And Another Thing...While I'm at the Advice Table

Yesterday I shared some advice I'm going to give to a total stranger who emailed me looking for a job.

A few more things come to mind.

• Shower before you come to work - every day before you come to work

• Wear deoderant - really, I mean it

• Don't where a do-rag, a raggedy scarf, or a messy headress -- if your religion or your health requires covering your head, please do -- I've never met anyone who wears something on their head for religious or health reasons who treated that garment with anything but care and respect -- but just wrapping a scarf around your head because you "didn't want to shower this morning" no ok (see number 1)

• The first questions out of your mouth in an interview should NEVER be:

• 1. How much vacation time is there? (followed up with the response, "oh that's not enough)
  2. How long until I really move up the ladder here and get some real work?
  3. When do I get my new iPhone?
  4. or: i can't use a blackberry, they're just not cool -- I'll be needing an iPhone.
  5. What are you office hours? (followed by: ummm, yeah that 8:30 start time isn't going to work for me)
  6. Is there a car allowance?
  7. Google has free lunch, and laundry and yoga classes - what's your plan? (Oh, and yeah, Google is pulling those back and PS Google doesn't want their staff EVER TO LEAVE)
• Do not leave your medications on your desk for all to see just because you "forget to take them if they're not in front of me."
• LEARN HOW TO EAT PROPERLY; This includes

1. Put your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down 
2. Use your utensils from the outside in - the fork and spoon at 12 o'clock are for dessert
3. Do not slurp    
4. Take butter from the plate and put it on your bread plate -- do not stick your bread into the communal butter  
5. Don't get drunk at dinner with colleagues or clients  
6. Your drinking glass is above your knife  
7. Ask for people to pass you things - don't reach across other people at your table to get the cream  
8. EAT WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED  

• At your first company meeting, don't say "I know I may be new hear but don't think you can push me around."
• Don't talk about sex at work -- sex you're having, sex you wish you were having, preferred positions or number of partners -- ever.
• Politics does not belong at work -- unless you are a politician, are  working for a political campaign or politician. Do not solicit colleagues for money for the causes you support. Do not. Do not wear a political T shirt or button. No really, it's not cool.
• If your boss keeps it at home, SO SHOULD YOU. (but don't assume that the inverse is true)

Just a few REAL THINGS that have I have experienced to keep in mind.