Dining Etiquette
Many networking and business opportunities revolve around the consumption of food. While the following rules should be followed at all dining occasions, to help you feel more confident, Career Services has highlighted some tips for each specific event.
Cocktail Party
- Rehearse your introduction and several conversation starters
- Do not bring up heated subjects like politics or religion
- Have business cards made and ready to go
- Hold your glass or plate in your left hand, freeing up your right hand for shaking
- Do not talk with food in your mouth
- If you are looking for a job – do not drink alcohol; Never accept alcohol if under age 21
Business Luncheon
When you are the host:
- Call both the restaurant and the guest that morning to confirm the reservation.
- If the guest is more than 15 minutes late, call his or her office
- Allow the guest to sit at the best seat
- The host should be prepared to pay for the meal
When you are the guest:
- Do not bring someone else with you unannounced
- Turn your cell phone off and do not answer it during the meal
- Order an entrée that is priced mid-range (chicken is always a safe bet)
- Pace yourself when eating – not too fast, not too slow
- Allow the host to pay for the meal if they offer
- Do not salt or pepper your food without tasting it first
Formal Dinner
- Remember that your bread is on the left and your drinks are on the right
- Scoop up your soup away from you, not towards you
- Cut your food and break your bread into pieces one at a time
- Do not pick something out of your mouth with your hands
- Communicate with your waiter using your utensils (turn the tines of your fork down when you are finished eating)
- Know which utensils to use with what course
- (sample table setting below)
*Material adapted from Etiquette Essentials for Business Dining by Diana Hurt |
