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For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional.
This is a new one for me: I've never seen Hugo Boss suits on Amazon before, let alone Hugo Boss suits on sale
. Still: love it! I like this white cotton/linen suit — the thick seams remind me of piping, the A-line skirt looks flattering, and a linen blend holds its shape infinitely better than linen by itself. The suit (Hugo Boss Skirt Suit JAMONA/VILOU) was $579.95, but is currently marked to $289.95 (sizes 34-44 still available).
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EPLawyer
So, it was already 81% humidity when I drove to court at 8 a.m. this morning. Had on my linen suit. Nice light, breathable fabric. Except some idiot decided to line it with acetate. There went all the breathability and coolness factor.
WHY???? WHY??? WHY do designers line nice comfortable summer clothes with hot sticky fabrics?
Here’s hoping the thunderstorms we are expecting cool my fevered brain.
PollyD
Agreed! I’ve been wondering what would happen if I were to cut out the lining of some things. I’d probably start with something cheap, like maybe a skirt or dress from Target. I just wonder if removing the lining would destroy the structure of the garment. Boden actually is pretty good about lining summer things with cotton, but they are not really a formal businesswear type of company.
Argie
Linings are there to help the top layer lay smooth against underlayers – so the jacket slides on and off smoothly over your shirt/blouse. You might be able to go sans-lining if you’ve got a slippery-type fabric on underneath.
Which isn’t to say “don’t do it”, but to explain some of the point of lining a garment (although I feel you on the acetate).
Also, it keeps you from seeing all the messy construction bits (like seams and unraveling fabric at the cuts) that go into making a piece of clothing.
MelD
You should be able to remove the lining, but keep in mind that with a lighter colored fabric, every lump and bump may show up without the lining. Lighter fabrics tend to camoflage less than darker fabrics. I find I can wear thin dark fabrics with no problems, but with lighter fabrics I usually need some sort of lining.
Annie
Suggestion: remove the lining and wear a silk slip.
MaggieLizer
Maybe a tailor could replace the lining with something else, or at least advise whether it’s OK to remove the lining completely. I’d personally be afraid to cut out the lining myself, but I’m totally helpless when it comes to that sort of thing. I don’t even hem my own pants.
bibliophile
This is interesting. Not sure if I’m a white suite, type a gal though. I think the detailing on the blazer is neat but the pictures make it feel kind of breezy and almost casual. Maybe it’s just that I’m used to (and fond of) pencil skirts and darker colors in my suits.
bibliophile
Um, meant suit, not suite. Although a white suite does sound beautiful and tropical right now…
High School Intern
Hi Corporettes,
I am a rising junior in high school and I am interning for a law firm this summer. The firm I am working for has never hired someone as young as me before and I am hoping to make a good impression. I was told the dress code is business casual. I’m not quite sure what that means for women in the summer. Do you have any outfit suggestions? Thanks!
somewherecold
I would wear a suit the first day. I would plan to wear slacks or a skirt (knee-length or nearly so, depending on how tall you are, just nothing too short) and a blouse or sweater. If you’re in a warmer climate, you might do a lot of t-shirt or camisole + cardigan combos to keep you from sweating too much on your way to work and to give you something a little warmer once you’re inside the a/c. Some offices relax a bit in the summer so you can be a bit more casual. Definitely see how other women dress, but I would stay away from certain things, like flip flops, even if you see others wearing them.
SF Bay Associate
HSI, I encourage you to practice your resourcefulness (which you will need at a law firm) by doing a few searches here on that exact topic, either through lijit or google. The threads are numerous and extensive. After you’ve done your research, we can answer any specific questions you may have.
MaggieLizer
First, congrats on obtaining an internship with a law firm! That is a great accomplishment for a high school student (or college student, really), especially considering how tough the economy is for even law students right now. You should be very proud.
Second, I encourage you to really take SF Bay’s comment to heart. A bit of unsolicited advice – when you’re working in a law firm, be prepared to receive lots of feedback like this when you ask questions. Do your research first, even if it’s just a google search, then ask specific, well-informed questions. You will come off as prepared and knowledgeable, which can land you a future job (if that’s your goal) or at least great letters of recommendation.
Third, solicited advice – the Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale has a lot of great work clothes at a deep discount. I ordered a few things from Halogen (basic black pencil skirt for $40: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-pencil-skirt/3200028?origin=category&resultback=704) and Classiques Entier. Classiques’ retail prices are a little steep, but on sale it might be doable.
I also lean on White House Black Market for work basics; the prices are a bit high for the quality, but they usually have good sales going on. The salespeople are VERY helpful (at least at the two stores by me), so if you have questions ask one of them. I have their beige pencil skirt (http://tinyurl.com/3u9fwz3) and black sheath dress (http://tinyurl.com/3dqrytb). There was also a post on this website not long ago about a white suit from them.
