When you are a working professional, you should know about the official etiquettes which are to be followed. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your career is, not understanding certain codes and rules to abide by in the workplace. This may cost heavily. The following are some of the tips which you may have to follow to keep the office etiquette.

1. Don't interrupt your colleagues. It is disrespectful and a sign of "poor social skills" .

2. Pull the plug on office chatter. It's okay to bond with your colleagues but "when they're walking with you to continue the conversation that's when you know it's too much."

3. Don't be loud. "It's intrusive." Keep quiet and not invade other people's personal space.

4. Don't eat smelly food. Save the smelly Tuna or bag of buttery popcorn for your down time at home.

5. Don't use slang or text-speak. "An email should be handled as a formal letter," Don't forget, emails can be "kept on a company's record for years."

6. Share the credit. Acknowledge a colleague's work.

7. Hold back on the perfume. It's disruptive and many people may be allergic to it. If you can't control yourself, don't wear it at all.

8. Office attire should stay on the conservative side. It's best to be traditional. Not all offices are the same so think about "who you're meeting with and then plan your wardrobe accordingly."

9. Keep your ring tone under control. It's best to keep your phone on vibrate.

10. Keep the office clean.

11. Don't get too personal at work. "When you disclose too much you become vulnerable and it's not a good thing in the office environment."

12. Be on time. Being punctual says a lot about your personal values.

13. Don't take personal calls at your desk. If you have to, then end it quickly so that you don't disturb those around you.

14. Don't wear your commuting shoes at work. "Change your shoes way before you get to your office," it's important to project a professional image.

15. Its okay to blow your nose at your desk, but only if it's an emergency. Do it in the privacy of the restroom.

16. Don't play with your hair during a meeting. You should also refrain from brushing your hair or applying makeup at your desk.

17. Don't come to work if you're too sick. "If you're contagious you should stay home." "If we took a day off every time we didn't feel well, we'd never be at the office.”

It will be in the better interest of you, if you can follow the above tips to be a professional in your career.

By Premji