• 2-minute read •
A job search can be a tough slog. It takes a lot of research, a ton of fortitude and a great deal of determination to navigate the talent market these days.
The easier a particular job is to get, the worse the job is likely to be! Job-seekers who have been on the market a few times become savvy. They learn to spot recruiters and hiring managers who don’t tell the truth, and to back out of job opportunities that don’t hit their gut the right way.
Showing posts with label working. Show all posts
Showing posts with label working. Show all posts
How to answer the job interview question: ‘How do you handle working with people who annoy you?’
Get this job interview question right, and maybe you’ll find yourself in a new job with less annoying coworkers.
It may sound like a question from an online dating profile, but when job interviewers ask what irritates you about others, they’re trying to assess how you will get along with your colleagues and clients, and how your personality will fit in with the company culture.
It may sound like a question from an online dating profile, but when job interviewers ask what irritates you about others, they’re trying to assess how you will get along with your colleagues and clients, and how your personality will fit in with the company culture.
Working Abroad
You are about to accept a job offer overseas. It sounds exciting and your friends are extremely envious. After the initial ecstasy is over, you suddenly realise that you do not have much information about what life and work will be like out there! You also have a lot of unfinished work to attend to here. You don't seem to have much time. What should you do?
You may have heard of or been through such an experience. Working overseas can be extremely challenging, but it would help you if you went for your new assignment well prepared. After all, you will not only be in a new work environment but also in a new country with its own unique culture.
Whether you are going to join a new company, or are moving on a transfer with your existing employer, there are certain issues you need to consider before making the shift abroad.
In this article, we intend to highlight the areas that you need to look into before going to work abroad. We presume that you will be in a position to go for a reconnaissance (look and see) visit before making the move overseas.
Get details of all financial aspects prior to your departure
What this refers to is details of not only your salary and benefits, but also other relocation expenses such as airfare, housing, children's education etc.
It is important for you to clarify two points with your employer regarding these relocation expenses:
1.Who will incur the different expenses involved in relocation?
2.What is the limit/entitlement for each ?
The answers to these two questions will help you in your choice of house or school for the children when you go for your "look and see" visit.
The kinds of relocation expenses that you need to check out on are:
Airfare (for self and family)
packing and moving charges (furniture, household goods etc.)
housing ( your rent allowance)
installation and regular expenses of telephone and other utilities
schooling/education of children
cost of living
mode and cost of transportation
Of these certain need a thorough research like cost of living, education and housing. You may be able to decide on a house or the children's school during a reconnaissance visit. On the other hand, decisions on these may take time so you should get as much information as you can. This will enable you to plan in advance and make the move abroad easier.
In some countries like USA, opting for a public school for your children, will require thorough research into the different school/neighbourhood districts. You may need to choose the public school first, depending on which is a good school district, and then your choice of residence will automatically be in the same school/neighbourhood district.
Regarding details of your salary and benefits package, you need to clarify the following issues:
Salary payment procedure (where you need to open a bank account)
Medical aid entitlements
Health insurance (who will pay)
Your leave entitlements (including home leave/sick leave policies)
System of taxes in the foreign country
Regarding health insurance, you should clarify the details of the coverage of your policy/plan. What does it include? Does it cover routine medical expenses, hospitalisation and emergencies? Does it also cover expenses such as dental care?
How about a situation where medical evacuation may be required e.g. in the event that you get seriously sick or injured and cannot work but need to return to your home country for prolonged treatment? Are these expenses included in your policy? When does your medical coverage come into effect? When you leave your home country or when you arrive abroad? How long is the insurance valid for?
You need to get information on all these aspects prior to your departure for your new assignment.
Ensure that all documentation is appropriately done
This would include getting all legalities and formalities done like passport, visas, work permit employment contract and an international driving licence. The work permit is an important document which your employing organisation has to get for you. They have to approach the government of the country that you are moving to certifying that you will be working for them and so acquire a legal work permit for you.
Regarding your employment contract, make sure that all agreements are in writing. These would be issues such as when your contract expires, when it is to be renewed and on what conditions, is there a release clause, when can your services be terminated, who will arrange for the exit visas etc. With most professionally run companies operating overseas, there should be no need to worry on account of false promises where you could be left high and dry in a foreign land. However, such documentation is just a good back-up for you in case anything does go wrong.
