Seven etiquette tips for twentysomethings

Rude, thoughtless and immature behavior can be found in any workplace in any age group. But etiquette experts are finding many specific blunders common among twentysomethings, or millennials. Unfortunately, many workplace behaviors that are millennial-approved may appall older co-workers and bosses - and could stall a promising career by branding a smart up-and-comer as, maybe unfairly, a jerk. 

Three prominent experts have tips to help twentysomethings avoid generational etiquette blunders:

Put down the smart phone once in a while.

When twentysomethings send text messages during meetings they assume others will approve of their multi-tasking ability. But chances are, older colleagues will consider it a snub. "Even in tech companies there are unwritten rules for appropriate use of devices," says Alexandra Levit, consultant and author of "Blind Spots" and other books for millennials in the workplace. "When you're in a face-to-face meeting, even if it's informal, interacting with the other person should take precedence over checking your phone."

Use social media wisely.

Find out your company's policy on using social media at work, and don't forget professional boundaries when posting. "You don't want to share photos and information with your friends that you wouldn't want your boss or co-workers to see," says etiquette consultant and corporate trainer Arden Clise. "It's not only what you post, but what your friends post about you," Clise adds.

Don't dress for the beach (unless you're a lifeguard).

With the advent of casual Friday, and then "casual everyday," workplace dress codes are looser than ever. But twentysomethings are more likely to cross the line from casual to sloppy, Clise says: "Flip flops, revealing skirts, and clothes that look slept in don't a sense of confidence; they indicate you just don't care." You don't have to wear a suit if everyone else is in jeans, but when in doubt, err on the side of conservative dress, she adds. 

Wait your turn to speak.

Whether it's out of a need to demonstrate their value, or just over-confidence, twentysomethings too often butt in during meetings, according to Levit. "It's good to add something important, but better if you listen, learn, wait and interject your thoughts at the appropriate time," she says. Levit also suggests tempering your negative criticism. "Instead of saying, 'It's stupid for the company to do X,' try, 'I've been looking at X and I think there are ways that process can be improved."

Show a little humility.

Even if you are a genius and you do know a lot more than everyone else, you should never be brazen. "Many times professionals fresh out of college think junior level work is beneath him," Levit says. "You can't jump into an organization and leapfrog to the mid-level."

Clise agrees, adding that even with very chummy elders it's still better to be deferential: "Don't go around treating executives and managers like they're your buds, and don't ask personal questions unless the other person brings it up."

Deadlines apply to you, too.

Susanne Goldstein, author of "Carry a Paintbrush," says many twentysomething professionals lack planning skills. "This generation is used to immediacy, and planning is the opposite of immediacy. They need to understand that in the workplace it's not okay to wait until the last minute or ignore a deadline."

Emails R NOT txt msgs, K?

Workplace casualness extends beyond flip-flops and often shows up in carelessly written emails that mimic text messages. Goldstein recommends reading emails three times before sending them out. "Read them for the three C's: context, content and copy," she says, adding that all emails should have real words, correct spelling and proper punctuation. In other words, spell out the word you and don't use u, please.

Experts agree that etiquette on the job is important, and, just as much as your skills and drive, affect your ability to progress. "Etiquette is above all about courtesy and kindness," Clise says. "If you're not sure what's the best way to act, put yourself in the other person's shoes first."