Workplace and Business Etiquette know-how, please help

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #185518

    Hi all,

    I’ll be starting work at a regional firm as an entry level auditor for the first time and need your advice on the workplace/business etiquette. I don’t want to appear aloof and unprofessional when I meet my coworkers, bosses, and clients.

    Workplace

    1) Should I use Mr. and Ms. to all my supervisors and bosses unless they tell me to call them by first name?

    2) Do I open doors for my female coworkers and supervisor? I read online that it is different in a workplace and that I should not.

    3) Don’t use “hey” and “no problem.” What other phrases should I avoid using at the workplace?

    Field Work and Building Goodwill with Client

    1) When first meeting the client, firm hand shake and introduction. And hand out your business card? Or do you exchange business card at the end of the meeting on the first meeting?

    All I think of right now. Add your must-know etiquette advices, thank you.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 20 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #553143
    funtiks
    Participant

    if I'm walking and there is someone behind me ill hold the door, I dont care who it is…

    FAR - 76*, 73, 85
    BEC - 69, 72, 78*, 80
    AUD - 72, 71, 90
    REG - 71, 74, 85

    AFTER 3 YEARS I'M DONE!!!

    #553144
    funtiks
    Participant

    if I'm walking and there is someone behind me ill hold the door, I dont care who it is…

    FAR - 76*, 73, 85
    BEC - 69, 72, 78*, 80
    AUD - 72, 71, 90
    REG - 71, 74, 85

    AFTER 3 YEARS I'M DONE!!!

    #553145
    D
    Participant

    Can't really think of anything that truly falls into the business etiquette. However the following tips I always give my new hires to help them out (based on what I've done and have seen others do to succeed):

    – Early is on time, and on time is late. Remember that for all your meetings.

    – Always come prepared with a notepad and pen. You will look prepared and you never know who might be watching you in the meeting.

    – Don't be too nervous to where it makes you awkward to be around. You've already landed the gig, now focus your energy on learning the job. Don't be so concerned with saying the right things or doing the right things to impress people at first. You will make a good impression in due time and the sooner you master your job and start adding value/giving back, the sooner that impression will be made.

    ----------
    AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
    BEC - 80! (5/2016)
    REG - tbd (8/2016)
    FAR - tbd

    Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

    "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
    ----------

    #553146
    D
    Participant

    Can't really think of anything that truly falls into the business etiquette. However the following tips I always give my new hires to help them out (based on what I've done and have seen others do to succeed):

    – Early is on time, and on time is late. Remember that for all your meetings.

    – Always come prepared with a notepad and pen. You will look prepared and you never know who might be watching you in the meeting.

    – Don't be too nervous to where it makes you awkward to be around. You've already landed the gig, now focus your energy on learning the job. Don't be so concerned with saying the right things or doing the right things to impress people at first. You will make a good impression in due time and the sooner you master your job and start adding value/giving back, the sooner that impression will be made.

    ----------
    AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
    BEC - 80! (5/2016)
    REG - tbd (8/2016)
    FAR - tbd

    Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

    "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
    ----------

    #553147
    D
    Participant

    Oh… and below are my responses to your questions. I put a ** in front of my responses.

    1) Should I use Mr. and Ms. to all my supervisors and bosses unless they tell me to call them by first name?

    **Yes, when you introduce yourself to them listen to see how they introduce themself, and try to listen in on how others are addressing one another. That will give you insight to the culture without you having to ask. My guess, since its an audit firm, is that it's a 1st name basis.

    2) Do I open doors for my female coworkers and supervisor? I read online that it is different in a workplace and that I should not.

    **Only if its not awkward. As a female (and female supervisor), I find it weird and don't like it when men go out of their way to open the door for me. I've yet to have a male direct report, but I would find it just as weird if he went too far out of his way to be chivalrous.If you're on your way in/out within a few strides of the person, hold open the door and/or let them go first. Otherwise, don't hold it if they are far behind. This is only in reference to male – female.. if your boss or coworkers are male and you are male, I don't think rule above apply.

    3) Don't use “hey” and “no problem.” What other phrases should I avoid using at the workplace?

    **Eek, I use “no problem” all the time, however that's only for people I've been working with for quite some time. Once you get comfortable and build more casual relationships with people, these types of things aren't so bad.

    Field Work and Building Goodwill with Client

    1) When first meeting the client, firm hand shake and introduction. And hand out your business card? Or do you exchange business card at the end of the meeting on the first meeting?

    ** Typically from what I've seen, business card is at the end of the meeting. When you are about to leave and saying your farewells, etc., “Client XYZ, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to working with you. Here is my business card… should you need to contact me, feel free to reach out to my cell or email..” etc.

    ----------
    AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
    BEC - 80! (5/2016)
    REG - tbd (8/2016)
    FAR - tbd

    Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

    "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
    ----------

    #553148
    D
    Participant

    Oh… and below are my responses to your questions. I put a ** in front of my responses.

    1) Should I use Mr. and Ms. to all my supervisors and bosses unless they tell me to call them by first name?

    **Yes, when you introduce yourself to them listen to see how they introduce themself, and try to listen in on how others are addressing one another. That will give you insight to the culture without you having to ask. My guess, since its an audit firm, is that it's a 1st name basis.

