PODCAST:
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SHOW TOPICS:
- Classy Career Girl reader networking success story
- Interview with Kimberly Palmer: How to negotiate your salary and manage your finances
- Reader Question: What are some clothing staples for work?
- Reader Question: Is it okay to go without hosiery?
TRANSCRIPT:
Welcome to Podcast 2 of Classy Career Girl podcast! Today as we start the podcast I would love to share a success story I received from a reader to encourage and motivate you to create your own successes as well in your life and career.
I wanted to let you know of a successful networking step that I finally had the nerve to take. I am currently unemployed and looking for a new job. I’ve already been tapping a few contacts in my Linkedin network for assistance but so far no luck. Yesterday I saw a position at a company that really interested me but I did not have any 1st level contacts in my profile working at that same company. I then noticed that a had a 1st level contact that knew someone at that company. I knew that I needed to ask my contact for an introduction via Linked in but was apprehensive to put myself out there in that way.
Well, I reviewed the notes I took from your recent networking webinar and decided to put my big girl pants on and give it a shot. I carefully crafted an appropriate email and sent it off to my contact. Much to my delight, he agreed and immediately sent off the introduction. Last night I received a follow up note from my contact, including a note from my “new contact” at the company I am interested in. He is willing to help me out, asked for a copy of my resume and will even speak to a recruiter on my behalf ! I am keeping my fingers crossed that this may finally be my foot back in the door for a new position. It would not have been possible if not for your blog and webinar advice.”
If you have success stories, I would love to celebrate with you too so email them to me please! Or I would love to interview you also about your success to feel free to email me as well. Now we are going to listen to my networking challenge interview with Kimberly Palmer. Kim gave us some great advice on salary negotiation and paying off those student loans so make sure to listen.
Watch the video and read the transcript on managing your finances with Kimberly Palmer here.
Reader Questions:
Our first question comes from Nicholette:
I came across your blog and I am glad I did. They will say it is a blessing in disguisedŠ. I have been trying to look classy at work but I just can¹t get it. Monday to Thursday I want to look professional or formal. I believe that I should dress for success. Fridays we were casual attire. I want to invest in classic and stylish office wear this year – do you have any ideas?”
This is such a common question that I get! I actually did a blog post on it a year ago that I will link to in the show notes. The thing that most people don’t realize is that you really don’t need much to have a great working wardrobe. Just a few staples to mix and match and you are good to go! I realized this after getting rid of half of my closet. The best part about storing less in your closet is that it is so much quicker to get ready in the morning!! Here are the 8 staples that you need for a great working wardrobe. These staples you can mix and match for an entire month without looking like you are wearing the same thing over and over:
- Black Blouse
- White blouse
- Simple Tee
- Trouser Pant
- Black Blazer
- Tailored dress
- Cardigan
- Pencil skirt
For casual days, I would add one more things – I would add some dark jeans that aren’t too tight and have no holes whatsoever. I would also add a blouse short sleeve that you can wear on casual days as well.
If you want to see photo recommendations of the above items, make sure you check out this post on how to start a new work wardrobe.
Another thing I would do is scope out your closet and see what you already have that could work. Figure out what you really needs before you head to the mall. That way, you will make sure you don’t buy things that you don’t need. Does you already have pants that you could use? If so, I would find a suit jacket that matches your pants. The colors don’t have to match exactly. I honestly think one of the most important parts of a business outfit is the blouse or collared shirt that goes underneath the suit jacket. For me, I could have a fabulous suit all ready to go, but if I don’t like or feel comfortable in the shirt underneath, then it comes off before I head out the door. You would think that the shirt underneath the jacket might be the easiest to find and you probably wouldn’t have to try it on with the jacket, but I urge you to definitely try on the whole outfit before the big interview day! Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a collared shirt. My favorite shirts under suits are short sleeve blouses with no collar. Not only can you wear these shirts under suit jackets, you can also wear them on the weekends or to happy hour! One of my favorite places lately to shop for these is The Loft. My favorite place lately to shop for suits is Express.
Our next question in from Jane.
My one burning question: is it okay to go without hosiery while wearing a below the knee skirt and professional looking heels? If not, what is a good alternative to stuffy pantyhose?”
This is a question I get a lot on my blog! No, you don’t have to wear pantyhose to work these days. But if you feel more comfortable with pantyhose, they are perfectly acceptable too. But, don’t fee like you have to. Also remember that the majority of your potential employers and hiring managers may not be your age and pantyhose may be a part of their life so you may want to do your best to join the crowd and fit in the best way you can even if that involves pantyhose. When I entered the career world out of college, I thought that pantyhose were a must! I wore them to interviews and on the job. I even wore knee-highs with pants because I thought I would look more professional and mature. I realized a few months in that not only were they terribly uncomfortable but most women (of all ages) I was working with were not wearing them. Today, I very rarely see anyone wearing pantyhose so I never wear them. I think times are changing and it isn’t looked down upon anymore to NOT wear pantyhose. If you are a die-hard pantyhoser, try these out try out Donna Karan hosiery.
Some of my favorite photos of great outfits with pantyhose are photos of Kate Middleton who is totally bringing sheer pantyhose back. Here are some photos:
If you are still looking for alternatives to pantyhose, you can definitely try leggings which are basically like pants but I find that those tend to dress down an outfit. You could also try heavier tights especially in the Winter than nylons to keep you warm. You can also try ankle socks if you are wearing flats or heels for the comfort and you don’t want to wear knee highs. I know that they sell those socks at Payless Shoes because my mother just bought them there the other day and she loves to wear them with her flats.
Announcements:
Thanks for the questions! You can submit your questions on my contact page. Also, remember that the first Monday of every month we have a free chat with Classy Career Girl so make sure you come join us and talk to me in person!! You can sign up for Monday’s monthly chat here.
Soon on the podcast I am going to lit all of the titles of the classy career girls who read my podcast and I am super excited to share with you the variety of amazing and smart and successful career women that we have reading this blog. I really love it. I will also be celebrating my 2 year anniversary soon of blogging so I also want to share on this podcast why I even started a blog in case you might be wondering how this all started or if you are thinking of starting one it might help you too. And I am getting ready for my get unstuck and find the right career for you training course which I am super excited about because I am pouring everything into it and making it absolutely wonderful for you if you don’t know if you are in the right career and are ready for a career change. Last week I got this comment from a reader:
“Anna your training course is exactly what i need- already signed up. April 9th can’t come soon enough.”
A common mistake people make who are unhappy in their jobs is to update their resumes and apply to jobs on the internet over and over. Don’t do this and overlook the very important first step – SELF-ASSESSMENT! So excited to do this with this reader and help her find meaning in her work!!
Why don’t you join us! Go learn more at www.classycareergirl.com/getunstuck. Also, if you want to attend a free webinar next week, you can sign up here:
I hope you have a great week and I will see you next week!
