Employee Rewards: Separate but Equal?

Experts Prefer Reward Programs That Vary
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


While few employees would ever turn down a cash bonus, not all of them find money the most satisfying reward. Some workers, for example, place the highest value on having their work publicly recognized. The differences suggest that "one size does not fit all" in employee recognition programs, according to recent research.

Maritz Inc., a St. Louis-based firm, studied employees' preferences to help companies better understand how to affirm good performance. The idea of tailoring reward programs to employees is not applied in most organizations.

"It is unusual for the company to try to fit the recognition to the person, and it would be very much appreciated," says Deborah Keary, director of human resources for the Society of Human Resource Management.

"Not only would the recipients be happy to be recognized for their contributions, they would also realize that the company knows who they are as people and what sort of recognition they are likely to find most gratifying," she adds.

What's Your Type?

Maritz, which specializes in helping companies motivate and develop employees, has identified six distinct employee types based on reward preferences.

    * Award Seekers want rewards that have both monetary and trophy value, such as gift cards and travel awards.
    * Nesters are turned off by rewards that take them away from home, such as travel awards or conference opportunities. These employees prefer days off or flexible scheduling.
    * Bottom Liners appreciate the monetary value of rewards, like cash bonuses or award points programs.
    * Freedom Yearners are best rewarded with flexibility. This could translate to flexible hours, freedom to choose how to attain goals, and the chance to choose interesting and challenging projects.
    * Praise Cravers desire to have their work acknowledged. Rewards can include verbal, written, or formal praise from managers or informal praise from peers.
    * Upward Movers tend to be satisfied employees who are interested in moving up in the company. They respond well to status awards, meals with company management, and opportunities to mentor others or work with people outside their own areas.

Guidance for Managers

Understanding that employees' reward preferences differ is helpful for managers, regardless of a formal company policy. But identifying those preferences presents a challenge. Liz Bywater, president of the Bywater Consulting Group near Philadelphia, recommends that managers ask employees about it.

"It takes the guesswork out of selecting the most appropriate and meaningful rewards for employee performance," says Bywater. "The very act of asking conveys a respect for your employees and a desire to recognize their contributions."

She also suggests that managers try a "grab bag" approach that allows employees to select from a variety of rewards. "While one employee would opt for a gift card to Nordstrom, another might choose a night at the Ritz-Carlton. Yet another would prefer a framed certificate of appreciation or the opportunity to work on a challenging new project."

Don't Be Ungrateful

Many companies do not offer bonuses or rewards programs, so employees should be careful about disregarding any form of recognition.

"It is unwise to shun your employer's genuine efforts to show appreciation," says Bywater. "At the same time, it makes sense to share your feelings with a trusted manager or supervisor. Your suggestions may help your employer develop a far more effective system of recognition and rewards."

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Internships Give Students a Career Advantage

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

With summer just around the corner, college students are getting serious about finding internships.

"Many young people don't know what they want to do when they come out of college," said Susan Terry, director of the Center for Career Services at the University of Washington in Seattle. "The internship gives them a chance to dabble."

Internships give college students access to workplaces that would otherwise be unlikely to hire them for the summer. Larger companies with well-organized programs may provide mentoring and a chance to work on a project that will benefit a college student's resume.

Experience That Pays Off

Interns "learn how to apply what they're learning in class in the real world," said Nadene Francis, assistant director for public relations at the University of Florida Career Resource Center. "It makes them more marketable to potential full-time employers or to graduate programs."

Indeed, many companies use internship programs as a way to evaluate students for potential full-time jobs. A survey of employers last year by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the employers offered jobs to more than 70 percent of their interns.

And internships can help sell candidates to other companies, as well: The same survey found that more than 60 percent of the new college grads hired by the companies that responded had some sort of internship experience, though not necessarily at the company that hired them.

Expand Your Horizons

Students looking for internships should think broadly. For example, someone who is planning to go to medical school doesn't need to work in an obstetrician's office for the summer. An internship with a pharmaceutical company, a medical nonprofit or even an insurance company could provide valuable experience, Francis said.

It's also important to remember that although some internships pay very well, others offer low pay -- or none at all. Some count for college credit; others do not.

"Don't let the fact that it's unpaid deter you," Francis said. "Plan ahead. Work other parts of the year, or do a better job of budgeting."

