It is spring, and there's lots of activity: chamber lunches, business and government speakers, cultural events, and all kinds of social gatherings. This is the perfect time to build on business relationships, to network and to engage with stakeholders. I encourage you to look outside your usual circle for new opportunities to be inclusive: invite newcomers, or that client or vendor you've always wanted to get to know a little better to join you for an event.  Maybe start a program where staff starting their careers get to interact with more senior executives. Or, make a point to attend an event from a bilateral chamber, such as the Bilateral U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce, or an organization like the Asia Society Texas Center, where you can interact with people from different cultures.   These organizations provide outstanding programming on business, government and cultural issues, as well as opportunities for social interaction.  There are many more similar organizations; just check your city's listings and join.  

When you are out and about, have your elevator speech ready, and remember to bring something to the table: what is it that you or your organization offer? How can you help others in their business? I have always found the best way to make connections is by helping others. That's why I was thrilled to find this month's book, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, by Adam Grant. It's an interesting and inspiring read.  

Happy & Productive Spring!

Sonia Garza-Monarchi 

Garza Protocol Associates, LLC.

Ask the Protocol Lady: 

What's the proper dress for job interviews? 

In the U.S., we are becoming more casual in almost every aspect of life..  In general, however, the business interview is still a situation where you want to dress more formally.  

A human resource expert I know suggests dressing to the highest level of the position.  She states, "For example, if it's a position in a firm that would at times wear 'business attire', then you should absolutely wear a suit (with tie for men, and a coordinated skirt or pantsuit for women).  (This) is a must."  She noted that today many companies often dress 'business casual', so if you show up for an interview in a suit, you may seem overdressed, but it's something that will only reflect positively on you.  Some companies will tell you before the interview that they will be business casual and you may dress that way as well.  However, my contact cautioned against taking them up on that offer.  While it's not a trick, she says if you do dress in anything other than business attire, it will be noted and sometimes even held against you if you are being compared to another, better-dressed candidate, and all other things are equal.  Always be as conservative as possible.

She added that there are some business environments where things may be less formal, and you will need to gauge the dress code so that you appear professional, but not over-dressed.  In these cases, khakis and blazers are always appropriate for men (blazers can be removed at the last minute if needed).  Women can wear nice slacks/skirts and a conservative (even long-sleeve) blouse would generally do the trick. 

If the industry is so casual or fashion-forward that denim is appropriate, your jeans should be dark denim, pressed, with no frayed hems, and tailored, not tight.  

She noted that the bottom line is, you don't want your interviewers to be talking about your wardrobe after you leave, so don't give them an opportunity.

The Protocol Lady would add that many companies have a dress code; it may not always be written, but it exists. You can usually find it by asking someone at the company, or looking at the people who work there.  Check the company website, not just for the written dress code itself, but also for examples of how its employees dress.     

Fields like law and banking are generally on the more formal end of the dress scale, while creative and some technology professions are among the least.  Then there's everything in between.  However, for a job interview, I believe it is always better to dress more formally, regardless of the industry, as was recommended above.  

Make sure your shoes are in good condition, and wear socks or hose. While I am flexible when it comes to hosiery (see July's newsletter), I believe it's a must for interviews. Clothes should be pressed.  It's worth spending a little money to get things tailored to ensure they fit you well.  Never wear clothes that are tight or pants that are too short.   

For people just starting their careers, or making a career change, I suggest investing in some basics that will stand the test of time and will prove to be the workhorses of your wardrobe once you've landed that terrific new job.    

I would like to give special thanks for the very helpful advice to our human resource expert, who is modest and preferred to remain anonymous. 

If you need some additional guidance, just contact [email protected]. 

 The Protocol Lady