International Business Etiquette

Author: Zhang Yanbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-04-01
Features: The content of this book is selected from contemporary foreign original materials and combined with the specific circumstances of Chinese business activities. The editors start from a more practical perspective, explaining the etiquette norms related to job interviews, business negotiations, daily business activities, and written business correspondence. A successful business professional should possess both professional knowledge and good manners, so this book is suitable for foreign trade and economic workers, foreign affairs workers, and other individuals engaged in foreign-related business activities.
Excerpt: sth. about the interview
The following are a few additional comments about the interview:
1. Remember to maintain normal eye contact throughout.
2. Remember that many interviewers find gum chewing and smoking unprofessional.
3. If you are at lunch or dinner, you probably should decline an alcoholic drink.
4. Be alert to your "body language," since slouching is viewed as a sign of indifference.
5. Never say anything bad about your current or former employers. If the interviewer asks about some negative situation, do not try to cover it up or sidestep it. Rather, explain the circumstances in an honest, objective manner rather than make excuses or blame others.
6. Let the interviewer bring up the topic of salary. Avoid giving a definite figure, however, know knowledge of the job, company, and similar salaries will assist you if you are forced to give a specific salary requirement.
7. Listen carefully and actively. Keep your mind on the interview.
8. Don't sit down until you are asked.
9. Dress properly. What you wear depends on the type of job for which you are interviewing. Combined with common sense. A man interviewing for a corporate position would wear a business suit, a woman applying for the same job would again wear a daytime dress or business coordinates. Your appearance is the first factor an interviewer notices about you, so it should be as favorable and professional as possible. The most important factors are neatness, cleanliness, and appropriateness. Excessive jewelry or makeup and elaborate, dressy, sheer, or tight clothing are not appropriate. Grooming should be immaculate, with hair and nails clean. Buttons should not be missing, hems and cuffs should not be frayed or unraveling. Shoes should be clean and shined and should not be run down at the heel.
10. Interviewers are not allowed to ask you your race or religion. Other questions, such as those about your personal finances, your credit rating, or your home life, for example, are not appropriate unless you are being interviewed for a job which requires extensive security clearance. If you feel you are being asked questions that are too personal in nature, respond by saying, "Why do you ask?" If the answer you receive is not acceptable, don't say, "What a rude question." But you may reply that you do not understand what the questions have to do with the job being offered and would prefer to defer discussing your personal life until both of you have determined a mutual interest in your candidacy for the position.
Explanation:
eye contact - gaze directly at the other person
gum chewing - chewing gum
slouching - slouching
indifference - indifference
sidestep - evade
definite figure - specific number
common sense - common sense
corporate position - corporate position
business coordinates - business attire
excessive - excessive
elaborate - overly elaborate
immaculate - immaculate
credit rating - credit rating
candidacy - candidacy