” The Center for Career Management is holding an etiquette luncheon on Thursday Feb. 5 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at the Martin Center. The Etiquette Lunch is a preparation type of event that allows a candidate to learn about how to conduct themselves in a social networking situation, and it just so happens to be over the course of a meal, Kim Beyer, Interim Co-Director of the CCM said.”
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The Center for Career Management is holding an etiquette luncheon on Thursday Feb. 5 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at the Martin Center.

The Etiquette Lunch is a preparation type of event that allows a candidate to learn about how to conduct themselves in a social networking situation, and it just so happens to be over the course of a meal, Kim Beyer, Interim Co-Director of the CCM said.

In job search mode, many candidates will be going on interviews that may include a meal of some sort as part of the interview process.

Our goal is to educate that person on what it takes to be successful at that particular event, states Beyer.

The etiquette lunch covers what utensils to use, when and how to communicate while eating, what to eat and what not to eat, what to order and what not to order and all of the basics.

It’s going to be a dining presentation and the students will learn how to greet someone and that is by the Five S technique, Trinka Taylor, founder of Professional Protocol Consultants an etiquette firm, said. When you are meeting someone for the first time you should Stand, Smile, and you should See the color of the persons eyes so they know you are looking at them and not your watch or something else in the room. You are to Say, for instance ‘It is a pleasure to meet you,’ and to Shake their hand simultaneously.

Taylor will also talk about posture while dining, which is feet flat on the floor and one hand on your lap.

We will precede to talk about what you can cut and what you can’t cut, for instance salads you don’t cut up unless there is a cherry tomato that is too large to consume, says Taylor.

Taylor explains she will also talk about not preseasoning food before eating it, about attire, and also some of her personal experiences that she has had. The set up for the luncheon will be just a basic luncheon because the people who are hiring me have budget restrictions, and to go into anything more elaborate costs more money, states Taylor.

She explains that the luncheon should consist of three forks: one up above the plate for dessert, and two side by side on the left side of the plate, one for the salad and one for the main entrée.

Advance registration is required because seating is limited. The event is held twice a year, once is the spring and once in the fall.

Anybody that cannot go to the lunch can always make an appointment with a staff member here in the center and we will conduct a one on one session with them, Beyer said.

When you are in job search mode you need to be professional at all times. The old saying first impressions mean everything definitely holds true, because the job seeker is in the spotlight in the employers eye, and the employer is looking at you as a candidate and a potential employee, Beyer said.

You never want to go into an event or interview not prepared, and not glowing and shining as the star candidate in an employer’s eyes, so this is one step along the way that will help the candidate shine, says Beyer.

Although the CCM coordinates the event Taylor runs the session for the alumni and students.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $20, but the good news is that if the student attends the event, their money will be refunded. This is a very fun, interactive and educational event. The bottom line is that it prepares the candidate for any aspect of the job search, says Beyer.

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