The Difference Between CV and Resume

The Difference Between CV and ResumeBefore you get into applying for a job, there is a big difference between your CV and resume. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is an essay that tells someone what you do and why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Your resume is your effort to convince a company to hire you based on your skills, qualifications, experience and work history.Now that you know the difference between the two, you may be wondering which one should you use. Well, both. I would recommend using a CV or resume for any job you apply for. They are very different from each other in terms of the content and format.One advantage of using a CV is that you can be sure the company that reading it will get an idea of your experience and skills before you start filling out the application forms. Most companies that receive applications use a CV first. So if they see a resume, they will be able to tell if you have the necessary skills. In fact, most job applicants look at a CV before they even begin filling out applications.If you submit a resume, they do not see the same level of information as you do when you write a CV. A resume tells them about yourself, so it should be short and focused on how you can help the company's needs. A CV is more personal, as it uses the candidate's name as the author.There are many benefits to using a CV for your job application. It gives the employer a little information before they even begin to talk to you. The most obvious benefit is that you have the opportunity to develop a positive first impression with a potential employer. Also, a resume gives you the opportunity to express yourself and say why you are the best candidate for the job.There are some disadvantages to using a CV as opposed to a resume. A CV may not be as professional looking as a resume, as it is usually a bit on the basic side. If you are submitting it online, you may be less appealing to a potential employer. And because of the differences between CV and resume , a CV may seem less professional to a person reading your resume, then your resume would to the hiring manager.In the end, the choice is yours. If you want a personal touch to your job application, then you should use a CV. However, if you don't have time to create a personal resume, then you should save yourself some money and send a resume to the company.Both resumes and CVs can be used. No matter which one you choose, make sure it clearly tells what you do, and why the company should hire you. This way, you can have an easier time developing a positive first impression on potential employers.