Good luck this summer, and let us know how it goes!
Fiona
I would get the following:
– 2 skirts (1 pencil, 1 A-line)
– 2 trousers (1 gray, 1 navy/black)
– 3 button down shirts (any color/pattern you like)
– 1 cardigan (gray/navy/or black) plus fitted scoop-neck t-shirt
– 1 pair of black pumps low enough that you can walk in them comfortably
Depending on your budget, and since you only need enough for the summer and probably won’t wear these clothes to school next year, you can get all of these things at Banana Republic/J. Crew, or H&M, Marshalls/TJ Maxx, Old Navy, or Target. Take a friend shopping with you and focus on fit – everything should skim your body and not be tight or boxy.
Then mix and match and go knock everyone’s socks off at your internship!
Anon L
I’d call the firm and ask, particularly if you’re not sure what exactly you’ll be doing as an intern. What they expect of you as an intern might dictate what you wear – will you be handling filing and copying, or will you be completing a great deal of substantive work?
My gut is telling me that after the first day you’ll be able to wear nice jeans and a nice, conservative top with flats/ loafers and look lovely (I’d wear a suit of something close to it for the first day). However, my gut has also only worked in small-firm environments, where hiring summer interns still in HS and college for purposes of filing, copying, exhibit work, etc is common.
Of course, your mileage may vary, and others may disagree. =)
AIMS
I think you can get away without a suit. That is, if you don’t have one and don’t think you will have much use for one, spending even $100-$150 on a lower end suit may not be the best investment. If you do get one (and it may be useful for college interviews, etc.), get something simple so that you can use the suit pieces as separates. E.g., skirt or pants that you can wear with tees and cardigans, jacket that you can wear over dresses and other bottoms.
In terms of buying new clothes, pay attention to necklines (they should not be too low); fit (should not be too tight; i.e., work pants should not fit like jeans, button downs should not fit like tank tops, etc.); length (knee length), and versatility (pick things that you can wear interchangably throughout the summer so you don’t have to buy too much). Dresses may be a good bet. Just not the kind you could wear to the beach. Either thick straps/higher cut with a cardigan, or short sleeves. I think a pencil skirt and button down is also a pretty classic look that’s hard to mess up (assuming everything fits and is modestly cut).
Get a nice simple pair of shoes or two that will go with lots, be comfortable, etc. Do not wear flip flops. Even if other people in the office might.
Good luck! And, take heart that you are already ahead of the game by just thinking about this issue. There are lots of law students and full time employees that do not know (or don’t care to know) how to dress for an office, business casual or otherwise.
Kanye East
I am a bit biased because this is becoming my lazy go-to uniform for the office, but I think you can’t go wrong with a pencil skirt (or whatever works best for your body, provided it’s within a few inches of knee-length), button-down (or other basic top), and cardigan. Another of my favorites is a sheath dress with a blazer or cardigan. (And IMO pearls do so much to dress up an otherwise austere outfit.) Your mileage may vary, but I get a lot of use out of the same basics as long as they’re well-constructed and made with quality fabric. Good luck to you!
Lydia
Congratulations on the internship. Glad you are thinking ahead about what to wear. I remember interning at a small law office when I was in college – the male associate had to ask his secretary to tell another intern that she was not appropriately dressed because he was not comfortable doing it. Don’t spend a fortune, but if you don’t have them, buy a few pencil skirts or slacks as some others here suggested. Also get a couple of caridgans. You can wear the cardigans over a plain t-shirt and should be fine for the summer.
JM
Hello! I would wear a pair of nice, comfortable flats (not sandals or flip-flops) on the first day. When I was an intern at a law firm, I did a lot of walking around and meeting people on the first day. Also, I frequently had to move boxes/lots of documents and flats were practical and cute for this purpose.
K
Completely agree! Long ago I interned for the law firm I now work for as an attorney and I generally wore slacks and a sweater or a nice t-shirt and a cardigan, but flats were a must given that I was often standing at the copier or in the file room or helping to move binders/boxes.
Also depending on the type of church you grew up in (or if you didn’t go to church) this isn’t the best advice, but a lot of the dress rules that apply to attending services at more traditional churches (no bare shoulders, no short skirts, no low necklines) are also good basic rules to follow in the business world.
Mel
I think the other ladies pretty much have the basics covered for you. Here’s my $0.02 – Take your dress cues from the attorneys, rather than the other clerks, assistants or paralegals. I’d even be wary of the choices of the junior associates. Don’t think that it is okay to wear tank tops, casual dresses, short skirts, sandals, etc. just because others do. Wearing too casual or too revealing clothes might make it all but impossible for you to return to this firm in a more professional capacity, no matter how well you have performed academically. I say this because I am often astonished by the clothes our clerks wear, but I also remember that when I was that age, I didn’t realize how important it was to cover up and look professional. If your goal is to use this job as a way to get ahead professionally, please try to avoid the impression that you are just trying to snag an attorney for a husband.
