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Recent research in the USA has suggested that, however bright and well-educated new graduates are, they tend to lack certain experience or instincts, that would help them find their feet instantly in the world of work.
The Recruiting Director at Ernst and Young offers some wisdom that anybody in the workplace can call on and one of his most valuable insights is into the work-wear. In both the UK and USA most offices and other workplaces are business casual, but like most things at work, he says, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Take a week or so to gauge what more experienced staffers wear, and then make your fashion choices accordingly. For those first few days men should wear dress trousers or smart chino with a long-sleeved shirt. Short-sleeved Polo Shirts might be fine, but don’t be presumptuous in those early days – wait to be sure that you’ve understood the whole office ethic before heading for the casual end of the spectrum. You might, for example, have started work in a week when the most formal senior executives are on holiday and so everybody is hanging loose until they return – everybody, that is, except you, who will be the only ‘dress down’ dweeb in the office on the following Monday when the honchos return.
Women, he says, should avoid wearing flip-flops, skin-tight tops or trousers, skirts above the knee or tops that don’t cover their midriff. For that first week they should wear trousers that rise to the waist, skirts that are no shorter than just above the knee and tops that have sleeves.
He also advises discreetly writing down the names of people you meet and their job titles. Most people won’t expect you to remember their names, and if you do, they’ll be impressed.
Office view courtesy of Iaruth
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