Appearance

One’s appearance is directly related to the career field in which they work. True
or false? Let’s see – would you expect your female automobile mechanic to
have grease under her nails and smell of gasoline or diesel fuel? Of course.
Would you expect the female teller at the bank you use to have grease under her
nails and smell of gasoline or diesel fuel? Probably not. Would you expect your
female automobile mechanic to work in high heels and a dress? Not likely. In
an automobile service department, the smell of gasoline, diesel fuel, and oil are
accepted odors that most of us expect and would not find offensive in that
setting. You would expect the mechanic to be dressed safely for work which
would not include heels that she could trip in or a dress which could expose her
skin to harsh and/or hot chemicals. However, in a bank you would not expect the
person that is greeting the public and handling money to have a strong odor or
dirty nails; you very well might find her offensive. What’s the difference?

Depending on the career field, acceptable appearances may vary, as in the
example above. However, regardless of your job, there is no excuse for not
being groomed, being neat, practicing good personal hygiene, or using correct
and polite behavior. A lack of attention on your part in any of these areas can
affect your job and/or your business.  

A person who is groomed and neat in appearance has cleaned and combed hair
that is styled appropriately for the job or class. Clothes are pressed, shirttails
tucked in, shoelaces tied, and so on. Stockings are run-free, and shoe heels are
appropriate for the job or class. Make-up and cologne are tastefully applied
without being overbearing. Nails are clean and manicured and are an
appropriate length for the classroom or lab.

The practice of good personal hygiene is a must. Daily bathing, especially in our
region of the country, is a necessity. Body perspiration causes odors that can be
very offensive to others. The heat and humidity we experience in the South
compounds this problem. The use of a deodorant and antiperspirant is only
effective as long as the body is clean and free of dirt and sweat. Likewise, good
oral hygiene and brushing and flossing daily aid in the prevention of bad breath,
cavities, and gum disease. Be sensitive to others around you by taking care of
yourself and your body’s needs.

Correct and polite behavior is the acceptable conduct for class or a job. It shows
respect for oneself as well as others. Acceptable behavior may include:

• Not interrupting others while they are talking;
• Not carrying on side conversations while someone is talking;
• Considering other’s feelings and concerns when making decisions or
comments;
• Being respectful of the instructor and classmates;
• Avoiding arguments and disagreements;• Providing assistance when asked;
• Using terms such as “please” and “thank you.”

Email Etiquette

1.  Why do you need email etiquette?

A company needs to implement etiquette rules for the following three reasons:
• Professionalism: by using proper email language your company will
convey a professional image.
• Efficiency: emails that get to the point are much more effective than poorly
worded emails.
• Protection from liability: employee awareness of email risks will protect
your company from costly law suits.

2.  What are the email etiquette rules?

There are many etiquette guides and many different etiquette rules. Some rules
will differ according to the nature of your business and the corporate culture.

Below we list what we consider as the 31 most important email etiquette rules
that apply to nearly all companies.

32 most important email etiquette tips:

1.  Be concise and to the point
2.  Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions
3.  Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
4.  Make it personal
5.  Use templates for frequently used responses6.  Answer swiftly
7.  Do not attach unnecessary files
8.  Use proper structure & layout
9.  Do not overuse the high priority option
10.  Do not write in CAPITALS
11.  Don't leave out the message thread
12.  Add disclaimers to your emails
13.  Read the email before you send it
14.  Do not overuse Reply to All
15.  Mailings > use the bcc: field or do a mail merge
16.  Take care with abbreviations and emoticons
17. Be careful with formatting
18.  Take care with rich text and HTML messages
19.  Do not forward chain letters
20.  Do not ask to recall a message.
21.  Do not copy a message or attachment without permission
22.  Do not use email to discuss confidential information
23.  Use a meaningful subject
24.  Use active instead of passive
25.  Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT
26.  Avoid long sentences
27.  Don't send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks
28.  Don't forward virus hoaxes and chain letters
29.  Keep your language gender neutral
30.  Don't reply to spam
31.  Use cc: field sparingly
32.  Do not request delivery and read receipts

Assignment:

View this video presentation on Appearance.

Physical Appearance

Regardless of your job, there is no excuse for not being groomed, being neat,
practicing good personal hygiene, or using correct or polite behavior.

How can this affect your job?

Email Appearance

Why do you need email etiquette?
Name five of the email etiquette rules?