A recent SNL episode featured a fictional campaign advertisement for a mayoral candidate. The character, Glenda Okones (played by Kristen Wiig), listed her flaws, including her reputation for being harsh and cold. “Here’s why,” she said: “I just have a naturally frowny face. Not ugly, but certainly severe looking.” Ah, perfect, I thought: an opportunity … Read More about The Professional Implications of a “Naturally Frowny Face”
Career Advice
Below, find some of our recent career advice stories. Have a question for Kat? Check out the Contact page.
How to Improve Your Writing
How can you improve your writing? Reader L wonders… I am hoping that you and your readers can help me! I am looking for suggestions on how to improve my technical writing skills, either through online courses, tricks, tips — really anything. This is a subject near and dear to my heart — in addition … Read More about How to Improve Your Writing
The Blue-Collar Husband
Do people look down on professional women whose husbands have “blue collar” jobs? Reader C worries about her fiance, a mechanic… My question is this: I am an aspiring law student who comes from a poor background. I really have no idea how educated people *truly* look at those who have less of an education … Read More about The Blue-Collar Husband
Boots at the Office: THE POLL
Can you wear knee-high boots to the office with a skirt? Reader B wonders… I live in DC and work in the public interest world. I love wearing boots in the winter and when there is inclement weather. I have two very nice pairs, one which is ankle-length and has a nice looping strap and … Read More about Boots at the Office: THE POLL
Sheer Blouses: Some Don’ts Should Stay Don’ts
A reader alerted me today to a post on XO Jane about a fashion editor wearing a sheer top to work, entitled “DO THIS DON’T: WEAR A SHEER SHIRT TO WORK.” Uh, no. Now, as this editor admits, she’s never worked outside the fashion and beauty world, so maybe our resumes just aren’t lining up … Read More about Sheer Blouses: Some Don’ts Should Stay Don’ts
Office Decor: How Nice is Too Nice?
How nice is “too nice” — can you go too far personalizing an office? Let’s discuss.
The Sick Coworker You Don’t Know Well
Reader S wonders what to do about an ill officemate she doesn’t know very well… I have an office etiquette question. I work in a large office suite and am on nodding acquaintance with a woman on the other side of the floor. Recently she has started wearing a head scarf, and once I saw … Read More about The Sick Coworker You Don’t Know Well
When You’re Held Back Because You’re Too Good
2017 Update: We still stand by this advice on what to do when you’re held back because you’re too good at your current job, but you may also want to check out this more recent discussion of how to find sponsors at work. Have you ever been denied a promotion because you were too good … Read More about When You’re Held Back Because You’re Too Good
Tips on Battling Burnout
These are our top tips on battling burnout…
Under Pressure: Charitable Giving at the Office
Reader D wonders about being under pressure to give money to charities at the office.
How Your Career Affects Your Happiness (or: Are There Any Happy Lawyers?)
Reader C wonders who the happy lawyers are… but I think this leads us to a bigger question that will hopefully make for an interesting discussion: how do you view your career in your general quest for happiness? Hi Kat, I have a question for you and your incredible readers. I am an undergrad applying … Read More about How Your Career Affects Your Happiness (or: Are There Any Happy Lawyers?)
Eyeliner & Competence: An Open Thread
So a few weeks ago there was this survey: more makeup makes you look more competent. Or so they say. This seems like exactly the kind of thing we should explore here… hence today’s open thread. Do you think makeup or eyeliner says anything about your competence? Let’s Assess The Models’ Competence Based on Eyeliner … Read More about Eyeliner & Competence: An Open Thread