To be able to drive overseas, you may initially need an international driving licence, officially known as an international driving permit. This is a recognised document world-wide but it can only be a stop-gap arrangement until you get a national licence issued in the country that you are moving to.
The international driving permit has a validity period of one year from the date of issue, it can be obtained from your home country where you already possess a legal national driving licence(you could contact the Automobile association or the Traffic police for more information in this area).
Find out about the laws and customs of the foreign country
Information on laws and customs in the foreign country would help you adjust easier to the new living and working conditions there. You would know what to expect. You could try and find out experiences of others i.e. friends, colleagues and maybe get some tips on how they worked things out.
Remember to have a medical check-up for you and your family before departure as well as all necessary immunisations/vaccinations. Depending on the country that you are moving too, these vaccinations could include cholera and yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, menangitis etc. Some countries may even require you to go through an HIV test before departure as part of your complete medical check-up.
An additional tip -in case you are carrying any medicines along that you are taking on a regular basis or are carrying for any emergency, be sure that you carry them in their original containers alongwith a medical prescription from your doctor. This should avoid any complications or chances of confiscation.
Talk to colleagues already there or who have visited that country, to give you information on the work environment in the organisation.
Though there are definitely many benefits in working abroad like an attractive salary and opportunities for international travel just be sure you get your homework done before it's time to move!
Apply Now - Resume or CV with Job Post Title
Email: jobs@aarenconsultants.in
Distance Learning: Studying while working
Competition calls for a continuous upgradation of your educational qualifications and skills sets. Now, it is possible to continue your education even after you start working through distance learning and part time courses.
We all know that education plays an important role in our careers. As such, a better education offers a lot of rewards in terms of better prospects and career. But once you start working and get into the grind, there will never be any time to study. Most of the working professionals, even if they want to, do not take up higher studies for the lack of time. This is where the concept of distance education comes in. A lot of universities and institutes today offer multi-dimensional distance learning courses. These courses offer you a chance to learn and enhance your skill set while you continue at your job. But you have to be really careful about enrolling for these courses. Keep these points in mind when deciding upon a distance learning institution or a course:
Recognition: Ensure that the institution is well known and recognised by the government or university recognising authorities. There are a lot of fake and low strung colleges out there whose only aim is to make money. Even the certificates or diplomas they offer do not hold any value in the market.
Faculty: Research upon the faculty that developed the course or is involved in the implementation. A good faculty improves the chances of world class education and a bad faculty can actually land you up in the middle of nowhere. Ensure that the faculty is related to the industry and understands the trends and have the necessary skills and competency.
Syllabus: Make sure that the course contents are designed to meet not just the market requirements but also your work area. For example, if you are a marketing executive, studying market reserach and communication can be helpful, whereas if you are a technology professional, a PMP of a Togaf will be a better choice.
Methodology: The method of imparting education is also of importance considering your work schedule and availability. If you do not have the time to attend classes, you should opt for courses that provide e-learning or self learning facilities. Also, the methodology used should be the best considering your area of work. Ideally, a distance learning or part time course should provide a combination of self learning and contact class facilities.
Relevance: Ensure that the course is relevant to your industry. A generic management course may not be of use to you if you are a project manager. In such cases, you should take up a course in project manager. Also, ensure that the course is relevant to the market needs and is updated regularly based on feedback and industry changes.
With competition becoming fiercer than ever, it is important to constantly update your educational qualifications and skill set. With distance learning and part time courses becoming more popular, there are more opportunities for you to learn while you earn. Just put in a little hard work and see your career going places.
Apply Now - Resume or CV with Job Post Title
Email: jobs@aarenconsultants.in
Homework - I Mean, Working At Home
Whether downsized, outsourced, or sick and tired of cubicle hell, more people are earning their living by working at home. The work at home industry is booming with a diverse lot of income earning opportunities. People of all skill and education levels can find a niche in this market. And the driving force that allows such an option is the Internet.
Telecommuters
Internet technology has enabled former office rats to do their work at home. Armed with a computer, fax, and telephone, employees from back office data entry to management staff are able to perform part or all of their jobs at home. The telecommuting option is appreciated by workers as it allows them more freedom and control over the work day and more time to spend with families. Companies find that this set up often improves employee morale and productivity.