How Back Pain Can Decrease Your Workplace Productivity

How Back Pain Can Decrease Your Workplace Productivity Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comA new shift is about to start and you’re ready to go to work when suddenly a twinge of burning pain lights up your back, rendering you immobile for a period of time, maybe a moment or even hours.You may question exactly how will you get through the upcoming shift and complete all the tasks you set out and are required to do.Perhaps your chosen career is healthcare, and there are patients depending on you for assistance with the most basic of tasks, which requires a certain level of physical health.evalYou might have an office job that requires you to sit at a desk using a computer for the entire shift, leaving little time for stretches or breaks. Painkillers, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are an option but they leave you slightly unfocused or groggy. Suddenly your day doesn’t seem that promising anymore.Regardless of your career choice, when you suffer from back pain, it can be aggravating and difficult to mentally, let alone physically, dea l with.Trying to complete the tasks expected of you when it comes to your work, while in physical pain, can be extremely taxing on your mental well-being while affecting those around you.The majority of today’s workforce has experienced back pain in some form at least once throughout their life.Maybe you had a minor injury or slept throughout the night in an awkward position. Other people have chronic back pain stemming from previous trauma to the site or it could even be a symptom of other ailments.Types of Back PainBack pain can range in levels from mild to severe and be spread over the entire back or concentrated to a specific area. The most common type of back pain people suffer with is lower back pain with upper back pain the close second.You might suffer from acute back pain which lasts approximately three to six months and is generally caused by a minor injury or muscle strain.evalPerhaps you suffer from chronic back pain, which is the most severe and can last a lifetime. M ajor injuries, especially nerve or tissue damage, can also lead to chronic back pain when not managed properly or your pain could be caused by an ailment such as arthritis or sciatica.Symptoms of back pain could be white-hot burning sensations, muscle spasms, dull throbbing pain or even a stabbing pain in the affected area. Regardless of the type of back pain, it is uncomfortable and can take a toll on a person along with those around them.Psychological Back PainAlthough not as commonly diagnosed as acute or chronic back pain, the majority of the population suffers through pain deemed psychological by a combination of medical doctors and psychologists.It’s commonly accepted that emotional issues or stress or even psychological factors can make any problem you are facing worse; but, the idea of psychological back problems takes this idea even one step more.evalThe diagnosis of stress-related back pain assumes that psychological factors are the main problem for back pain. While the issues causing the back pain are not physically visible or show up on a medical scan Doing so creates an array of problems for your employer and fellow co-workers. They have to complete the tasks you are unable to, adding to a person’s workload, which can mentally take a toll on a person by adding unneeded stress. Depending on your employer’s sick leave policy, this might lead to a loss of wages for that shift adding to the stress you are feeling due to your back pain.Employers can look at these things as a liability for having to pay your sick wage, pay overtime to your co-workers if necessary, and increase the requirements expected in each position.These thoughts running through a person’s mind can create fatigue of sorts, which can manifest itself in the work completed.Preventing and Managing Back PainThe style and type of mattress you sleep on can play a huge part in the prevention and management of back pain. Using a mattress designed for back pain and having the accompan ying mattress topper, like the ones offered through Sleep Addicts, is a step in the right direction. Sleep Addicts provides a wide range of mattress toppers to alleviate back pain, designed to correspond with the various types of issues and discomfort a person can experience.evalThey have mattress toppers that can be for the person who suffers occasional flare-ups of pain and they have mattress toppers that can assist the chronic pain sufferer. Sleep Addicts also offer a line of mattress toppers that include a memory foam, which shapes to a person’s body and provide customized relief.There are several other options when it comes to preventing and managing back pain. From prescription drugs to herbal remedies, stretches to occupational therapy, and mattresses to specific desk chairs, the options are limitless.The simplest acts such as stretching and maintaining a good posture can lessen or even eliminate the level of back pain felt on a daily basis.Prescription drugs or over-the-co unter medications will not be everyone’s first choice due to the numerous side effects they can create and herbal remedies could take an extended period of time to work.The majority of people find a combination of stretches and exercise, whether through a trained professional or home-based option, provide a tremendous amount of relief.Occupational or physical therapy along with deep tissue massages can be an effective tool for