It's office holiday party season, but that doesn't mean you can cut loose with your co-workers like you do with your college buddies.
"The holiday party is very challenging for people in the business world," said Barbara Pachter, a business etiquette expert and president of Pachter & Associates. "Part of the reason is that people forget it's a business activity, and they let it all hang out when they are drinking," she said.
She shared some pro tips for surviving your office holiday party without making a fool of yourself.
Ask about the dress code — and stick to it.
If the party is at someone's home, call ahead and ask about the dress code.
But dress is important no matter where the party is being held. "You don't want people talking about what you wore the day or night after the party," Pachter said.
And for women, the holiday party is not the time to start showing cleavage. "You don't want to dress seductively; it's still a business event," she said.
Have a snack before the party.
"Eat a little before you go to a business social event," Pachter said. "If you drink, you'll have something in your stomach, and if the food is delayed, you won't be hungry."
Don't forget to show up.
It's not really optional, said Pachter. And if you're invited to more than one office party, you should try to show up at all of them.
"People will expect you to be there," she said. "It's an opportunity for you to meet people, and the person you talk to may wind up being the person who interviews you for your next job in three months."
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