Net Work
Earning money via the Internet has become an increasingly popular option in the work at home industry. Chances are you know someone who sells merchandise on eBay. Many online merchants are working out of their homes. The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities for writers to earn a living at the keyboard. People with an Internet-based career often start on a part-time basis while working their regular office gig. Once their "web job" takes off, they escape the office grind for full-time work at home.
Home Base
Another option in the work at home industry is a home-based business where you go out in the field to provide services for customers. This is a wide open opportunity - think of any product or service that people need and, viola, you have a business. Again, with the Internet, advertising for your home business is no longer a burden. For example, the senior population is exploding. Start an elder service that helps seniors with light housekeeping, grooming, and transportation. Two career families and busy folks in general equal a business for you running errands such as shopping, chauffeuring kids, and picking up dry cleaning.
You can strike out on your own with these home-based businesses or buy a franchise. Franchises offer a brand name people know and trust along with marketing support from the headquarters office. Start up costs can be out of reach for a lot of people, however, there are hundreds of franchise options in the work at home industry that will fit with small budgets.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before you plunge into any work at home opportunity. Talk with others who are working at home. Check out franchises or Internet opportunities with the Better Business Bureau. Despite the scam artists, there are thousands of options in the work at home industry and one of them will suit you.
Telecommuters
Internet technology has enabled former office rats to do their work at home. Armed with a computer, fax, and telephone, employees from back office data entry to management staff are able to perform part or all of their jobs at home. The telecommuting option is appreciated by workers as it allows them more freedom and control over the work day and more time to spend with families. Companies find that this set up often improves employee morale and productivity.
Net Work
Earning money via the Internet has become an increasingly popular option in the work at home industry. Chances are you know someone who sells merchandise on eBay. Many online merchants are working out of their homes. The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities for writers to earn a living at the keyboard. People with an Internet-based career often start on a part-time basis while working their regular office gig. Once their "web job" takes off, they escape the office grind for full-time work at home.
Home Base
Another option in the work at home industry is a home-based business where you go out in the field to provide services for customers. This is a wide open opportunity - think of any product or service that people need and, viola, you have a business. Again, with the Internet, advertising for your home business is no longer a burden. For example, the senior population is exploding. Start an elder service that helps seniors with light housekeeping, grooming, and transportation. Two career families and busy folks in general equal a business for you running errands such as shopping, chauffeuring kids, and picking up dry cleaning.
You can strike out on your own with these home-based businesses or buy a franchise. Franchises offer a brand name people know and trust along with marketing support from the headquarters office. Start up costs can be out of reach for a lot of people, however, there are hundreds of franchise options in the work at home industry that will fit with small budgets.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research before you plunge into any work at home opportunity. Talk with others who are working at home. Check out franchises or Internet opportunities with the Better Business Bureau. Despite the scam artists, there are thousands of options in the work at home industry and one of them will suit you.
Overcome a Poor Working Relationship
How can you negotiate important matters -- like compensation, benefits or promotions -- with a manager, team-mate or direct report if you don't trust that person, don't feel respected, or the person feels you don't listen? Here are some tips.
Define Your Goals Appropriately
When you focus on improving the working relationship, you are not trying to become friends with the other person, or to be liked. You are trying to make sure that, in spite of any personal feelings, the two of you are able to constructively deal with your disagreements and differences. Your aim is to create a relationship in which you can talk honestly with each other and work together to find good solutions to hard issues.
Put Aside Substance to Focus on the Relationship
The only way to resolve a relationship or communication issue is to directly discuss it. Many people hope to cure problems in their working relationships by coming up with the right substantive solution, thinking that if they get the right answer, they will get along better with the other person. In fact, it is quite difficult to discuss substantive issues when you and the other person do not trust, respect, listen to or understand each other. You are far more likely to reach a frustrating stalemate than a mutually acceptable resolution.
A better approach is to realise that when you have significant relationship problems you should focus on improving the way you and the other negotiator communicate with or treat each other. Then return to the substantive issue. For example, one of my clients made a commitment to himself to not talk about his desire for a promotion for three weeks. During that period, he met four times with his manager, and in each meeting he limited the conversation to the issues that were damaging their working relationship. After that period, he felt ready to raise other important issues.
