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When “Conservative” Doesn’t Feel Right

07/24/2012 By 59 Comments

Overdressed, originally uploaded to Flickr by Sarah Ross photography.When do you break the “always dress conservatively at first” rule? Reader S wonders:

I just returned from an interview that I had yesterday at a large law firm. I knew I would be interviewing with a single partner who had all the power and authority to hire me. I had a heads up from an associate in her department that she always looked as if she walked out of a Neiman’s catalog, and I seriously considered spicing up my conservative gray suit (dress/jacket combo) with either a snazzy necklace or not-quite-so-boring shoes. But I always believe that it’s best to err on the side of conservatism in an interview, and so I nixed this inclination and slipped on my 1.75 inch black, round toe pumps and a strand of pearls. I regretted the decision the entire interview — I felt frumpy and boring. Feeling like I am perfectly dressed for an occasion always gives me confidence, and the opposite is also true if I feel that I missed the boat. I’d really enjoy a post about being interview appropriate, and still being yourself. It seems to me, that as younger, more fashionable women are taking on large roles at firms, the age-old advice of playing it ultra-safe in interviews may need to be loosened up a bit. Any tips on being polished, professional, but also stylish in an interview? I figure I’m not the only one struggling with this…

I’m sorry you felt like that! I have a few thoughts on why you may not have been overly conservative, and what you can do the next time.  (Pictured: Overdressed, originally uploaded to Flickr by Sarah Ross photography.)

Research, research, research. Here you knew that the scuttlebutt on the partner was that she always looked fashionable on a day-to-day basis — but what was she wearing in the photograph on the firm website? What does she wear to introduce herself to clients, or to appear in court? My guess is that she skews more conservative there, and those are closer comparisons to your situation — and if she were going to judge you, she would do so by comparing how she would have dressed in an interview. That said… [Read more...]

Filed Under: Career, Fashion, Interviewing, Job Hunting, Professionalism, Style, Suits, Wear to Work

Should You Bring a “Brag Book” To Job Interviews?

05/31/2012 By 34 Comments

Granny's Brag Book - a Mini Album, originally uploaded to Flickr by campbelj45ca.Should you create a “brag book” containing various career-related things you’re proud of — and then bring it to a job interview? Reader E wonders…

I have recently started a new career in the Privacy Field. After college I worked as a paralegal for about 5 years, then I took a break for graduate school, where I earned a Master in Information Science. I’ve held my current job in my field for about 6 months and I am gearing up to start looking for the next step in my career. With that in mind, I was thinking about creating a “brag book” for interviews. I’ve done some online research, and there are some good resources on the books, but I would love your opinion and the opinion of fellow readers on the value of such a “book,” what to include in the book, etc.

Congrats on your new career, E! I’ll admit it: I had to Google “brag book” in the job interview context, since I’m mostly familiar with it in the “grandma” context. (As in, the grandmother carries a small book of photos to brag about her grandchildren.) I will say that I think it’s kind of an unfortunate name, but it’s a great concept, at least for your personal use. I’m not sure I would bring it on job interviews, though.  (Pictured: Granny’s Brag Book – a Mini Album, originally uploaded to Flickr by campbelj45ca.)

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Career, Interviewing, Job Hunting, Transitions

How to Use Friends of Friends In Your Job Hunt

05/08/2012 By 36 Comments

Basketball hoop, originally uploaded to Flickr by Steve A. Johnson.How do you use friends of friends in your job hunt — whether through LinkedIn, Facebook, or just real life?  There have been an number of questions about this lately, including Reader A, below… her friend may be starting work at a company with a great work environment and has offered to refer her for a position once she starts, but as Reader A says:

… after looking into the company a bit, I realized that company is co-owned by an acquaintance of mine’s, “Ann’s” father.  I went to Jr. high through college with his daughter, we were on HS newspaper together and had the same major in college and were buddies, but not close friends.  However, it’s been about 6 years since college and she moved across country so we’re pretty much just Facebook buddies.  I would really like to ask if she could give my resume to her father as it could be very helpful in securing a position there, but I don’t want to seem rude.  If she worked there, I’d simply pass it along to her, but is it inappropriate to ask her to give it to her dad?  Also, should I have a specific position in mind or be open to anything (which I am?  What’s the best way to ask her?  Please advise me how to go about this situation!