managing back pain. Perhaps you feel relief using a routine of alternating cold packs then heating pads.Speaking with your doctor about your back pain and what course of treatment is the best for you is a definite necessity. Your doctor may suggest a combination of different therapies to best suit your needs.Life without back painCan you imagine a life when you are able to move about, complete your work and be the most productive you that you have ever known? We aren’t medical professionals but a life free of back pain might be a possibility for you.First things first, consult your primary healthcare provider to get an expert opinion on the root of your back pain. Then take the appropriate steps to fix the problem.ConclusionEvery person has a need to be the best possible version of themselves at home, at work, and at life. When something such as back pain threatens this, it can be easy to feel your self-confidence diminishes the longer it continues.Using the aids mentioned above to control back pain can help a person regain their confidence and self-worth. You may find that one particular aid is the answer you need or it may take a trial-and-error process to eliminate the ones that don’t manage your symptoms to your liking.Whatever avenue you choose to pursue, always speak to your doctor or a recognized health professional for any questions you may have! They can help customize a pain prevention or management plan suited to your symptoms and needs.Talk to your employer or manager about your back pain and see if there are any steps you can take to avoid flare-ups at work.Try to stay mobile to avoid further weakening of the muscles and exercise in a safe way to prevent future occurrences. A healthy you at work is the best for you!

Why Use Pictures, Images and Video

Why Use Pictures, Images and Video Have you heard? Visual marketing is hot! Businesses use pictures, images and video to promote themselves and their products and services. You can too! If you have been ignoring the power of visual content, maybe now is the time to start. Dont you  want to increase the number of people viewing, sharing and engaging with what you share or write?! In speaking with job seekers, business owners and companies, I hear things like, I dont know what to share,   we wouldnt benefit from using visuals or my business isnt visual. But what you will see if you look on social media, there are all types of companies (and people) creating and sharing visuals. Why Is This Happening? We are using mobile devices, we are overwhelmed by information and we are busy! Pictures instantly tell a story (and we see pictures faster than we can read text). Images also help people feel emotionally connected to the content! Web content containing visuals like images or videos perform better â€" on average, receiving up to 94% more views. (source) Using pictures, images and video is one more way to get people to know, like and trust you. And theyll remember your message better too! Types of Visual Content To Create and Use Pictures, images and video are three different types of visuals you can use either within blog posts or as status updates on social networks or within marketing campaigns and newsletters. Pictures Featuring you, fellow employees, key clients, events, volunteering, projects, successes. Images/Graphics Create memes, testimonials, quotes, infographics, process maps, guidelines, reading lists, wordclouds. Video Record How to videos, customer testimonials or day-in-the-life videos. You can try interviewing people on video. (Facebook Live, Zoom, Instagram Story or even LinkedIn) Read Use Video To Amplify Your Brand for more help. Best Tools To Use Creating visual content is easier than you think! Free Tools For A Better Online Presence lists 8 free tools you can use to create and share visuals. Sources for Photos Take your own photos or use  Pixabay, Morguefile,  Death To Stock,  Unsplash.    (Other sources of photos may require you provide attribution). This is one reason I like to use these four sources; no attribution is required. Photo Editing/Graphics/Micro-Content Whether you want to add text to a photo or create your own image from scratch, I recommend these tools. Canva Pablo  by Buffer Adobe Spark Infographics There are numerous free tools to help you create infographics.  Visme,  Venngage and even Microsoft PowerPoint can be used to create infographics as well. To learn more about creating  infographic resumes, I wrote this post and shared 4 infographic templates! Social Sharing Share your images on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as a status update! LinkedIn says simply having a profile photo results in up to 21x more profile views and 9x more connection requests! Dont stop there. Transform your LinkedIn profile into a visually stunning portfolio! Read Make Your LinkedIn Profile Media Rich Imagine adding a video message as a status update on LinkedIn? You can. See some examples in this LinkedIn announcement. Or bundle them into a presentation on SlideShare for greater reach! Pinterest is also an easy way to get started. Use it as a visual scrapbook to house your career successes. Consider it your career portfolio. Follow Career Sherpas board Pinterest: Pin, Pin on Pinterest. Instagram, Tumblr, and SnapChat are also simple to use. [amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=https://storify.com/careersherpa/the-power-behind-visuals target=_blankamp;amp;amp;gt;View the story The Power Behind Visuals on Storifyamp;amp;amp;lt;/aamp;amp;amp;gt;]