    2) Do I open doors for my female coworkers and supervisor? I read online that it is different in a workplace and that I should not.

    **Only if its not awkward. As a female (and female supervisor), I find it weird and don't like it when men go out of their way to open the door for me. I've yet to have a male direct report, but I would find it just as weird if he went too far out of his way to be chivalrous.If you're on your way in/out within a few strides of the person, hold open the door and/or let them go first. Otherwise, don't hold it if they are far behind. This is only in reference to male – female.. if your boss or coworkers are male and you are male, I don't think rule above apply.

    3) Don't use “hey” and “no problem.” What other phrases should I avoid using at the workplace?

    **Eek, I use “no problem” all the time, however that's only for people I've been working with for quite some time. Once you get comfortable and build more casual relationships with people, these types of things aren't so bad.

    Field Work and Building Goodwill with Client

    1) When first meeting the client, firm hand shake and introduction. And hand out your business card? Or do you exchange business card at the end of the meeting on the first meeting?

    ** Typically from what I've seen, business card is at the end of the meeting. When you are about to leave and saying your farewells, etc., “Client XYZ, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to working with you. Here is my business card… should you need to contact me, feel free to reach out to my cell or email..” etc.

    ----------
    AUD - 74, 77! (1/2016)
    BEC - 80! (5/2016)
    REG - tbd (8/2016)
    FAR - tbd

    Study materials: NINJA MCQ/Audio/Notes

    "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!"
    ----------

    #553150
    Mathgirl7
    Member

    1. Address them however they introduce themselves. I have never actually worked anywhere not on a first name basis though and I have worked for some very large companies.

    2. General manners should be applied. I am female but if I get to the door first I will hold it open for anybody else coming through.

    3. Formal responses at first but once you have a chance to read people's personalities you should be able to tell what you can say around them. I use both of those all of the time though lol

    1. Business card at the end. Otherwise just read the client just as you would in meeting anybody new

    AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
    BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
    REG - 5/17/2014
    FAR - 5/21/2014

    CA Ethics Exam - Passed

    #553152
    Mathgirl7
    Member

    1. Address them however they introduce themselves. I have never actually worked anywhere not on a first name basis though and I have worked for some very large companies.

    2. General manners should be applied. I am female but if I get to the door first I will hold it open for anybody else coming through.

    3. Formal responses at first but once you have a chance to read people's personalities you should be able to tell what you can say around them. I use both of those all of the time though lol

    1. Business card at the end. Otherwise just read the client just as you would in meeting anybody new

    AUD - 2/1/2014 - 92
    BEC - 2/8/2014 - 79
    REG - 5/17/2014
    FAR - 5/21/2014

    CA Ethics Exam - Passed

    #553153
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Pen and paper. Absolutely.

    This is the first thing I always teach our new interns. ALWAYS have them and take notes! It bothers me when I am taking my time to explain something to somebody and teach them and they don't write anything down. 95% of the time when I'm teaching something, there are specifics involved that won't be remembered (where that file is located, who it get's sent to etc). If they don't write notes, they ALWAYS come back with questions (that I already answered). It's a nice way of being careful with somebody's time.

    #553154
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Pen and paper. Absolutely.

    This is the first thing I always teach our new interns. ALWAYS have them and take notes! It bothers me when I am taking my time to explain something to somebody and teach them and they don't write anything down. 95% of the time when I'm teaching something, there are specifics involved that won't be remembered (where that file is located, who it get's sent to etc). If they don't write notes, they ALWAYS come back with questions (that I already answered). It's a nice way of being careful with somebody's time.

    #553155
    RedSoxFan77
    Member

    My $.02 on lunch etiquette: don't put fish in the microwave, but popcorn is OK.

    FAR 75
    AUD 74, 82
    REG 58, 74, 83
    BEC 68, 75
    Licensed 7.1.14!!!

    #553156
    RedSoxFan77
    Member

    My $.02 on lunch etiquette: don't put fish in the microwave, but popcorn is OK.

    FAR 75
    AUD 74, 82
    REG 58, 74, 83
    BEC 68, 75
    Licensed 7.1.14!!!

    #553157
    Skynet
    Participant

    If she is HOT!

    Chances are she is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY out of your league so don't bother trying to ask her out.

    #553158
    Skynet
    Participant

    If she is HOT!

    Chances are she is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY out of your league so don't bother trying to ask her out.

    #553159

    TXCPAGAL12, I really like the last advice: “Don't be too nervous to where it makes you awkward to be around. You've already landed the gig, now focus your energy on learning the job. Don't be so concerned with saying the right things or doing the right things to impress people at first. You will make a good impression in due time and the sooner you master your job and start adding value/giving back, the sooner that impression will be made.” I'm going to apply that mentally on the first day of work.

    Mathgirl7, I'll be calling my supervisor and my coworkers by their first name. But my boss is in her 60s and do you suggest that I call her by first name on the first day of work? She introduced me with her full name (without Mrs./Ms.) when we first met.

    amanda.runia, of course. Got my yellow notepad and pen ready.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 20 total)
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