Tools for the Search

So what's the best way to find an internship? In many ways, an internship search is similar to a job search: Online postings, career fairs and networking are all good sources of leads. College students have an additional resource in their career centers. And psychology majors, for example, should check with the psychology department for internships in their field.

Some deadlines for summer internships have already passed, so students who haven't started looking may need to look beyond the biggest companies.

"There are plenty of internships available year-round for students," Terry said. "It's certainly not too late."

Plan for Interviews

Francis suggests students take a regional approach: First, they figure out where they'll be for the summer. Then they consider what skills they would like to develop, and research companies or organizations in that area where they might get that experience.

Jamila Blake, who is interviewing candidates for an internship coordinating volunteers at Willow Tree Hospice in West Grove, Pa., said candidates can make a good impression by being on time and dressing appropriately for their interview. She is looking for evidence that a candidate is interested in marketing, as well as experience as a volunteer.

"It's important to ask questions" during the interview, Blake said. "You're interviewing the agency as well."

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Wired at Work: Avoiding the 'Leash'

Survey Reveals Pros, Cons of the Virtual Workplace
by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs


As advances in wireless technology continue to blur professional and personal boundaries in the lives of American adults, a new Yahoo! HotJobs survey reveals that many professionals have love-hate relationships with their gadgets.

Three out of four survey respondents said they use the same wireless device (cell phone, laptop, or "smart phone") for work and personal purposes. More than 900 office workers who use wireless devices took the survey, and they expressed both the good and bad sides of being so connected to work.

Balance Is Better

Many respondents said they have a better work-life balance because they use wireless devices. Seventy percent claimed they are more productive as a result, and 65 percent said they have more flexible schedules because they can work remotely. The wireless gadgets also allow 48 percent of respondents to spend more time with family and friends.

"Wireless devices have certainly changed the physical parameters of the workplace and improved productivity," says Susan Vobejda, vice president of marketing for Yahoo! HotJobs. "These are powerful communication tools, but users need to draw the line and find a manageable level of connectedness."

Ball and Chain

In fact, survey respondents also struggle with being too connected. More than one-fourth of the professionals (26 percent) said they felt like they were on a "permanent corporate leash" because of their wireless devices. And 33 percent reported being easily distracted by work-related emails and calls during their personal time.

"Work to Live" author and coach Joe Robinson sums up the situation this way: "The lines between work and home have become so blurred, the only way you can tell them apart is that one has a bed."

The Beeping, Buzzing Avalanche

The difficulty, Robinson suggests, stems from a lack of rules about using the wireless devices. He recommends that employers and workers agree on rules of engagement to "manage the avalanche of e-messaging."

Debra Dinnocenzo, president of VirtualWorks!, a resource group for virtual workplace issues, agrees.

"The work-life balance benefits, as the respondents indicated, are only achieved with the necessary discipline to turn off or ignore the ringing, beeping, vibrating gadgets that keep us connected to work," she says.

Dinnocenzo adds that using wireless technology also has important benefits for employers, such as saving money, retaining talent, and contributing to a cleaner environment.

Ways to Say 'No'

"I find that we're confusing 'access' with 'urgency,'" says Dinnocenzo. She recommends the following tips for maximizing the benefits of living and working in a wired world:

    * Block out time when you will not be interrupted, and turn off your cell phone or personal digital assistant (PDA).
    * Use the "delete" option early and often.
    * Arrange for calls from the office only in cases of emergency.
    * Be clear about what you value and what's important to you.
    * Burn off stress by exercising -- without a cell phone or PDA.
    * Screen calls using caller ID.
    * Maintain your commitment to work-free vacations.

"People must realize that ultimately they must take responsibility for limiting access and preventing overload," Dinnocenzo concludes. "It is not necessarily an initiative they can expect from their employers or managers."

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Make a Fresh Start This Spring

Spring-Cleaning to Improve Your Work Life
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Spring has sprung. What better way to embrace the season by doing a little professional spring cleaning?

De-clutter Your Desk

The long winter may have left your desk in disarray. Piles of papers, sticky notes that have stuck around for way too long, and unread news articles are common culprits.

To begin the unpleasant process, you'll have to admit some lies. You're not ever going to "Call Tom!" or read the pile of trade magazines gathering dust in the corner.

File away anything that you must keep. Take action on what you've been avoiding but are willing to address. Toss everything else.

Clutter on your desk and in your office clutters your mind.

Out With the Old Projects, in With the New

If you're like most people, you probably have an unfinished project or two on your plate.

