Using proper etiquette could make or break your chance of being hired by your dream company.

“Companies are looking at how you are going to represent the company if you’re hired,” said Jan Brown, self-described “etiquette coach” and house mother for Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. “Forty percent of college seniors don’t pass their meal interview.”

Brown served as a coach for the third-annual Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management Club etiquette dinner. During the dinner, Brown walked her dinner guests through proper dining etiquette as they indulged in gourmet food with a seasonal twist.

Brown said using correct etiquette will build confidence and make people more comfortable in a dining setting.

The business world has been bringing fine dining and upscale etiquette back into fashion, while college students are growing more and more casual, she said.

“I think that’s probably true,” said Nicole Schuett, junior in food science. “I know a lot of guys that are doing ‘No Shave November’ even though they have presentations and interviews.”

Brown said using the incorrect silverware for the dish is one of the most violated etiquette rules. Silverware is set to move from the outside in during a meal.

“What’s served on a plate, eat with a fork,” Brown said. “What’s served in a bowl, eat with a spoon.”

Brown relates a table setting to a “road map” to what dishes will be served during the meal. For instance, a soup spoon or a salad fork tells the diner what dishes will be served.

Diners drive the “B.M.W.” model as a road map. B.M.W. stands for bread on the left side, meat served in the middle and water on the right side of the table setting. Letting soiled silverware touch the table is a frequently violated etiquette tip. Once you begin using a piece of silverware, it’s important that it be placed on the plate during breaks in dining and following dinner.

Eating bread incorrectly is another etiquette problem that most people have. Brown said it’s correct to break bread into small, bite-sized pieces and butter each piece individually.

“Most people don’t know that, but it’s the correct way to eat bread and you’ll love it,” Brown said.

Proper etiquette can change according to trends in dining and society.

With the rise of low-carbohydrate diets, some place settings may be set with an extra knife to be used for lettuce as a staple item.

“If you get a salad and order dressing on the side, do not pour all the dressing on the salad,” Brown stressed. “You ordered it on the side for a reason.”

Dressing properly for an interview can also make or break your chances of being hired.

“Dress for the job you would like to have at the company,” Brown said. “If you want to be an executive, dress as an executive would.”

Brown suggested not to consume alcohol during a professional interview because it takes a stronger person to refrain than to consume.

It’s a better idea to refuse alcohol without giving a reason, so the employer doesn’t even have the ability to make assumptions about your lifestyle, she said.

“I don’t think I would drink during an interview unless the interviewer ordered alcohol before I did,” said Adam Hebbel, junior in horticulture. “If they ordered a bottle of wine, I would probably have a glass.”

Brown cautioned on when you do decide to drink.

“If you must, have one [drink] and only one,” Brown said. “As long as you can handle yourself.”

Top 10 most common etiquette mistakes

1. Using the wrong piece of silverware.

2. Leaving cell phones on ring (or vibrate).

3. Not introducing all party members.

4. Wearing hats inside a building.

5. Not writing written thank-yous after an interview.

6. Not putting napkin on your lap before food arrives.

7. Holding silverware improperly.

8. Putting soiled silverware back on the table.

9. Having more than one drink during a professional interview.

10. Eating bread incorrectly.

Five worst menu items to order during an interview

1. Spare ribs

2. Spaghetti

3. Burritos

4. Pitas

5. Chicken wings