Office/Business Etiquette

Office etiquette is different in every country so we thought we could prepare you to better understand how things work in the U.S.
 

• If you are looking for a person and you know where his/her office is, check with the clerk (secretary, assistant) before walking to the office.
• Americans find it rude and intrusive when you walk into their offices unnannounced.
• Even when the clerk tells you that the person that you are looking for is in his/her office, wait for an indication before going to see that person.
• Most of the time, the person that you came looking for will come and meet you at the front desk.
• Avoid using your cell phone in offices but if you use it, do so in a quiet manner.
  Trying to get a hold of a person
  If you have been trying to contact someone without any luck, it is best to leave a message with his or her assistant or to leave a voicemail. You can also send an email.  It is ok to be persistent, but avoid calling more than 3 times in the same day. The person that you are trying to reach may be having a hectic day, but be sure that he/she will call you back.  When leaving messages, try to be as specific and descriptive as possible with your request and do not forget to leave your contact information.