This is a great question, because you should definitely ask.  Sometimes a script can be helpful when approaching acquaintances with a favor of this magnitude, though, so here is what I would say:

Dear Ann — How are you?  It’s been so long; I hope all is well.  Your family name recently crossed my path while researching a company I’d love to work for — it turns out it’s your father’s company!  Do you think it would be possible for you to introduce me to your dad via email? I’d love to get his advice for the best way to get into Office X.

A lot has happened on my end of things since our newspaper and college days — I’m sure it has for you too. I took my major in __ and worked at ___, getting really interested in __ specialty.  On the personal side of things I have an apartment I love, an amazing cat, and I’ve recently started dating a great guy….  Are you still using Major __?  What’s up with you these days?  Would love to reconnect the next time you’re back in town…

So, to break it down, here’s my advice… [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Etiquette, Career, Interviewing, Job Hunting, Networking

Help from the Adjunct: Networking to Find a Job

05/01/2012 By 97 Comments

Einstein's blackboard, originally uploaded to Flickr by rich_w.Reader L wonders if she can ask her adjunct professor for help finding a job:

I have an etiquette question for you. I am a third year law student looking for a job after graduation, preferably at a small firm or a nonprofit. One of my classes is taught by an adjunct professor who practices in the field I want to work in. What is the etiquette behind approaching him to see if he knows people who might be hiring? Thanks for any advice.

I’m curious to hear what the readers say here. Here’s my take:

Can you ask him if he knows of any open positions? Absolutely; there’s nothing inappropriate about that question. But let me warn you… here’s how that conversation is going to go: “Do you know of anyone who’s hiring right now?” Adjunct professor, thinking briefly of any jobs he’s heard of that day or week: “Nope. Sorry!” He won’t be offended, but you’re not likely to get much out of the exchange.  (Pictured: Einstein’s blackboard, originally uploaded to Flickr by rich_w.)

So here’s what you actually want to do: network with your professor. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Interviewing, Job Hunting, Just Starting Out, Networking, Professionalism, School, Transitions

Tattoo Sleeves in the Workplace

04/24/2012 By 264 Comments

tattoo-sleeves-at-officeIf you have tattoo sleeves, must you wear a blazer everywhere at work?  Reader A asks a great question for everyone who had a wilder youth:  what to do about tattoos in the office?

As I’m now a law student, I’m worried about how to dress in order to hide my tattoos, which go from both shoulders down to right above my elbows; they’re dark enough to be seen through most lighter button-downs. Not that it matters, but they’re all very tasteful– I went to art school in my wild undergrad days. Now, though, I’m wondering whether I’ll be forever banned from wearing any sheer blouse or sleeveless shirt. Am I destined to wear collared shirts for the next thirty years of work? Any advice would be appreciated immensely.

We haven’t talked about tattoos in the workplace for years, so let’s revisit the subject. I will say at the outset that I think tattoo sleeves are in a very different category than the tiny tattoo somewhere noticeable (wrist, ankle) or the bigger tattoo somewhere generally hidden (lower back, shoulder blade).  As someone with tattoo sleeves (or half-sleeves) (tattoo ballet sleeves?), you should not only know your office, but I think should also know a) yourself, b) your boss, and c) your business relationships.  (Pictured: Shading, originally uploaded to Flickr by liquidnight.) Here’s what I mean:
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Filed Under: Career, Interviewing, Style, Tattoos/Piercings, Wear to Work

What’s the Best Day to Email?

03/27/2012 By 58 Comments

best day to emailWhen is the best day to email someone?  Reader M wonders about this when she’s had a job interview and needs to send her follow-up email…

Imagine that I’m corresponding with someone about a job — potential boss, hiring manager, whomever. The ball’s been in their court for a week. It’s now Friday afternoon. Am I better emailing them today, or waiting until Monday? Or should I even wait until Tuesday, considering that Monday is a busy day?

In general, what day of the week do you think gets the most results? Or is it more the wording of the email that counts?

For my $.02, the simple answer is Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Pictured: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday… originally uploaded to Flickr by gak.

Here’s my reasoning:  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business Etiquette, Career, Interviewing, Networking