You Need More Than Smarts to Be Successful

By Deborah O’Connor

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the EmpowHer Conference to the Women of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at the Swearingen School of Engineering at the University of South Carolina. These brilliant women were majoring in Biomedical, Chemical, Computing, Electrical, Nuclear, and Mechanical Engineering and everything in between. Ranging from freshmen to seniors, theses ladies have the credentials to have their pick of jobs in their fields, but they do not get the job unless they understand proper etiquette. I was there to ask them this question: With all things being equal grade-wise, what would set them apart from the crowd and why would they get the job rather than the woman sitting next to them?  Here are some of the key answers:

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• Etiquette makes a big difference. Many companies hiring will have you go to lunch with them to see if you have the proper dining skills and etiquette so as not to embarrass yourself and especially the company. Spilling spaghetti down your blouse of knocking your water glass over do not a good impression make, even though they are accidents. Announcing your intention at the table that you are going to the bathroom, placing your cell phone on the table, and placing a piece of cutlery back on the table are unacceptable.
• Presentation is vital. Dressing the part is imperative and proper grooming is a must. You are competing with all levels for these jobs and you need to present the complete package or your competition will.
• Dedication is rewarded. You must be prepared to do whatever is necessary to complete the task for the good of the company. You must be willing to sacrifice even when it isn’t convenient. If you are constantly looking at the clock, you are not fully engaged and will not get or keep the job. These are the qualities that HR is looking for and these are the candidates that are hired.
• Teamwork is essential. Being a team player puts you ahead of the others and leadership positions usually come from this group. Be that leader, be that person that goes the extra mile, be the one corporate counts on to get the job done.

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz

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