I'm sure we've all been told at least once in our life that the fork goes on the left. Well, today I was taken to the next level in terms of the rules of fine dining.
I didn't have just one, not two, but three glasses for beverages, and one cup for tea/coffee, paired with three forks, knives, spoons, and plates, and one bowl.
From left to right, top to bottom, it went:
Top layer: Cup and saucer, red wine glass, white wine glass, water glass.
Middle layer: Dessert fork facing right, dessert spoon facing left.
Bottom layer: Bread saucer with folded napkin on top, salad fork, main dish fork, soup bowl on top of salad plate on top of main dish plate, main dish fork, salad fork, tea spoon, soup spoon.
If you've been invited to a dinner by a host, wait for them to sit down before you do, and eat only after they give the okay to. When eating properly, keep your fork facing down unless pushing peas, corn or other small vegetables onto it. Avoid making any disgusting body noises such as burps, talking with your mouth full, and such. When finished your meal, leave your fork and knife on the right side of your plate to signify to the waiter that it is okay to take your dishes now.
Some of these rules seem more like common sense, but you'd be surprised how a lot of people act when they eat. Everything else to me seems like complete overkill for just eating a meal. Food is food no matter how you eat it, it's all going to get digested and come out sooner or later. Though, I do understand there needs to be a certain amount of courtesy towards others and yourself when shoveling those nutrients in.
I'm just glad there aren't any rules for proper etiquette while using the bathroom.
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Blog #3 - Interview Professionalism
"Easier said than done".
These words could not be more true when confronted with the task of going through a professional mock job interview. So many factors determine what the employer is going to think of you based upon your answers to their questions, like how much you get them to talk, how much you talk about your valid skills, and if you have examples to back your claims.
When asked a question you don't have the answer for right away, take your time thinking about how you can answer the question using as many words as possible, making sure to go into greater detail than what they expect to show you know even more than what they're asking. Of course, taking too long and making the interviewer wait is also a bad thing, so ask them to wait a moment while you think. If you don't know the answer to their question, say you don't know the answer instead of trying to guess. Remember, what you say and how much you say greatly influences their opinion of you.
Another big factor going into an interview is your appearance. Missing just one piece of a complete business uniform could make you look less professional and more casual, ultimately making it seem you don't care enough about the interview and/or interviewer to dress appropriately, thus greatly decreasing your chances of getting the job.
Another great way of getting "points" towards getting hired, though not recommended or done by myself, is to lie. If you're not very social, but the job requires you to be so, tell the interviewer that you are, then work on becoming so afterwards. This only works with personality and opinions; DO NOT lie about your skills, education and/or work experience.
From what I've learned, getting the job is many times more difficult than actually doing the job. Who knew?
These words could not be more true when confronted with the task of going through a professional mock job interview. So many factors determine what the employer is going to think of you based upon your answers to their questions, like how much you get them to talk, how much you talk about your valid skills, and if you have examples to back your claims.
The beginning of every successful interview doesn't even start with you waiting for your turn to be called; it starts with gathering information about the company you want to apply to, and the job you want to apply for. You must have a copy of your résumé and references with you on clean, white uncreased paper, which should be edited to contain all appropriate skills and education that apply to the job you're applying for.
After being called in for your interview, remember to shake the interviewer's hand with strength appropriate to their gender and figure, while maintaining eye contact. Keep in mind, some people have phobias that prevent them from wanting to shake hands.
When asked a question you don't have the answer for right away, take your time thinking about how you can answer the question using as many words as possible, making sure to go into greater detail than what they expect to show you know even more than what they're asking. Of course, taking too long and making the interviewer wait is also a bad thing, so ask them to wait a moment while you think. If you don't know the answer to their question, say you don't know the answer instead of trying to guess. Remember, what you say and how much you say greatly influences their opinion of you.
Another big factor going into an interview is your appearance. Missing just one piece of a complete business uniform could make you look less professional and more casual, ultimately making it seem you don't care enough about the interview and/or interviewer to dress appropriately, thus greatly decreasing your chances of getting the job.
Another great way of getting "points" towards getting hired, though not recommended or done by myself, is to lie. If you're not very social, but the job requires you to be so, tell the interviewer that you are, then work on becoming so afterwards. This only works with personality and opinions; DO NOT lie about your skills, education and/or work experience.
From what I've learned, getting the job is many times more difficult than actually doing the job. Who knew?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)