Office Fashion Faux Pas

Office Fashion Faux Pas by Michael Cheary It’s not always easy to decide whether an outfit is work-appropriate… Whilst what you can (and can’t) wear is entirely dependent on your company’s dress code, you still might find there’s some blurred lines in the rule book. Are shorts ever OK for the office? How much skin is too much skin? And what about sandals?To avoid any embarrassing fashion fails, here’s our list of what not to wear to work (and what to cover up):Flip-flops/Sandals/CrocsThere are some things that should never be seen in the office. Flip flops are one of them. And Crocs, well, they probably shouldn’t be seen anywhere.However, that’s not to say sandals are completely out of the question. With a variety of smarter options available (e.g. wedges or heeled sandals), you might be able to pull them off. As long as you avoid socks at all costs.Alternatively, pumps and wedges are a great way to stay cool in the summer months, while guys should stick with boat shoes/trainers.Bott om line: even if your office is casual, there’s a time and a place for flip flops. Too much flesh The saying ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ doesn’t really apply in the workplace.For example, plunging necklines, short skirts, short shorts, and crop tops are all perfectly good options for a night out or a day at the beach, but they may not be appropriate for the workplace.Instead, keep it conservative. Girls can keep cool in loose fitting blouses and maxi dresses/skirts, whilst guys can go for chinos and a light shirt (or t-shirt, if your employer allows it).Bottom line: be memorable, but not for the wrong reasons.ShortsAh, the never-ending ‘is it OK to wear shorts at work?’ debate.Some employers allow staff to wear shorts. In fact, some professions actively encourage it (e.g. postman, fitness instructor, shorts model). But most don’t especially if your office is particularly formal.If you’re unsure of company policy, ask a colleague or get in touch with the HR depar tment.Bottom line: dress like you’re ready for work, not like you’re ready for the beach.  Too much fake tanNo one likes to look overly pale, but there’s a time and a place for a fake bake.Sure, it’s fine to add a bit of colour here and there, but be careful not to overdo it. The last thing you want is to be one who turns up to the meeting looking like an extra from The Only Way is Essex.Bottom line: you work with these people every day. You’re not fooling anyone.Sunglasses insideAre you trying to sleep at work without being caught? Got some questionable eye-bags to hide? Just want to start a new trend?Sunglasses probably aren’t the answer â€" not just because they are literally designed for sun (the clue’s in the name), but also because they don’t exactly scream professional.Unless of course, it’s Halloween. And your outfit is a play on a certain 1980s classic (#JakeElwood).Bottom line: stop trying to make sunglasses inside happen. They’re not going to happen.Of fensive slogan tees/bags/vestsNo matter how hilariously witty a slogan may be, that doesn’t mean it’s work-appropriate. Especially if the topic is particularly sensitive (e.g. race, religion, gender), or it includes any kind of profanity.Not only could you risk offending people, you may also develop a negative reputation amongst your colleagues.No one wants to be that ‘terrible slogan tee guy/girl’.Bottom line: whether it’s on a tote bag or a t-shirt, leave the one-liners at home. Excessive aftershave or perfumeIf you’ve ever been literally figuratively suffocated by strong-smelling aftershave or perfume, you’re probably aware that when used excessively, its effects aren’t always pleasant.And whilst the odd spray or two before work isn’t likely to cause any problems, covering yourself with it at every available opportunity probably will.Bottom line: subtlety is your best friend. You are not a walking bar of soap.TracksuitsOK, so we know ‘fitness chic’ is totall y in right now, but that doesn’t mean you can sport a full tracksuit to work. No matter how much you think you can pull off that Kim Kardashian look.The same goes for crop tops and stretchy leggings. Sure, they’re comfy, flattering, and let’s face it, totally fashionable, but this is a workplace â€" not a treadmill.Bottom line: if you could wear it to the gym, you probably can’t wear it to work. Stained/dirty/unironed clothesWe’ve all heard of the ‘chair’ â€" the place your clothes visit between the wardrobe and the washing basket. But whilst many garments placed here may be clean enough to wear another day, some of them may not be.And whether you turn up to work with unnoticed stains, creases, or a questionable odour, it won’t say a lot about your personal hygiene, let alone your professionalism.Bottom line: check yourself before you wreck yourself and/or leave the house. Other things to avoid: Too much makeup (or worse â€" last night’s makeup), trainers with a su it, too many piercings (if applying for a role with a particularly conservative company), anything see through.Final thoughtsIt’s important to remember that every workplace is different. We can’t tell you exactly what to wear, but we can tell you that it’s worth keeping some of these points in mind whether you’re already working or about to start a new job.If you are going for an interview, play it safe. Business dress is usually fine, and you can’t go far wrong with the classic ‘suited and booted’ look. If you’re still unsure, try travelling to the employers offices first and see how members of staff are dressed (this will also ensure that you’re on time, and your route won’t provide you with any surprises).When first impressions count for so much, it’s important to get it right. Play it safe, keep it simple and don’t let your standards slip.So leave the flip flops and shorts in your suitcase. Dress to impress, and dress for success.Eight things everyone fee ls when starting a new jobWhat to wear for an interviewThe ultimate bottom line? Don’t let your clothes be a distraction.Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features Life At Work Workplace culture