Resolve Issues Efficiently and Effectively
Once you open the door, it is usually fairly easy to get most people to talk about the problems they see in the working relationship. Usually, they are as unhappy with the current situation as you are and are looking for some fair process to resolve the issue. Often, the simple act of talking about the problem, sharing perceptions of what is going on and why matters have degenerated to this point opens up new lines of communication. In my experience, this type of conversation builds mutual understanding, which then provides you with room to find ways to improve the situation (perhaps by promising to communicate better going forward, by exchanging apologies or by providing an explanation for misinterpreted actions).
These conversations are never easy, but they can be quite effective. One of my clients had great success by saying, "You always say I don't get it. Well, this time I am listening. Tell me what it is that you think I don't get." The other person was happy to provide a list of complaints. Then my client said, "Fine. I want to work with you to address those matters. I also want you to know that there are some important issues that I feel you don't get. I'd like to share those with you now, and then we can discuss both sets of issues."
After you have done the best you can to address the relationship issues, you can return to the reasons you are having these discussions in the first place -- the raise, promotion, change in job responsibility or transfer you have been seeking. Only now you will find a person with whom it is much easier to deal. Where before there may have only been stony silence, tension and stress, there should be more open dialogue and problem solving. Effective and good working relationships are essential to productive negotiations. If they do not exist, you have to take time to develop them. It will never be easy, but it is always valuable.
Make Working From Home Work for You
Most of us, at one time or another (usually on a dark, wet Monday morning), have probably thought how fantastic it would be to work from home. No cold commute, a slow start, no need to get out of your dressing-gown till lunchtime…But what’s the reality of working from home, and is it something that would really work for you? Here are our top tips for things to consider before you take the plunge:
Why Work from Home
First of all, get clear about exactly why you want to work from home. Legitimate reasons include helping you to juggle family commitments such as childcare, allowing yourself to work “smarter” by saving the time of a long journey to work, or allowing you to manage your time better if you spend a lot of time working independently, or often have to travel or work unsociable hours. If you’re self-employed or about to start up your own business, working from home is often a sensible way of keeping your overheads down.
Consider your Children
Employers are increasingly willing to allow employees to work at least part-time from home – it helps to keep their costs down and can be great for staff morale as it shows that your company trusts you to act responsibly. If you have children under the age of 6, your employer is legally required to give serious consideration to a reasonable request to work flexibly. However, that doesn’t mean they have to agree to your request. Increase your chances of a favourable response by setting out clearly the benefits to your employer as well as yourself.
It takes Discipline
Be honest with yourself about how well you are suited to home working. If you’re someone who loves a quick gossip with your colleagues over your morning coffee, you might find it lonely being stuck at home all day on your own. Be realistic about your ability to discipline yourself to get down to work when there’s no one there to “check up” on you: it can be all too easy to find a constant stream of chores and distractions to keep you away from the computer.
Do you have the Space
If you decide to go ahead and take the plunge, you’ll need to make sure that you have appropriate space and systems in place. The spare bedroom is the classic “home office” location, but if you’re short of space you may have to improvise a bit. The key thing is to make sure that you have dedicated workspace that is comfortable and practical. If that means the kitchen table, arrange things so that you can easily clear away at the end of the day – so that you have room to live, but also so that you can switch off from work.
Break Time
Drawing a boundary between work time and leisure time is often one of the most difficult problems for home workers. It’s all too easy just to check your email one more time or make one more phone call, and before you know it, it’s 10pm. Put a routine in place: start work at the same time every day if possible, plan proper breaks throughout the day, and be disciplined about your finishing time. Take a break for lunch and, if possible, get outside and get some fresh air, or at least take some time away from your desk to do something completely different. This will help to keep you fresh and focused.
Family & Friends
You’ll need to be strict with friends and family, too. When you work from home, people can fall into the trap of assuming that you’re always available to chat, go shopping, or help them out. If friends phone for a gossip, tell them that you’re working but you’ll call back when you have your lunch break/at the end of the day. Be prepared to be robust about this: one of the most frustrating things about working from home is that other people sometimes assume you don’t really have a “proper” job – don’t reinforce their prejudices by not taking your work time seriously.
Stay in Touch
Put in place systems to keep you in touch with the office. A daily phone call and/or a weekly meeting will help to keep you involved and make sure you don’t get forgotten about. Try to meet up with colleagues socially from time to time so that you’re kept on the inside track of the office politics and what’s really going on.
