Ask Miss Smartypants - August 10, 2009 |
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| Written by Miss Smartypants |
| Monday, 10 August 2009 10:11 |
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I got my undergrad earlier this year. After months of searching (stupid economy!), I've landed my first office job. It's not the perfect dream job, but it's mine all mine. So now I'm wondering . . . what do I bring to the office? What do I wear? What's appropriate? Any thoughts you could give me about how to stock and prepare would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Office Rube Dear Office Nube, First of all, congratulations! All your hard work has finally paid off. Good for you! And now, the office. Clothes: dress up for your first week. On your first day (wear an outfit nice enough for an interview), someone will probably show you around and introduce you to other people on your floor/in your division/at the company, so take the opportunity to size up how everyone else is dressed. It's most important to fit in with your immediate unit/working group. After the first week (including the all-important Friday question: casual or not?), you'll be able to adjust your wardrobe accordingly. On your desk: again, look around during your first week to see what the standard is. Personalize accordingly. A good rule of thumb is one or two touches (a photo and a tchotchke, say). In your desk: office supplies should be covered, so what you need to do is plan for emergencies. You don't have to go the full Don Draper and keep pressed shirts in your second drawer, but a Tide-to-Go stick isn't a bad idea. Tissues, moisturizer, band-aids, breath freshener, extra nylons or socks, go-with-anything dress shoes, a set of cutlery, a mug, a cup, and healthy snacks are the kinds of necessities you want to keep at your disposal. Take some time before you start to check out the office's neighbourhood for lunch time options, nearest shopping, bus stops, etc. And don't be afraid to ask your co-workers. They probably already know all the best places for those things. Good luck, Miss Smartypants Got problems? Send 'em to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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