Em
Eek, I hope nobody would think a high school student was trying to snag an attorney husband.
Anonymous
That’s ambitious!
CC
She is a junior in highschool she is 16… gross.
Michelle
I applaud the suggestion to do online research on the topic, though I swear I hear my mother’s voice saying “Look it up!” and I sympathize with the poster, who after all is a HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT/TEENAGER with the gumption to get an internship at a law firm! Kudos to you.
I disagree on the suggestion to wear a suit on the first day. If the office says they’re business casual, believe them. I do think a blazer and slacks or skirt is a good first day choice, and generally would go with non-jeans pants and dress slacks, real shoes (no sneakers or sandals), and collared shirts or summer sweaters over tees or shells in general. Don’t show too much skin, nothing too tight or short, no visible bra straps, I bet you’ll be fine (though you probably need to shop since this differs from the normal high school wardrobe!)
Maddie Ross
Just a brief word on this — I have judged the high school mock trial competition in my state for several years now. Each year, the girls look “cute,” and are technically in a suit, but do not look at all professional. Please, please be aware that if you buy your suits in the juniors section of a dept. store, they will be too young and too short for work. Yes, the skirt you buy there may be longer than anything else you own. And yes, the pants you buy there may be looser than leggings or jeggings. That does not mean it is office appropriate. I remember being in high school and doing an internship and feeling like my mom dressed me like a schlump. I hated that my skirt touched my knees and my pants felt downright baggy. BUT, the actual office-workers loved how I looked and regularly included me in meetings and client events.
MelD
I disagree about juniors departments. I think many do have perfectly acceptable work options for young women who may still be too small to fit into clothing in the misses departments. I work with a lot of people who still shop in juniors or at stores aimed to younger people and they manage not to look inappropriate. It’s all a matter of picking out the pieces that are appropriate and staying away from those that are wildly inappropriate.
P.
The vagueness of business casual makes this tough. What region of the country are you in? Major city? How many attorneys work at the law firm? The larger firm or more major city, the more formal to go. Did you interview in person at the firm? What were people wearing?
Anonymous
I think these comments have covered it pretty well, but I’ll add a couple things. Wear hose at first. You may not need to wear it all summer, but take your cues from the female attorneys. This will depend on your region and the specific firm. Same thing for open toe shoes – don’t wear them until you figure out if they’re appropriate for your office.
I would also suggest bringing your mom shopping with you if you buy some new clothes. I’m mid-twenties, and I remember how I wanted to dress in high school v. how my mom wanted me to dress. For a law firm, you want to dress in the stuff your mom would pick out!
Anonymous
It is easy to go too sexy in pencil skirts. It should skim the top of your butt and then go straight down. If it clings to the lower curve, then it’s too tight and you should go a size up.
Anonymous
No glitter on your face! I wish that I did not feel the need to say this, but it happens.
High School Intern
Thanks to all who responded with their advice! I was aware before I posted on not dressing revealingly (I hope you don’t have such a low opinion of all teenagers, although I’m sure all of you have seen some pretty tasteless outfits) and I will be sure to check my clothing with someone in my family before leaving for the day. The outfit suggestions are very helpful!
Anon
In addition to no glitter, stay away from shimmer in your makeup. I only wore lipgloss in high school, but lipstick or even a tinted lip balm looks more professional. It doesn’t have to be totally matte, but stay away from anything shimmery or overly glossly for your lips.
Mia
http://www.refinery29.com/style-syllabus-how-to-dress-for-internship-interviews?page=1 follow that other than shoe advice. Also bring flats with you, good chance you will be running messages or helping with admin tasks not sitting at a desk. I know money can be tight, for good shoes try beacons closet online, you may get lucky. On day one as hr for a dress code and advice. Above all make sure your underwear, straps and all are never visible. Good luck. Try asos under working wardrobe too, they ship free.
Mia
Re not dressing revealingly. Go home and put clear straps on all bras possible. On the other ones, get bra dinis (they sell them on asos.com for 13 and turn all bras into racer backs). Go on asos.com and get some double sided tape, you can get a pack of 30 for 5 right now. As for your panties, wear them and make sure no one sees them. Good luck!
Oneanon
NO CLEAR BRA STRAPS, please. At least, not if you think that they aren’t visible. They’re still visible, it is just that now “clear” straps are visible as opposed to black, nude, whatever. It actually looks worse.