Take a look at why each project remains unfinished. Are you merely being lazy? Or are you overwhelmed by the work that still needs to be done? Perhaps the project itself is shaping up to be a waste of time and resources.

Whatever the case, speak with your supervisor to get the assistance you need to finish a project -- or the permission to abandon it altogether.

You can't spring forward if you're bogged down with old projects.

Organize Your Email Inbox

If you've got scores of old emails lingering in your inbox, you may risk noticing important new messages. Address old messages this spring so you can face the season with an empty inbox.

Also, if you haven't done so, create folders for important messages that you wish to keep after they've been addressed.

And here's one final point for motivation: Some professional spring cleaning can go a long way to enhancing your attitude and productivity.

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Getting Hired After Being a Free Agent

Five Tips for Transitioning Consultants, Freelancers
by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


After being a successful consultant who helped clients solve key problems, realize specific outcomes, and maximize profitability, you may find it challenging to land a full-time job.

Will employers value you as a focused self-starter? Or will they have concerns that you won't fit in with the team?

The good news is that you -- and your resume -- are likely to find a receptive audience among recruiters seeking experienced professionals who can address specific company needs. (That's provided you're a legitimate consultant, and not just trying to fill a gap in your work history.)

"There's a much faster transition from full-time consulting to full-time gigs, and I don't think there's the barrier or walls there used to be," says career coach Matt Youngquist, principal of Career Horizons. "It's kind of a revolving door, as far as I'm concerned."

Here are tips on how to best market your consulting experience to prospective employers.

1. There's no "I" in team.

Emphasize your ability to adapt to a range of workplace cultures.

"Generally, consultants tend to be really good team players because they've had to," says Andrea Hoban, a regional manager with Robert Half International, whose seven divisions offer staffing services in areas such as accounting and finance, and information technology.

"They're used to working in strange environments and making things happen, which makes them really good collaborators. That's a good quality to have in an employee, too."

2. Good work habits are good work habits, period.

Even if your position is short-term, act as if you have a long-term investment in a company, according to Katie Katz, a Chicago-based market sales director for Aquent, a major marketing and creative staffing agency.

"Always go to work with a positive attitude, be very professional in your dealings with everyone, be on-time and be very ethical in your work habits," Katz says.

3. Can you demonstrate return on investment (ROI)?

Showing on your resume how you solved a particular problem or generated savings for a client will help establish your credentials.

"If they can show ROI and what they were able to accomplish in a bullet format, that jumps off the page," Hoban says.

4. Get technical.

If you are an expert in a particular aspect of your profession, such as compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with corporate accounting, or possess knowledge of certain software applications or protocols, spell out this expertise.

"The more specific you can be about what you did and your role in it, the more excited a potential employer will be about what they're reading," Hoban says.

5. Be authentic.

Whether your reasons for moving from freelance to full-time work are financial or career-driven, be upfront about them.

"Employers are looking for people who are in control of their careers and lives," Youngquist says. "[The reasons for job-hunting] could be 'I want to be part of a team,' or 'I want to be able to stick around and see my great advice take root.'

"They just have to be able to understand the story, and how at this time a company's goals and an individual's goals align."

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The Invisible Invasion on Your Desk

Is Your Work Space Really Clean?
by Christopher Lisotta, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Office workers are becoming hip to the fact that their work spaces are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, but depending on what city you live in, and what kind of office you work in, the level of contamination can vary widely.

In the past five years Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, has done four Clorox-sponsored studies over five years that looked at office environments, and found that the germiest desks were in the Big Apple.

Regional Differences

"There were a lot more bacteria in offices in New York," Gerba said, suggesting that bigger cities with larger, multistory office buildings and colder climates kept people at their desks for lunch and breaks, which meant more chances for people to spread germs.

In comparison cities with lower densities, warmer climates and more opportunity for workers to leave their offices during the day had fewer microbes, Gerba said.

"Cities like Tucson, San Francisco and Los Angeles had much cleaner offices," he said.

Handle With Care

Shared work spaces, like media newsrooms with staffs on different shifts, are also likely to be much more bacteria-laden than other offices.

To cut back on bacteria, office workers should focus on three areas to keep clean: their desktops, phones, and computers. Besides washing their hands frequently, workers should invest in disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers, since custodial staff rarely clean desktops or office equipment.

Gender Inequality

"Most people don't usually clean their desk until they start sticking to it," he explained, adding that men and women tend to contaminate different things.