Resume Writing Template For Middle School Students

Resume Writing Template For Middle School StudentsIf you are looking for a resume writing template for middle school students, you have come to the right place. There are lots of students out there who would really benefit from this type of template. They may not understand what it is that you are talking about, but if you get them to read it, they will.This resume writing template for middle school students can be easily assembled by anyone who has basic computer skills. If you are the type of person who is a little lazy and does not want to spend the time, I suggest you look for an easy way to get your resume writing done.There are plenty of ways you can get a resume template for middle school students to work for you. I suggest you look for a professional resume writing service that will help you create the perfect resume for your needs.If you are going to pay to have your resume written, you may as well get it done right. There are lots of students out there who would benefit fro m this type of template.If you have read the article you are reading now, you will understand how to construct a resume. You should use this information as a jumping off point when creating your own.You can use the resume template for middle school students that you find in the search engines to get your resume to look great. However, I suggest you also go back to the well written articles that can be found at most sites to get the basics down.Once you have learned how to take some simple basics and construct a well structured resume, you can move on to other methods. I will tell you a secret that is going to be very valuable to you and your future employer.When you learn the basic resume format, you can move on to creating your own individual resume. Many times, even the most experienced recruiter can benefit from the basic knowledge of how to write a resume.

Heres How to Get a Job with BANG - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Here’s How to Get a Job with BANG - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career BANG is not what you think! BANG is an acronym that stands for Barnes And Noble Group. It’s a job search networking group that was started over ten years ago at a time I was in transition. One day, at a job search networking group meeting, I was approached by another job seeker asking me whether I’d be interested in joining a group that was to be started for the purpose of helping others with their job searches. Why was my initial reaction negative? Because the mood I was in at the time could be described as “The answer is no. What is your question?” Two weeks later, when asked again, I consented. The group’s first meeting was held in the café of a local Barnes Noble bookstore, and six people showed up. The majority of time at that first meeting was devoted to determining the group’s objectives, settling on a proposed agenda for future meetings, deciding on meeting frequency, agreeing on the size of the group, and other administrative issues. I was very proud of myself because I was the one who came up with the name for the group. We called the members of the group bangsters. Make sure you note that the word starts with b and not g! BANG has been in existence ever since and meets regularly every two weeks. There are more than 160 graduates. Members of the group who land are called graduates. Some of them have come back again, and others, even two more times since their employments ended. The group size has increased to a dozen people. We came up with a formal mission statement; a meetings code of conduct, which is a roster for meeting leaders, who rotate; and a list of topics for discussion. The topics list was submitted by bangsters and voted on in terms of priorities. New members to replace those who land are nominated by the bangsters and voted on for acceptance. That membership system proved to work well, because since its beginning, inceptions have included only two members considered poor fits. The group meets for 2 ½ hours. A typical meeting agenda includes a brief introduction of new members and each member’s 30-second elevator pitch for practicing purposes. Then each bangster has five minutes to tell the group what happened in the past two weeks and to describe any upcoming challenges. Following that, an hour is devoted to discussion of the topic of the meeting. Bangsters are assigned to research and lead the topic. Each meeting has a timekeeper to make sure we don’t stray from the agenda. Following is a list of typical topics: The hidden job market How to make cold calls Social media for job seekers Researching companies and target lists Résumé review and critique LinkedIn for job seekers The elevator pitch Personal branding Mock interviews Salary negotiations The value that bangsters get out of such meetings is enormous because this is the only group I know of where those in transition can ask job-search-related questions and get realistic answers from very bright and accomplished people whose agenda is limited to helping others. That’s why there is a wait list of people wishing to join. Readers interested in starting such a group can e-mail me at alex@landingexpert.com, and I will gladly help you get started.

