From the category archives:

Careerism

Emergency Reader E-mail: How to Get Your Resume Noticed

by Kat on 08/26/2010 · 47 comments

We have another emergency e-mail, this time from reader M, who wonders how to get her resume to stand out from the pack:

There is a job opening in a creative field that is right up my alley at a company I’m very passionate about. Among other things, this company is a bit offbeat and irreverent. I want to apply with a creative flourish but want your and readers’ advice as to whether this approach has the potential to backfire.

I truly think the people making the hiring decisions would really appreciate the novelty of a bold move: I could find their favorite lunch delivery spot and have my resume delivered along with their regular order. A bit off the wall but is that what it takes to distinguish yourself these days in this economy? I’d love to hear about your hiring/interviewing experiences for some guidance.

This is an interesting question, and I hope the readers can offer you some interesting feedback! (Pictured: Cool Blog Sociale – 10 July 2008 – Creative hire Resume T-shirt by BlackBirdTees, originally uploaded to Flickr by SOCIALisBETTER. We might advise against wearing a t-shirt with your resume on the back, though.) For my own $.02, I’m normally against these kinds of gimicky things to get noticed because, in theory, your resume should speak the loudest. However, if the creative field has anything to do with getting people’s attention, your idea isn’t bad — it shows you’re resourceful (found their favorite lunch place), and determined to get their attention. (Although I might worry about your resume getting soiled by food stains or getting crinkly from steam… but that’s me.)

I think the best advice I can offer here is to figure out if you know anyone at the company, or if you know anyone who knows anyone at the company. Seriously, go as far into your connections as possible. Poll your friends on Facebook, scour your LinkedIn connections, send the query to your college listservs — you might even try giving the career office at your alma mater(s) a call to see if they know of any graduates working there. (Perhaps try your favorite professors, also, if you’re still in touch with any of them.) Ask your significant others/parents/best friends to do the same for you. Find a personal connection. Take care to be fairly vague in what you’re asking in case your current boss somehow sees your query.

Then, once you’ve got a connection, do your best to connect — everyone has time for a 15-minute phone conversation, or for someone to drop by their office for an informational interview for a friend. This connection will be able to tell you — far better than I will, or the readers will — how to get your resume to stand out, and how to ace the interview once you’ve got it.

Readers, what are your tips?

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Tagged as: how to get your resume noticed, interviews, resumes

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Emergency Reader Mail: What to Wear to an Informal Interview?

by Kat on 08/23/2010 · 162 comments

in Careerism,Fashion,Interviewing,Networking

We haven’t answered this kind of question in a while, so we thought we’d answer reader K’s question…

My dream job has requested an “informal” interview for this week. The purpose is for the potential new boss to become familiar with my communication style; a formal interview would follow if I am successful. He is looking to meet at a coffee shop anytime during the day, evening, or even on the weekend.

How do I dress for an interview that is labeling itself as low-key? I’m not a JD or MBA, but I do have an advanced degree in a profession known for being a bit more casual. I feel like a cardigan should be included, but beyond that, I am clueless. Thank you!

First off: congrats on getting the informal interview, and good luck on the interview whenever it takes place.

Second: Avoid the weekend interview at all costs. Talk about a confusing dress code! On a weekday interview, if you’re overdressed, then maybe it’s because of your current job’s requirements. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the evening or during the day, but the important thing is that you are coming or going to your job.

For my $.02, I would avoid a cardigan for a job interview. It doesn’t convey authority, competence, or intelligence — or really any of the general things you want a prospective employer to think about you. It might convey that you’re demure — it will definitely convey that you’re chilly. (I have no problem, obviously, with wearing a cardigan to work — I am wearing one as I type this.) I think that for an interview — particularly a first one — you want to make the best impression possible, and that, to me, means a blazer at the very least.

That said, were it my dream job, I would bust out a full suit. (Pictured, Elie Tahari Exclusive for Nordstrom ‘Ava’ Jacket, available at Nordstrom for $298. Also, be sure to check out our guide to interview suits here.) I’d probably stick with a pants suit for the “informal” interview — perhaps even in a “friendlier” color like a gray or a brown — and amp up to a skirt suit in a more severe black or navy for the “real” interview, but that’s me. If it’s a job that really, really does not entail any sort of professional wear then I might go with a sheath dress and blazer, or perhaps a pair of non-matching trousers, paired with the blazer. (Incidentally, I’m hard-pressed to think of a career that doesn’t require a suit occasionally — even a kindergarten teacher, who may be working on/near the ground with kids, would wear a suit from time to time. I often think of doctors as being fairly casually dressed in real life, but I would still think a suit would be appropriate for an interview.)

