2008 Woodie Awards
Freedman's new book essential for college students
J. K. Holmes
Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Graduation is only weeks away for many students. After the ceremony and parties, it will be time to post résumés and conduct interviews.
Others may be preparing for summer internships, which could lead to job offers in the future, and all think they're ready for anything their new boss can throw at them.
Think again.
Elizabeth Freedman's new book, "Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself," is essential for any new college graduate or summer intern.
Freedman gives an insider's view into the corporate world and offers candid advice on everything from introducing yourself to your co-workers to the unwritten dress code rules to leaving your job without burning bridges.
"Work 101" is written in a conversational voice with amusing and embarrassing examples of what not to do inside and outside the business office.
Freedman relates the story of "Green Jeans" - a woman "who liked to wear tight green jeans on a regular basis, despite the fact that jeans and tight clothing were strictly prohibited" - as an example of the pitfalls everyone faces when treading the uncertain waters of the "business casual dress code."
Table manners and casual conversation are other areas very few graduates consider as being potential hazards along their career path.
As an example, Freedman tells the story of John, "a hardworking nice guy, who happened to be an intern at one of the world's largest consulting firms."
John made a favorable impression on his co-workers and seemed to have a full-time job offer in the bag. At least he did until the night of the annual company dinner. Horrible table manners and nervous chatter became John's undoing.
The eight unspoken rules of the workplace cover more than just dress codes and table manners. Freedman offers tips and strategies for building the solid relationships with co-workers and superiors that are vital in the business sector.
She also provides great advice on dealing with the weekly office meetings, e-mail and instant messages, getting to know your boss, and climbing the corporate ladder without stepping on your co-workers.
"Work 101," with only 273 pages, doesn't bog the reader down with a lot of jargon and unnecessary information.
It is concisely written, easily read over the course of a weekend and essential for anyone entering the workplace for the first time, but those who are currently employed and looking to move ahead will find it equally useful.
And every employee should always remember the last unspoken rule: "It isn't what you know ... it's what you do with what you know that counts."
Others may be preparing for summer internships, which could lead to job offers in the future, and all think they're ready for anything their new boss can throw at them.
Think again.
Elizabeth Freedman's new book, "Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself," is essential for any new college graduate or summer intern.
Freedman gives an insider's view into the corporate world and offers candid advice on everything from introducing yourself to your co-workers to the unwritten dress code rules to leaving your job without burning bridges.
"Work 101" is written in a conversational voice with amusing and embarrassing examples of what not to do inside and outside the business office.
Freedman relates the story of "Green Jeans" - a woman "who liked to wear tight green jeans on a regular basis, despite the fact that jeans and tight clothing were strictly prohibited" - as an example of the pitfalls everyone faces when treading the uncertain waters of the "business casual dress code."
Table manners and casual conversation are other areas very few graduates consider as being potential hazards along their career path.
As an example, Freedman tells the story of John, "a hardworking nice guy, who happened to be an intern at one of the world's largest consulting firms."
John made a favorable impression on his co-workers and seemed to have a full-time job offer in the bag. At least he did until the night of the annual company dinner. Horrible table manners and nervous chatter became John's undoing.
The eight unspoken rules of the workplace cover more than just dress codes and table manners. Freedman offers tips and strategies for building the solid relationships with co-workers and superiors that are vital in the business sector.
She also provides great advice on dealing with the weekly office meetings, e-mail and instant messages, getting to know your boss, and climbing the corporate ladder without stepping on your co-workers.
"Work 101," with only 273 pages, doesn't bog the reader down with a lot of jargon and unnecessary information.
It is concisely written, easily read over the course of a weekend and essential for anyone entering the workplace for the first time, but those who are currently employed and looking to move ahead will find it equally useful.
And every employee should always remember the last unspoken rule: "It isn't what you know ... it's what you do with what you know that counts."
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