Mia
Really? I wear them under sheer/semi-sheer button downs all the time, (I wear a sweater vest on top of all my button downs) and I think it’s much better than a black strap potentially poking out. I stand by them :)
I think the idea is you should never see the strap regardless but in case something goes wrong a clear strap is harder to see in a split second and at the least you’ve made an attempt. Business casual for a teenaged intern in the spring/summer probably allows for neat looking short sleeve shirts and even some sleeveless dresses and well, straps slip sometimes, particularly since a lot of her job is likely to involve moving.
Plus maybe we’re divided on this but I hate seeing colored straps anywhere.. at the mall, at restaurants etc and I find I have to look to see clear ones.
TCFKAG
Hey! Good luck with your internship!
I would briefly re-iterate what a couple people said above, but if you CAN shop in adult stores and sections in stores (say Ann Taylor Loft or JC Penney/Macys, that kind of thing), which I could in high school, I would.
I know when I was in high school, I hated the stuff in the adult section because it looked like “mom wear”, but the truth is, the stuff in the junior section was all too snug and trendy for a work environment.
Also — as a general rule when you’re young — straight leg trousers are going to look more “professional” than boot leg cut so avoid the more going out like black pants, even if they are labeled as black dress pants.
Yay!
Bonnie
The Limited is a good store between juniors departments and “adult” stores. Their hemlines are longer than Express but they still have a young and professional vibe.
jenna
Please help corporettes!
I am interviewing for an inhouse position that I really really really want. I had my screening interview last week and was immediately invited back for a longer callback which I just had. I am not as confident about how my callback went, although I think it generally went okay. I met with four attorneys, including the assistant general counsel, a managing attorney (who will manage the department i am interviewign for) and two senior attorneys. I think i did well with the senior attorneys and the assist GC. I cannot tell how well i did with the managing attorney – we had a pleasant conversation but i was unable to read her one way or the other.
The problem is, they asked for a writing sample, and i gave them the most recent motion i drafted because it resulted in a good decision (i won). However, i just now reread the motion and ***gasp*** there is a typo in the first paragraph! i have been hyperventilating for the past 10 minutes. I am not sure what to do…I told them I would send additional writing samples and will get on that right away. But has anyone been in a similar situation and still landed the job? Or should i just kiss this opportunity goodbye? I was planning on sending one more writing sample, but given my mistake, should i send 2 more? 3 more?
Also, the manager and the assistant GC both said if i had any questions i should contact them. Should I do so to ask more questions, so that they know that i am really interested?
Any thoughts or words of wisdom would be helpful right now. I usually navigate interview processes well. However, i am more nervous than usual with this one because it is basically my dream job and i am afraid of making any more errors. Help!
Anon L
Maybe resend a *corrected* version of the writing sample that you initially sent, as well as one more? I’m not sure what a good reason would be for resending it, though – maybe cut the motion down a bit and say that you decided to format it for writing sample purposes?
Lydia
I would resend the one you handed to them along with the additional writing samples. Just say that you are including the one you gave them along with the others so that they all have them conveniently in one email. I would not state that it is corrected. I don’t think it is necessary to call them to ask more questions in order to express interest. A nice thank you email should do it. Good luck.
Ru
I would give a corrected copy of the writing sample along with the other writing samples and not mention anything. That way, they have all of your supplemental documentation in one place.
anon
Don’t draw attention to the error. Just attach a few in an email with a PDF of your resume and a brief note saying that you’re sending everything in one email for their convenience.
And yes–mistakes happen, especially when you’re nervous. I have a master’s in journalism and yet once sent my resume to someone with an email that transposed the letters in the name of the company where I was employed (direct competitor so an obvious slip). After multiple interviews, I ultimately was offered the position. Turned it down after a pay boost where I was (and still am). And yes, I felt like someone was bound to point it out at any moment during each interview. :)
Anon
When my DH was still in law school and going through OCI he had a typo on his resume. He didn’t realize it until someone mentioned it to him – in an interview. He was offered a job – and stil works – at that firm. He received other call backs & job offers as well, so it obviously didn’t hurt too much, other than his pride.
Abby
When I applied for what was my dream job at the time, I submitted a cover letter with a typo in the first sentence! I didn’t find out until after I got hired, when my boss and co-workers teased me mercilessly about it. So, if they really liked you and thought you were a good fit, I doubt that one typo in the writing sample will keep them from hiring you.
Anon
For the job I now have, I misspelled the name of the person to whom I was directing my application letter. He’s now my colleague, and when I confessed about six months into the job how stressed and horrified I was after I figured it out, he said he hadn’t even noticed.
ITA with sending a corrected version, other writing samples, and a perfectly-written email to follow up.
anony
Can anyone recommend a good tailor in Boston? I don’t need anything too complicated, but I had some pants hemmed at my drycleaners and the work was terrible.
Bunkster
I know a great one in Quincy, but I can’t think of a Boston one offhand…
Fiona
Yes! Two suggestions:
Newbury Street Tailors (on Newbury near Copley) – They cut down a dress that was two sizes too big and made it fit perfectly.
