Two Weeks into the Job and..

This is for the ladies.

I just wanted to pass on some words of wisdom about getting back into the office. There are so many things that I had forgotten.

#1... the Unspoken Dress Code.
Please remember when you get into a new office you have to impress not only your boss but also FIT IN with your co-workers.
I made the mistake of overdressing the first couple of days. I have dressed "Business Professional" for 20 years and I land a job in "casual" office. Well, I didn't own casual clothes. Heck! I only owned one pair of jeans.
My husband pointed out to me that women can be catty and strongly suggested I dress down for work just to fit in. I am so glad he reminded me of that little fact. I can't say that I'm fully in the Girl's Club yet but I'm still employed.

#2... the Makeup Rule.
You put on your makeup when you get ready for work... right? Not always! I overheard two girls (women in their 40's) talking about so-and-so saying she was "just so plastic" because she wore makeup and dressed nicely. ...um, I took that as a Big Clue. Come day 3 in the office I did not wear any foundation or mascara; just a little blush and pale lipstick.

#3... Your Hair.
I can't say that I have long, luscious, golden locks of hair but it is fairly long and it is blond. If by chance you have semi-decent hair you may want to conceal that fact while you are still new in the office. Yes, women are catty. Yes, these women were there long before you. Yes, these women DO have a say whether or not you will get to keep your job. Yes, these women will tell their boss if you fit in or not. After all, how many times have we all heard, "It might be a good fit for you." from temp agencies. Well, you have to work to make it a "good fit". Put your hair in a pony tail high up on your head; that makes your hair look shorter.

#4... Listen to the Chit Chat.
Pay close attention to what the other girls are saying about your new co-workers. This will give you definite clues on how to fit in and not make the same terrible mistakes of the unsuspecting others. Very rarely do the catty women talk about another woman's ability to do her job well. They talk about her appearance: the way she talks, the way she walks, the clothes she wears... you get the idea.

#5... Bring Food.
A Candy Dish is a great way to break the ice. It will speak for you if you are feeling shy. (like I was) I thought I would just keep my head down and do my job... it ain't that easy.

I really do wish ALL of you the very best of luck in landing your next job. It has been such a struggle for me and I am certain it has been for each of you. I can't believe I had to file bankruptcy. I can't talk to much about that because it still makes me cry.

Good Luck. Remember the Unspoken Rules of the Office.

Marrer,
Very good tips!
I recently had a f2f interview after a pre interview by phone with the HR person. Last thing she said was "wear a suit". Well of course! But a "suit" to me is a tailored blazer and pants (or skirt); to them it was matching designer suits complete with ties, yes women too, not scarves or necklaces- TIES. It was too late for me to go home and change even if I had had such a suit.
I didn't get the job, needless to say...

Oh and all the women I saw that day, with the exception of the HR person, were in their 20's, and the men in their 40's or 50's.
NOT a good fit for me