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Business Etiquette

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Kimberly Adams
BU224 Microeconomics
Unit 1: Business Etiquette
August 26, 2012

Business Etiquette

There are many interpretations and much confusion of what “business casual” or “corporate casual” means. In general, business casual or corporate casual (same implication) means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together. While the reason businesses want their employees to dress in this fashion may vary, the general idea is to allow the employees to work comfortably in the workplace, and at the same time projecting a professional image to customers, potential employees, and community visitors (Field). Job interviews can give cause for high anxiety to a person when wondering what to wear for the interview. There are several points that can be covered to help better understand the business etiquette in the job market today. One important point to consider when thinking of business casual dress code is the region you live in or the type of industry. The East Coast and Midwest are more conservative than the West Coast (Heathman). The climate can be a factor as well. Changing seasons can determine the dress code throughout the year. Traveling for your company can make a difference in what determines your business casual dress code. The interpretation of business casual can mean something different to each employee. While one person’s understanding could be khakis and polo, another person’s may be jeans and a t-shirt. Being clear on your company’s description of a business casual dress code is important to cover, so that there are no misunderstandings by any faction. Incorporating an official dress code policy and attaching it or including it in the employee handbook can help alleviate the confusion (Empowerment). Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, jeans and other more casual clothing, although never clothing potentially offensive to others, are allowed (Heathman). This can be a reward to your employees for a week of dedicated and hard work. Giving incentives like this can encourage your employees to have something to look forward to at the end of the week. It can also give the persona that even though the company takes their business very seriously, they can also be down-to-earth, reasonable, and compromising. Business Etiquette comes with certain standards depending upon the type of business. Hiring an image consultant is sometimes considered and used to address the dress code policy for the company. This is usually for more than just seeking guidance on what type of, say, shoe is acceptable though. They also must make sure policies aren’t potentially discriminatory. Ideally, that means that if you indicate specific restrictions for women, you ought to do the same for men, and vice versa. These image consultants sometimes conduct seminars for managers in how to enforce the rules (Field). How you dress for the “business casual” look can vary, however, here is a general guideline that would be appropriate in most businesses. For men, in a high-level business position, business casual would consist of a suit worn with dressy sport shirts or fine-gauge knits. Tailored separates, such as dress trousers, dressy collared sport shirts that do not require a tie, fine knit shirts and sweaters, as well as sport coats can be worn. For low-level business casual men attire, one could wear khakis, chinos, and knit golf shirts. Wearing all-leather belts and shoes are essential as well. For women, business casual includes pantsuits, tailored separates such as skirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, sweater sets, and jackets. A complete accessorized look is encouraged, including closed-toe/heel shoes or sling-backs to maximize the businesslike aspect (Heathman).
When dressing for a job interview, it is highly recommended to dress conservative. Regardless if you are interviewing for a top executive position or a job that will require you to get dirty; attire should be the same. Choose simple, understated styles and colors such as blues and grays. Your accessories should be modest, inconspicuous and professional looking. Clean, pressed clothes are important as well as having clean, polished shoes in good shape. Make sure to have clean, groomed hair and fingernails, well-brushed teeth, fresh breath, and absolutely no body odor (Cofey). If you are concerned about what to wear for your job interview, you could always call the company and ask for some guidance. Ask for the human resource department and explain to them that you have an interview with whoever it is and you would like to know what would be appropriate dress for this interview.
Knowing how to incorporate business etiquette into the dress code policy for any business is an important aspect to be covered. Key points to be aware of and pay attention to include, but are not limited to are: location of business, employee’s interpretation of businesses dress code, having dress-down days, and involving image consultants to address proper policy procedures. Knowing how to dress for a job interview can make the difference on whether you get the job or not. Being a business professional requires the knowledge of business etiquette in all areas, not just dress code policy. Enforcing the rules is just as important as knowing what they are. A business professional has many responsibilities; business etiquette is only a small portion of them.

References
Field, Anne, (2010). What is Business Casual? Business week Lifestyle, Retrieved from: http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_44/b3705141.htm
Empowerment Enterprises. Todays Business Attire (2010), Retrieved from: http://www.casualpower.com/business_casual_tips/biz_attire.html
Heathman, Susan, (2012). Human Resources. Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code. Retrieved from: http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm
Coffey, Laura, (2010). Today Money. Dress for Success on Your Next Interview, Retrieved from: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29241014/ns/today-money/t/dress-success-next-job-interview/

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