Readers, what are your thoughts for reader K’s informal interview attire? Can anyone think of a career where a suit wouldn’t be appropriate?

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Tagged as: informal interview, informal interview attire, informational interview, weekend interview, what to wear to a weekend interview, what to wear to an informal interview, what to wear to an informational interview

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Open Thread: What is Your Best Interview Advice?

by Kat on 08/17/2010 · 94 comments

in Interviewing

Here’s a question for the readers today: what is the best piece of interview advice you’ve ever received? (Or: What’s the best tip for interviewing you learned the hard way?) As millions of job-seekers flood career fairs at business schools and law schools, this seems an apt time to talk about it. (Pictured: Will Work for Cheese, originally uploaded to Flickr by walknboston.)

For my $.02, the best interview advice that I got was to figure out what wasn’t on your resume, but is a great employee trait. Are you a great team player? Extremely creative? Can you think outside the box but in a practical way? Lovely — now try to remember stories from your past that illustrate those qualities. Try to do this with two or three traits (and memories that illustrate those traits). I wouldn’t advise you to rehearse these stories — you never want to sound rehearsed in an interview — but you may want to spend 5 minutes and bang out an email to yourself putting the memory to words. Not only does this a) boost your confidence, but b) it gives you a go-to story if you get asked one of those odd questions that interviewers sometimes throw at you.

Ok, readers — what’s your best interview advice?

Check out all of our old interviewing posts here.

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Tagged as: best interview advice, best interview tips, interview advice, interview tips

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Black Pumps Under $100

by Kat on 08/16/2010 · 69 comments

in Accessories,Fashion,Interviewing,Shoes

Last week, we had The Corporette Guide to Interview Suits. We thought we’d do a round-up of black pumps today, another must-have for the interview wardrobe. However, we thought we’d challenge ourselves by only rounding up good-looking shoes under $100…

LifeStride - Haze (Black Premier Kid/Sherillo) - Footwear

Love the side detail on these pumps — it adds a bit of texture and interest without detracting from the classic shape; also love the cushioned footbed. They’re available in black (patent and kid), beige, and navy at Zappos.com for $54. LifeStride – Haze (Black Premier Kid/Sherillo) – Footwear

For some reason, we love the look to these shoes. They strike us as classic and beautiful. We particularly like the rounded toe, the stacked heel, and the non-slip panel on the sole. They’re available at CalvinKlein.com for $98. Selene Leather Pump (Note — there’s a great taupe pair on sale at Shoes.com for $75; take an additional 15% off with code 15OFF.)

We like the stacked 2.75″ heel on these, as well as the promise of a “plush, cushioned footbed.” Nice! They’re available in black, a purpley “burgandy” suede, and a gray “pewter” leather for $99 at EddieBauer.com (sizes 6-12). Eddie Bauer Dress Pumps

Franco Sarto - Napoli (Black Kidskin Leather) - Footwear

This highly-rated shoe on Zappos has a bit of a platform to it, which can make the high heel (almost 4″) far easier to walk in — and in general we’ve had great luck with Franco Sarto shoes. They’re available at Zappos.com in black (patent and kid), gray, taupe, gold, and magenta for $80.10 (they were $89). Franco Sarto – Napoli (Black Kidskin Leather) – Footwear

This is a great pump with a classic look that, for reasons we can’t put our fingers on, almost has a slight vintage vibe to it. It’s available in red, teal, and “whiskey” brown at Endless.com for $89.95. Seychelles Women’s Code Pump,Black

BCBGeneration - Edith (Black Synthetic Kid) - Footwear

Today only specials – 6pm.com has a ton of great black pumps on sale today, also, which we’d be remiss if we didn’t point you towards. We like the BCBG Generation Edith, pictured (BCBGeneration – Edith (Black Synthetic Kid) – Footwear, was $49, now $19.60 at 6pm.com for today only), as well as the a patent leather pump from Volatile (VOLATILE – Molly (Black) – Footwear, was $49.99, now $15) (pictured at the very top of this post), and the Sofft Rivoli (Sofft – Rivoli (Black Madras Kid Skin) – Footwear, was $99.95, now $34.95).

Readers, what are your favorite inexpensive heels?
(L-16)

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Tagged as: black pumps, comfortable heels, inexpensive heels, interview shoes, pumps, women's black pumps

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The Corporette Guide to Interview Suits

by Kat on 08/09/2010 · 158 comments

in Fashion,Interviewing,Suits

With interview season for schools right around the corner, we thought now would be a great time to do a general guide to suits — where to get ‘em, how much to expect to pay, and what the general pros and cons of each type of suit are. In comments, please chime in — let us know your favorite brands, and why you like ‘em. Don’t forget to check out our guides to suits for petite women, as well as guide to suits for tall women and plus sizes, and to check out our general “what to wear on an interview” advice.

