HR Lowdown

Actions speak louder than words-and they can say volumes. Your conduct can have an impact on your career on the same level as your work itself. The wording of an e-mail, what (and who) you talk about with co-workers, your manner of dress, and even your conduct during an office party can all reflect upon you. In order to build a successful career in the business world, it’s important to know the impression you’re putting out.

Whether you are trying to find a job, starting a new job, trying to move up the corporate ladder, or interacting with others, it is important to remember that you are always on the clock when it comes to your actions.

ACING THE INTERVIEW

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, particularly during a job interview. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to make this experience a little less intimidating and a lot more successful.

1. Stock up: Be ready to take notes with a pen and paper. Have extra copies of your updated resume, portfolio, and references available to leave behind so that the interviewer can review them later.

2. Practice makes perfect: Practice answering typical interview questions with friends or family. Use a video or tape recorder so that you can assess your performance and make any necessary changes. Come up with specific examples that highlight your skills and successes.

3. Research the company: Find out about the company’s business. A short history, past successes, and your interviewer’s background can provide great information for sparking meaningful conversation.

4. Dress to impress: We all know not to judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, people are going to do it anyway. Be sure that your clothing will give a good impression.

Men: wear a solid-color suit and tie with dark socks, dress shoes, and a belt. Be clean-shaven or neatly trimmed, your nails clipped, and limit your jewelry and cologne. Blue jeans and T-shirts are not acceptable, even if you will be allowed to wear them once hired.

Women: wear a suit with a coordinated blouse and conservative shoes. If the suit has a skirt, it should be long enough to sit in comfortably. Your hairstyle should be professional and pulled back from your face. Limit your makeup and perfume. Avoid short skirts and tight clothes.

5. Location, Location, Location: If you can’t find the place, you’ve already blown the interview. Get accurate directions to your interview location.

6. Be on time: Anticipate traffic conditions. If possible, make a timed test run to the location. Pad your time by planning to arrive early.

7. Fresh start: Make a positive impact on the interviewer by shaking hands, making eye contact, and using their name. Be sure to speak with confidence. Always be positive, resisting the urge to badmouth past employers.

8. Relax: The interviewer will pick up on your body language, so stay calm and focused. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting and maintain eye contact.

9. Have answers ready: You can count on your prospective employer to ask questions about you and your past enterprises. Don’t be overeager: listen to the entire question before offering an answer. Be ready with complete and precise answers and don’t be afraid to brag on yourself.

10. Have questions ready: After the interviewer has learned all about you, it’s time for you to ask the questions. Have two or three questions about the position and company ready.

11. Send a thank you note: Always follow up an interview with a thank you note to show your appreciation for the company’s time and to reiterate your interest in the position. Send a hand-written note no later than the next day. Email is acceptable if the company plans to make a quick decision.

THE FIRST DAY

Your first day can be overwhelming. You’re in an unfamiliar place filled with unfamiliar people-and they all want to know who the new person is. Here are a few tips on how to survive.

12. What to wear: Plan to dress up. Wear your most conservative outfits until you figure out what attire is acceptable and what is not.

13. Arrive early: Don’t blow it by showing up late.

14. Listen: Pay attention to what everyone tells you. Don’t worry about remembering all of the specifics, but at least get a general idea.

15. Ask questions: If you don’t understand what you are being told or need further explanation, don’t hesitate to ask. Questions show that you’re thinking about the subject and care about getting the best information.

16. Take notes: You will be fed a seemingly endless amount of information on your first day. Taking notes will help you to remember what you need to know at a later date.

17. Learn from co-workers: Your new co-workers can offer a wealth of priceless information. They can guide you through the programs, intricacies, and workflow of the company.

18. Learn the chain of command: It is important to know who you will be working with and reporting to on a daily basis. Take the time to learn the hierarchy of the company – from your co-workers to the CEO – so that you know how their roles affect you.

19. Be friendly: You will be more successful if you’re approachable. Be nice to everyone, and they just might do the same to you.

20. Don’t complain: Avoid complaining about your work, co-workers, boss, or past jobs. Approach your new job with an optimistic mindset.

21. Don’t rush out the door: When your first day is over with, don’t be the first person out the door. Stick around to ask more questions and get acquainted with your new position.

YOUR CLOTHING

Everyday business attire can vary depending on the company and position within the organization. Learning what kind of clothing is acceptable is part of the process of settling in. Take cues from the way your coworkers dress.

Business Attire for Men Be professional and present yourself in a way that conveys confidence.

22. Suit: Choose a quality material in navy, black, or gray. Solid colors or pinstripes work the best.

23. Shirt: A long-sleeved, solid color shirt is ideal. Avoid bright colors and patterns, as they can be distracting.

24. Tie and belt: Go for a simple and subtle silk tie. Avoid large pictures and cartoon characters. Wear a belt that coordinates well with your shoes.

25. Shoes: Clean, well-polished, laced shoes are a necessity. Socks should be calf-length or higher and match your shoes and slacks.

26. Hygiene: Make sure to take a shower, run a comb through your hair, and shave or trim your beard or mustache.

27. Accessories: Keep your jewelry to a minimum. A briefcase or portfolio can enhance a professional look.

Business Attire for Women Remember that you want to be noticed for who you are, not the latest fashion trends.