Working from home can bring enormous benefits, helping you to juggle other demands, work more efficiently and reduce the stress of commuting. The secret to making it work for you is to be clear about the potential benefits as well as the drawbacks, and to put in place systems and procedures to make sure that you can work as efficiently and effectively as you would in the office. Then all you have to do is work out what you’re going to do with all the time you save!
Why Work from Home
First of all, get clear about exactly why you want to work from home. Legitimate reasons include helping you to juggle family commitments such as childcare, allowing yourself to work “smarter” by saving the time of a long journey to work, or allowing you to manage your time better if you spend a lot of time working independently, or often have to travel or work unsociable hours. If you’re self-employed or about to start up your own business, working from home is often a sensible way of keeping your overheads down.
Consider your Children
Employers are increasingly willing to allow employees to work at least part-time from home – it helps to keep their costs down and can be great for staff morale as it shows that your company trusts you to act responsibly. If you have children under the age of 6, your employer is legally required to give serious consideration to a reasonable request to work flexibly. However, that doesn’t mean they have to agree to your request. Increase your chances of a favourable response by setting out clearly the benefits to your employer as well as yourself.
It takes Discipline
Be honest with yourself about how well you are suited to home working. If you’re someone who loves a quick gossip with your colleagues over your morning coffee, you might find it lonely being stuck at home all day on your own. Be realistic about your ability to discipline yourself to get down to work when there’s no one there to “check up” on you: it can be all too easy to find a constant stream of chores and distractions to keep you away from the computer.
Do you have the Space
If you decide to go ahead and take the plunge, you’ll need to make sure that you have appropriate space and systems in place. The spare bedroom is the classic “home office” location, but if you’re short of space you may have to improvise a bit. The key thing is to make sure that you have dedicated workspace that is comfortable and practical. If that means the kitchen table, arrange things so that you can easily clear away at the end of the day – so that you have room to live, but also so that you can switch off from work.
Break Time
Drawing a boundary between work time and leisure time is often one of the most difficult problems for home workers. It’s all too easy just to check your email one more time or make one more phone call, and before you know it, it’s 10pm. Put a routine in place: start work at the same time every day if possible, plan proper breaks throughout the day, and be disciplined about your finishing time. Take a break for lunch and, if possible, get outside and get some fresh air, or at least take some time away from your desk to do something completely different. This will help to keep you fresh and focused.
Family & Friends
You’ll need to be strict with friends and family, too. When you work from home, people can fall into the trap of assuming that you’re always available to chat, go shopping, or help them out. If friends phone for a gossip, tell them that you’re working but you’ll call back when you have your lunch break/at the end of the day. Be prepared to be robust about this: one of the most frustrating things about working from home is that other people sometimes assume you don’t really have a “proper” job – don’t reinforce their prejudices by not taking your work time seriously.
Stay in Touch
Put in place systems to keep you in touch with the office. A daily phone call and/or a weekly meeting will help to keep you involved and make sure you don’t get forgotten about. Try to meet up with colleagues socially from time to time so that you’re kept on the inside track of the office politics and what’s really going on.
Working from home can bring enormous benefits, helping you to juggle other demands, work more efficiently and reduce the stress of commuting. The secret to making it work for you is to be clear about the potential benefits as well as the drawbacks, and to put in place systems and procedures to make sure that you can work as efficiently and effectively as you would in the office. Then all you have to do is work out what you’re going to do with all the time you save!
Creating the perfect working wardrobe
You’ve graduated, found your first job, but now comes the next difficult stage…”What should I wear?” If you work in a formal office environment where suits are a must you needn’t worry about having a vast wardrobe of clothes to be well dressed for work.
By developing a ‘capsule’ wardrobe of basic pieces that you can mix and match, you can have a variety of options without having to blow your first few months’ wages on clothes. The important thing is to rotate your clothes and shoes on a daily basis to allow your clothes to rest between wearing.
Capsule wardrobe for the guys
As a minimum you will need two to three suits, preferably a navy, a charcoal, and another dark neutral. If your office allows ‘business casual’ then three jacket-and-trouser combinations will be fine. If you can afford it, buy a second pair of trousers to go with each of your suits. You’ll find that your trousers will wear out more quickly than your jackets do and buying an extra pair is a great way of making your suits last longer.
