As someone who recently got hired, are you afraid to do this for the first time? For some people, making mistakes can be funny and forgettable. However, there are some mistakes that may lead to serious problems. So before anything gets worse, try to be a professional.
Attending corporate events is one of the requirements for all employees. And if it’s your first time attending one, you need to prepare. Of course, you can ask your current officemates about past events, but there are other things you should know.
Learning the business etiquette for corporate events is one of the most important things you should know as a newly hired, especially since you don’t have corporate events attended prior to this one.
So to help you get started, here are some tips you should try!
1. Don’t forget to RSVP
Once you receive the invitation, take some time to check your schedule. If you’re free on the said date, respond within a week or depending on the date indicated in the invitation. That way, you won’t be able to forget about it.
Responding on your own is better than waiting for the organisers to send you a follow-up invitation. Besides, event organisers are too busy minding everything so don’t give them another problem. And whether you’re a newbie or not, it’s common courtesy to answer when you’re being asked for your availability.
On the other hand, if you have to decline but you’ve already RSVPed, you must inform them about it. Otherwise, you’ll still be included in all the plans.
2. Follow the dress code
Did you RSVP without having an outfit in mind? It’s okay, especially if the event is not up for weeks. However, before planning your outfit, ensure you’ve read the invitation thoroughly to blend with the crowd.
The dress code is one of the most important parts of preparing for corporate events. Once you’re wearing a different outfit, you’ll stand out, in a negative way.
For instance, if you’re used to attending events with a semi-casual dress code, you might overlook a formal event. When you enter a room full of people and notice you’re the only one wearing semi-casual, it might ruin your confidence. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore the details in the invitation no matter how busy you are.
3. Be on time
Nowadays, fashionably late is no longer a trend. Unless you have a valid excuse to be late, you must try your best to arrive a few minutes early or on time. And as a newly hired, you need to impress your boss and workmates, and know that they can rely on you.
On the other hand, if you’re not paying attention to the details of the invitation, you might arrive at a different time. But if you’ve already read the invitation, you may set an alarm on the event day that indicates the exact time of the event. That way, you still have enough time to prepare.
4. Introduce yourself and make an effort to communicate
Arriving early or on time can help you introduce yourself and communicate with people. That way, you won’t have to introduce yourself while eating or holding a plate while waiting in the buffet line.
As a newbie, you might not know everyone in the company, so you are new to introduce yourself to them. Don’t wait for their introductions since you’re the one that should adjust. Meanwhile, if you have company, it’s also necessary to introduce the people you’re with, not just yourself.
After the introductions, you must try to communicate relevant topics. It’ll be handy if you do some research prior to the event. And if someone gives you advice about work, ensure to acknowledge them.
5. Greet the host
In corporate events, there must be a department or section that hosts the specific event. So you shouldn’t forget to greet and congratulate them on the success of the event. Hosting an event is exhausting and overwhelming, so it’s nice to receive some positive feedback.
Greeting the hosts will not just make them happy, but it’ll also increase your network around the company. In addition, if you’re the first from your team who greeted them, you can be the representative so the others won’t have to.
6. Mind your table manners
Since you’re newly hired, you might be assigned to a table with strangers at the dinner table. However, even if it’s a great chance to get to know others, you might feel awkward while eating. So to avoid getting embarrassed, always mind your table manners.
Of course, you need to relax and enjoy, but you must not forget that you’re not having dinner with friends but co-workers. Another tip is to eat with smaller pieces so that when someone asks something, you can easily speak without choking.
Now that you’re ready to attend your first-ever corporate event, it’s time to shop for the perfect outfit. Let us know if you have more tips related to this by leaving a comment below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.
