WHAT: What is the proper method for holding a fish knife? The rules for eating asparagus? As trivial as these questions may seem, 30 percent of all job interview failures can be attributed to poor manners, according to Shirley Willey of Etiquette and Company. While the consultant stresses that perfect manners alone won't get you a job, a shoddy showing may just be enough to cost you that dream position. With an 80 percent chance that an interview will include one or more meals, etiquette is certainly important. Fifty M.B.A. students from the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis, have decided a three-hour course is worth the $15 fee. The dean of the school, Robert Smiley, will also participate. WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Lounge, University Club UC Davis VISUALS: Students will learn table manners, place settings and have an opportunity to test their skills with a four-course meal. DIRECTIONS: Take the UC Davis exit off of Interstate 80 and head north toward the main campus. Turn right on Old Davis Road and head east to A street. Turn right into parking lot 5. (Reporters can also stop at the kiosk on Old Davis Road and ask for directions to the University Club.) PARKING: Park in lot 5. News media may park in most places on campus for free, if vehicles are marked or a business card is placed on the dashboard.