Five work shirts, one for each day of the week, are a must. They don’t need to have a double cuff, button cuffs are fine, but do make sure that the collar fits. If in doubt go for the next size up, as you don’t want to feel strangled. A selection of five silk ties, in colours that complement your shirts will complete your look. Just remember that you will need to look after your ties by having them dry-cleaned and pressed regularly.
As the winter hits you’ll need to invest in an outer coat, this doesn’t need to be full length but should be longer than your suit jacket. When shopping for your coat, remember that it will need to be large enough to fit comfortably over your suit jacket.
When buying socks, purchase at least three pairs of each type to beat the ‘washing machine gobbler’ and buy them in a size larger than you need as they will shrink. For understated style, the colour of your socks should coordinate with your trousers. In formal business, long wool or cotton mix socks should be worn so as not to reveal any leg when you sit down.
Shoes and belts are the finishing touches to your working wardrobe. To see you through your first year you’ll need two or three pairs of leather shoes. This may seem a lot but shoes will last longer if you allow them to breathe between wears. Don’t forget to polish them regularly and have them re-soled and re-heeled when necessary. If your trousers have belt loops you’ll need to wear a belt.
Capsule wardrobe for the girls
A suit will form the basis of your formal working wardrobe. To start with you’ll find that four suits, in complementary neutral colours, or a combination of four jackets and four skirts or pairs of trousers will give you plenty of options. Depending on when you start your job it’s worth considering opting for one suit or outfit in a slightly lighter or heavier fabric so that you can manage seasonal weather changes.
A selection of colourful tops, providing they are in a palette that suits you is a great way of introducing colour into your wardrobe. Six to eight carefully chosen items, a mixture of knits and shirts will help to ensure that you have the right look for every occasion. Avoid choosing white for the majority of your tops as you’ll end up looking the same every day.
In order to cope with British weather you’ll need to invest in an overcoat or raincoat. When choosing your coat, it is worth going for a classic cut in a dark fabric, rather than a high fashion item, as this is likely to last for longer. If you have to make a choice between the two, opt for a raincoat as this will prove more versatile, after all, you can always put a scarf and pair of gloves on in the winter to keep you warm.
To go with your capsule wardrobe, you’ll need three pairs of shoes that tone with your suits and that are in line with current trends. It’s important to make sure that they are appropriate to the season too.
Your choice of handbag is also important. Ideally you should have 2 quality handbags in appropriate colours for your suits. If you’re using them for work, make sure they’re large enough to hold documents and folders. Alternatively, look at investing in a smart laptop bag that you can use as a briefcase. Complete your formal look from head to toe: a tailored suit calls for toned-down accessories, and tights are essential, whatever the time of year.
Dressing tips for all
To appear friendly and approachable, you need to wear colours of medium depth. Black and other dark shades represent authority, whilst red will make you appear assertive. To look efficient, your grooming has to be impeccable. If your hair is unwashed, you will give the impression of not caring about yourself. Ladies, if you haven’t applied any make-up, others may think that you’re not in control of your time management. One last rule, showing too much flesh isn’t appropriate in a business or formal environment.
By developing a ‘capsule’ wardrobe of basic pieces that you can mix and match, you can have a variety of options without having to blow your first few months’ wages on clothes. The important thing is to rotate your clothes and shoes on a daily basis to allow your clothes to rest between wearing.
Capsule wardrobe for the guys
As a minimum you will need two to three suits, preferably a navy, a charcoal, and another dark neutral. If your office allows ‘business casual’ then three jacket-and-trouser combinations will be fine. If you can afford it, buy a second pair of trousers to go with each of your suits. You’ll find that your trousers will wear out more quickly than your jackets do and buying an extra pair is a great way of making your suits last longer.
Five work shirts, one for each day of the week, are a must. They don’t need to have a double cuff, button cuffs are fine, but do make sure that the collar fits. If in doubt go for the next size up, as you don’t want to feel strangled. A selection of five silk ties, in colours that complement your shirts will complete your look. Just remember that you will need to look after your ties by having them dry-cleaned and pressed regularly.
