Looking for a job has always required impeccable behavior on the part of the job-seeker. But according to etiquette consultant Jodi R. R. Smith (www.mannersmith.com), the current rocky economic times make it all the more important that job-seekers not overlook propriety in their search. Here are a few tips:

• Be professional—especially when communicating electronically. There are a lot of people out there crafting outrageous e-mails when they are inquiring about job openings, Smith says. Don’t relax the old rules of job-hunting and interviewing just because you’re using modern modes of communication. As Smith says, an e-mail that reads, “Dude, so what is this job about?” just isn’t going to cut it.

• Have an error-free résumé ready to go. When a recruiter calls, you should be able to e-mail your résumé to him or her while you’re speaking.

• Make sure you have a professional-sounding voicemail message on whatever phone number or numbers you give to recruiters. You don’t want a potential interviewer to call you and get a long, silly message you’ve designed for your friends’ amusement.

• Smile and be pleasant. Your disposition makes the first impression on interviewers. Extend kindness to everyone you meet—including receptionists and anyone else who may not be involved in the interview process. Be upbeat, but not phony.