Frank’s Custom Tailoring (on Winter St. across from Park St. T) – They repaired a huge rip in the sleeve of S.O.’s favorite winter jacket for $12 and now you can’t even see the scar.
anony
thank you! I ran across Frank’s in a random google search, but the back bay option is a better location for me.
luluaj
Harvard Cleaners in Brookline is also great.
TCFKAG
I think they’d be a bit above and beyond for just hemming pants, but I LOVE Best Fit on Newbury. They took a bridesmaid dress one size too small and let it out so it fit perfectly and you couldn’t even really tell where they added fabric. It was impressive. But you pay through the nose (to be honest).
Word of warning though…the Russian (I think) seamstress might assume you’re pregnant… :-) Whatever…for good tailoring, it was worth it.
Tights
Opaque black tights in summer – yay or nay?
C'Mon
Uh nay!
anon
Despite the calendar, it’s not summer around here since it has been cold and rainy all week –> I’m wearing opaque black tights today :).
Jr. Prof
Yup. Here in SF, they’re definitely a yay for these cold, rainy days. Boots, too!
Bonnie
Definite nay.
Nonny
Depends on where you are. Where I am, the weather is currently more April-ish than June 1st-ish, and I wore black opaques yesterday out of sheer chilliness.
Kanye East
Agreed. Depends on the weather more than the calendar.
Eponine
Not if it’s over 60 and sunny. If you live in Alaska, sure, why not.
Anonymous
there are large swathes of the continental US where it’s currently cloudy, below 60 and raining these days! trust me, we want summer as badly as anyone.
Legal Marketer
phone-related threadjack: I am starting at a new firm next week and have been given the choice of getting an AT&T iphone or a Sprint Droid (pretty much any model).
I’ve always had a blackberry and was most recently with Verizon, which I found to be better than AT&T when I had that, although it’s been several years.
Any experiences or thoughts you could share about either network or phone would be great. (I have a macbook and ipad, so I’m comfortable with the mac platform. Hubster has a Droid, and says it’s “just ok.”)
I seem to remember at one point one of our commenters was very knowledgeable about this type of stuff, so hopefully she’s still here and willing to share!
anon
I looooooove my iphone. Simple, elegant, good for people who aren’t tech experts (says my tech expert brother) because they are so intuitively designed. The screen resolution is beautiful and you can find almost any app you can dream up. (Every time I think, “hmmm…I wonder if there is an app for X?” there are at least 10 apps for X.) I use mine for everything – syncing all of my Google calendars, GPS, ipod, shopping list, etc. After going from Blackberry to iphone, I cannot figure out why EVERYONE doesn’t have an iphone. So superior IMHO.
kz
just from playing around with my friend’s iphones, as compared to my droid, I think the actual platforms really aren’t that different. Sure, different layouts, but essentially the same features. I know people bitch and bitch about AT&T’s service, though. I can’t say anything about Sprint’s–I’ve always had verizon.
AIMS
iphone!!!
Whatever issues people complain about with iphone, people complain about with droid. But only iphones inspire the kind of rabid devotion that makes you overlook all those pesky issues! Plus I have had sprint before and am not a fan of their customer service at all.
Get the iphone. Just make sure you get a bumper to avoid the whole occasional dropped calls issue. You’ll love it!
Kanye East
I’ve had an iPhone for several years now and keep finding myself pining for my old Blackberry. The apps are great, but (and maybe this is just me) typing on the touchscreen still infuriates me.
I live in a smaller market now and AT&T service is great here, but it is lousy in a lot of other places (especially NYC; I’m back there pretty often and the signal strength and speed are reliably bad). Verizon is so much better in NYC, in my experience.
I haven’t used a Droid, though, so I really don’t have a basis to compare.
Lawgirl
@Kanye East, me too! I’m addicted to tactile typing on actual BUTTONS. I hate touch screens and auto-correct on my iPad drives me cRaZy! I hope Steve Jobs comes out with some slider qwerty keyboard with BUTTONS for iPhone. I’d buy it in a hot minute.
E
The Sprint Samsung Epic has a slide out keyboard. Android phones also make it super easy to type using the touchscreen with one motion (you quickly wiggle your finger around coming close to the right letters and when you lift it up, it’s magically determined your word!). For frequent emailing, I’d going with an Android device.
Also, AT&T service in certain majors cities including NYC leaves something to be desired, which Sprint’s network is much more robust and less congested in these places.
Lyssa
I have one of those (the epic) and love it. It is so, so much better than my husband’s iphone. Not quite all of the apps, but pretty much all of the useful ones. Also on the typing issue, not only the swipe (where you don’t pick up your finger, .
