Never Ask for a Doggie Bag

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Figuring out the rules of business etiquette can be difficult. Those that normally apply in social situations are not always appropriate in a professional setting. The following guidelines can help you to navigate professional social situations without causing offence or awkwardness.

Barbara Pachter has written a book titled "The Essentials of Business Etiquette," which explains how to act, dress and speak in business situations. This book could be considered essential reading for all professionals who want to network with others without running the risk of alienating anyone.

"Never ask for a doggie bag" is just one business etiquette rule that professionals should observe when dining out with colleagues, business partners or clients. Pachter explains that a go-to box breaks business etiquette because it suggests that you are pre-occupied by the food rather than the people with whom you are sharing a meal. If another party is paying for the meal, it may also look as though you are taking advantage of their hospitality. Similarly, if you are not the host, avoid ordering anything too expensive from the menu.

Other business etiquette rules for dining out include following your guest's lead when it comes to ordering courses. If the person you are hosting orders an appetizer, you should do so as well to avoid the awkwardness of one person eating alone while the other watches. Remember that if you invited the other person for dinner, then you are the host and you should pay for the meal. On the other hand, avoid getting into a fight over the bill if the other person insists on paying or contributing to the cost of the meal.

Most business etiquette rules aim to make the other person feel more comfortable. However, you can overdo it with the politeness. Never pull out a business associate's chair, no matter what your respective genders are. This gesture can be seen as patronizing or even sexist in some situations. On the other hand, holding a door is a basic gesture of politeness that you should make whenever it is appropriate to do so.

The way you dress is an important part of business etiquette, but it is one aspect that many people struggle to get right. When you attend a business event, always try to find out what the dress code is beforehand so you can dress appropriately. If you are attending a job interview, always dress like a professional. You don't have to buy a new, expensive suit, but at least put on a clean, pressed shirt and smart pants, even if the company's dress code is casual.

Following the rules of business etiquette shows other professionals that you take your career seriously and understand how to act professionally. By paying attention to the way you dress and act in a professional setting, you can make a good impression on others.

 

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Verlandieu Marcellus
    Verlandieu Marcellus

    Most of this is common knowledge but one or two is not. Thank you.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    It amazes me how people act in situations like this. I have had the opportunity to interview prospective employees in a restaurant setting and can tell you some don'ts! Do not order the most expensive meal on the menu. Take your lead from the interviewer. If they order a sandwich, then you should order a like meal - and not the steak! Do not order an alcoholic drink - ever - even if the interviewer orders one. Do not start eating until everyone has been served and the interviewer has begun eating. Do not speak with a mouthful of food. Yes you would think that this is just common sense and plain table manners but I have seen it happen over and over again. Do not ask for a doggy bag! If you can't finish your meal, then you just let it go. Do not order dessert unless your interviewer does. Do not accept phone calls during the meal. To make it less tempting, turn your phone off. Do not wolf down your meal. Try to time yourself with your host so that you both finish at around the same time. Try not to order soup if you can help it. It's very difficult to eat soup without slurping! Do not try to reach for the check. Since the interviewer set up a meeting over a meal, he/she is expecting to pay. These are the common "do not" rules that I have observed. Pay attention to the interviewer more than to the food or other patrons. This is your interview and your time and you should use it wisely.

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