Gerba found that men, for example, are more likely to have personal digital assistants, like BlackBerrys, that are highly contaminated.

When it comes to invisible microbes on the desktop, many women's desks have a higher incidence of contamination. The research showed that women often have more perishable food at their desks, while men tend to go with candy bars or other packaged foods for their in-cubicle snack. Apples, oranges, and bananas can leave mold behind. Another item women had at their desks that can be a breeding ground for bacteria are makeup kits, according to Gerba's studies.

Cleaning Your Equipment

Shaking the crumbs out of a keyboard or employing a canister of compressed air to get rid of dust may help extend the life of office equipment, but to really clean use products that kill germs. Taking a dry paper towel to your desk is not only ineffective, it may make things worse, Gerba said.

"It moves germs all around instead of disinfecting," he said.

Most office equipment should not be sprayed with cleaners, but wetting a tissue or paper towel with a gentle disinfectant can allow for adequate clean up.

Take the Stairs?

While many office clean freaks will go to great lengths to avoid touching the bathroom door knob, Gerba's studies found that knobs and light switches were "pretty clean."

But one of the dirtiest spots in office buildings was a fairly innocuous site -- the elevator's first floor button.

"I always knuckle that one," Gerba said.

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Do the Right Thing With Your References

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs

If you're like most job seekers, you probably pay lots of attention to your resume and even your cover letter. In comparison, your references may be something of an after-thought, but treating them as such is a huge tactical error in your quest for work. A thoughtful and stellar reference can help you get hired, while an unenthusiastic, uninformative reference may hurt your chances.

Here are eight do's and don'ts to make the most of your references.

The Do's:

    * Do remove "References available upon request" from your resume. Of course they are!
    * Do mention a reference by name in your cover letter if that individual works at the company to which you're applying and has a good reputation there. This will help ensure that your resume gets the attention it deserves.
    * Do keep your references varied. List just one per job or period in your professional life.
    * Do check in with your references at least two times a year. Let each person know where you're at in your career. Also, remember to see if there's any way you can help them in their careers.

The Don'ts:

    * Don't give your references out to prospective employers without being asked. Also, make sure you're being asked at the appropriate point in the hiring process. It should be clear that you're under serious consideration when you provide them.
    * Don't provide a prospective employer with too many references. Three should be ample. Just be sure that each has something unique to say about your talents and your contributions at each job you've done.
    * Don't list references that go too far back in your employment history, unless the person you're using as a reference is famous in the field in which you're working, or your contribution to that company was particularly noteworthy.
    * Don't ask your references to "stretch the truth." It's bad enough if you get caught in a lie. If a professional reference is implicated in it, it can damage that person's reputation as well.

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Deciding When to Air a Grievance

Guidance for Challenging Authority on the Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Everyone occasionally has a grievance or two about their employers or their workplaces. Perhaps you're being asked to work extra hours without extra pay. Maybe the perk of telecommuting has been taken away. Or you may simply be upset with the way you're being treated by your boss.

Here's what you need to know before you speak your mind.

Safety in Numbers

If you've got a beef with your boss or a new company policy, you may not be alone. Feel out your coworkers about their feelings in a discrete and professional manner. Meeting with management in a group to discuss a change will definitely increase the odds that your feelings are being heard. It will also help you look less like the lone dissenter.

Find a Precedent

Just as lawyers do, look to the past to help you bolster your case for a change to new policies. Has anyone at your company ever successfully campaigned for or against a particular change? Does that individual still work for the organization? Seek her out and get specific advice as to how she "fought City Hall" and won.

Prepare to Compromise

Even if you rally the majority of workers at your company to confront management about a change, the powers that be may still not acquiesce to your request. Meet with your fellow employees to discuss a series of compromises that will help take the sting out of the recent shift in policy or procedure. Present your suggestions to management if it becomes clear that your initial request will not be met.

Sorry, Charlie!

Your campaign for or against change may fall upon deaf ears, no matter how well organized it is or how large the number of supporters. Be prepared to accept defeat gracefully. If this change makes your job intolerable, start looking for a new one immediately. Protesting too much for too long may prompt your supervisors to let you go. Instead, it is best to let the issue go and find a new job while you still have your current one.

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References Rules That Shouldn't Be Broken

by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


"References available upon request" seems to pop up on many resumes. But is the line really necessary?

No. Hiring managers assume you are able to provide this information when asked. Plus, by omitting the line from your document, you can save valuable space.

