Shop Talk

I’m thinking of changing the blog’s name for the third time. Yes, I know, I should really make up my mind. I’m just thinking of being more practical instead of utilizing the long name.

So, I am alive. It’s been a rather long hiatus. As mentioned in my previous post, I had the flu. Make that, I had the flu for nearly two weeks! It was awful. I have no idea how I developed the symptoms. Perhaps the semester and graduation finally caught up with me in an undesirable way.

I began feeling better about two weeks ago, but I’ve devoted that time to the job search because I didn’t have the strength or concentration to do so while ill.

One of the things I did while ill or shortly thereafter was read “The Devil Wears Prada.” The book, interesting and funny in parts, was about the exploits of a recent college graduate who worked in the office of a big-time fashion magazine as assistant to its editor-in-chief. It’s actually based on the author’s own life and her experiences while working at Vogue magazine.

I know this is pretty standard and common sense, but if you’re looking for your first job, you can take away some indirect advice from this novel. It’s more or less stuff to keep in mind.

1. Know who and what you’re dealing with when you go in for that interview.

Andy, our heroine, knew she wanted to be a writer and she wanted to work for The New Yorker seeing Runway as a stepping stone to get there. Yet going into her interview, she knew nothing about the magazine nor her future boss. Somehow, she gets the job that “a million girls would die for,” as pounded into her head and the reader’s head as well.

Although Andy didn’t know exactly which magazine she’d be interviewing with, it leaves a simple lesson: Do your homework. Walking into an interview without knowing anything about the company, or your potential boss could leave a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth. Not to discredit the people who can waltz in and ace an interview without knowing anything, but not everyone gets lucky.

You were called in for an interview because the company has interest in your skills and what you could offer. It’s a safer bet for you to know and understand what the company is about.

2. Dress to impress.

Every company’s dress policy is different. Some take a more casual approach while others are strictly a suit and tie affair. You’ve heard Company X doesn’t mind if its employees show up in t-shirts, shorts and tennis shoes. Does that mean you should dress the part for your interview? Certainly not.

You can always ask when you confirm your interview, but what I’ve always been told is to overprepare. Choose properly fitting clothes that are not too baggy nor too tight. Make sure that what you wear matches. If you have an array of colors and patterns, but don’t know what matches, choose classic pieces. Or, when shopping, ask salespeople to help. As you go to your interview, always keep the little things with you in case of emergencies (combs, hose, mints, etc.).

The most important thing to remember is that not only is the interviewer making a decision based on your skills and the interview, he/she is also looking at how you present yourself. If you show up in unironed clothes with unkempt hair, chances are he/she will think you don’t care. You may also feel a little unconfident if you have someone scrutinizing your wardrobe with their eyes while you answer their questions. That old addage (or phrase) rings true: When you look your best, you feel your best. When in doubt, reach for the suit.

3. Get to know your co-workers.

OK, so you got a job. Hurray! Now you’re meeting the people you’ll be working with. Sally comes up to you and whispers, “Never work with Bob, he takes credit for everything you do.” Great, you think. My first office drama. So everyone isn’t always going to get along and hold hands while singing “Kumbaya,” but that doesn’t detract from the fact that you should try to develop amicable relationships with your co-workers. These are the people you’ll be working with on assortment of accounts and projects; the more friendly the encounters, the less stress on you. Maybe there’s another side to the story about Bob. Find out. If someone’s being less then civil, address it. If no middle ground can be reached, take it to a supervisor. Don’t give in to gossip. It could hurt in the long run especially when you’re up for promotions and your co-workers are being questioned about you.

4. Always follow through.

It might be a slow day in the office or the day just might be flying by. Whatever the case, make sure you do things when you need to do them. Whether this means posting 50 stickies on your desk, programming tasks into your Palm Pilot, cell phone and computer, or marking up a desk calendar, get things done. I admit that, at times, I will forget what I need to do a split second thereafter if I don’t quickly write it down.

If your boss needs you to do something promptly, do it. Always make follow-up calls and emails. You want to be seen as reliable, engaged and trustworthy, not someone who’s unreachable and unconcerned.

Develop a game plan. Chances are you won’t get everything done that you intended to do that day, but if you can cross off a few things you will feel accomplished.

5. Be yourself.

You’re freshly out of college and in your first professional job; my, how things have changed. “You’re all grown up,” your Aunt Linda might say. Yes, you’re a professional now and with it comes responsibilities and a new attitude. You’re expected to maintain a certain air of professionalism on the job, but don’t let your personality become lost in the mix. It doesn’t mean you have to now become totally boring and serious. If you are typically known as a bright, friendly outgoing person, stay that way. Just don’t turn every work day into a gab session!

Andy (remember her?) discovered that she was becoming too much like her boss and hated the way her job had become her life. There will be times when it seems like all you’re doing is your job, especially if you’re clocking in at 12-hour days. Just don’t forget that you need some time to recuperate and keep your sanity in check. At the end of the day, only you can make yourself happy. The most important lesson: Define your career, don’t let it define you.

I have been very sick with the flu. It is now in its eighth day and it is driving me crazy! I hope to be well enough soon to post with a clear mind and not with one that is loopy from medicine.

By the way, who gets the flu when it’s almost summer?!