Also, husband’s iphone drops calls all the time- it’s a real hassle because the AT&T coverage is so bad. I definitely would go with the droid.
Lyssa
Oops, I guess I got distracted there- I meant to say that in addition to the keyboard and the swipe, there’s also a pretty good voice tool.
MJ
I also have the Samsung Epic with the slide out keyboard, on Sprint. The service has been great, often 4G (I am in the Bay Area). I love all the apps, the keyboard is fantastic…cannot say enough good things about the phone. I have an ipod touch for my music and other stuff and knew that an iphone keyboard just wasn’t for me, particularly for a work phone where typos reflect on the company.
N
Just a suggestion – but how about turning off the auto-correct if it drives you that crazy? Simple enough procedure.
Kanye East
It’s not the auto-correct that drives me crazy. It’s the lack of tactile feedback, which (for me) leads to slow typing and massive typos.
Lynnet
I love typing on a touchscreen and hate typing on a tiny phone keyboard, so you might try out both in the store and figure out which you’re most comfortable with. That should probably be, if not the deciding factor, at least a major consideration.
K
I love my Droid Pro (on Verizon, not Sprint) for this very reason. It’s the only reason I got a Droid instead of an iPhone. It has a touchscreen that is easy to navigate for surfing the web, etc., but a real keyboard for typing emails and such (you can also type on the touchscreen but I never do).
Can’t comment on AT&T v. Sprint but I think it very much depends on your geographic location.
karenpadi
I’d go with the Droid. Personally, I can’t figure out the iPhone interface to save my life but I was able to pick up and play with the Droid. The iPhone was just too much like an Apple computer for this Windows-gal. Of course, other people feel the opposite so it might be worth it to spend some time in the stores playing with the phones.
My Droid has some features that iPhone users don’t realize they don’t have. For example, the ability to keep more than one app open (and while on the phone), hands free navigation (don’t need a Garmin), and don’t forget the awesome voice recognition capabilities of Google.
meme
My iphone 4 can keep more than one app open at a time (multi-tasking) and I can use the phone while also using other apps.
Also, free hands-free GPS with turn-by-turn spoken directions (Mapquest app). There are also lots of other GPS apps available.
Also, google voice search, free on my iphone!
Looooooooove my iphone. It makes my husband’s Blackberry screen look like the old pre-windows DOS-based programs. He can’t wait until his upgrade date so he can get an iphone too!
AIMS
Yeah, iphone has all that! I think there is very little (if anything) that droids have that iphones don’t. As far as keyboards, every time I’ve switched phones, it’s a matter of getting used to for me. The only phone I never adjusted to was an old Samsung that would not let me text me swear words. I do think it’s good advice to go play with both phones in the store and see if one just feels better.
K
Yes! Forgot to mention how much I love Google Maps on the Droid! So nice to have the turn by turn navigation talk to me!
Two iPhone Issues
I heart my iPhone, but there are two issues you should know about before you consider one for business use:
1. Email Signature Block
You can customize the email signature block on the iPhone to make it say whatever you want. However, every email you send from your iPhone will have the same signature block, no matter which account it is sent from. If you have both a professional email account (typically with a lengthy signature block) and a personal email account (typically with no signature or a different signature than your professional account), there is NO WAY to automatically make each one carry its own signature.
There is an app which allows you to store up to six custom signature blocks and then choose one each time you write an email. It is, frankly, more trouble than it’s worth. I made the default signature my lengthy professional one, and I delete it from each email I send from my personal account before I send it. Not an ideal solution, but the only one I can think of.
2. Documents
There is no native way to create, edit or store Word or Excel documents on the iPhone. You can read them if they are sent to you as an email attachment, but you cannot edit them, and as soon as that email falls out of your account, the attachment is no longer available. Again, there are apps to address this, but I find them cumbersome.
Perhaps Apple will hear about this thread and devote some engineering attention to these issues? Without them, I fear the iPhone will never be a fully functioning smartphone for professionals.
Divaliscious11
Have you tried the Quick Office app?
third issue
I will add a third issue–> the calendaring in iPhone, even when synched to outlook, is nowhere near as good as the blackberry interface.
On blackberry, it was very easy to create, modify, invite additional users, accept and enter meetings. On iPhone, it’s cumbersome, and lacking full functionality. Plus, whenever someone sends me a meeting invite, it pops up on my screen as a reminder and gives an audible ‘ping’, even if the meeting is days from now. That blows (tremendously) when they send one in the middle of the night. Blackberry could separate the reminders from the invites.
Also iPhone doesn’t always recognize a phone number that is embedded in a message, so unlike blackberry, I find myself having to pop open the keypad to dial into meetings rather than double-clicking through.
M in CA
Whenever I’ve tried using an iPhone I think my thumbs grow to at least three times their normal size. I seriously cannot type on that thing.
