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Attending a business dinner can evoke anxiety, whether you’re pitching a sale, seeking a job, or aiming to impress your boss. The stakes can feel high, and the fear of missteps is common.
If you’re feeling apprehensive, rest assured—you’re not alone. However, navigating a white-collar business dinner can be less stressful with a few essential tips. By keeping these in mind, you’ll not only avoid faux pas but also seize the opportunity to make a lasting positive impression.
Key Takeaways:
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Dress appropriately and present yourself in a professional manner.
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Allow your guests to set the pace for the meal.
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Arrive on time and be prepared for a social engagement, not just a meal.
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Observe and mirror the behavior of those around you to gauge the appropriate conduct.
Why Is Business Dinner Etiquette Important?
Making a great first impression is crucial, and often this first meeting occurs at a dinner table with clients, potential partners, or supervisors. Even if you’re familiar with the attendees, a single mishap can dramatically shift their perception of you. Are you seen as the poised professional or as someone who lacks basic etiquette?
Your behavior can significantly influence your career trajectory, including bonuses and promotions, especially if your conduct is noted by your boss or potential clients. It may feel daunting, but remember that most business etiquette is simply common sense. With practice, these behaviors will become second nature.
11 Ways to Demonstrate Proper Business Dinner Etiquette
- Let the host take the lead. Allow the host to manage the details such as timing, reservations, and seating arrangements.
- Consider different work hours. When planning, be mindful of whether attendees work traditional or non-traditional hours to accommodate their schedules.
- Dress for success. Even in a semi-casual setting, avoid overly casual attire. Aim for business-appropriate clothing that matches the formality of the dinner.
- Position your napkin correctly. Wait for your host to unfold their napkin before doing so yourself, and place it in your lap—not tucked into your shirt.
- Be ready for ice-breaker questions. Prepare concise responses to help foster conversation, particularly when welcoming new colleagues.
- Be decisive when ordering. Avoid making others wait while you deliberate over the menu; consider reviewing it online beforehand if you struggle to choose.
- Match your guest’s pace. Stay attuned to your guest’s eating speed, and adjust your pace accordingly to avoid making them wait.
- Know your utensils. Familiarize yourself with the correct silverware for each course, starting from the outside and working in.
- Be courteous to restaurant staff. Treat the staff with respect; negative comments about food or service reflect poorly on you.
- Plan payment in advance. Ensure the bill is settled before it arrives to avoid awkwardness at the table.
- Follow up with appreciation. A thank-you note to the host can reinforce your professionalism and pave the way for future invitations.
Dinner Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t arrive late. Punctuality shows respect for your guests’ time.
- Don’t pull out chairs. This action can be seen as presumptuous in a business context; holding the door is preferable.
- Don’t rush into business talk. Take time for introductions and casual conversation before diving into business discussions.
- Don’t use your phone. Keep your phone off or silent and put it away to focus on the conversation.
- Don’t engage in distracting habits. Be mindful of behaviors that may annoy other guests, such as chewing loudly or fidgeting.
- Don’t lose professionalism. Maintain a business demeanor throughout the dinner, regardless of the setting.
- Don’t arrive hungry. Adjust your expectations based on your guest’s appetite to avoid appearing unprofessional.
- Don’t clear your own dishes. Allow the staff to handle clearing the table; it’s their job.
- Don’t ask for a to-go box. This is a business dinner, not a casual meal.
- Don’t make a spectacle when paying the bill. Maintain composure and discretion when settling the check.
Additional Business Meal Etiquette Tips
- Use your napkin properly. Avoid using it for anything other than its intended purpose.
- Observe your guests. If unsure, mirror the actions of seasoned attendees to navigate the dinner smoothly.
- Pace your eating. Finish your meal in sync with others to avoid discomfort.
- Be mindful of your order. Choose food that can be eaten neatly, avoiding messy items if you’ll be reviewing documents.
- Chew with your mouth closed. Always practice basic table manners.
Final Thoughts
Your first business dinner may be nerve-wracking, which is completely natural. The key is to remain composed. Like many skills, mastering etiquette will come easier with practice.
Stay professional, take a deep breath, and remember: you can handle this.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
