Summer Business Casual Casualties: Dress Code Drama

Summer time brings out bikini tops and flip-flops. We dress a little lighter to escape the heat of the sun. Even companies with stringent dress codes, may relax their rules during warmer months. However, some may become too lax about their professional appearance, turning summer into a human resources nightmare filled with dress code drama. While I know it’s hot this summer, here’s what’s not. 

Mountain High, Valley Low, Don’t let your Cleavage Show (from the front or the back). Victoria your secret is out. Yes, I saw the tattoo on the small of your back you tried to hide from your mom.  Wardrobe that is low cut or low-rise may equal job cut or no raise.

Press to Impress. Don’t be that Sloppy Joe or Dingy Jane walking into the office like your clothes got chewed by a goat (as my Caribbean mom would say). The “shabby chic” peasant style is not in. I know the economy is tough and a dry cleaning bill may seem like a luxury, but starch spray and an iron goes a long way. If you’re wrinkled like the dollar bill you forgot in your pocket, it may reflect poorly on you.

No Funky Feet. If you want to get your foot in the door don't let your feet get in the way.  Don't kick yourself with your kicks (sneakers) or flop your style with flip-flops. I understand you may commute via public transportation and don’t want to scuff your good shoes. Just switch them out when you get to the workplace. It shows that you care about and value your professional image; an asset worth noting.

Bring Spaghetti for Lunch, but Leave the Straps Behind.  To keep your skin in the game, cover it up ladies. I know tanks are a summer staple, so try layering with a light cardigan or blouse.

It is hot out there this summer, but remember to keep your business casual style cool and professional while you escape the heat. Have a safe and fun summer!

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward
http://about.me/cathy.francois

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Résumé Bloopers: Blunders to Avoid

In this digital age it easier to access information about job opportunities. However, easier access comes with fierce competition and employers inundated with more résumés than they have time to possibly read. This makes having a résumé free from “résumé red flags” imperative to job search success. Below are some common résumé blunders to avoid. 

“Funky” Email Address. If you have an email address like sugardaddyforyou@domain.com you’re asking to be judged unfairly without mercy. This may work well on your dating profile but you want to be taken seriously. Even an arbitrary set of numbers or letters don’t work well (it looks “spamish”), because you want recruiters to quickly identify your email address with your name. I recommend creating an email address that’s a variation of your name such as jane.doe@domain.com. If you have a common name it’s harder to create one if different variations have been taken.  I've found that sometimes people tack on their birth year to their email name. I recommend refraining from dating yourself by giving early clues to your age.

Repeating the same set of words. “Attention to Detail, Superb Writing Skills, Excellent Communication Skills, Attention to Detail” Really now? At least that’s what an employer may say and straight to the shredder the résumé goes.

Fluff with no Buff.  This is the equivalent of giving a meat eater a cucumber sandwich. They’ll scream, “Where is the meat!” Instead of simply stating you’re a “hard worker" let your accomplishments speak to that. Provide an example that exemplifies that you are just that. If you state “Exceeded goals by 125%” recruiters may say to themselves, “Now that’s a winner.”

Irrelevant Personal Interests. Employers know you have a life outside of work, but do they really want to know you "play part-time in a garage band" as a candidate for an accountant position. Please don’t do this.

Right Spelling, Wrong Word. “Objective:  Seeking a party-time position related to my bachelorette degree.” This is like an unedited video filled with bloopers and a prime example of how simply using spell check is not proofreading your résumé. Have another pair of eyes review your résumé before uploading to any job site or submitting to an employer.

I hope I've humored you, but the job search process is no joke, so avoid becoming the brunt of one. 

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

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