CEP Social & Business Etiquette 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the correct way to introduce a junior employee to a senior executive?
- Say the junior employee's name first
- Say the senior executive's name first (Correct answer)
- Ask them to introduce themselves to each other
- Introduce them alphabetically by last name
Correct answer: Say the senior executive's name first
In professional introductions, the person of higher rank is addressed first: 'Ms. Smith, I'd like you to meet...'
Question 2: What is the appropriate action if you accidentally spill a drink on another guest at a social event?
- Ignore it and hope no one noticed
- Apologize sincerely and offer to help clean up (Correct answer)
- Blame the table setup
- Hand them a napkin without saying anything
Correct answer: Apologize sincerely and offer to help clean up
A sincere apology and immediate offer to assist demonstrates accountability and social grace.
Question 3: In a professional email, what is the most appropriate closing for a first-time correspondence with a potential client?
- Cheers
- Love
- Sincerely (Correct answer)
- Later
Correct answer: Sincerely
'Sincerely' is the standard professional closing for formal first-contact correspondence.
Question 4: When attending a networking event, how soon after meeting someone should you follow up?
- Within 24–48 hours (Correct answer)
- Within one week
- Only if they reach out first
- After one month to seem less eager
Correct answer: Within 24–48 hours
Following up within 24–48 hours keeps the interaction fresh and demonstrates genuine interest.
Question 5: If someone uses the wrong fork at a formal dinner, the host's most gracious response is to:
- Correct them loudly to prevent further errors
- Quietly use the same incorrect fork to spare embarrassment (Correct answer)
- Announce that all guests may use any fork
- Ignore the situation entirely
Correct answer: Quietly use the same incorrect fork to spare embarrassment
A gracious host mirrors the guest's behavior to prevent embarrassment and maintain comfort.
Question 6: What does 'business casual' attire typically exclude in a U.S. professional environment?
- Collared shirts
- Dress slacks
- Clean sneakers
- Jeans and t-shirts (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Jeans and t-shirts
Business casual generally excludes jeans and t-shirts, which are considered too informal for most professional settings.
Question 7: When is it appropriate to use someone's first name in a professional setting?
- Always, to seem friendly
- Only after they have invited you to do so (Correct answer)
- Never in business contexts
- Only if they are younger than you
Correct answer: Only after they have invited you to do so
Using first names before being invited can be presumptuous; wait for the other person to offer that familiarity.
CEP Social & Business Etiquette 3
Which of the following is the correct way to introduce a junior employee to a senior executive?