Search Committee Etiquette

If you are or ever have been on a search committee, you know that much investment of your time is involved. Not only this, there is appropriate etiquette and protocol to follow. Much has been published on candidate etiquette. Here is an interesting article on "Search Committee Etiquette": http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2010/02/12/brottman. While written for the academic arena, many of the tips can apply to other arenas. Note the follow-up "comments section" too as there are additional applicable points raised.

Six Search Committee Etiquette Tips Listed:

(1) It is simply serendipity that you are an interviewer, rather than an applicant. Do not assume you are more experienced or capable than the candidate.

(2) Do not cram your candidates’ schedules with solid back-to-back interviews.

(3) If a candidate does not seem fascinated by your institution... it does not mean they do not want the job. It is possible this is a defense mechanism should they never see it again.

Note: I disagree with point #3. From the interviewer's perceptive, if I interview a candidate that does not seem very interested in the organization, our structure, facilities, etc., I would not consider them further. While a lack of enthusiasm may be a defense mechanism for some candidates, this would indicate to me that they would not be a good representative of the organization to the external community. Lack of enthusiasm would be considered poor candidate etiquette as it can cause the interviewer to wonder why the candidate "bothered" to come and "waste their time."

(4) Do not get sidetracked from the goal of the meeting. It is part of the search process, not a faculty get-together.

(5) Make sure you have read the candidate’s resume and made yourself familiar with his or her work. It can be easy to get candidates confused after reading hundreds of resumes. Be prepared.

(6) Finally, follow up with the candidates within two weeks of the visit to let them know their status. Even if you’re unable to release any information, drop them a line to let them know why you haven’t called.

Etiquette of a Photo Shoot

By Wendy Houser Blomseth
InBeaute Photography

“What can I expect at my photo session and will there be fans blowing?,” is a two part question we heard recently at InBeaute Photography. I answered with, “If you want fans blowing, we can arrange that, but business clients usually expect another type of service.”

Step One - The Studio: We realize that most people do not make a habit of visiting a professional photography studio so here's a brief overview to get you acquainted:

• At the very least you should be safe, warm, comfortable and trust the photographer and the environment.
• We recommend you arrive 10 minutes early so you can get both physically and mentally composed. Your exterior should be camera ready.
• I recommend a 2-3 minute meditation where you visualize yourself with a tall, strong spine and an inner feeling of strength, power and abundance with all the joy that you bring to your business and your life. Radiant eyes, smile and overall dynamic expression will go miles further than spending $1,000's on clothes.

Step Two - The Clothing: It is easy to search the web for clothing, hair and makeup tips, but here are my favorite tips:

• Put simply: clean, classic business formal attire will look best and attract your best clients/employers/prospects.
• Avoid big stripes, plaids, polka dots, etc., as they distract from your face.
• If you discover that you need help to transition from where you are now to where you want your image to be, attend an image enhancement workshop or hire a professional image consultant or makeup artist. They are experts in helping people improve their image to get the best jobs and best clients.

Step Three - The Session: Your business portrait session itself has several variables but typically:

• Session is scheduled for 30-60 minutes in front of the camera.
• Results can be 5 – 50 high quality photos that are well posed, well lit and show a variety of professional expressions.
• Generally clients purchase 2- 9 portraits for their business needs.
• Photo retouching is expected in almost every picture today but only to the degree that you still are recognizable as the same person.

Before making your final purchases think about:

• what is your objective with your pictures – what do you want to attract;
• where they will appear, e.g. in print or on the web;
• how they will be used, e.g. job search or advancement, marketing materials.
  

Most important is the image you want to display on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Meet-ups and the myriad special interest groups online.

We recommend you select one “best image” that is consistently seen on your LinkedIn profile and your printed business card picture. Other, second – seventh best portraits can be layered throughout your materials to create a visual story of you, your business and your personality. If you believe in the “laws of attraction” you may find that your best portraits attract your best life opportunities.

= = = = =
© Wendy Houser Blomseth
InBeaute Photography
say “in beauty”
www.inbeautephoto.com
651-225-9002
wendy@inbeautephoto.com

Business Etiquette Essentials for Women Workshop Announcement

Etiquette and Civility Are More Important Than Ever!

