Tag Archives: fall

FALLing for Your Resume

Fall is finally here! Leaves are changing colors, the temperature is dropping, and pumpkin spice is once again taking over the country. But before you put on your sweater and run outside to enjoy the crisp officially autumn air, take a second to think about your resume. When was the last time you updated it? Even if you aren’t actively seeking a job, it’s important to have a resume that reflects your current experience. Here are a few fall-inspired things to keep in mind! (more…)

Clean Up Your Fall Wardrobe

stk325045rknAs the summer heat fades away and the chill of fall fills the air, you’ve likely already started adjusting your wardrobe to match the weather. While it’s necessary to change up your clothing choices for different seasons, it’s important to first take stock of what you have, reorganize, and have a plan for cooler days.

If you’re a college student in your final year of school, fall is also a great time to start building a professional wardrobe before entering the professional job search.

Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or well into your working years, here are a few tips to help you clean up your fall wardrobe and make a strong impression in the workplace.

Store, donate, or toss.
With summer in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take stock of which warm-weather pieces can transition appropriately into fall. Store things like short-sleeved items and lighter jackets, and bring out heavier jackets, long-sleeved blouses or shirts, scarves, etc. For those still in school, this is a great time to shop after-season sales. Look for work-appropriate summer attire at discounted rates. Shopping a season “behind” can help you build your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Assess options.
Think about where you were last year during this season. Are your wardrobe staples still appropriate in your current position? Over the course of changing seasons, perhaps you, too, have transformed professionally. Fall is a great time to re-evaluate your wardrobe and make appropriate changes to better fit your current role or company culture.

Make a shopping list and budget.
Which pieces do you need for this new season? How much are you willing to spend? One of the best ways to build a solid collection of work clothes—regardless of season—is to save a set amount of money each month solely for wardrobe purchases. On your shopping list, make sure you include versatile basics that can go with multiple other pieces.

If you’re a college student, think strategically about what you want to buy. If you can only afford one or two items, start with key items like dress pants, pencil skirts, practical shoes, etc. Again, versatile pieces that can be paired with various other items can allow you to build a great foundation for your fall wardrobe.

What other tips do you have for cleaning up your fall wardrobe? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

How to Start Making Use of Your Extra Hour

extra_hour_webThe end of Daylight Savings Time in America means night falls quicker and the sun rises earlier, which gives you an extra hour each day – but not for long. Before you fall into the routine of your past schedule, make use of that extra hour with these tips to help boost your career or job search.

Even though you may have a regular schedule now that the time change has passed, there are still some extra steps you can take to make a difference in your job search or career.

1. Catch up on sleep

Sure, this sounds counter-productive, but using that extra hour to catch up on ZZZs will make you more successful. Why?

According to The Sleep Foundation, many Americans show up to work drowsy and say they turn in sub-par work performances on a regular basis. A Sleep in America® poll found that 29% of people admitted to sleeping or feeling sleepy at work in the previous month, and 12% were late to work in the last month because of sleepiness.

Get your sleep, and you’ll get better results.

2. Tackle a to-do list

If your to-do list is covered in dust, it’s time to get to work. Put in extra effort to complete little chores like freshening up your resume or sending out requests for references without having to make time in your regular schedule.

3. Begin reading a helpful book

Career-enhancement books or articles on job seeking contain useful and valuable information. Sadly, many job-seekers are too busy looking for work to sit and read. Take an extra hour to find articles or books that are inspiring, creative, educational, helpful, and engaging.

4. Start an exercise program

Counteract the grogginess that comes the end of Daylight Savings Time with a brisk walk in the fall air or by hopping on that bike that’s been sitting in the garage. Regular exercise helps with your career and motivation as well.

According to new research, workers who participated in some form of physical activity experienced significantly lower instances of depression and burnout at work.

5. Pamper yourself

Take the extra hour and use it to treat yourself to light meditation, yoga, a pedicure, a massage, or whatever helps you relax. Stress from work or job hunting can take its toll, so finding time to indulge in your hobbies or relaxation may be just what you need.

6. Organize your workspace

Whether you work at an office or from home, time to arrange and organize your desk or workspace is time well spent. Messy homes and work areas not only give a bad impression to co-workers and clients, they also add to daily stress by leaving you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

7. Sign up to volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to add spark to your resume in between jobs and add to your skills. Volunteering also shows recruiters that you are a “do-er,” not someone who waits around for opportunities. Contact your local charity to find opportunities to help others while also helping your career.

How do you plan to use your extra hour? Do you have some ideas that we’ve missed? Share your advice in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Dress Up Your Work Wardrobe This Fall

stk325045rknNow that fall is officially here, it’s time to think about what to wear as the weather cools down. If you work in an office or other workplace that doesn’t have required uniforms, dressing for a new season while also watching your wallet can be a challenge. Since looking your best at work or in a job interview is important, consider taking your existing wardrobe and adding a few elements to help transition into fall.