10 Interview Questions You Shouldnt be Asked

10 Interview Questions You Shouldnt be Asked Whether you’re happily employed and looking for a better or more fulfilling option, or have been on the outskirts of the job market searching for an opportunity for some time, you’ve likely had the opportunity to prepare for a few interviews. Interviews are important. They allow your potential employer to learn about who you are as a person and what qualifications you bring to the table. They also allow you to gauge whether a particular position is what you’re looking for or if you should continue the search for something else. They’re also competitive. With more than 300 million online searches per month related to employment combined with the fact that 51 percent of professionals who are currently employed are also actively seeking new employment, you’re unlikely to be the only qualified candidate. However, once you find that position, you’re all set. You’ve prepared for a long hiring process, you’ve perfected your résumé and cover letter and have practiced for the interview questions you’re likely to be asked once you’ve gotten your foot in the door. You’re good to go, right? Maybe not. While you may have prepared for your upcoming interview â€" the wardrobe, the eye contact, the standard interview questions â€" you might not have considered the questions that are off limits, those that cannot be asked. If they come up, are you prepared with proper responses? Do you even know what the off-limit questions are? If not, the time to understand what’s OK and what’s not is now. Arm yourself with this important knowledge by taking a look at the 10 questions you should never be asked in an interview listed below. Questions Relating to Religion An employer cannot ask: Your religion Which religious holidays you observe Whether or not you belong to a religious or social organization If you are asked these questions, it likely relates to scheduling questions. Instead of answering directly, you can respond with something like, “I am available to work on the dates indicated on the employment calendar” or “my religion does not interfere with my ability to perform the listed job duties and responsibilities.” Religion is personal and cannot be used as a factor for employment. Personal Family Questions During an interview, a potential employer must avoid questions relating to: Your marital status Whether or not you have children Your family’s schedule Your family’s financial standing These questions do not relate to your ability to do a job. An employer may be asking because of a concern with last-minute schedule changes. Because of this, you can refer to the fact that you had a great attendance record at a previous position, or that you are flexible as it relates to scheduling. Your Age Whether you look young or are nearing retirement age, an employer may be curious as to whether you are qualified to perform a certain role, or if you’ll be around for the long term. It doesn’t matter: He or she cannot ask your age. They can ask whether you are at the minimum age to perform the listed position according to federal guidelines, but that is as far as it can go. If you’re asked about your age, refer to your résumé and employment history. Focus on your qualifications rather than a number. Anything Relating to Health or Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act protects those with disabilities from discrimination during the hiring process. This means that if you have a hidden or obvious disability, employers cannot ask questions that relate to it directly. This includes: Asking what your disability is How much work you missed in a previous role Whether you’ve filed or received workers’ compensation An employer can ask whether you’re able to fully perform the roles and responsibilities required to perform a job. If a question relating to a disability comes up, it’s best to refer to the fact that you’re able to perform the tasks necessary for the job and to stay away from answering questions of this kind directly. If You’re Pregnant Maybe you’ve just found out that you’re expecting, or maybe you have one month until delivery and are noticeably pregnant. In either case, employers are not allowed to ask and cannot discriminate based on this fact. You can choose simply not to answer this question or state that you’re uncomfortable with the question. It is up to you to disclose whether you are expecting or not, provided the employer has time to make proper arrangements prior to your leave. Race or Nationality Your race or nationality plays no role in whether you’re able to perform a specific job. Because of this, the question is off limits. It is acceptable, however, for employers to leave a space on application forms for applicants to voluntarily share this information. You cannot be asked: How long you’ve been in the country Where you were born or your family comes from Whether you are a U.S. citizen or not An employer can ask whether you are legally able to perform this job. Because of this, it’s best to refer to your employment standing in the U.S. if a question relating to nationality does come up. Your Location You may have your home address listed on your résumé, or you may choose to keep that information private; this is your decision. Employers cannot ask: Where you live The distance of your commute Your mode of transportation Like other invasive questions, if an employer does ask something relating to this topic, it’s likely intended to determine whether you can be at the job on time and whether you’ll be available on short notice, which is acceptable. It’s also permissible to ask whether you’re willing to relocate for a position. If you’re unsure of how to answer, sticking to your availability is your best bet. Your Political Affiliation What you believe about the government or how it operates is your choice. Provided it does not impact your ability to perform a task, it is off limits. If asked about your standings or beliefs relating to a political matter, it’s best to move on or to make it clear that your political affiliation does not affect your ability to perform the job in question. Whether You Serve in the Armed Forces or Reserves It’s understandable that an employer may be concerned about losing a new hire to military service; however, service and reserve members are protected under law. While your military service may bolster your ability to land a certain role, it could also be a hindrance in the eyes of an employer concerned about your time away from the office. If asked about your status, focusing on short-term and upcoming commitments is best. While this may change, the information you volunteer is up to you. Questions Relating to Recreational Activities Even if you’re applying for a position with a religious organization, you cannot be asked whether you drink or do drugs off the clock. Because drugs could relate to prescriptions and medical disabilities, the term is a gray area. Instead, employers can ask whether you use illegal drugs, and can require a drug test prior to hiring. If one of the more unclear questions is asked, you can respond with the fact that you do not use illegal drugs and that your other recreational activities â€" like drinking â€" do not interfere with your professional responsibilities. Interviews are important. They can make or break your chances of moving into a new role or starting a new career. However, when questions that are prohibited arise, it can be uncomfortable for all involved parties. If you’re asked one of the questions relating to the topics listed above, refer to the recommended responses. It is also within your rights to simply say “I prefer to not answer that” or “my response to that question does not affect my ability to perform the job.” If you’re still interested in the position, maintaining a positive demeanor, even when questions that should never be asked are asked, could make the difference between receiving an offer and never hearing back. If these questions arise and you feel as though you have been discriminated against, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While difficult to prove, discrimination does happen and is an unfair aspect of the hiring process. Remember, during an interview, you have rights. You are entitled to answer any questions that you feel comfortable answering, and you’re also entitled to choose not to answer questions that make you uncomfortable. Do not let one negative experience ruin the job search process. Your dream job is out there; arm yourself with information and proper preparation to be sure you’re ready when it becomes available.

Preparation For Resume Writing

Preparation For Resume WritingIt's always a good idea to prepare for resume writing as you will be dealing with the same person at least one time. The person might be an employer who is still searching for your resume and needs to be reminded that you applied for the job. This is a situation which could only be avoided by applying yourself fully so that you can easily fit the job description given by the company.It is very important that you know what they are looking for before you begin the interview. The employer might require more than just a resume. A good resume will show them exactly what you can offer the company.The other good thing about preparing for resume writing is that it shows that you have taken time out to do some research. You can get some insights from this kind of research and you might even be able to find some keywords that will help you in the future. In this way, you can make your resume stand out in your chosen field. When you get to the interview, you will make it a point to showcase the information which you can bring to the table.Another thing you will have to do is to prepare the resume in such a way that it can be transferred directly to the person who will be giving the interview. If you have been in the field for quite some time, you can ask for a refresher course so that you can transfer the knowledge you have gained. This will allow you to create a resume that is easy to read and can help you pass the test, which is part of the interview.You should also learn how to prepare a resume that looks professional. This will help you impress the interviewer and he/she might even like you better because you managed to meet the requirements. Since many people fail to keep themselves up to date with the latest techniques, it might help to review the basics of the industry and make sure that you stay abreast of the current trends. Also, when preparing a resume for the interview, you should not forget to include any experience that you hav e had. Sometimes, we do not remember all of the experiences which we have had even though we may have had them. However, if you do remember the ones you have had, it would not hurt to bring them up during the interview. However, you need to be careful that you do not go into too much detail since the interviewer might not have enough time to absorb everything.One last thing to remember about resume writing is that you should always try to make it as unique as possible. For example, the company may be trying to attract the best candidates, which means that they are not going to put much effort into making the job ad suitable for everyone. Thus, you have to come up with something that stands out as something different. You should not just use your normal resume format.

