Saturday, March 14, 2020

Interview Wardrobe Mistakes That Will Cost You the Job

Interview Wardrobe Mistakes That Will Cost You the JobI remember one nerve-wracking moment in a recent vorstellungsgesprch I went on. I was wearing a perfectly appropriate dress, with a tidy tailored but still feminine vibe. But I accidentally took off my sweater with my raincoat, and realized as I reached for my folder of resumes that I was now wearing short sleeves, which wouldnt have been a big absprache except for the tattoo Id recently gotten on the inside of my bicep. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Fortunately, it was for a college-level teaching job where they valued my professional abilities and enthusiasm as much as my presentation in a more conservative venue, it might have been a deal breaker. Now, its also true that I probably wouldnt want to work anywhere that wouldnt hire me because of my artwork or my jewelry, but thats easier said than accepted when you need a job to live and, you know, eat.That being said, here are 5 in terview wardrobe mistakes that will cost you the job1.You forget to cover up any tattoos or body artA wardrobe misstep shows a lack of judgment to a prospective employer. You want to show your personality, but in measured, deliberate ways. Even though Im not embarrassed about my tattoos (theyre colorful and fun, like me), I went into the interview expecting to not to reveal them, and I was flustered when I accidentally uncovered them. Know your outfit well enough that it cant surprise you2. Yourinterview wardrobeisnt industry appropriateWhile covering my tattoos up wasnt a mandatory gesture in the kind of teaching job I was interviewing for, in another job it might have been. On the other hand, the tailored dress I wore might have been too stuffy or formal for a more creative and casual environment.On another recent job interview, I was over-dressed and it rebounded on me in more ways than onethe office was a zillion degrees and there was only so far I could push my sleeves up Prepa re for interviews the way you prepare for the Pacific Northwest. Light layers, coordinated colors.3.Your interview wardrobe reveals too much skinAvoid anything thats distractingly short, ill-fitting, or tight. An interview is not the time to squeeze into your aspirational pants or the dress the dry cleaners shrunk that youre still in mourning for. Get a second opinion from a friend in the know, whenever youre in doubt. If Id asked around, my colleagues elsewhere in publishing could have told me that dark slacks and a blazer would have been more appropriate than my erstwhile suit look.4.You put your outfit together the morning of the interviewPractice ahead of time try on your outfit a few days in advance Make sure everything ispressed, clean, tucked in, and that your shoes match. Know how to get your briefcase or your folder open easily.And stay calm Youre still you, no matter what you wearjust put your best foot (and sleeve) forward.

Monday, March 9, 2020

Equal Pay Day Follow Up Steps

Equal Pay Day Follow Up Steps Im all for a good national celebration or holiday. Whether its Independence Day, Thanksgiving, or New Years Day, bring out the balloons, confetti, and the delicious food. Im ready. However, when it comes to Equal Pay Day, this is a different type of celebration I would rather not have to landsee pop up on my calendar every year.Why not? Well, for starters, its not necessarily a cheery day. There are no balloons, no delicious food, and no confetti. Instead there arewomen making their voices heard (and maybe drowning their sorrows in a bottle of red wine acknowledging that in the year 2017 we still have not achieved equality.)Equal Pay Day symbolizes how far into the year women have to work to earn what a man made the previous year. On average, a white woman makes 80 cents to every dollar a man makes. An African-American woman makes less, at 64 cents on average. And a Hispanic woman makes even less, at 56 cents per every dollar a man makes on average.So, a s I mentioned, this day is one I would rather not have to celebrate I think equal pay for equal work would be something way, totally better to celebrate. Dont you agree? If you didnt hear about Equal Pay Day this past year, that means youve missed it -- it happened on April 4.But this means you have nearlya year to start planning for next years Equal Pay Day. Here are some ideas on what you can do in the meantime Get Educated Read all about Equal Pay Day, the fight for ritterlich pay, the gender gap, the wage gap, and women and discrimination in the workforce. There are plenty of resources and articles out there that dive into these issues. You canalso read books that discuss womens fight for fair pay, like Lilly LedbettersGrace and Grit My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond.Dont just stop there. If this subject interests you, then dive in deeper by reading current and passed equal pay legislation likeThe Equal Pay Act of 1963. And since knowledge is power, be sure to share all your newfound insight with your friends, family members, co-workers, community members, strangers at the supermarket, and anyone else who you think should know more about this issue. Chat with Your Elected OfficialsYou can send an email, mail a letter, hop on a phone call, or try to arrange a meeting with your local elected officials to discuss the importance of passing equal pay legislation in your state. You can encourage them to co-sponsor bills that help women in the workplace and equal pay. Your elected officials are there to serve you and give your voice a platform make sure you use it.Attend an vorstellungWhether its an event that you organize yourself or one already happening in your city or town, be sure to get out there and make your voice heard. We have seen the power marches and protests have on impacting our country, giving a voice to our platforms, and empowering those to advocate for what they believe in.And obviously, when the time comes around next year, actually attend an Equal Pay Day event in your area. If there isnt an event, talk to your community about hosting one.Join or Support Womens OrganizationsI find that there is power in community. There are plenty of womens organizations that advocate for equal pay, as well as other womens issues you may be passionate about.Some you should check out are The American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, and the National Organization for Women.You can also take donate, volunteer, and untersttzungsangebot other organizations, nonprofits, and initiatives that fight for womens equality.So if you missed it in 2017, dont fret - start planning for next year--Lisa Crocco is a freelance writer who can be found wandering the aisles of local bookstores or the streets of different cities. Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer