Meeting
Minutes
A
few tips for the all-important business meet or job interview
GETTING THERE
1. The first impression
Choose clothes that look sharp, smart and yet make you feel comfortable
1. The first impression
Choose clothes that look sharp, smart and yet make you feel comfortable
2. A universally acceptable colour
palette
Go for sharp monotones of black or white or light/ dark shades of grey, beige, blue and brown
Go for sharp monotones of black or white or light/ dark shades of grey, beige, blue and brown
3. Dress right
Opt for a cut or fit that flatters your body type. Pick fabrics that are light and crease free
Opt for a cut or fit that flatters your body type. Pick fabrics that are light and crease free
4. Groom yourself
Men must be clean shaved or well trimmed, have buffed skin and sport neatly styled hair. Women should wear light makeup. Ideally hair must be tied or open only if kept under control. Long nails are a complete no for both sexes
Men must be clean shaved or well trimmed, have buffed skin and sport neatly styled hair. Women should wear light makeup. Ideally hair must be tied or open only if kept under control. Long nails are a complete no for both sexes
5.
Smell good
Body odour and visible sweat patches are not even an option. Use long-lasting and effective deodorants and gentle fragrances – nothing too strong or powdery
Body odour and visible sweat patches are not even an option. Use long-lasting and effective deodorants and gentle fragrances – nothing too strong or powdery
6. The details are always noticed
Shoes must be well maintained and the heels shouldn’t make any sound. Wear a simple watch, minimal jewellery and carry an easy-to-handle file case. Your phone must either be off or on silent
THE HANDSHAKE & INTRODUCTION
Its fine to initiate a handshake, but don’t force one. Never give your hand over a table but from the side. A good firm handshake ensures you strike the deal, get the job, appraisal or win over the person. If you are a woman and are shaking a man’s hand, ensure the pressure is gentle yet firm. If you are a man, meeting a woman, always wait for her to give her hand out.
MAKING THE ENTRY
It’s better to arrive a bit early. Politely inform the front office and be seated while you wait.
When called in, walk briskly. Carry your file case or bag on one side, ideally in the left hand, so you can shake hands with the right one. Place your bag or file case on one side of your chair and be seated. Slim and compact carry cases make you look disciplined.
Place the chair or your body’s angle away from sitting directly across the person. This cuts the level of authority of the other person. Sitting with your elbows on the arms of a chair conveys strength, power and security.
Have an approachable body language. Keeping your legs or hands crossed creates barriers. Sitting too relaxed also sends out wrong signals.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Introduce yourself. Hand over your business card at the first meeting. Never start complaining about the traffic or weather. Complimenting the person’s work or office will go down well. Smile — subtle facial gestures are better than a wide grin. In the first three minutes, ensure to use the persons name twice: it boosts ego. When you speak, keep your fingers together and hands close to the body. Nod your head occasionally, but not too frequently. Acknowledge that you understand what the other person is saying. Never ask personal questions.
THE CLOSURE & EXIT
You know the conversation is over when the other person takes a long gap after an obvious closing line or leans forward from the chair, starts looking around or begins to look at the watch. Prepare and use your closing line, based on the purpose of your meeting. Leaving a channel of communication open always works. Thanking the person for their time and letting them know that you look forward to hearing from them ensures a positive response. Plan your exit before it happens and don’t stumble as you get up. Leave the door (open or closed) exactly as it was when you entered.
Shoes must be well maintained and the heels shouldn’t make any sound. Wear a simple watch, minimal jewellery and carry an easy-to-handle file case. Your phone must either be off or on silent
THE HANDSHAKE & INTRODUCTION
Its fine to initiate a handshake, but don’t force one. Never give your hand over a table but from the side. A good firm handshake ensures you strike the deal, get the job, appraisal or win over the person. If you are a woman and are shaking a man’s hand, ensure the pressure is gentle yet firm. If you are a man, meeting a woman, always wait for her to give her hand out.
MAKING THE ENTRY
It’s better to arrive a bit early. Politely inform the front office and be seated while you wait.
When called in, walk briskly. Carry your file case or bag on one side, ideally in the left hand, so you can shake hands with the right one. Place your bag or file case on one side of your chair and be seated. Slim and compact carry cases make you look disciplined.
Place the chair or your body’s angle away from sitting directly across the person. This cuts the level of authority of the other person. Sitting with your elbows on the arms of a chair conveys strength, power and security.
Have an approachable body language. Keeping your legs or hands crossed creates barriers. Sitting too relaxed also sends out wrong signals.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Introduce yourself. Hand over your business card at the first meeting. Never start complaining about the traffic or weather. Complimenting the person’s work or office will go down well. Smile — subtle facial gestures are better than a wide grin. In the first three minutes, ensure to use the persons name twice: it boosts ego. When you speak, keep your fingers together and hands close to the body. Nod your head occasionally, but not too frequently. Acknowledge that you understand what the other person is saying. Never ask personal questions.
THE CLOSURE & EXIT
You know the conversation is over when the other person takes a long gap after an obvious closing line or leans forward from the chair, starts looking around or begins to look at the watch. Prepare and use your closing line, based on the purpose of your meeting. Leaving a channel of communication open always works. Thanking the person for their time and letting them know that you look forward to hearing from them ensures a positive response. Plan your exit before it happens and don’t stumble as you get up. Leave the door (open or closed) exactly as it was when you entered.
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Yatan Ahluwalia ETM 131208
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