• Does your body language convey credibility?
• Have you wondered how to respond to an off-color joke?
• Do you know who picks up the lunch tab when dining with a male colleague?

Improve your opportunities, interactions, and learn to navigate the nuances for business women by attending the following course:

Business Etiquette Essentials for Women

Description:
Women have changed the workplace over the last three decades and today's etiquette rules for women are profoundly different. During this program, you will learn tools that will give you the ability to interact confidently, communicate more effectively, and leverage your power and presence in the workplace.

Topics Covered: - How Your Voice Can Work Against You - Impact of Your Business Appearance - How to Gain Credibility During Introductions and Handshakes - Impact of Body Language for Women - Recognizing Indirect Aggression Among Women - Business Dining Guidance for Women - Tips for Dining Alone - Travel Safety - Access the Back Door When the Front Door Is Blocked!

June 10, 2010
8:30a-11:00a
$149
Continental Breakfast Included
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, downtown Minneapolis
Register Here

Register early as space is limited!

Etiquette of Powerful Networking Workshop Announcement

Etiquette and Civility Are More Important Than Ever!

• Have you set a stack of business cards in front of you at a networking event?
• Do you know how to make proper introductions?
• Have you had difficulty breaking away from a conversation at a networking event?

Improve your opportunities, interactions, and business development skills by attending the following workshop:

Etiquette of Powerful Networking

Description:
Much of today's business success revolves around the power of networking. Strengthen your impression management skills and learn effective ways to build rapport, interact confidently, and communicate more effectively - the skills needed to put others and yourself at ease.

Topics covered: - Making an Entrance and Working a Room - Proper Introductions - Areas of the Room to Avoid and Why - Confident and Respectful Eye Contact - Basic Body Language - 6 Types of Handshakes and Their Meaning - Business Card Protocol - Tips for Remembering Names - Starting and Ending Conversations - The 5 Taboo Topics to Avoid - The 5 Most Tasteful Topics of Discussion - Giving and Receiving Compliments - Online Networking Etiquette - Networking Faux Pas - Gracefully Exiting the Event - Appropriate Meeting Follow-up

April 20, 2010
8:30a-11:00a
$149
Continental Breakfast Included
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, downtown Minneapolis
Register Here

June 8, 2010
8:30a-11:00a
$149
Continental Breakfast Included
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, downtown Minneapolis
Register Here

Register early as space is limited!

Dining Etiquette Workshop Announcement: Dining for Profit - Navigating the Nuances of the Business Meal

Etiquette and Civility Are More Important Than Ever!

• Have you embarrassed yourself and a colleague by debating over who picks up the check?
• Has a client you dined with had something stuck in their teeth and you wondered if you should mention it?
• Have you ordered a salad at a meal interview?

Improve your opportunities, interactions, and learn to navigate the nuances of the business meal by attending the following workshop:

Dining for Profit: Navigating the Nuances of the Business Meal

Description: Business leaders say their most successful business meetings outside the office were conducted at a restaurant. Furthermore, employers say that a person's table manners (or lack thereof) may be a deciding factor in securing a signed contract or a position. Maximize your meeting success by polishing your dining etiquette and skillfully overcome anxiety while dining with potential clients.

During a tutorial 4-course lunch, we will cover: Host and Guest Duties - Seating Protocol - Silverware Savvy - Navigating the Place Setting - Silent Service Code - American and Continental Styles - Eating Various Foods - Oops! What to Do - Small Talk / Table Talk - Tipping - Gracefully Paying - The Dos and Don'ts of Dining. Give yourself and business the competitive edge!

March 16, 2010
11:30a-1:30p
$149
Tutorial 4-course Lunch Included
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, downtown Minneapolis
Register Here

March 25, 2010
11:30a-1:30p
$149
Tutorial 4-course Lunch Included
Pittsburgh Blue, Maple Grove, MN
Register Here

April 13, 2010
11:30a-1:30p
$149
Tutorial 4-course Lunch Included
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, downtown Minneapolis
Register Here

Register early as space is limited!