As the winter hits you’ll need to invest in an outer coat, this doesn’t need to be full length but should be longer than your suit jacket. When shopping for your coat, remember that it will need to be large enough to fit comfortably over your suit jacket.
When buying socks, purchase at least three pairs of each type to beat the ‘washing machine gobbler’ and buy them in a size larger than you need as they will shrink. For understated style, the colour of your socks should coordinate with your trousers. In formal business, long wool or cotton mix socks should be worn so as not to reveal any leg when you sit down.
Shoes and belts are the finishing touches to your working wardrobe. To see you through your first year you’ll need two or three pairs of leather shoes. This may seem a lot but shoes will last longer if you allow them to breathe between wears. Don’t forget to polish them regularly and have them re-soled and re-heeled when necessary. If your trousers have belt loops you’ll need to wear a belt.
Capsule wardrobe for the girls
A suit will form the basis of your formal working wardrobe. To start with you’ll find that four suits, in complementary neutral colours, or a combination of four jackets and four skirts or pairs of trousers will give you plenty of options. Depending on when you start your job it’s worth considering opting for one suit or outfit in a slightly lighter or heavier fabric so that you can manage seasonal weather changes.
A selection of colourful tops, providing they are in a palette that suits you is a great way of introducing colour into your wardrobe. Six to eight carefully chosen items, a mixture of knits and shirts will help to ensure that you have the right look for every occasion. Avoid choosing white for the majority of your tops as you’ll end up looking the same every day.
In order to cope with British weather you’ll need to invest in an overcoat or raincoat. When choosing your coat, it is worth going for a classic cut in a dark fabric, rather than a high fashion item, as this is likely to last for longer. If you have to make a choice between the two, opt for a raincoat as this will prove more versatile, after all, you can always put a scarf and pair of gloves on in the winter to keep you warm.
To go with your capsule wardrobe, you’ll need three pairs of shoes that tone with your suits and that are in line with current trends. It’s important to make sure that they are appropriate to the season too.
Your choice of handbag is also important. Ideally you should have 2 quality handbags in appropriate colours for your suits. If you’re using them for work, make sure they’re large enough to hold documents and folders. Alternatively, look at investing in a smart laptop bag that you can use as a briefcase. Complete your formal look from head to toe: a tailored suit calls for toned-down accessories, and tights are essential, whatever the time of year.
Dressing tips for all
To appear friendly and approachable, you need to wear colours of medium depth. Black and other dark shades represent authority, whilst red will make you appear assertive. To look efficient, your grooming has to be impeccable. If your hair is unwashed, you will give the impression of not caring about yourself. Ladies, if you haven’t applied any make-up, others may think that you’re not in control of your time management. One last rule, showing too much flesh isn’t appropriate in a business or formal environment.
Tips on working your notice
Most companies have a notice period as part of their terms of employment, and these usually vary in length depending on your time at the company and your seniority. Some companies have a policy of very long notice periods to act as a deterrent for employees to leave, especially in specialist industries where finding replacements with the same skills and experience is difficult.
This contractual obligation acts as a guarantee against you just walking out the door, leaving your employer exposed by the gap you leave. On the other hand, if you work in a very sensitive area – like a trading floor or the R&D department of an IT company – you might find yourself escorted off the premises before your last words have died away.
It also offers you protection against being summarily dumped, with no income until you find another job. So it’s essentially a form of insurance policy for both employer and employee, and worth respecting as such.
Notice period law
This can be a complicated area, and lawyers make fortunes from the problems that can surround it. In general, though, make it your business to understand the issues as far as you can, and avoid taking any action that is likely to compromise your position. As a general rule, if you play it straight and work your notice, you should get all that you are due, in terms of salary, commission, bonuses, holiday allowance, and so on. If you wilfully break the terms of your notice period, you put all this at risk.
A few basic rules
Don’t burn any bridges when it can be avoided. You might need goodwill for references, you may want to come back later on, or you may find one of your former colleagues interviewing you for a job in years to come. Many industries are very close knit and a bad word that comes through a friend of a friend can harm your career. If you’re leaving because you are being treated unfairly and might want to take legal action, keep it under your hat. Quietly gather your evidence and look for a solicitor. Keep smiling, or you’ll lose the vital element of surprise.
