Office parties can help or hurt your career - here are 5 tips to keep your job

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Attending a football game, parade or festival with your office colleagues? Learn how to do it right!

Attending an event with office colleagues?Although Christmas office parties are in the rear-view mirror, in Louisiana, there are many events still to come. The New Orleans Saints host their first NFL playoff game on Sunday, January 5 and LSU is in the 2020 National Championship Game on Monday, January 13, 2020. After that, there will be Mardi Gras parties followed by St. Patrick and St. Joseph day parades as well as numerous music festivals.

Attending any of these events with colleagues from your office can be fun but dangerous. If someone takes a photo or video tapes you being inappropriate, this could cost you your job. It can be easy to forget that you are socializing with people you work with, especially when in a party atmosphere.

Here are five helpful hints on how to present yourself while having fun at your next office sponsored event:

1. Dress appropriately.

The way you present yourself to your superiors and colleagues can significantly affect your work life and environment. You don’t want their image of you to suffer for what you choose to wear to the event. If you are confused as to what is appropriate attire, consult the party planner or colleagues who have attended the party before.

2. Make sure you and your guest remain respectful.

If you decide to bring a plus one to the party, make sure that they conduct themselves respectfully. It’s best to avoid any situation where you would get into trouble for somebody else’s actions. You will be judged by the quality of people you surround yourself with, and you want to make sure that whoever you may bring makes a good impression.

3. Remember you are with office colleagues so don’t overdrink.

This tip should be a given. Enjoy yourself, but don’t get to the point where you can’t control yourself. Drink in moderation. If you decide that you are going to drink, make sure that you eat beforehand to avoid getting sick.

4. Talk about more than office gossip.

Use the party as a way to network within your company. It’s also the perfect time to get closer to your work family and to make a good impression with your superiors. Stay on topics that are lighthearted and friendly. Avoid gossip and bringing up issues like sex, religion, or politics.

5. Be sure to thank the host of the party or event.

The host of the party will remember you thanked them and it will make a good impression.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (“SRS”), we specialize in Legal and IT Recruiting. Our professional recruiters provide candidates with knowledge and insight based on our years of experience in the Legal and IT fields. At SRS, our ultimate goal is to match top companies with top talent. We are focused on matching you to the RIGHT position at the RIGHT company. Call us today to see for yourself how easy finding your dream job can be!