I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some truly incredible people through Answer the Call, but this conversation was extra special. I had the honor of sitting down with Alison Cheperdak, the founder of Elevate Etiquette.
Alison’s career path is nothing short of amazing – she’s been a competitive ice skater, a television news anchor, an attorney, and now an entrepreneur in the world of etiquette. In this conversation, we dive into why etiquette matters in career development, job searching, networking, and even faith.
If you’re looking for ways to stand out and create meaningful connections in your professional life, this post is for you.
Introducing Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette
Alison has done so much in her career, and it all started with ice skating. Growing up in New England, she had a natural connection to skating – her mom was a skater, and her grandfather a hockey coach. She competed for years before pivoting to journalism, where she caught the bug for investigative reporting.
She worked as a reporter for NBC in upstate New York, where she found herself drawn to legal and political stories. That passion led her to law school at George Washington University, where she explored countless opportunities—from clerking in Congress to working for the U.S. Treasury and even the West Wing of the White House.
After years in law and government, she realized the pivotal role etiquette had played in her life and career and decided to create @elevateetiquette on Instagram as a creative outlet. It quickly took off and the rest is history! Listen to our interview to hear more of the story.
What Etiquette is Really About
“Etiquette is all about kindness, consideration, respect, and integrity.” – Alison Cheperdak, J.D
Before I met Alison, I had a very different understanding of etiquette. If I’m being honest, I used to think it was just about knowing which fork to use or how to impress people in fancy settings. But Alison completely shifted my perspective.
She explained that etiquette isn’t about elitism or showing off—it’s about making people feel comfortable and respected. It’s about how we interact and build genuine connections, not just what we do. This simple shift in thinking made me realize how powerful etiquette can be, especially in professional settings.
Alison broke down etiquette into 3 core principles:
- Consideration – Being aware of how your actions impact others, whether it’s in the workplace, during a job interview, or even in casual social settings. It means actively listening, respecting personal space, and acknowledging others’ contributions.
- Respect – Treating others with dignity, no matter their position. This includes using proper greetings, addressing people by their preferred names, and maintaining professional communication in all interactions.
- Integrity – Acting in a way that reflects strong ethical values. Honesty, punctuality, and following through on commitments all fall under this category.
She emphasized that etiquette isn’t about following outdated rules but about creating positive, respectful interactions that build trust and open doors to new opportunities.
Why Should Christians Care About Etiquette?
Alison pointed out that etiquette aligns closely with Christian values. At its core, etiquette is about humility, treating others with love, and putting their needs before our own – principles that are deeply rooted in Scripture.
She explained that practicing etiquette is a way of embodying the biblical command to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). It reflects the Golden Rule – treating others how we would want to be treated – which is foundational to Christian life.
Furthermore, integrity in etiquette mirrors biblical teachings about honesty and strong character. Whether it’s keeping our word, showing up on time, or extending grace in our interactions, etiquette is a practical way to live out our faith in the workplace and beyond.
The Role of Etiquette in Job Searching
“Your social skills get you in the door, and then you have to perform.” – Alison Cheperdak, J.D
We all know that experience and skills matter in job searching, but Alison points out just how much social skills play a role in career success. Here are some of her top tips for job seekers:
1. First impressions matter more than you think
Like it or not, people will judge a book by its cover. That includes your outfit, your workspace (even on Zoom), and the way you carry yourself. Alison shared that even small things, like bringing a well-kept notebook into a meeting or having a tidy workspace, send signals about who you are as a professional.
2. Dress for the Super Bowl of Your Industry
One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation was her tip on dressing for job interviews. Instead of just matching the company’s casual culture, she suggests dressing as if you’re attending the biggest meeting of the year in that industry. That means if you’re interviewing at a tech startup, you might not need a suit, but you should still look polished and professional.
3. Follow Up the Right Way
Following up after an interview is an art. Too soon, and you might come off as desperate. Too late, and they may have already forgotten about you. Alison’s rule of thumb? Send a thoughtful thank-you email within 24 hours, and if you don’t hear back within a week, it’s okay to check in—just keep it polite and professional.
4. Small Social Cues Make a Big Impact
Alison emphasized that even subtle social behaviors can make or break professional relationships. Things like making proper eye contact, not interrupting during conversations, or even knowing when to step back in discussions show emotional intelligence and awareness—two qualities that employers value highly.
5. The Power of a Strong Handshake (or Virtual Presence)
If you’re meeting in person, Alison suggests practicing a firm but not overpowering handshake. In virtual settings, being aware of your facial expressions and background matters just as much. How you present yourself online can leave a lasting impression.
How to Have Confidence in Professional Settings
If you’ve ever felt socially anxious in networking events or job interviews, you’re not alone. Alison shared that many people struggle with how to present themselves confidently.
Here’s her advice: Shift the focus from yourself to the other person.
Instead of worrying about what you’ll say next, practice active listening and ask thoughtful questions. This not only helps ease anxiety but also makes conversations flow more naturally.
She also recommends preparing a solid elevator pitch about yourself. Even if you’re not actively job hunting, being able to confidently introduce yourself and talk about what you do can open unexpected doors.
It all comes down to etiquette.
And beyond career advancement, etiquette is a way to honor others, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a life of dignity and professionalism. It’s about becoming the kind of person that others feel respected and valued by, and that’s a quality that transcends industries and career levels.
If you want to keep learning from Alison, be sure to follow her at Elevate Etiquette on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
