NATION

NATION

Businessmen buying cheaper airline seats

NEW YORK — For the first time since American Express Business Travel began tracking its business travelers’ airfare purchases in 1999, more than half were flying the cheap seats overseas.

Those flying economy on international flights soared 13 percentage points to 56 percent in the first three months this year. The number has historically been in the low 40s, American Express said, and is rising now as companies focus on cutting costs.

Business travelers flying coach on domestic flights remained near 90 percent.

Receptionist may have big voice in hiring practices

NEW YORK — Be careful how you greet the receptionist, because his or her impression of you could determine whether you get hired.

A recent survey of 150 senior executives found that 61 percent said they consider their assistant’s opinion important when evaluating potential new hires.

“As soon as they enter the parking lot, job-seekers should be on their best behavior,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of staffing firm OfficeTeam, which commissioned the survey. “Just as treating the waiter rudely at a restaurant creates a bad impression, being discourteous or abrupt with a company’s receptionist or office staff can reveal character — or lack of it — in job applicants.”

Associated Press