Women’s Style Tips
Go with the flow this fall and break out your loose, flowy blouses and dresses. Since bright scarves are a year-round staple that can go from summer style to fall favorite without any extra work, add a scarf to your sweater dress for the perfect accessory. If your workplace has a casual dress code, go for dark jeans this fall.

Shoes, like ankle boots, that are neutral in color are another great addition to your fall wardrobe and a quick way to dress up an outfit.

For a look that’s both dressed-up and easy, layer a light sweater or cardigan over a button-up shirt. Or, add a blazer over blouses and dresses to stay warm on those chilly days. Fall is also a great time to invest in a durable leather jacket – a classic staple of any wardrobe.

Traditional fall colors include navy, burgundy, taupe, and cobalt blue. Try pairing colored blouses with neutral skirts or jackets for color that pops.

Statement necklaces remain a timeless addition to your wardrobe, so don’t be afraid to add an Art Deco-style necklace or other chunky piece of jewelry to your outfit. Top it off with a handbag or purse in a jewel tone and you’re sure to be both professional and fashionable in the workplace.

Mixing fabrics and creating block patterns are hit trends this season. Try combining fabric like wool with embellished trim or mix typical fall colors into your outfit.

Men’s Style Tips
If you can, now’s the time to invest in tailored clothing. Not only is the tailored look trendy, it’s also professional. Custom-cut work shirts make you appear more put together than ill-fitting shirts when you show up to an interview or the workplace.

Knit ties are a staple for fall, so if your workplace allows them, try adding one to your outfit. Leather accessories are still classic, and a leather messenger bag can add an extra touch of class to your wardrobe.

Always Follow the Dress Code
Don’t forget to follow the guidelines set by your office or workplace. If the dress code is more traditional, you may want to stick with neutrals and classic cuts. As with every season, your workplace dictates what you can and cannot wear to remain professional. Regardless of the season, always strive to look your best and represent your workplace in the greatest way possible.

Do you have any tips for transitioning into a fall wardrobe? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Fall Fashion Tips for Your Work Wardrobe

stk325045rknAs summer draws to a close, it’s time to think about what to wear to the office during the cooler fall months. Staying stylish while watching your wallet can be a challenge, but looking your best for the office or on job interviews is important. So, how can you take your existing wardrobe and transition it into new fall styles?

To answer this question, we sat down with Grace Gordon, fashion correspondent for Savoir Flair fashion magazine, to get her advice. Here are three tips to look your best for job interviews and in the workplace this fall.

Go With the Flow – Women’s Wardrobe Tips
While blouses and sweater dresses are big this year, going with the flow is key. According to Grace, “This fall, everything has a flowing, casual feel.” Women’s fashion will incorporate a nice, loose flow to formerly structured suits. Suit and skirt ensembles will be more relaxed, and while the style is loose, it’s also trendy. “We’re looking at wide-legged trousers, but no high waists. Everything sits low on the hip this year,” Gordon said.

Women’s fashion is all about feminine accents this fall. Turtlenecks and layering are back in a big way, and pairing a soft sweater dress with a colorful jacket is a comfortable yet professional look.

According to Gordon, jewel tones are the color of the season. Try pairing emerald blouses with neutral skirts or jackets for color that stands out. “If you are at a desk for most of the day, look for knit-wear and looser shapes for comfort,” Gordon said. “For interviews, a loosely-tailored suit with a metallic blouse will show power.”

Statement necklaces are still in, and Art Deco is coming back in style. “Sculpture jewelry looks like art,” Grace said. And, handbags and purses reflect the jewel tones of fall with lots of hand beading in vibrant colors and even colored feathers. This fall, little details pack a big statement.

Trendy Tailored Look – Men’s Wardrobe Tips
Mix fabrics like wool with embellished trim or find unique color blocking patterns to stay trendy this fall. And, don’t forget the importance of tailored clothing. Instead of getting stuck with an ill-fitting dress shirt, invest in custom-cut work shirts. Though they can be pricey, companies like ShirtsMyWay let men create their own shirt designs and measurement profiles so that they can get exactly what they need.

Gingham shirts are always a popular choice for fall and can be used at smart, casual work environments,” Gordon said.

If your workplace requires ties, or you just like to step up your wardrobe, go for knit ties this fall. And, classic leather accessories like messenger bags add that extra touch of class to any work outfit.

Remember the Dress Code
As with every season, the set guidelines for dress in your office are the ultimate say-so in choosing a nice fall fashion. If your office is more traditional, you may want to stick with neutrals and classic cuts even if the runways are all abuzz about leather and loose-fitting suits. Just because it’s listed in this article doesn’t mean your boss will agree.

Always strive to look your best and represent your workplace the way it intends to be represented. There are ways to look good, no matter what the policies dictate! And, since trends tend to change year-by-year, the more timeless you can keep your outfit, the more money it will save you in the long run. Stay modest, stay colorful, and stay professional!

Do you have any tips for transitioning into a fall wardrobe? Are there more fall trends that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.