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Career Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad.

Do's and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries, find them all here.

SPAIN

Greetings

• Addressing people by their first names ais acceptable only for close friends, children, and teenagers.
• When addressing elders or people you have been just introduced to, follow the Spanish business protocol of using the formal "Usted" mode of address.
• When addressing each other, men who are university graduates, businessmen or other professionals often use the courtesy title "Don" to confer respect.
• Handshakes are a standard part of Spanish business protocol.
• It is imperative that you address individuals by any titles they may have, followed by their surnames. For example, teachers prefer the title "Profesor", and engineers are referred to as "Ingeniero."
• Basic titles of courtesy (followed by a surname) are always appropriate.

Mr. - Señor
Mrs. - Señora
Miss - Señorita

Dressing up

• Spaniards dress well. There are chances that your appearance will be perceived as an indication of your social standing and relative success.
• Spaniards dress in a more conservative manner when compared to Americans, and they are fond of designer clothes.
• Stick with quality, emphasise on conservative clothing in subdued colours. Brand names will be noticed!!
• Dressing "con elegancia" means that men should wear dark suits and ties, preferably with starched white shirts. Do not remove your Suit jackets as it is considered impolite to be seen without a suit jacket.
• Business suits or dresses made with high quality fabrics is what the women should opt to wear. Trousers have not yet gained acceptance in Spain, but wearing them in the evening is fine.
• Shorts are unacceptable in public.

Topics you can converse on

• Your home country
• Travel
• Sports, especially soccer
• Politics (Just be sure what you are talking about!)

Topics you can Avoid

• Bullfighting is a revered art form here. Consequently, it will be in your best interests to refrain from airing any criticisms about this practice.
• Religion and war is a topic you can avoid.
• Avoid placing too much of an emphasis on your professional experience and business success during a conversation.
• It is considered rude to make personal inquiries, especially during first introductions.

Public Behaviour

• Spaniards get a sense of identity from their particular region rather than the country as a whole.
• Be sensitive to regional differences; making misinformed comments about a Spaniard's region of origin could be taken as a grave insult
• The first-time introductions with Spaniards should be made in a formal manner. Extend a brief but firm handshake, and maintain an eye contact during the meeting. A "Buenos dias", "Buenas tardes" or "Buenas noches" should accompany your greeting.
• Women generally lightly embrace, and then touch cheeks while lightly kissing the air.
• In the company of friends, it's common in for men to hug or pat each other on the back, in addition to a handshake.
• Spaniards may not only stand uncomfortably close, but also pat your arm or shoulder when conversing with you. If you encounter these gestures, moving away will only cause offense.
• One common gesture is snapping the hands downward to emphasise a point.
• The North American "O.K." symbol (i.e. making a circle of the first finger and thumb) is considered rude.
• A highly religious country, Spaniards could be easily offended if you take the Lord's name in vain. It is advisable to refrain from swearing in the presence of others.
• If you want to catch the attention of a person then turn your palm down, then wave your fingers or entire hand.
• Before getting into a taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare.
• When a public restroom is needed, men should look for a door marked "Caballeros," while women should look for a door marked "Senoras." In smaller towns, rooms marked "W.C." (for "water closet") are bathrooms used by both men and women.

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