Why do manners matter in jobseeking?

This was originally an article submitted to Manila Bulletin for their Clasified Answers column for June 7, 2009. 

I have to admit, when I first received the topic for the article, I was completely dumbfounded. I found it a bit ludicrous to discuss why anyone would ask my manners are important. Coming from a strict values-oriented family, this question was a very alien concept.

To answer the question directly, I would like to quote the words of one of my colleagues: “If during an interview, where one is expected to put their best foot forward, they cannot behave well, then he might be problematic to the company eventually, especially when dealing with clients”.

This statement truly summarizes the importance of manners to your prospective employer – and to the person applying for the job. Without the proper conduct, any jobseeker can jeopardize their chances of entering the company of their dreams. An employer would not want to hire a person who he thinks will cause him more problems. Employers hire employees as a solution to certain needs of their company – not to become something that they will need another solution for.

The First Impression

Manners are part of that first impression you give your future employer. From the moment you send in your resume, the way you handle your interaction with the company and its representatives may affect your possibility of hire. There are many different types of chances for first impressions. As an applicant, you have to be aware of these opportunities, and use them to your full advantage.

With the advent of the internet, this first encounter can start when you send in your resume to the recruiter's email. Take for example this hypothetical email:

good day mam/sr. i am a fresh graduatte of mass communication and i am applying for a possition as a reporter or any jobs related to journalism, i attached my resume and sample of my works.. i am willing also to work on extended time i am a hardworking and willing to learn more and gave more ideas in your company. god bless and more powers

The application letter has at least two faults: (1) It does not follow standard letter format; (2) It has several spelling and punctuation mistakes. These two faults can make it difficult for the employer to understand the full train of thought of the applicant. If the company this was intended for has international clients, there would be a high chance that his application may be rejected. These little things, such as minding your punctuation and grammar, show that you are considerate, and it shows that you give your future employer enough respect to spend extra time making sure your letter is in order.

The Persons Who Deserve To Be Shown Good Manners

Most applicants put their best foot forward once they meet face to face with their interviewer. However, it is more advisable to be polite starting with the first person you encounter, even if that first person is the security guard or the janitor. Remember that these people are also employees of the company you are working for. Your future employer can easily walk out of his office and ask these people about the way you treated them. There have been reported cases of employers including this type of feedback in their considerations to hire a person. A simple raise of the eyebrow at one of the janitors may have a profound effect on your application.

Manners can also be used to set the tone of your encounter with these people. The best place you can start is with yourself. Treat your body with consideration – prepare your materials ahead of time to avoid rushing, eat your meals properly, and make sure you are groomed properly. The way you treat yourself will reflect in the way you treat others. If you treat yourself the way you would treat a king, it would be easier for you to show the same degree of respect and consideration for everybody you encounter.

Practice Makes Perfect

Manners do not just come into play when you are looking for a job. Manners are necessary for any human interaction, and is one of the important foundations for establishing good relationships. Good relationships can be the catalyst for good opportunities for you. Your neighborhood baker may have a son who may become your future boss. Your mother's friend may be able to give you leads for job vacancies in a respectable company. Every relationship you have has the potential of giving you something valuable. It is this potential that you must nurture, even through the simple act of being polite and considerate of the other person. Practicing good manners every day, to the people that you meet, may open many doors for you, and can help you exhibit the same to your future employers. Having good manners is not very hard; if you already practice it everyday, your natural likability will shine through, and employers will be attracted to the package that you are selling – you.