Informational Interview Questions Not to Ask

Informational Interview Questions Not to Ask You’ve had your eye on a company for a while. And after doing some LinkedIn reconnaissance, you realize that a connection of a connection works in HR. So you reach out about setting up an informational interview. If you handle it right, this could be the turning point that leads to your dream jobâ€"if you ask the right questions. “If you spend as much time as I do hosting meetings at Starbucks, you’re privy to a lot of informational interviews gone bad,” says Tara Goodfellow, a former career development instructor and director of Athena Educational Consultants in Charlotte, N.C. “There have been times I’ve had to stop myself from giving unsolicited advice.” So what sage advice would she impart? Read on to see what Goodfellow and other career experts say are the bestâ€"and worstâ€"questions to ask in your next informational. 4 Questions You Don’t Want to Ask 1. Can you tell me about your career path? “This is the worst question,” says Adrian Granzella Larssen of career site The Muse. “If you ask something that you can easily find online, you’re wasting your time and that of the other person.” Instead… Make it clear you’ve done your research by asking nuanced questions that convey your interest and professionalism. You might say, “I see you moved from a small boutique agency to a very large one. Was it difficult to make that transition?” Another example that Granzella Larssen suggests: “You spent six years at the same company but had multiple, varied roles. What would be your advice for someone who wants to do the same?” “People like to be helpful, and they’ll feel much more helpful if you do some digging beforehand to take the conversation beyond the surface level,” she adds. 2. What’s the scoop on that company controversy? You’re trying to build a rapport during an informational interview, and this type of probing question can be a conversation stopper. “In a first interaction, [it] sets you up for an awkward dynamic,” says Todd Horton, a 15-year HR veteran and founder of KangoGift, a company focused on employee recognition. “I was once in a group interview with a major oil and gas company when my friend asked about environmental damage and subsequent fees the company faced. The interviewer curtly responded, ‘I’m not authorized to comment,’” Horton recalls. “It changed the tone for the rest of the group chatâ€"and my friend did not advance to the next interview round.” Instead… Take an open-ended approach by simply asking what kind of challenges may lie ahead for the company. This way, you give the other person the chance to interpret the question. “The interviewee may answer with a remark about competition, the marketplace, or a big internal initiative,” Horton explains. Based on the response, he says, you then have the opportunity to share which of your skills could help the company overcome that challengeâ€"keeping the interaction focused on what you bring to the table. 3. About how much do you make? It’s natural to be curious, but this type of point-blank inquiry comes across as inappropriate and off-putting. “When you ask what another person has in their bank account, it can feel like a violation of privacy,” says New Yorkâ€"based career counselor and executive coach Roy Cohen. “I can guarantee that the mood of the meeting will shift.” Instead… Pose a more general question about gauging the industry’s going rates. “Say something like, ‘I’m wondering if you can give me a sense of what the salary range for this sort of position might be? It would be enormously helpful as a benchmark as I begin to officially interview for jobs,” suggests Cohen. After all, Cohen says, the goal of an informational interview is to gather data. 4. Will you be my Facebook friend? If you’re becoming fast friends, it’s a sign that the informational interview is going wellâ€"but it doesn’t mean you should send a Facebook request. The employee may be reluctant to connect personally with someone who primarily wants to talk to him about his company, cautions Philip Blackett, founder of Magnetic Interviewing. Besides, he points out, if everyone who requested an informational interview Facebook friended him, it could become overwhelming. Instead… Focus on forging a connection, and express interest in staying in touch. “Take a genuine interest in your interviewee,” recommends Blackett. “Try asking, ‘What initially attracted you to this company when you were job searching like me?’” This line of questioning lets the person share his story in a more natural way. And once you’ve hit it off, continue the dialogue by sending a thank-you note and, perhaps, a LinkedIn request. 4 Questions You Do Want to Ask 1. What type of personality gels best with your office culture? Personality fit is a big determinant of job success, so you’ll want to take this question seriously. “I think people often say this just to ask a question, rather than to actually listen to the response,” says Denver-based career coach Jenn DeWall. “Be an active listenerâ€"and hear what’s not being said.” Bringing up office culture also creates a positive impression twice over. “You are showing your interest in finding success in their culture, and you are demonstrating big-picture thinking about the variables that can impact your success within the company,” DeWall says. 2. What does a typical day look like for you? “Often in an informational interview, the employee is able to speak more freely,” says Angela Copeland, a career coach and founder of Copeland Coaching. “They’re able to share what’s going well, and be honest about what’s not going well.” In other words, the answer to this question could help you envision yourself in a potential role, with its day-to-day ups and downs. Copeland gives the example of a recent client who wanted to move away from retail management. She went on four informational interviews: with a corporation, a nonprofit, an advertising agency, and a startup. The informational with the corporation came first. “When we met afterward,” Copeland says, “My client said, ‘They sit in cubicles all day long.’ So we took corporate jobs off her list, and she ended up finding a great job at an advertising agencyâ€"one that suits her personality and plays on her strengths.” “If you say it sincerely, this question takes some of the emphasis away from ‘What’s in it for me?’” 3. Who else would you recommend that I reach out to? Any informational interview should be just one in a series of conversations on the road to your next job. So you’re not overstepping with this questionâ€"you’re keeping the momentum going. “It allows you to expand your network,” says L.A.â€"based career and business coach Crystal Marsh, citing the example of a client of hers who was looking to work at a small marketing company. “She had a stellar informational interview with an executive who simply did not have an open position,” Marsh explains. “So I advised her to ask this question and he thought of someone right on the spotâ€"a college friend who did the same work but at a larger company.” An email introduction led to an interview and then a job offer. “You just don’t know what the possibilities are until you ask,” Marsh says. 4. Is there anything I can do for you? Ending your conversation with this question shows your willingness to give back. “If you say it sincerely, this question takes some of the emphasis away from ‘What’s in it for me?’” Goodfellow says. It also demonstrates that you’re willing to work on your side of the future relationship, treating networking as it should be treatedâ€"a mutually beneficial relationship developed over time. “Then, if after an informational interview you determine you’re not a good fit, you can offer to send along a contact,” suggests Goodfellow. “When this question isn’t asked, it’s really a missed opportunity for both parties.” More From LearnVest: 10 Tough-But-Valuable Career Lessons to Learn by 30 HR Experts Confess: 8 Biggest Interview Mistakes We See 7 Tricks to Ace a Remote Job Interview

