Dining Etiquette

Brought to you through the generous support of Target

Syracuse University
Spring 2007 Gregory J. Victory Associate Director Career Services

Keep in mind
Despite the location, an interview is still an interview. In today's business world, a tremendous amount of business is conducted at a dinner table. Whether at home or in a restaurant, it is important to have a complete understanding of how to conduct yourself when entertaining or being entertained.

Before the Meal

Dress Appropriately

Men:

A traditional suit is preferred to a blazer. The color should either be a dark blue or grey in either a solid or invisible plaid with a pressed long-sleeved (even in summer!) white dress shirt.

Women:

Skirted suits are almost always preferable. A solid navy, grey or black suit with a solid or light colored blouse is recommended for most positions. Avoid brown, green or pastel suits. Business dresses are acceptable in fields that are less formal and less conservative.. No dangling or distracting bracelets. Avoid purses of any size - carry a portfolio or briefcase instead.

Turn off Cell Phone Be Punctual Arrive no later than five, but no more than ten minutes early.

Stay on TARGET

Should I Stand to shake hands with someone at the dinner table?

First Impressions
When escorted to a table by a maitre'd, the guest(s) tends to walk behind the host, the interviewer will follow behind. If you are seated before the others arrival, be sure to stand and shake hands. Place napkin on your lap immediately following the actions of the host. All leads should be taken from the host.

Decoding the Menu

If the host makes a recommendation, use it as a price guide as well. Generally, as the guest, your order will be taken first. Ask the server questions about the dish, but do not make too many substitutions. Do not order more than two courses unless the host makes a comment to do so. Never order the most expensive thing on the menu.

Stay on TARGET

How far can you reach across the table?

Decoding the Menu

Table DHote: Everything is included in the price of the entre. (Beverages will be separate) Al La Carte: Each item is priced seperately. When in doubt, ask your host for a recommendation. Items to avoid: spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, etc

Drinks
WaterAlways Soft DrinkSometimes AlcoholNever Soda water/lime Any Questions?

Stay on TARGET

What do you do if you drop your napkin on the floor?

Where is the food?

Between ordering and the foods arrival is prime conversation time. Maintain good posture. Remember Eye Contact. Give equal time to all diners. Keep jokes tasteful and to a minimum. Topics to avoid: politics, religion, etc Take cues from the host.

Bread/ Butter/ Appetizers

Butter individual, bite sized pieces of bread. Place used butter knife on bread plate. Take one appetizer portion and put in on plate. Never, never, take the last portion.

Stay on TARGET

What do you do if your host/hostess uses the wrong utensil? Follow the lead or eat correctly?

What am I looking at?

Dessert /Coffee
Bread Plate Butter Knife

Water
Wine Wine

Plate/Napkin

Coffee Cup and Saucer

Soup Salad Meat Meat Salad

seafood

Tricks of the Table

To find where your place setting begins and ends remember BMW: Bread-Meal-Water When passing main dishes, always pass to the right. Use silverware from outside in. Never cut more than three bites at a time.

Stay on TARGET

Should one go out of his/her way to use utensils when eating finger foods?

Specifics
Soup: Spoon, dont slurp. Dont crush crackers. Do not slurp or tilt the bowl. Do not drink from your bowl unless you are in an Asian restaurant, where it is appropriate. Salads: Salad bowl will be placed to the left of your plate or in front of you. Do not move it. When finished, put fork on salad plate tines down between 10 and 4. Beverage: Swallow completely and wipe you hands and mouth before taking a drink. This will keep glass free and clear from grease marks. Pace your self with the host. Your meals should end at the same time.

Excuses Excuses Excuses

Try to refrain from leaving the table during dinner. If necessary excuse yourself from the table, exit on the right. Place your napkin on your seat. A napkin on the table signals the end of dinner.

Stay on TARGET

What do I do to signal that I am finished with my meal?

Upcoming Target Series Events:

Negotiating Salaries Thursday April 5 209 Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, 7 PM Understanding Benefits Packages Thursday, April 12 209 Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, 7 PM Your Financial Health! Thursday, April 19th Schine 228B, 7 PM Succeeding Your First Year on the Job Thursday, April 26 209 Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, 7 PM

Center for Career Services Suite 235/ Schine Student Center 315-443-3616 careers@syr.edu http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/

Special Thanks to TARGET