Best resources for appearing impeccably professional at work?
April 16, 2013 12:25 PM   Subscribe

I grew up in a decidedly non-professional family and didn't have much reference for what an educated professional looks and acts like, and definitely lack some of the relevant soft skills. My most recent, longest job stint was at a slightly dysfunctional workplace where employees were dressed super-casually and often there was behavior to match. I've tried to model myself on the good and reject the not-so-good, but I think I need additional help.

I already read Alison Green's Ask a Manager blog regularly, and have read all (and I do mean all) her publications. I was surprised to learn that she's worked at what some might consider unconventional workplaces, and that if anything the standards might have been even higher there. At any rate, her writings have been very helpful, but I'd like to read advice of a similar caliber from more than one person.

What are some up-to-date blogs/books/PDFs/other resources that have helped you behave/present better at the standard workplace (and in other professional settings, like interviews, interacting with hiring managers, conferences, networking events both official and informal, and so on?) I'd even like to hear about personal coaches who could be hired for a few sessions, or some other face-to-face feedback. Bonus for SF Bay Area-based, low-income options.
posted by ziggly to Work & Money (6 answers total) 37 users marked this as a favorite
 
I fortunately don't have to dress up for work anymore, but when I was interviewing I enjoyed Corporette's website. It can be a little ridiculous but there is some good fashion advice.
posted by radioamy at 12:32 PM on April 16, 2013


This thread has some excellent advice.
posted by mkultra at 1:05 PM on April 16, 2013


Bullish: Class and The Office , the whole Bullish column touches on this kinda thing often ( although usually toward women in the workplace but still) so you might to check the archives.
posted by The Whelk at 4:55 PM on April 16, 2013


Response by poster: Thanks for the responses so far.

I suppose the tldr version of my question is: What are some blogs similar to Alison Green's Ask a Manager?
posted by ziggly at 5:53 PM on April 16, 2013


I have both Ask a Manager and Corporette in my RSS reader.

Apart from those, I also have Evil HR Lady that I think I found through AAM, and HR Bartender. AAM is by far my favourite.
posted by rawrberry at 11:00 AM on April 17, 2013 [1 favorite]


Manager Tools
posted by JaneL at 3:12 PM on April 20, 2013 [1 favorite]


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