For that reason alone, I would get the Droid. If you can’t get one with a keyboard, I think that the Droid’s touchpad is much more user-friendly than the iPhone. My brother’s Droid has something called “Swipe” technology which is actually really, really cool and makes drafting emails on touchscreens much easier.
That being said, I’m loyal to my Blackberry Torch. It is my bestest, most loyal friend. ;)
marymark
Depends on where you live. If you are in a big city, AT&T is not that bad, so go for the iphone. If you are in an area where AT&T is lousy, skip the iphone.
Kanye East
Depends on the big city. AT&T is dreadful in New York.
Hypothetically Speaking
I suppose it’s a sign that the economy is picking up in my legal specialty, as I’ve been getting the occasional call from recruiters.
Generally, I’m pretty happy at my firm, and have no desire to switch to another firm. However, I’d like to move in house at some point (still fairly junior) or to a city where my firm does not have an office.
How do you know if you should ‘trust’ a recruiter who cold calls you? And if/when you do decide on looking, what steps do you take?
Mel
There is no reason to pick just “one” recruiter. If you want to just keep abreast of opportunities in your practice area or geographic area, let recruiters know that you aren’t interested in making a switch immediately unless something very interesting comes your way and that you would appreciate if they kept you in mind when they hear of new opportunities. Give them your non-work email. Recruiters are extremely discreet, so don’t worry about people finding out at your work. Once you are more senior/more in demand, or if you are committed to a job change, try to slyly find out what recruiter your current firm uses (maybe by asking recently hired laterals). This will usually be a reputable recruiter in your area. When in doubt, Major, Lindsay & Africa is probably considered one of the “best” legal recruiters. Good luck!
E
In terms of using the same recruiter your firm uses to hire, just be careful!! One of my coworkers had his resume land on the desk of our boss via a recruiter with a “resume book.” Not good!!
P.
Ditto.
fresh jd
I’m in the same position, hope some experienced corporettes offer their input!
P.
Agree that most are good / discreet. Just make sure they get your individual approval before submitting for any jobs — so you’re not put in a “resume book.” I’m also wary of recruiters who won’t reveal the name of the employers and recruiting services (lateral link primarily) that don’t have very specialized practice area listings — i.e. their IP listings that do not sort out technical v. non-technical positions.
MJ
TONS of recruiters are terrible hacks. The best way to get to know which ones are good is to ask around (discreetly) amongst co-workers or other school colleagues in the same city. I know exactly which recruiters’ calls to take and exactly which ones are hacks.
I recently had a recruiter email me saying, “We worked together before.” I did not recognize her at all. I asked her politely to refresh my memory. She couldn’t recall specifics, only that I had once sent her a resume a few years ago. Ummm…no. If your recruiter is too lazy to even keep a good CRM database going, she’s not the recruiter for you.
If you’re in the Bay Area, the go-to people are Simone Brown at Special Counsel and Chris Crowley at Pathways. Period. They have the best jobs for biglaw. End of story.
Anonymous
If it’s for an in-house position, find out whether the recruiter is the exclusive search person for the position. That’s what my company does – it hires 1 recruiter to go out and find candidates and you cannot get your resume through the door through any other person.
Kanye East
For what it’s worth, I’ve never had a bad experience with a headhunter. I’ve gotten jobs through 2 cold-callers (who were both at the same agency) at different stages of my career.
Kanye East
obvs this was supposed to respond to Hypothetically Speaking.
Anon
Threadjack:
I have been asked to use my credit card to pay for a subscription service that we need for a work project. We only need to subscribe for a month and then we will need to cancel the subscription. I don’t want to do it. In general, I loathe using my personal credit card for work related things; and in this particular situation, I worry that the subscription service will be shady about letting me cancel the subscription.
Should I just deal, or is there a way to get out of this? Am I the only one who doesn’t like to use their credit card for work stuff?
Ru
We have a petty cash policy here so whatever work related expenses we incur, we just submit it for reimbursement, whether we pay via cash, check or credit card. I’ve used my personal credit card before and have had no problems. Maybe using your personal credit card isn’t such a bad idea, don’t credit card companies help you in situations like this (I have no idea)?
Seattleite
I wouldn’t do it. If your firm doesn’t have a credit card, the overseeing partner should be using his/her card. Charging small expenses and submitting for reimbursement is one thing – subscriptions are another entirely.
And if the firm/partner doesn’t have the available credit, what are the chances they’ll actually be able to reimburse you?
E
I get the hassle and risk associated with a subscription, but what is your general issue with using your credit card for work? Is the issue that you carry a balance and would have to pay extra interest? Are you concerned about not getting reimbursed? Just a bit perplexed because I love charging reimbursable work expenses to my credit card – I get 2% cash back!