28. Skirt Suit: A skirt suit provides the most professional look as long as the length is kept around the knees.

29. Pants: Pants should be fitted, not tight. They should break at the top of the foot or the shoe.

30. Blouse: A sensible blouse can add color to an outfit, but avoid wearing anything too revealing.

31. Shoes: Opt for professional low heels over flats or high heels. Accompany them with neutral or flesh-tone stockings if necessary.

32. Makeup: Keep it subtle and simple.

33. Accessories: Simple jewelry is best. One ring per hand, one earring per ear, and a necklace will do.

Business Casual for Men

34. Pants: Neatly pressed khaki, gabardine, or cotton pants are ideal for business casual.

35. Shirt: A long-sleeved, button up shirt in a simple color is professional, but a collared polo shirt will do.

36. Tie: A tie is generally not necessary, but when in doubt, wear one anyway. You can always take it off.

37. Shoes: Save the sandals, tennis shoes, and hiking shoes for your free time. Put on a pair of clean, polished shoes.

38. Hygiene: Be clean-shaven and well groomed.

39. Accessories: Stay simple: stick to your watch and wedding band. Stay on the safe side by removing earrings or other noticeable piercings.

Business Casual for Women

40. Skirt: Avoid tight, short, and revealing skirts. The length can vary from season to season. Always steer clear of extreme trends.

41. Pants: Wear creased and tailored khaki, corduroy, twill, or cotton pants. Be sure to avoid a too-tight fit.

42. Blouse: Tailored shirts, knit sweaters, sweater sets, cardigans, and polo shirts are appropriate.

43. Shoes: Comfortable, clean shoes are important. Loafers and low heels are appropriate. Stockings are generally not needed.

44. Makeup: Keep it subtle and stay away from bright or extreme colors.

45. Accessories: Wear limited jewelry. Carry a tasteful purse.

THE CULTURE

Cultures vary from office to office. Something that may be practiced on a regular basis in one place may be unacceptable in another. Take cues from your coworkers and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

46. People are different: Different people have varying work styles and ideas of how things should work. Focusing on how to utilize each person’s strong points is vital in the business world.

47. Politics: Co-workers can have widely different views on politics. Just don’t go there.

48. Religion: Another taboo when it comes to the office. Any religious views should be kept to yourself.

49. Recognize office dynamics: Just because your last boss let you call him “Maverick” and bought you pizza every Friday doesn’t mean your new boss will. Start off low key and pay attention to experienced employees. They can give you tips on how to approach things like the coffee bar, using the correct printer, and interacting with your boss.

50. Cities are different: A different city is more than a different view. Depending on the size and layout, traffic patterns and public transportation can be one of the biggest adjustments when working in a new city.

51. States are different: On top of getting used to traffic, different states have their own laws and regulations. For example, many states require you to pay a state income tax, but others, like Texas, do not.

52. Countries are different: If you think that the states are different, just wait until you try doing business internationally. Language, culture, customs, currency, and distance are just a few of the differences that need to be understood if one is to be successful.

TECHNOLOGY

There seems to be some kind of new technology popping up every day. Of course, fancy new gadgets and features come with greater responsibility.

Work Phones

53. Answer your phone: Don’t make someone wonder where you are. Answer all incoming phone calls in a timely manner.

54. Identify yourself: Always say your name and your company’s name so that the person on the other end knows that they have called the right place.

55. Can you hold please? If you need to put a caller on hold, keep checking back with them so that they know you are attending to their call.

56. Don’t mumble: Speak up! Speak clearly, slowly, and with confidence.

57. Be nice: Always handle yourself in a professional, helpful manner and never be rude, even when faced with a challenging person.

58. State your purpose: When calling another business, always include your name and the name of the company that you represent.

59. Oops: If you happen to call a wrong number always apologize to the person on the other line before you hang up.

60. Sorry, I’m not in right now: When leaving a message, be concise and always leave your name, company, phone number, and reason for calling.

Cell Phones

61. Good Vibrations: Turn off your ringer. No one cares about the new tone you just downloaded.

62. Limit personal calls: Only use your cell phone at work for important calls. Health issues and family emergencies qualify. Last night’s football game or Johnny and Suzie’s breakup do not.

63. Let it be: No matter how tempting it might be to answer, if you know that the call is not important, let it go to voice mail and take care of it later.

64. Keep it to yourself: If you need to make or take a personal call, excuse yourself to a private area so that others don’t have to listen to your conversation.

65. At least be quiet: If you are unable to find a private place, keep your voice low.

66. Be discreet: Watch your language and be careful about what information you divulge within earshot of others.

67. Leave it at your desk: Don’t bring your phone into a business meeting.

68. Flush in peace: Don’t bring your phone into the bathroom. Not only is it rude to the person on the other end, but it’s also rude to whoever else might be in there.

Internet

69. Know the company policy: Although the company may not have a written policy, they might still frown upon recreational web browsing.

70. Limit surf time: Even if someone keeps outbidding you for that autographed football on eBay, remember that you are being paid to work, not shop.