Personal Branding Interview Robin Koval - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Robin Koval - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke with Robin Koval, who is the President of The Kaplan Thaler Group, a bestselling author, and the author of her latest book called The Power of Small.   In this interview, Robin talks about her personal brand building approach, how her successful marketing program for AFLAC can translate into personal brand success, how we can create small impressions, and different ways we can all stand out. How can thinking small be the right approach to establishing an effective personal brand? Building a brand â€" whether for yourself or a company â€" can be a daunting task at times for even the most seasoned professional. But when you start feeling overwhelmed or unsure what direction to go in, remember to start small. The secret to successful brand-building is to focus on the tiny pixels instead of the big picture. For example, instead of making a list of big, difficult-to-achieve goals, like establishing your brand’s online presence overnight, create an action list and reenvision those goals into “mini-tasks” you can actually accomplish on a day-to-day basis. Did you tweet a few times today? Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date? How about pegging your blog post to a current event? Successfully completed “mini-tasks” such as these can accrue to significant brand awareness. What can those of us trying to build our personal brand learn from your huge success with creating the AFLAC duck that so dramatically improved brand awareness for AFLAC? Most people are surprised to hear that the Aflac Duck was actually hatched from small talk. But it’s true. The idea for this beloved advertising icon was not inspired by a big all-day meeting, but rather by a small, casual comment made afterwards by the company’s CEO. And today, the Aflac Duck is part of pop culture. So whether you’re at the gym trying to get on a treadmill or waiting in line at the coffee shop, remember to talk to the people around you. You could be standing behind your next business partner or valuable employee, or even discover the inspiration for your next big move. Why do you suggest that we should focus on making a “small impression”? Our smallest actions and gestures often have outsize impact on our biggest goals. Did you double-check that presentation one last time, or hold the elevator for a stranger? Going that extra inch â€" whether with a client, customer, family member or friend â€" speaks volumes to others about our talent, personality and motivations. After all, if we can’t take care of the small details, how can we be counted on to deliver when it really matters? In the end, if you focus on making a small impression, you’re more likely to make a favorable one. How can small gestures play a role in helping your personal brand stand out? Differentiating your brand from others has become increasingly difficult. These challenging times have created a hypercompetitive market, and what’s more, everyone is clamoring for attention via social networking 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But it’s the small gestures that will ultimately help you stand out. For example, if you want to deepen a business relationship, forgo Facebook and try face-to-face instead. Did a meeting go well? Take the time to seal the deal with a handwritten note about how much you look forward to working with them. And when you are emailing, remember to include a p.s. that shows your attention to personal details, such as “Did your son’s little league team win last week?”. What has been the most effective thing youve done to establish your own personal brand? First, I’ve always maintained the philosophy that it pays to be nice. Nice means you are powerful, respected and ultimately, successful. As my coauthor, Linda Kaplan Thaler, and I share in our last book, The Power of Nice, the benefits are clear. By being nice, you’ll get ahead and advance your career. You’ll also grow your business, because people want to do business with you when they like you. Second, I think the key has also been taking a small approach. It’s sweating the details that ultimately delivers a true competitive advantage. Robin Koval has been a driving force in the advertising world for over 20 years.   Robin is the President of The Kaplan Thaler Group. Her successes include the daring “Yes, Yes, Yes” of Herbal Essences and the AFLAC duck quack heard round the world. Simply put, Robin helps marketers get noticed. Robin is also a bestselling author. Her latest joint effort with Linda Kaplan Thaler is titled THE POWER OF SMALL: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, (Doubleday, 2009). Her previous bestselling book, THE POWER OF NICE: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness (Doubleday 2006). Shes appeared on ABC’s Nightline, NBC’s “The Today Show” and in print publications including Time, Business Week, Newsweek, O: The Oprah Magazine, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