Suit sets. These are often found in dedicated areas of department stores like Macy’s and discount stores like Filene’s — brands like Tahari, Kasper, Le Suit abound. These are generally sold as a set (you buy the jacket and the skirt together for one price). Prices may range from under $100 to closer to $350, and the suiting is generally made from polyester and lined. Pros: Price — with coupons and sales it’s not unusual to find extremely low-cost suits. Cons: Off-the-rack fit. The selection may include a number of very dated styles. Because they’re made of polyester, they can be sticky and hot in summertime; there may be other fun side effects like retaining smells even after dry cleaning. For my $.02, I’ve had great luck with Tahari skirt suits in basic black from this area of the mall — otherwise you generally do need to be very careful re: fit, particularly with pants. Pictured: Tahari by ASL Suit, Modern Classic Jacket & Skirt, available at Macy’s for $139.

AK Anne Klein One Button Navy Jacket & Pencil Skirt

Mall Suit Separates (Inexpensive). A number of brands do make inexpensive suiting separates — AK Anne Klein, Ellen Tracy, perhaps Nine West and Inc., as well. These separates will be far from the “suit department,” hidden among the brand’s regular clothes. Still, you can find great deals here, and because they’re separates, you can get a better fit if you prefer different sizes for your tops and bottoms. I’ve had good luck with the AK Anne Klein separates. Pros: Price, better fit. Cons: The suit may veer towards the trendy, or too casual — fabrics like linen, stretch denim, etc. should not be worn for interviews. Pictured: AK Anne Klein One Button Navy Jacket & Pencil Skirt, available at Macy’s for ~$210 (for jacket, skirt, and pants.

Banana Republic Tall lightweight wool black blazer

Mall Stores – Separates. Banana Republic, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor have been long-standing favorites for many women. Their fits are more modern, and a single suiting look may come with multiple options — different types of jackets, different cuts of pants. (Tip: If you’re trying to choose between a two-button and three-button jacket, consider your bust: if you have one, you’ll probably want to opt for the three-button.) At most of these places, a suit (or several parts of a suit) can be purchased for between $300-$500. Pros: Price is still really reasonable, but you can frequently see more natural fibers — wool, cotton — with a bit of stretch. Cons: You may walk into a conference room and find you’re wearing the same suit as another woman. Be sure to watch the trendier items at these stores also — at an interview you should avoid wearing things like a mini-skirt, a tulip skirt, or a ruffled jacket. Pictured: Banana Republic Tall lightweight wool black blazer, available at Banana Republic for about $375 (for jacket, pants, and skirt.

Better Department Store Brands: The next step up, for many, is Theory — their suit separates can be found in better department stores like Bloomingdale’s. Nordstrom’s carries a number of lines (Classiques Entier, Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore) with the added bonus of, often, free tailoring — which can be great if, like me, you’re just a little bit too short for regular pants. We’d put Brooks Brothers in this category as well — better suiting materials, free tailoring. Pros: Much better fit because of the tailoring; better fabrics; the clothes last longer. Cons: Price point starts to creep up. Pictured: Theory ‘Gabe B – Tailor’ Jacket, available at Nordstrom for $620 (jacket and pants).

Designer. What better way to announce that you have arrived than with a classic designer suit? We still think of Armani as the “power suit,” but there are a ton of brands — both old and new — in this space. Pros: Fabric; a long wear with the clothes, the timeless benefit of someone seeing your tag if you take off your jacket. Cons: Price. Pictured: Armani Collezioni Lightweight Cropped Wool Jacket & Lightweight Wool Pants, available at Saks.com for $1610 (jacket and pants).

Readers, what brands and tiers have we left out? Which kind of suits do YOU usually pull out for interviews?

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Surrender, But Don’t Give Yourself Away

by Kat on 08/02/2010 · 83 comments

in Business Casual,Business Etiquette,Fashion,Lifestyle,Success,Wear to Work

Today’s guest post is from Siouxsie Law, who we’ve asked to write a few words about when to express yourself, and when to toe the line…

I am the author of Siouxsie Law — a legal blog. I am a litigator and also goth. My style does not conform to corporate standards. But it has not prevented me from attending a top-tier law school, receiving a federal clerkship, and snagging my dream firm job. (Photo credit: Siouxsie Law.)

What in the world is a goth lawyer doing on Corporette?

