• Be prepared — do your research, practice so it feels comfortable
• Introduce yourself and ask if this is a good time to call (if it is unexpected)
• Avoid slang and speech you wouldn’t use around strangers, older people, and important people in your life
• Eliminate distractions when possible and enunciate clearly
• Ensure your voicemail is set up and appropriate for a prospective employer
• Include your name and a phone number where they can reach you. Answer calls professionally
• Practice leaving a voicemail and know what you want to say so it will be succinct and to the point

• Keep it brief and to the point (30 seconds or less). Clearly provide your:
  • Name
  • Reason for your call
  • Best time to be reached
  • Phone number at which you can be reached
• Choose a brief description of yourself that will pique your contact’s interest
• Avoid leaving a message that indicates that you are seeking a job or expect an immediate response. Instead, indicate what topic you would like to discuss and leave your phone number and email address for them to reply
• See sample email/voicemail scripts in the networking handout

• Keep your camera on. If you need to turn it off for some reason, explain why.Try to look at the camera regularly to establish “eye contact” with others on the call
• Make sure your background is appropriate for the audience
• Avoid multitasking during the meeting so you can be fully present
• When you are attending a hybrid meeting in person, be sure to include virtual participants in the conversation.
• For meetings you initiate, turn on captioning because it helps with comprehension for a wide range of people and situations
• “Notify participants and obtain their permission before recording the meeting or enabling generative AI note-taking

• Check your email regularly, especially once you start giving out your address in a professional capacity and respond within a day, even if it is to say you will be responding with more information in the future
• Avoid slang and text abbreviations (e.g. OMG, LOL, TTYL, etc.)
• Ensure your email address and/or signature is appropriate for a professional contact or potential employer to see
• Always proofread and spell check. Send a sample email to yourself first to be sure you haven’t missed anything
• Use your subject heading to reflect the content of the email and help the recipient understand the purpose — mention Bucknell if you are writing to an alumnus or alumna
• It is appropriate to copy others included in the original email unless your response is only relevant to the primary recipient.
• Do not use BCC to hide recipients unless it is a general informational email respecting others’ privacy. In that case, address the email to yourself and use BCC for others
• Keep emails brief and to the point, understanding recipients are busy — they are more likely to read it if it is short. Pique their interest, be polite and respectful of their time and potential interest in you
• Don’t share contact email addresses with others unless you have received permission — respect their privacy
• If you will be away and not checking your email, consider using a vacation auto-reply message

• Do not text professional contacts unless you have been invited to do so
• Text during business hours unless it is an urgent matter
• Be sure to label your contacts clearly to avoid sending something to the wrong person
• Take a moment to read it over before sending

• Be remembered for your strong character and excellent interviewing skills, not for extra details; avoid strong fragrances (perfumes, cigarette smoke, spicy food), colorful nail polishes, distracting jewelry and piercings, or unprofessional clothing (e.g., short skirts, wrinkled clothing)
• Stay positive and be flexible. It is not unusual for interviewers to be late, forget your résumé (bring an extra copy or two) or invite others to join the meeting
• Leave cell phones and other devices at home, in your car, or ensure they are on silent
• Be conscious of your body language. Avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or slouching
• Maintain eye contact and smile!

First Impressions Count

• Arrive early, but don’t enter the office until about five minutes before your scheduled interaction. This ensures you know how to locate the meeting place and can convey a relaxed and positive tone upon arrival
• Make a dry run before your interview to find where to park and if there is a parking fee, construction, or anything else that might make you late
• If the interview is virtual, check your technology, Wi-Fi and background. Ensure you are in a quiet place for your discussion
• Be gracious to everyone you meet
• When a hand is extended, smile and shake hands firmly

Professional Attire

• For professional events and interviews, dress in a manner that conveys professionalism and respect:
  • Business attire: Wear a dark-colored suit with dress shoes for a formal look
  • Business casual: In some cases, a button-down shirt, skirt, nice pants, blazer or a dress may be appropriate
• Check with industry professionals or the company to understand the dress code and expectations. Choose an outfit that reflects your personal style while adhering to the organization’s culture and norms (culture, standards, traditions)

• Retain your professional demeanor during a meal. Even in a more relaxed setting, professional contacts and potential employers are still forming opinions about you. For this reason, it is best to not order alcohol
• Keep your conversation professional. During comfortable interactions like this, it is easy to reveal information that may not contribute positively to your reputation or candidacy for a position
• Table layout: Silverware selections progress from the outside in, towards the plate. Salad and bread plates are on your left, above the fork. Drinks are to the right, above the knife and spoon. If served, a dessert spoon will also be on your right
• Select a meal that is easy to eat, as you may be talking more than other guests at the table
• Be modest in what you order; do not select the priciest item on the menu. Consider carefully if you want to order alcoholic beverages and if so, keep to one drink
• After the meal, thank the hosts for treating you

Table Layout for Formal Meals

Always write a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview or networking interaction and consider sending one to each person you met, not just those you think are “most important;” you never know who is part of the decision making process

• Demonstrate your appreciation for the individual’s support and advice
• Thank the person for their time and personalize the note, mentioning something you discussed
• Use names and titles, unless the contact has shared a preferred way to be addressed
• A hand-written note is often especially appreciated, but email (preferred) or LinkedIn may be more practical if the person travels a lot and may not be back in the office for a while, or works remotely

• A verbal acceptance is generally considered a professional commitment, so don’t accept an offer without careful consideration
• Ask for written confirmation of the offer
• Do NOT accept an offer if you plan to continue interviewing or if you have unanswered questions
• When you accept or decline an offer, do so in writing
• How you DECLINE an offer is important. Remember, it’s a small world — the professionalism of your communication style will build bridges for possible future interactions
• When you accept an offer, immediately notify all other employers with whom you have interviewed and withdraw any outstanding applications
• Reneging on an accepted offer is considered unethical and may damage your professional reputation
• Familiarize yourself with the Job & Internship Search Ethics policy

‘Learning to Fly’ – Recommended Videos about Professional Expectations and Etiquette

Feel like you have more to learn – watch the videos below. Bucknell students have access to LinkedIn Learning for free through the university. Alumni may have free access through their employer or public library. A premium membership to LinkedIn includes LinkedIn Learning.

Additional Recommended Video and Articles

• How Neurodivergent People Can Thrive in a Corporate Culture – YouTube
• Employers Say New Grads Are Largely Prepared for Work, With Room to Improve – National Association of Colleges and Employers
• Guide to Professionalism in the Workplace – Indeed
• Workplace Etiquette: 21 Dos and Don’ts of the Workplace – Northeastern University