If you visit your local library they have audio programs on tape or cd to improve speech, ...
|
| Office name tag | 10/18/2006 |
Q: I know eqiquette states to wear a name tag on your right shoulder when in a meeting. Does that apply ...
A: Carla, The rule was created to follow the line of sight when shaking hands. Typically, we shake ...
|
| Polo Shirts | 10/17/2006 |
Q: At my place of employment it is exceptable to wear polo shirts under our suits. Should the polo ...
A: Don, Is the polo shirt worn under a sport coat with trousers? Or is the polo shirt worn under a ...
|
| When intoducing a female salesperson to a male prospect, whose name should be spoken first | 9/28/2006 |
Q: I am currently a college student and i have a report due in school. On question i must answer is ...
A: Liz, In business introductions it is not about gender in relation to whom is first. It is about ...
|
| Political function | 9/12/2006 |
Q: Ms. Taylor! On a somewhat related note, is it more appropriate to address my relative who is a judge ...
A: Ed, I would ask your relative their preference. In a more informal format they may allow for a ...
|
| Political function | 9/11/2006 |
Q: Taylor, I have been invited to attend a political function for a woman who is running for the state ...
A: If the individual is currently in the legislature then you would address her as the title ( i.e. ...
|
| Interview Follow Up | 9/6/2006 |
Q: Is it appropriate after a job interview to send a small gift along with a hand-written thank you to ...
A: Ira, A hand-written thank you note is sufficient. I would recommend holding off on the sending of ...
|
| who extends the hand | 9/5/2006 |
Q: when two people are introduced who exteds the hand first? the more important first? the lady when is ...
A: In the place of business there is no gender, everything is gender neutral regarding etiquette. The ...
|
| finding a job | 8/31/2006 |
Q: hi sorry if i have come too the wrong part but i was wondering if u could help me im goin for a job ...
A: Natalie, Before I begin I would recommend that you use complete spelling of words and not the ...
|
| Responding to congratulation notes | 8/16/2006 |
Q: I have received many, many notes of congratulations from colleaques (via email) on my recent ...
A: Erin, Acknowledgement is always appreciated on both sides. Always respond with a reply so that the ...
|
| Calling in sick | 8/15/2006 |
Q: How can I stress to my 23 year old daughter that it is very important to not call in sick when you ...
A: Trisha, I understand your frustration. I also know that at the age of 23 social status and "having ...
|
| moving | 7/21/2006 |
Q: im going to be returning to the work force next year but it has been 12 years since i held any job ...
A: Laura, There are many books available, however, the one that you may find useful for your ...
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| Men's shirts | 7/21/2006 |
Q: Taylor, Along those lines, can you offer some advice on what color/patterned shirts convey the best ...
A: John, Although there are many options in patterned dress shirts, the basics still rule when the ...
|
| Men's shirts | 7/18/2006 |
Q: Taylor, Can I ask your opinion on men's short sleeved dress shirts? (Basic whites, blues, etc.). ...
A: John, Although short sleeved dress shirts may be appealing with rising temperatures, I would ...
|
| Can't remember name | 7/17/2006 |
Q: You meet someone who you have already been introduced to but cannot remember their name, especially ...
A: Keith, Extend your hand for a handshake, say "hello", and indicate that you apologize but simply ...
|
| New Job and Vacation | 7/12/2006 |
Q: I have been offered a job at a new law firm starting the beginning of August. However, I have a ...
A: Ashley, It is important to be up front regarding your vacation plans. Indicate your pre-planned ...
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| Lunch Attire | 7/6/2006 |
Q: Taylor, I am sorry for yet again asking another question! When I have lunch in a similar setting ...
A: Ed, Make it a great day, and let us know if your in need of any future guidance. Have a great day! ...
|
| asking for your job back | 6/25/2006 |
Q: I put my two weeks in and then about two days before it was up I had a run in with the ass. manager ...
A: First, determine if you really want to continue to work for the company that you considered leaving. ...
|
| Lunch Attire | 6/23/2006 |
Q: I occasionally have lunch with a relative who works as a County Judge. It is always near the ...
A: When in doubt always err on the side of formality. Although the individual is a relative, it is ...
|
| Etiquette Business Invitation | 6/17/2006 |
Q: Denise, I am an event planner and I have a client that is having her company's 25th anniversary ...
A: L. York, Unfortunately our casual and hectic paced lifestyles have watched the RSVP suffer the ...
|
| Recent promotion | 5/30/2006 |
Q: I recently received a significant promotion at work which included a 20% raise. I don't feel that ...
A: Faith, Please check with your corporate policy. Some organizations frown upon any significant gift ...
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| promotions | 5/22/2006 |
Q: what is the protocol in these two situations? Thank you for your help. the director of a large ...
A: A thank you is always welcomed. A handwritten congratulations, or thank you would be appropriate. ...
|
| Professional Hair | 5/9/2006 |
Q: I'm starting my new job with a very well-known company in a week. The dress is business-casual and ...