A few months ago, I blogged about the whole debate concerning seminars offered to professional women to help them learn how to dress and apply makeup.

People love to judge women by their appearance. Too feminine. Not feminine enough. Too confident. Not confident enough. Too dressed-up. Too casual. Too sexy. Too dowdy. Ugh. It is time to move on.

There is no dispute that there are fashion rules in the corporate world for women. Whether you think these rules are right or wrong, sexist or feminist, oppressive or well-intentioned, they exist and are not going anywhere any time soon. So do yourself a favor, if you choose to work in the corporate world, especially in a conservative office (e.g., BigLaw) play the game and follow the rules. Embrace the corporate uniform — dress well, put on some makeup, and wear the biggest heels you can find. Why? Because if you follow those rules and do it well, you get to bend them.

Recently, Kat challenged me to articulate when to play it safe and when to let your freak flag fly.

Play it safe sometimes.

If you read Corporette, then you already know that courtroom appearances and interviews are probably not the time to try to express yourself through fashion. This probably applies to any situation where you have a limited time to make a first impression, and where the stakes are high.

If you are interning or just starting out, take it slow and establish yourself first. If you are meeting with a client that is more conservative, respect that.

This means no crazy heels, no trend-setting nail colors, no pant suits, no crazy tights and no knee-high boots. Use your tattoo concealer (or, better yet, avoid getting tattooed in a hard-to-conceal location). Remove your piercings, except of course for single ear pierces.

Make sure you are comfortable and confident with these compromises. If you are not, it probably is better to break the rules and deal with the consequences.

Once people get to know you, loosen up.

If executed the right way, there is nothing wrong with being edgy, unique, or quirky. Mind you, I’m not advocating a race to the bottom. I don’t think law firms or corporations should look like a rave. But I don’t aspire to look like I walked off the set of L.A. Law either. Go slow and look for opportunities to express your individual style.

Casual Fridays and weekends are a great place to start.

The rhythm of the workplace slows a bit on Fridays and Saturdays. The rules of the workplace relax. Don’t fall into this trap. On Fridays and Saturdays, try to keep up your pace and style. Work harder and goth it up more (or whatever look you are going for). They will never know what hit them.

Casual Fridays can be a challenge. In some workplaces, the rules are not clearly defined. Instead of complaining about this state of affairs, take advantage of the fashion loophole. Just be sure not to go too casual.

No one really likes working on the weekends. But a lot of us have to. So, make it more interesting. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your knee-high boots, fishnets, and/or black nail polish to your office. Probably not all at once though, no matter how awesome that would be.

Not only is this a great chance to reveal your personality, it will make working on Saturdays a lot less soul destroying. And you might as well have everyone else notice that you are there. So, go ahead and stand out a little.

Take it slow and be consistent.

Have a style trademark — one thing or look that you wear all the time. By wearing something unconventional on a regular basis, you diminish its shock value. Plus, when you commit to a look that is a little out of the ordinary, it shows confidence and sets you apart. I, obviously, wear a lot of black. And I also take pride in my eyeglasses. For me, those are my trademarks.

Jewelry is another great place to make your mark. I know one attorney that regularly wears spooky kitty-cat brooches. But she always wears them with her St. John suits. Neither the brooches nor the suits are my personal preference, but it works for her.

If you want to push the boundaries, nail polish is another way. The consensus seems to be that only nude and pink shades are appropriate for a conservative office. But, if Justice Sotomayor can pull off red nail polish, and the First Lady can make light blue look good, then it is time to throw out those rules. I personally favor dark colors — reds, blues, purples, and of course black.

This wouldn’t be a proper goth post without discussing fishnets in the office. The rule is definitely don’t do it. But unlike Kat, it has not been more than 100 days since I last wore fishnets to the office. I guess some rules are meant to be broken. If you decide you want to break the fishnet rule, I recommend wearing Wolford’s; good luck!

Is any of this worth it?

It depends. If you are content with your style and current choices, then there is no need to push the limits. Let’s face it, you don’t set the standards as to how to dress in the workplace. So it is probably safer to follow them.

But if there is part of you that is looking to branch out, give it a try. Remember safety can come with a cost. The venerable Maureen Dowd recently noted:

Sometimes the thing that’s weird about you is the thing that’s cool about you. When you’re young, and even at times when you’re older, it’s hard to fathom this: What needs to be nurtured is the stuff that’s different, that sets you apart from the pack, rather than the stuff that helps you blend in.

Don’t be so quick to set that part of yourself aside.

Readers, what are your rules of thumb for knowing when to express yourself — and when to conform?

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