How to Organize Your CV

How to Organize Your CVWhen I first got a full-time job, I spent a lot of time trying to organize my CV in such a way that it would be ready for the first day I start work. After doing a massive amount of research and creating multiple CV templates myself, I'm now able to confidently leave my CV at my desk on the morning of my first day. Let's take a look at some of the things I did before I started getting my first job.First, I took the time to write out a CV specifically designed for my career. It wasn't too formal, it wasn't too casual. It was designed to show my potential employer my 'handle' on the job. After all, this is the first day they will be looking at me - how do you think they are going to feel if they see 'just another guy'? This kind of CV is best used when you know your industry, or have some experience working with a specific field.Next, I took the time to take my own photograph. It doesn't have to be something I would normally do - my parents would do this for me - but just knowing that I could showcase my face in my first day of work would make me more confident. I now have a lovely picture of me looking healthy and fit on my first day of work that I'm proud of.Next, I went online and looked for the best CV templates. One of the first sites I found was Online CV Writer, which was great. I spent some time playing around with the templates, making sure each of the fields in my CV was detailed and it really helped me organize my CV and make it more professional.Once I had the template I was happy with, I took my first few CV steps by sitting down and writing the information. My CV was then sent off to the employer. A week later I get an email back telling me if I've been short-listed or not. From that point onwards, I focused on applying for jobs regularly and filling in my CV as many times as possible.One thing I was advised to do while preparing my CV was to make sure the cover letter had a professional feel about it. I also felt it was impor tant to make sure I kept my CV looking neat and clean. By making sure the cover letter was professional, it made a big difference in the amount of time I was spending doing my CV.Another thing I did when I first started my job search was to do my interviews and apply for other jobs. The more people I spoke to, the more confidence I gained. By gaining a confidence boost, I was more likely to take more personal time and apply for more jobs - one interview at a time.I hope this information has given you some ideas for organizing your CV. By putting these simple steps into action, you should be able to get through to the first day of your first job easily and with a smile on your face.

5 Job Search Tips to Give you an Unfair Advantage

5 Job Search Tips to Give you an Unfair Advantage If there is one thing Ive become good at over the last 10 years, it is getting a job!Though keeping one hasnt been my strongest suit The 2 hour training is going to be VERY hands on. Ill try to fit in everything I know and have learned from some of the best about social media strategies for the job hunt. If you are unemployed or are just seeking other work and you Live in Oregon, come check this out. . .Here are 5 Tips on Using Social Media for Energizing your Job Search:One of the best resume tools Ive used is called Visual CV. You can literally share your entire work portfolio before they even meet you. There are some cool ways to integrate it into other better known networks such as Linkedin so that you are completely controlling what type of information people can get about you.Update your Linkedin profile weekly, updates are posted and sent out in emails. This keeps you top of mind.More than 1/2 of CEOs are on Twitter. If you are looking for a business contact, chances are they are on Twitter. Do you have an account yet?Set up a Google Alert, so youll know if your name shows up in any news, blogs or websitesAnd youll be better prepared to answer any unexpected questions!Think about what value you can bring to the table. Include some useful information in a social media message as an FYI on Twitter or Linkedin. This shows you are not just another resume, but someone who cares about the organization. Theyll appreciate your gumption.If you are in Portland, Come to the workshop, check it out here.

