More Americans are turning to charm school in a bid to gain an advantage over rivals in a job market battered by the longest economic slump since the Great Depression, experts say.

Etiquette trainers and consultants report growing business from clients who believe that a good grip on manners could be the key selling point that helps them get hired or keeps them off the unemployment line.

Proper business manners extend far beyond greeting or thanking a prospective employer. Etiquette classes tend to dwell on the basics of presentation in an interview, including what to say and how to dress.

Etiquette is about walking in for the job interview, every hair is in place, your clothes are immaculately pressed, your shoes are polished, you're groomed to the nines, you speak the part, your English is correct.

Studies have shown that 85 percent of the reason a person gets a job, keeps a job and moves up is related to their people skills Manners are the great equalizer and if you have manners you can walk into any business or social situation

Good manners brings self-respect.