A: Christina, I did respond to your request, and apparently it did not process properly. Hair ...
|
| job for 12 year olds | 4/30/2006 |
Q: i cant have a pet here or a walking service i need a babysitting job that pays 30-20 dollers a week ...
A: Kamri, I began babysitting at your age, and it is a wonderful way to earn the money. I would ...
|
| Restaurant Cleanliness Complaint | 3/17/2006 |
Q: I have a question about restaurants. I called in an order from my cell phone at a local pizza ...
A: It is completely understandable to have food safety concerns when dining out. It is also ...
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| Office appropriate attire | 12/16/2005 |
Q: I haven't found articles to address this topic yet. We have a small office of 30 employees - 50/50 ...
A: The company should compile a clear cut dress code for their place of business and as it pertains to ...
|
| Holiday Gifts to customers | 11/29/2005 |
Q: Is it ok to give a bottle of wine or liquir to a customer for the holidays?
A: It is not that it is "not" ok to provide wine or liquor as a gift, however, it can possibly reflect ...
|
| Real Work from Home Jobs? | 10/24/2005 |
Q: this may be a bit out of your expertise; however, I am getting desperate trying to find a real work ...
A: Because you appear to have a background of almost ten years in desktop publishing you may want to ...
|
| Excluded spouse | 9/12/2005 |
Q: My husband's company is having a formal event in Las Vegas in a few weeks. The main event is a ...
A: This is not an uncommon practice in organizations to have corporate functions that do not include ...
|
| New Job ettiquette | 7/8/2005 |
Q: I've accepted a position that is less hours and less money than I need, because I was getting ...
A: If you are aware that this particular position is truly not of interest, and you are seeking other ...
|
| 12 jobs... | 7/4/2005 |
Q: is there any pet jobs for 12 year olds? or am i too young? -fernanda
A: You may want to consider starting your own dog walking service for the summer. Also,consider many ...
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| Work dress | 6/15/2005 |
Q: I work in an VERY casual office. It is just my boss and me and I am usually alone. He typically ...
A: I would first start by pointing out that there are statistics available that prove the way you ...
|
| career planning | 6/4/2005 |
Q: I AM AN INDIA.I HAVE COMPLETED MY TWELVETH THIS YEAR.I WANT TO BECOME A BUSINESSMAN.NOW I AM ...
A: First, I would recommend when sending email, do not write in all capital letters, when reading it is ...
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| How to proceed | 5/12/2005 |
Q: Here is the rest of the information: I have worked for my current employer for 3 years now. I just ...
A: You should make sure your employment file is current and I would suggest that you supply the most ...
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| How to proceed | 5/11/2005 |
Q: I'm a Programmer/Analyst with 15 years of experience in the field, but my formal education all these ...
A: I will need more information. Have you worked for your current company for the entire 15 years? ...
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| Proper followup after submitting a resume | 3/24/2005 |
Q: What is the proper procedure after submitting a resume? Should I follow with a phone call, ...
A: Many companies that post listings in the newspaper receive hundreds of responses from those looking ...
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| Business Adminsitration - Computer Info Systems Degree jobs. | 3/23/2005 |
Q: I am a recent graduate student from Mount Olive College down in NC. I am currently living with my ...
A: Your biggest asset in the process of a job search will be the people that you know. You may want to ...
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| What to do? | 3/9/2005 |
Q: I am not sure that this matter falls directly under your area of expertise, but here goes. I have ...
A: First of all, I would recommend you take a step back and separate personal feelings from ...
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| greeting potential employers | 2/18/2005 |
Q: ------------------------- Thanks for your advice. I also wanted to know what topic should I start ...
A: Conversation at networking events can prove to be very powerful. Stay on current events, hobbies of ...
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| greeting potential employers | 2/16/2005 |
Q: I am a college student doing a study abroad in China. A friend told me I should look into finding ...
A: It is a wonderful suggestion to take on an internship with an organization that has ties to China. ...
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| RE-ENTERING JOB FORCE | 1/6/2005 |
Q: .this is my first time on your site and i have a question. With this being the new year and all - i ...
A: Your situation is not uncommon. The past year and a half has been a challenge for many individuals. ...
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| career | 1/2/2005 |
Q: I am currently working as a Lab analyst with a big pharmaceutical company, I have a diploma in ...
A: This is a difficult question to answer. It is important for you to do an assessment of where you ...
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| Interview Follow up protocol | 9/10/2004 |
Q: It was very helpful. I have one last question regarding this issue. What if the location if far ...
A: The thank you note should be sent through the mail, and specifically addressed to your contact ...
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| Interview Follow up protocol | 9/9/2004 |
Q: I sent a thank you note, via email, when I arrived home from an important interview 2 weeks ago. I ...
A: First of all, now or in the future, please refrain from using the internet to send thank you ...
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| high school students learning etiquette | 8/17/2004 |
Q: Denise, I teach Food Prep and Blueprint for Professional Success in a high school. How do you ...
A: I work with summer youth camps and what is termed "at-risk" in my community and it is truly ...
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