The 7 Secrets of a Perfect Video Interview - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

The 7 Secrets of a Perfect Video Interview As if traditional job interviews weren’t nerve racking enough, video interviews have forced all of us to become bedroom Baz Luhrmanns. Whether you love them or loathe them, video interviews are here to stayso here are a few tips to make your next one Oscar worthy. Do a Test Run With enough to worry about, you don’t want your interview to fall flat from technical difficulties. Do a test run with your camera to make sure your connection, sound and visuals are all up to scratch. A dry run also gives you the chance to see what the interviewer will see and make any last minute changes. Find the Perfect Location As soon as your interview is in the diary, it’s time to find your perfect location. The ideal spot will be quiet, uncluttered and with a simple background so nothing distracts from the main event… you. When it comes to lighting, natural is best but if you really want to wow your interviewer, aim for a light from behind and one on either side. It’ll give you an impressive glow. Know Your Framing As with any interview you want to look your best so, as well as lighting, it’s important to get your framing right. So imagine a triangle that runs from the top of your head to your shoulders. As video interviews restrict your appearance, this triangle is the key to positive communication so keep it as the focal point of your framing. Adjust the camera so you are in shot from just below your chest to a few inches clear of your head. Keep Eye Contact One of the trickiest parts of a video interview is establishing natural eye contact. Wandering eyes can make you seem unprofessional so, as unnatural as it may seem, try to look into the camera and not the screen. Keeping the camera at eye level will make this easier and help to avoid any uncomfortable nasal shots. Body Language A video interview is all about show and, in this instance, you’re Hugh Jackman. Try to maintain a pleasant, engaged face when not speaking and avoid unnecessary hand gestures as they may not quite translate on camera.   As with a normal interview, it’s best to keep your body language open. Stick to the Dress Code Just because your bottom half isn’t on show, there’s no excuse for PJ bottoms… or nothing at all. Dressing professionally from head to toe will help get you in the right frame of mind and also dictate poise, posture and mannerisms. As with most interviews, it’s best to dress how you would for the role. To make an instant impression, you can also choose colours that complement your background. Keep a Note One key benefit of a video interview is the ability to keep notes close at hand. Jot down a small collection of key points- examples, questions, concerns â€" and feel free to refer to them if you need. It may help you feel more relaxed and prepared. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect video interview. Ed Jones writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for  internshipsand graduate jobs.

The 7 Secrets of a Perfect Video Interview - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

The 7 Secrets of a Perfect Video Interview As if traditional job interviews weren’t nerve racking enough, video interviews have forced all of us to become bedroom Baz Luhrmanns. Whether you love them or loathe them, video interviews are here to stayso here are a few tips to make your next one Oscar worthy. Do a Test Run With enough to worry about, you don’t want your interview to fall flat from technical difficulties. Do a test run with your camera to make sure your connection, sound and visuals are all up to scratch. A dry run also gives you the chance to see what the interviewer will see and make any last minute changes. Find the Perfect Location As soon as your interview is in the diary, it’s time to find your perfect location. The ideal spot will be quiet, uncluttered and with a simple background so nothing distracts from the main event… you. When it comes to lighting, natural is best but if you really want to wow your interviewer, aim for a light from behind and one on either side. It’ll give you an impressive glow. Know Your Framing As with any interview you want to look your best so, as well as lighting, it’s important to get your framing right. So imagine a triangle that runs from the top of your head to your shoulders. As video interviews restrict your appearance, this triangle is the key to positive communication so keep it as the focal point of your framing. Adjust the camera so you are in shot from just below your chest to a few inches clear of your head. Keep Eye Contact One of the trickiest parts of a video interview is establishing natural eye contact. Wandering eyes can make you seem unprofessional so, as unnatural as it may seem, try to look into the camera and not the screen. Keeping the camera at eye level will make this easier and help to avoid any uncomfortable nasal shots. Body Language A video interview is all about show and, in this instance, you’re Hugh Jackman. Try to maintain a pleasant, engaged face when not speaking and avoid unnecessary hand gestures as they may not quite translate on camera.   As with a normal interview, it’s best to keep your body language open. Stick to the Dress Code Just because your bottom half isn’t on show, there’s no excuse for PJ bottoms… or nothing at all. Dressing professionally from head to toe will help get you in the right frame of mind and also dictate poise, posture and mannerisms. As with most interviews, it’s best to dress how you would for the role. To make an instant impression, you can also choose colours that complement your background. Keep a Note One key benefit of a video interview is the ability to keep notes close at hand. Jot down a small collection of key points- examples, questions, concerns â€" and feel free to refer to them if you need. It may help you feel more relaxed and prepared. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect video interview. Ed Jones writes for Inspiring Interns, which specialises in sourcing candidates for  internshipsand graduate jobs.