Return to story

Workplace guide for beginners, others

February 3, 2007 12:50 am

Have you ever had one of those awkward moments when you find yourself unprepared in a business situation? You wore a full suit when it was casual Friday, or you didn't know what to say to the co-worker at the office party?

Look no further. because in her book "Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms," Victoria Pilate offers tips for just those situations.

A step-by-step guide, the book offers advice to college students, recent grads, mothers returning to the work force or others needing advice for the workplace.

"I was surprised how literally people took the title," Pilate said in a phone interview. "But the book can apply to anyone: doctors, vets, professors and everyone has meetings and travel."

The 324-page book, a revised edition released this past fall, is nearly double the size of the first edition, released in 2004.

"I wasn't happy with the first edition," Pilate said. "It was correct, but it wasn't compelling for the average reader."

Originally started as a class project in graduate school, the book now includes more quotes and stories from the 200 respondents Pilate interviewed about their "life trajectories," as well as secondary data and stories from Pilate's life experiences.

The book starts off by helping readers find a job and moves through relocation tips, office politics and business etiquette.

"Preparation is the key. It's the little things that people expect, as well as the little things you don't expect," Pilate said. "This book provides the things that average college students don't expect."

The chapters include quirky titles such as "Hitting the Pavement," "Finding a Place to Hang Your Hat" and "Living the Good Life."

The new edition provides side boxes with quick tips, statistics, quotes and stories spread among the text.

In the chapter entitled "Image and Style," Pilate gives readers information about what is appropriate to wear in the workplace.

Penelope Trunk of the magazine Business 2.0 is quoted as saying, "No one ever made corporate history by wearing torn jeans on causal Friday."

One survey respondent advises, "If you need to learn someone's name, try calling their voice mail after hours and listen to their recorded name greeting a few times to get the pronunciation correct."

The chapter on business etiquette is essential to surviving in business, according to Pilate.

"Business etiquette applies to any job, even [to] those that are self-employed," she said. "I was told once that the reason I got the job was because of my business etiquette. It's sad that people don't realize how much it counts for."

Doing business in a foreign country can be stressful for some, but Pilate even offers advice for travelers.

"If you have concerns as an American overseas, suddenly become Canadian if asked about your nationality," Pilate advises in one of her tips boxes. "Blend in with what you wear and carry. Walking around with a water bottle in your hand says American."

Pilate's biggest tip for recent graduates is to talk to other people about what happened to them.

"I was independent and didn't seek advice," Pilate said. "So when I graduated I had no support system for advice, but people shouldn't be afraid to ask others for help."

Pilate is currently working on new books: a children's book, as well as one on ethics and diversity in the workplace. Both are schedule to be released at the end of the year.