NJEsq
I don’t, unless it’s picking up supplies at say, Staples, and having them reimburse. Otherwise we use the company card. But see if your card offers temporary numbers, I know Discover does, and at least they shouldn’t be able to renew without you providing a good number.
Anonymous
I work for the government and I am required to book my own travel, and get reimbursed. My suggestion is to get a credit card with a low balance that is just for work.
Anon for this
I am shocked at the way federal employees (have been one for nearly a year now) have to front the government money for travel. Our airline tickets are paid by the agency, but we pay for hotel, per diem, airport parking, cabs, etc. and get reimbursed. Which can literally take months and is very tough on some people, especially those who have to do international travel.
I got smart and requested a travel advance for my trip a couple of months ago. I got the money a couple of days before my trip, so that worked great for not having to travel business expenses on my own card. I know there are strict rules about these things, but I think I may travel infrequently enough that I can get a cash advance for most trips. I’d recommend checking out that option.
Our travel system is pretty awful, I have to say. It’s nearly impossible to get a straight answer about just which of a myriad of forms you need to fill out, takes forever to get reimbursed, and you often don’t actually have a ticket until the last minute. My flight was scheduled for a wednesday morning and I didn’t know until monday night whether or not my ticket was booked. Still not as bad as some co-workers who didn’t know if their ticket was booked for a major flight until less than 24 hours before they were scheduled to fly out.
Eponine
F that. You shouldn’t have to front money for your employer! My current nonprofit employer makes this kind of request from time to time too, and I tell them no way.
Anonymous
Wow. I do this all the time in biglaw. It’s expected. You get reimbursed within the month so there’s no interest. In all honesty I dont know anyone who doesnt use their own card here.
I think saying no is ridiculous.
Anonymous
I think the sticking point is that it’s a subscription that will have to be canceled., which may be very difficult.
Eponine
Maybe at a large, well managed law firm you get reimbursed within the month. You probably make enough money that you don’t miss a few hundred dollars here and there, too. The same is not true of the kind of dysfunctional public sector employer that regularly asks its employees to pay for travel and other expenses that are the employer’s responsibility.
MsZ
uh . . . I wonder what I am supposed to keep in that teeny tiny armpit/boob pocket? travel deodorant? That said, I have two white suits and I love them both.
AEK
That pocket bugs me.
visitor
Me, too. Awkward. Maybe that’s why it’s on sale.
src
It’s condom sized. ;)
Alanna of Trebond (formerly 2L NYC)
This reminds me of those teeny pockets on the sleeves that some trendy shirts used to have about ten years ago — I was in middle school and these boys on the bus would always taunt me by saying that they were condom pockets. I was so mortified!
Bridget
Hi Corporettes-I’d like your thoughts on this dress. I work in the HQ of a financial services company, but the dress code is business casual. Most days I wear slacks and a jacket (rarely a suit) or a dress or skirt and sweater (no pantyhose). The price seems really good, but I’m wondering if the cut is flattering. Thanks!
http://www.ideeli.com/events/50151/offers/1645403/latest_view/998466
Bonnie
I like it.
Bunkster
Wow. That is nice. I’m an 8, but not petite. I got something similar at Marshall’s a couple of weeks – sleeveless, navy Anne Klein sheath with nearly the same collar.
visitor
Threadjack:
I’ve been reading this site for a little over a month. I find it interesting. But I have to pass on an odd inconsistency in attitudes or concerns:
A woman who was to work at a summer associate at a firm was wondering if she should explain that she needed to come in later than usual one day a week because of her therapy for an eating disorder. I advised her to find a way to meet her therapist outside of her work schedule without revealing anything to the firm. Some, not all, readers here seemed astonishingly naive about how companies, especially law firms, work. Some were quite nasty, suggesting I was being “unsupportive.”
Recently, there was a post about what to wear during a firm athletic event (shorts? skorts?).
Having worked at a large law firm, I know that dress decisions can be agonizing for a woman, especially one who doesn’t wear a common size or who hasn’t a lot of money. And is busy. But if so much as recreational race attire is enough to cause anxiety because of judgmental individuals with power, I would think you would realize that you don’t go around telling anyone that you’re in therapy unless you have no choice.
Anonymous
I get the feeling many posters don’t have much real-world experience and don’t have the insight to see the results of their actions. But they sure are convinced that they’re right about everything!
Mia
A lot of it depends on where you are geographically, how large your firm is and level of life experience. I imagine this site draws a young crowd that is grateful to have jobs in a recession… I for one am terrified of not being hired back in April and I agonize over every decision I make.
Quite frankly I am too frightened to claim birth control pills because the health insurance forms have to go through hr (yeah, I know its supposedly confidential, haha). That should give you a picture of my life. :)
Some people are clearly not that afraid and I admire that. I think a lot of us are that afraid and wish we were not.