Social Networking at Work – Bad Idea?

I was reading an article over the weekend that claimed that over two thirds of employeeswant social networking sites like Bebo and Facebook banned in the workplace. Why? Personally I think that sites like Facebook can be used positively for companies, especially larger ones as they can create a sense of community and link people together. I understand that some people may not want their personal photos and comments shared with colleagues but you can always have two pages, one work, one personal.

Banning them in the workplace may be seen as stopping people wasting their working time but I think that employees should be able to check them on their lunch hour, and should be trusted not to waste hours “poking” each other! How many times do you check your Bebo/MySpace/Facebook a day? I know that I have self control (!) and would check just once, be honest…

 

 

nine to five club a success

Just like to say thanks to all of those that came along to the first of our nine to five club events last Wednesday held in the Westbury in Dublin. It was a great night we had over 70 women in the room all enjoying the free mini make-overs and massages being given out. Congrats to those of you who were lucky enough to win one of the many prizes given. Two lucky ladies won the AdminJobs.ie sponsored free image consultation. I forgot to get their names with all that was going on.

The talks were really informative, and I hope that you all left the room more nuggets of wisdom than when you came in! It was great to listen to Tricia from TIG who spoke about confidence in the workplace, listening to her tips on just how important it is to listen. The style demonstration from Mary Holmes of Ruby Seven showed us just how easy it is to put a work outfit together that doesn’t cost a fortune. Jane Downes who I think gave a fantastic presentation with lots and lots of tips on how best to plan your career.

We will have some pictures posted up of the event shortly. By the feedback that I got on the night (all really positive) there is a demand for more of this type of event. Someone suggested to me that we could organise it more often and maybe go bigger with more products.

 

Any suggestions?

Is the Grass Greener?

I watched sadly, the last in the series of ‘What Am I Worth’ last night on RTE by Lisa Holt. RTE is certainly getting better at producing reality TV programmes and being in the industry I have been captivated by the series.

Last nights episode profiled Ciara a 25 year old banking administrator on a salary of 37k and not happy in her work. Ciara came across as bright intelligent and bubbly but she felt suffocated in her role as it had no people contact. She loved shopping and was toying with the idea of a complete career change, perhaps as a fashion buyer!

Lisa brought Ciara step by step into realising that perhaps the glamour career wasn’t such a good idea. She brought her into see what a buyer does and she realised taking a pay cut of more than 14k to start at the bottom with no guarantee of getting her dream job maybe wasn’t the best option for her. Ciara with the guidance of Lisa targeted HR as an interesting career and is now targeting a career within that department in her original employer.

Lesson learnt from last nights show? If you are unhappy in your role, the answer lies within you to draw from your personality, skills and ideas into working out what is best for you. I loved Lisa’s advice to circle advertisements in the newspapers over what roles interests you. Did I say newspapers? I would suggest looking online for roles that interest you. Click here to view the latest office and HR roles available in Ireland Office Jobs The advice was so simple. Look at the jobs that appeal to you, see what is realistic on a par with salary drop to start at the bottom and work towards.

Your dream job will not drop in your lap. you have to work for it.

Happy at Work

I came across an interesting article in one of the weekend papers on Sophie Rowan’s new book out, called Happy at Work. Her timing couldn’t be better, with all this talk of a possible downtown (I say possible as I am an optimist!) it would make a good read for someone who is demotivated in work but a bit nervous about moving to a new company.

Her advice and perception of the individuals traits in the workplace are spot on. I love her comment “It’s not up to your employer or colleagues to make you happy at work.” Her main message throughout the book is about being more optimistic. Working within your current environment and improving job satisfaction will make you more happier with your lot in work. It sounds simple but good advice always does.

Happy at Work – Ten Steps to Ultimate Job Satisfaction is available from Prentice Hall Life and retails at €15.95.  I found a link for it at

www.pearson-books.com/happyatwork

where you can get a 20% discount

 

High in demand

Even though going for an interview can be a nerving experience, just remember that in today’s market you are high in demand.  I am not saying go in to an interview with a cocky attitude that you have this role all stitched up, because if you do it won’t come across well. But do value your assets and remember don’t sell yourself short.

 

Lately we have noticed interviews today tend to more casual and informal. People are buying people. You may go to an interview and find that you are introduced to the whole company, if this happens you know you are wanted and on a stronger negotiating term with regards to salary and benefits.

 

A good piece of advice would be always sleep on a job offer. From feedback on the ground, it seems more and more companies are offering on the spot if they like what they see. Remember don’t feel pressured into accepting the role at the interview, even if it is exactly what you want. Give yourself the advantage of at least 24 hours to absorb the prospect of your new career path. It won’t go against you asking for time to think the offer through, and could give you an opportunity to further negotiate your terms or benefits.

A Taste of What’s to come

Here is something we asked one of the speakers at our 9 to 5 club night Mary Holmes of RubySeven to write. Just how do you start on clearing out your dreary winter work clothes and get ready for a nice fresh look for spring/summer.

We know, we know, it is still Arctic out there and even if the hour has gone forward it still doesn’t fool us into believing that summer is here, but at least we can prepare to look the part.

How to weed your wardrobe

 

The 2 year rule

Get rid of anything that you haven’t worn in 2 years and if in doubt, throw it out!

 

Take out every single item including shoes, scarves, belts, necklaces.

Make 3 piles.

 

KEEP

The first pile is your KEEP pile. This consists of everything you love to wear all the time.

 

GO

The second pile is your GO pile. This is everything which you haven’t worn in the last 2 years, items which fit badly, worn out items, out of date fashion items, items you no longer like, gifts which were never worn, clothing with the labels still attached which has not been worn. This pile is ready for the bin or charity shop.

 

PENDING

Your third pile is your PENDING pile- anything which is need of repair or cleaning which you would wear.

 

Some tips for maintaining a wardrobe:

 

Before you put the KEEP pile back in your wardrobe make sure it all still fits and is in good condition.

 

·           Hang all trousers including jeans.

·           Arrange all clothes by colour/type- jackets together, shirts with jackets, accessories which go with tops and dresses on the hanger.

·           As you put the clothes back in your wardrobe, reverse the hangers.

·           When you have worn it, replace it in the wardrobe hanging in the right direction.

 

At the end of the season take out all the items that are still hanging the wrong way and if you have not worn the garment, get rid of it.

 

·           Remove all plastic wrapping and wire hangers as they are bad for clothes.

·           Arrange tops and jumpers on open shelves where you can see them.

·           Keep shoes in their original boxes. If you are a bit of a shoe freak and have too many pairs to keep track of, a good idea is to take a photo of the shoes and stick it on to the outside of the shoes box.

·           Keep sports clothing separate.

·           Separate your winter and summer clothes so that you only have appropriate clothing for the season hanging in your main wardrobe.

·           Winter coats and evening wear should be stored separately.

·           Store holiday clothing in a suitcase, washed and   ready to take away on your next trip. Same for ski gear.

·           Take out any clothing of sentimental value which you don’t wear regularly and wrap in tissue paper and store somewhere other than your main wardrobe.

·           If your job requires you to wear specialised clothing, including suits which you would only wear to work, then keep these items together in your wardrobe and away from your weekend wear.

 

Look after your work-wear. Get it dry cleaned regularly and keep your shoes well polished. First impressions are essential in any working environment and are generally formed by starting at the feet and looking upwards!

 

Mary Holmes is the founder of Ruby Seven, a professional image consultancy based in Dublin. For help with wardrobe weeding, general image consulting or personal shopping, please contact Ruby Seven on 087 9003494 or log onto www.rubyseven.ie for more information.