Summer Office Tips

The sun is hot and the beach is calling your name, while you are stuck in the office. Working during the summer can sometime feel tedious and slow, many blaming this lull on a summer slump. The best way to combat this slump and motivate yourself in the office this summer is to follow some easy tips.

Light Snacks or Water
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated during the heat! According to Mayo Clinic men need 13 cups of water per day while women need at least 9 cups. It’s very important to remember that even during the workday, though you may not feel the heat, your body still needs to stay hydrated. Keeping cool snacks around the office might be the energizing treat you need to stay cool. Having fruit such as berries, cut up peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums and melons are go-to’s when it comes to a light snack to eat around the office.

Scarf or Cardigan
Even though it might be warm outside, the office you work in might try and combat this weather by using the AC on full blast. While it might feel good when you first come in, having the office this cold throughout the day might give you the chills. Women are particularly susceptible, being that they are usually in fewer layers of clothing. Bringing a light sweater or summer scarf is a good way to stay warm in a cold office during the summer.

Barbecue or Picnic
One of the best ways to get your coworkers together and take advantage of the sunny weather is to have an office barbecue or picnic. Hosting a get together during the lunch hour or after work is a good way to get to know who you’re working with in a more relaxed setting. Connecting with other could drastically improve morale and it is a great way to get outside.

Light fabrics or layers
Dressing for the workplace during the summer can be difficult. The best way to dress for the heat outside (conflicting with the AC) is by wearing layers and cooler fabrics. Fabrics such as cotton and linen are a great place to start. Wearing multiple layers that are all office appropriate is another way to beat the heat, you can gradually take off layers as you are going outdoors.

Vacation or Staycation
Vacation time is definitely a catch-22 the higher you climb the corporate ladder, the more vacation you are usually allowed, but the less inclined you are to use it. With all of the responsibilities you have, the less you are inclined to take a long break. Be sure to let you team know far ahead of time before taking time off, but make sure to take time when you need it! If you can’t take a long vacation, a stay-cation might be a better option. Taking a day or two to stay at home and take care of yourself or walk around your town and do something you love, might be the break you need!

If a member of your team needs to take some vacation time, you can always call us for an excellent temporary hire! If you want more information or summer tips, go to our website or call us at 361-883-3535!

What To Wear To An Interview

With the new year just around the corner, your job search should be on its way to success! The best way to proceed is to get prepared for your new year interviews. You can do this by researching the company and getting answers ready for some questions about you. For other advice on preparation, look at our first impressions blog. The next best thing is to find an interview outfit. Here are some things to consider when deciding on your look:

Do some research
Look online to see if there are any pictures from an office function to get a look at some possibilities. You can also get a cup of coffee close to the office and check out the attire from there. If you are still lost, you can ask the local professional organization and ask what they would suggest. The best way to ensure you are a good fit at the company is to look like you belong. Dressing similarly to others in the office is a safe and calculated decision.

Choose a solid color
Patterns can be distracting. A better choice is a clean, solid color. This usually looks more flattering on the professional and does not distract. Using a solid color shirt and neutral pants is a very classic look that adds a little personality. Never go too bright with the color choice, but something other than black is preferable.

Try the sit down test
Before going to your interview, try your outfit on the night before. Sit down and make sure everything is tailored appropriately. Make sure the outfit looks modest when sitting or standing. Also, be sure that your accessories add to the outfit. Pick one statement piece and make sure the other jewelry is understated, as not to look too gaudy and distract the interviewer.

We hope these tips help you find your perfect outfit. For more help in finding a position or more tips on job searching and interviewing take a look at our Pinterest boards.

Make a Good First Impression

In the job market, a first impression can be the biggest factor standing between you and that dream job. Be mindful of how you come across to potential employers, because their view of you may be the tiny make-it-or-break-it factor that gets you the job – or doesn’t. Here are a few things to consider when preparing yourself to jump into the job search, feet first.

1. Your Resume and Cover Letter

99.99% of the time, your resume and cover letter will be your potential employer’s first impression of you. Even though they are simply written documents on paper, you need to make them count! Make sure both are formatted properly, flow well, have no grammatical or spelling errors, are specifically tailored to the company of interest, and display your best achievements and most relevant experience. Check out our other blogs for a more in-depth look at resume do’s and dont’s.

2. Your Correspondence

If a potential employer takes the time to reach out to you for any reason (be it to thank you for the submission of your resume or to request an interview), be sure to respond in a timely manner! Even a short email with a “Thank you” will suffice and show the potential employer that you can be counted on.

3. Your Appearance

If you make it far enough to be invited in for an interview, make sure you dress the part! Though dress codes can vary dramatically nowadays based on company culture, it is always better to show up overdressed than underdressed. A good pair of slacks and a collared shirt (for men) or a conservative blouse (for women) are great choices to consider. Likewise, make sure that your personal hygiene is in check – clean hair and nails, and trimmed or shaved facial hair for men – and consider skipping the excessive perfume before an interview. Some overpowering scents can have an aversive effect on people, and it’s better to skip the fragrance than to risk giving your interviewer a headache.

4. Your Timeliness

Your physical appearance is not the only factor that you should consider before an interview. Timeliness is also incredibly pivotal – especially in our culture, where “time is money.” Most hiring managers will meet with multiple job prospects in a day – you don’t want to be that one person that throws off their entire schedule because you are late. In fact, a good rule-of-thumb to follow when showing up for interviews is to get to the site fifteen minutes early. Spend the extra time rehearsing your “self-pitch” in your head, or use it to catch up on world news in the paper. Do not however, take that time to check your phone and text your best friends. Some employers – particularly if they have a secretary that sits in the lobby with you while you wait to be called in – make note of the behavior of their prospective employees before interviews.

Remember, first impressions make a big impact. Next time you apply for a job, wow your prospective employer with how incredible you are – right off the bat!

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