71. Surf smart: Be careful about the sites that you frequent at the office. If you’d be embarrassed to show the site to your boss, don’t go there.

72. Don’t look for another job: Unless you want to get fired preemptively, look for a job on your home computer.

E-mail

73. Limit personal e-mail: Don’t spend all day writing back and forth with your Aunt Sally-you have work to do!

74. Watch what you say: When you are writing an e-mail, always assume that everyone in the office can read what you are saying. Save the complaining for happy hour.

75. What do you want? Always include a subject line so that the recipient knows what you want to discuss.

76. Get personal: Start every e-mail with a greeting of some sort so that you come across as warm, not cold.

77. Watch your tone: It is difficult to convey tone in an e-mail, so make sure that you use the right wording to communicate your message effectively. Sarcasm may be taken the wrong way.

78. Back to the basics: Double-check your spelling and grammar so that people don’t start to question your caliber of work.

79. Keep it short: Leave the novel writing to Stephen King. E-mail is meant to be concise and to the point. Say what you need to say and then send it.

80. Be careful what you forward: Get permission before you decide to forward an e-mail. There might be sensitive information not meant for others to see.

81. Who is this? Don’t forget to put your name and contact information at the end of each e-mail. Someone may want to contact you via phone or snail mail.

82. Be patient: The beauty of e-mail is its convenience. Not everybody is sitting in front of their computer waiting for you to e-mail them, so don’t expect an instant response.

83. Size does matter: Before you send someone an attachment, consider the size. Large attachments may cause your email to fail or hog space in your recipient’s inbox. Make sure that they can handle what is coming.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is one of the most important aspects of business, so sending the right message is essential to a successful career.

84. Language barriers: This can be a touchy subject these days, but it is usually best if everyone speaks the same language while in the office. A few people talking to each other in a language that nobody else can understand has the potential to make co-workers uncomfortable and suspicious.

85. Avoid hateful slurs: You may not intend to be offensive, but a loose tongue and can get you into a lot of trouble.

86. Seven dirty words: You are at work, not hanging out at the bar with your friends. Avoid the sailor talk – unless, of course, you are a sailor.

87. Say what you mean: Good communication is a key factor in efficiency so be clear and concise with your boss, co-workers, and clients.

88. Sit up straight: A large part of communicating is in body language. Good posture and a smile will make you appear confident.

89. Keep the bird in the cage: Nothing good can come from rude or obscene gesturing, so it’s best to keep your frustrations to yourself.

90. This one time, at band camp …: That joke you heard the other night may be hilarious, but it can also land you into an uncomfortable discussion with Human Resources.

BUSINESS PARTIES

A business party is an opportunity to get to know your co-workers, managers, and, most importantly, your boss outside of an active working atmosphere. Keep in mind that what happens at a business party can stick with you for a long time. It’s vital that you conduct yourself in a professional manner. Don’t go dancing on the table topless and barefoot.

91. Show up: An office party should be considered part of your job. You may not consider this type of thing fun, but nonetheless, you are expected to attend.

92. Know the audience: Find out who else has been invited so that you are prepared to interact with other attendees.

93. Should I stay or should I go? Stay long enough to talk to as many people as you can – especially your boss. If you are having fun, stick around, but don’t close down the bar. Don’t stay any longer than the time that was stated on the invitation.

94. What to wear: Unless stated otherwise, business casual is usually a safe bet.

95. Who to bring: If your family or friends have not been specifically invited, leave them at home.

96. Do a little schmoozing: Parties are meant to provide a comfortable atmosphere so that you can get to know the people that you work with. Have a chat with your boss and expand your acquaintances.

97. I’d like to thank …: In the event that you are being recognized with an award or certificate, be prepared to make a speech.

98. To drink or not to drink: If successful employees, managers, and executives are having a drink, then you have the green light. However, if you feel uncomfortable or a recovering alcoholic, steer clear of the bar.

99. When should I stop? Know your tolerance and how alcohol effects you. If you can’t remember what happened last night after one beer, then you should probably not drink at all. Know your threshold and stay well below it.

100. Say thank you: Make sure you thank whoever was involved in organizing the party. They probably put a lot of effort into that good time you had. It’s not only a nice thing to do, but it will also make you stand apart from those who weren’t so thoughtful.

REFERENCES

1. About – To Drink or Not to Drink (Human Resources)

2. About – Job Interview Guide, Business and Business Casual Attire (Job Searching)

3. About – Starting a New Job, Top 6 Rules for Using Cell Phones at Work, Surfing the Net on Your Boss’s Time (Career Planning)

4. Wikipedia – Social aspects of clothing

5. Young Money – Surviving The First Day At Work

6. essortment – First Day At Work, Telephone etiquette tips

7. University of Missouri (Columbia) – What is Business Casual (College of Business)

8. Sideroad – Proper Business Attire, Business e-mail Etiquette: Maintaining a Professional Image, Office Party Etiquette

9. Monster – Office Holiday Party Etiquette

Did you enjoy this article?

Don't forget to subscribe to our RSS feed!

Staff :: Jun.04.2007 :: Features ::