Business Etiquette How To Make A Correct Greeting - Work It Daily

Business Etiquette How To Make A Correct Greeting - Work It Daily NOTE: This is a book excerpt from A Beginner’s Guide to Business Etiquette: Mastering Good Manners is now Blissfully Simple by Crista Tharp. Related: Top 3 Tips For Telephone Etiquette We all want to be treated with respect, and it starts with the very first greeting. The following are the guidelines to greeting someone the appropriate way. Meeting Someone For The First Time: Stand when someone new comes into the room (whether you are a man or woman). Do make eye contact and smile! Offer your right hand out-stretched with palm facing left to shake hands. Your grip should be firm, but not a bone crusher. A handshake should last as long as it takes you and the other person to say your names. Introduce yourself by making direct eye contact and saying your first and last name. If you didn’t catch their name the first time, ask them politely to repeat it. At the end of the meeting, shake hands again and say how nice it was to meet them. Use their first name. Follow up if you promised to send them something, call them, or anything else. Follow up is a key to success! Introducing Someone Else: Generally, you introduce the younger to the older; the junior executive to the senior executive; and a colleague to a client. If you have forgotten someone’s name, politely tell them you have forgotten their name and they will repeat it for you. Always try to include a fact about each person in your introduction. For example: “Julie Baley, I would like to introduce you to Dan Green, our new Vice President. Dan (or Mr. Green), this is Ms. Baley, our new client who owns ABC Event Company. Julie (or Ms. Baley) just received the top Event Planner Award and Dan (or Mr. Green) received that award five years ago.” Always use a formal title such as Doctor or Judge if possible. Try to refrain from using nicknames unless you feel the person would prefer it. Always make sure to speak slowly and clearly so you can be heard and understood correctly. One Last Thing: Remember, people love it when you know and use their names. It is important to do your best to always remember and pronounce names correctly. There are several tips and techniques available to you if you have problems remembering names. Consider it an investment in your etiquette tool box. Related Posts Mind Your Manners! Office Etiquette Tips For New Grads 3 Rules To Smart Business Card Etiquette Office Etiquette: Do You Know The Basics?   Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!