If you can, get an agreement from someone in the company to act as a reference and keep in touch with your business contacts and mentors, not just your friends. Start a little black book of people who might help you later on in your career. You may be asked to keep your move to yourself to avoid creating morale problems. Always respect these requests, and protect your reputation for dignity and discretion.
Doing a deal
You may also be offered a deal over your notice period, accepting a shorter period in return for fewer benefits, or taking a pay-off to leave quickly. Always give these offers your full consideration and treat them in confidence.
‘Gardening leave’ is a dream way to leave a job, working out your notice, on holiday or pottering around at home. For the time of your notice period, you’re not allowed into work or to be employed by anybody else. It’s generally the preserve of senior executives who are sitting on a lot of critical strategic information or for any employee who is moving to a direct competitor that may be able to get their hands on confidential facts and figures.
Saying goodbye
After receiving a small token of your colleague’s appreciation and a speech from your manager, you may have to say a few words yourself. Don’t worry too much about this – a very quick ‘thank you’ is sufficient as you should have already spoken one-to-one with anyone you owe special gratitude. You should also send a quick email to your colleagues with contact details should anyone wish to get hold of you once you’ve left.
It’s traditional to head off to the local pub with your colleagues on your last day, and the occasion can be a good one for cementing friendships and business relationships. Be careful how you manage it though. A few hours in, your judgement may be a bit less clear, and you may end up doing or saying something you’ll live to regret. Try to be clear in your own mind about when to call a halt to the proceedings and politely take your leave. You won’t offend any real friends among your colleagues, and you can always meet up later and let your hair down properly.
This contractual obligation acts as a guarantee against you just walking out the door, leaving your employer exposed by the gap you leave. On the other hand, if you work in a very sensitive area – like a trading floor or the R&D department of an IT company – you might find yourself escorted off the premises before your last words have died away.
It also offers you protection against being summarily dumped, with no income until you find another job. So it’s essentially a form of insurance policy for both employer and employee, and worth respecting as such.
Notice period law
This can be a complicated area, and lawyers make fortunes from the problems that can surround it. In general, though, make it your business to understand the issues as far as you can, and avoid taking any action that is likely to compromise your position. As a general rule, if you play it straight and work your notice, you should get all that you are due, in terms of salary, commission, bonuses, holiday allowance, and so on. If you wilfully break the terms of your notice period, you put all this at risk.
A few basic rules
Don’t burn any bridges when it can be avoided. You might need goodwill for references, you may want to come back later on, or you may find one of your former colleagues interviewing you for a job in years to come. Many industries are very close knit and a bad word that comes through a friend of a friend can harm your career. If you’re leaving because you are being treated unfairly and might want to take legal action, keep it under your hat. Quietly gather your evidence and look for a solicitor. Keep smiling, or you’ll lose the vital element of surprise.
If you can, get an agreement from someone in the company to act as a reference and keep in touch with your business contacts and mentors, not just your friends. Start a little black book of people who might help you later on in your career. You may be asked to keep your move to yourself to avoid creating morale problems. Always respect these requests, and protect your reputation for dignity and discretion.
Doing a deal
You may also be offered a deal over your notice period, accepting a shorter period in return for fewer benefits, or taking a pay-off to leave quickly. Always give these offers your full consideration and treat them in confidence.
‘Gardening leave’ is a dream way to leave a job, working out your notice, on holiday or pottering around at home. For the time of your notice period, you’re not allowed into work or to be employed by anybody else. It’s generally the preserve of senior executives who are sitting on a lot of critical strategic information or for any employee who is moving to a direct competitor that may be able to get their hands on confidential facts and figures.
Saying goodbye
After receiving a small token of your colleague’s appreciation and a speech from your manager, you may have to say a few words yourself. Don’t worry too much about this – a very quick ‘thank you’ is sufficient as you should have already spoken one-to-one with anyone you owe special gratitude. You should also send a quick email to your colleagues with contact details should anyone wish to get hold of you once you’ve left.
It’s traditional to head off to the local pub with your colleagues on your last day, and the occasion can be a good one for cementing friendships and business relationships. Be careful how you manage it though. A few hours in, your judgement may be a bit less clear, and you may end up doing or saying something you’ll live to regret. Try to be clear in your own mind about when to call a halt to the proceedings and politely take your leave. You won’t offend any real friends among your colleagues, and you can always meet up later and let your hair down properly.
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