The following excerpts, all from real application materials, illustrate some other common mistakes people make when giving their references. Also provided are tips for avoiding these errors.

Choosing the wrong people

"References: My best friend."

When considering your list of references, select people you've worked with who can speak to your qualifications and professional attributes. Rest assured, glowing recommendations from a sibling or old college roommate will hold little weight with prospective employers. Coworkers and former managers are best.

Leaving out important details

"Bill, Tom, Eric. Phone numbers: I don't know."
"Contact John. He's the troubleman in the electric department."

List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resume and cover letter, and bring the document with you to the employment interview. It should include each person's name, job title and contact information. Make sure the information is accurate and complete. After all, an acquaintance won't be able to help you land the position if hiring managers can't reach him or her.

Taking a negative tone

"You will not get a good reference on me from these folks, I am afraid."
"People who will talk about me behind my back."

Above all, you want prospective employers to speak with people who will paint you in a positive light -- so don't list those who aren't your biggest fans. Also make sure everyone on your list of references knows you well enough to provide in-depth information about your best qualities. It's a good idea to let references know the type of work you seek and send them a copy of your resume so they can better speak to your skills and experience.

Focusing on the funny bone

"'Believe it or not, he can really do it all.' -- Robert Ripley"
"'He's worth every penny.' -- Ebenezer Scrooge"

All of your job search materials should be written in a straightforward manner. Jokes do not always come across on paper, and there's no guarantee the person reading your application will share your sense of humor. Impress hiring managers with strong references, not funny quips.

Going on and on and on...

"References: Many managers."

Your roster of references should include three to five names. Most hiring managers will not require more; if a prospective employer wishes to speak to additional individuals, he or she will ask you for more people to contact.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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Credit Problems

When Your Boss Won't Share the Spotlight
by Doug White, Robert Half International


Everyone has dealt with a credit-stealing coworker. And while wrestling recognition for your hard work and bright ideas from a glory-grabbing colleague can be tricky, you can usually resolve the situation by tactfully confronting the individual or, if that fails, bringing the issue to the attention of your manager.

But what do you do when your boss -- the person who has significant control over your career -- is the one taking credit for your ideas? After all, being too direct or going over his or her head can get you into trouble. Following are a few strategies that might help.

* Think carefully before complaining. Let's say you spent weeks devising a cost-efficiency campaign that becomes a smashing success, but, at a meeting with higher-ups, your boss takes credit. You might feel slighted, but hold off on raising a fuss. First, make sure you're the one who truly deserves the credit. Even if you proposed the idea, consider the role your boss played in implementing the initiative -- he or she may have done the heavy lifting.

In addition, think about whether your manager's scene-stealing antics are rare or standard operating procedure. If the behavior is infrequent, it might be best to let it go and accept that all employees, at times, are expected to make the boss look good in front of the company's top brass.

* Put it on paper. If your supervisor often takes your best ideas from private conversations and passes them off as his or her own, consider changing the way you share your suggestions. For instance, you could present them in written memos or email messages. This establishes a paper or electronic trail you can reference later during your performance review -- or if your value to the organization is ever questioned.

* Get a witness. One way to ensure that others know a solution originated with you is to unveil it publicly. But whether you copy colleagues on an e-mail or make your pitch at a meeting, be aware that you're taking a risk. While it will be harder for anyone else to take full credit if your plan works, you're on the hook if it falls flat.

* Confront with kindness. If your manager's actions are hindering your advancement or limiting your visibility within the company, it might be time to speak up. But be tactful. Your boss will be more receptive to the conversation if, instead of taking an accusatory tone, you simply ask for guidance on how to receive recognition for your efforts. This enables you to get your point across without pointing fingers or putting your boss on the defensive.

Finally, in some situations, you might determine that it's wisest to say or do nothing about your supervisor's "credit problem." While it can be frustrating to watch your boss receive praise for your hard work or brilliant concept, there is a bright side: Your contributions and ideas are valuable and helping the company succeed.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com.

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Where Should You Settle Down?

What to Consider Before Moving for Your Job
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you're just beginning your career or embarking on an entirely new one, you may be thinking about a change of scenery as well. How can you best decide which part of the country -- or the world -- will serve you best professionally?

Opportunity

Naturally, certain towns and cities are magnets for particular industries. New York has Wall Street and finance professionals. Los Angeles has Hollywood Boulevard and entertainment professionals. Chicago has North Michigan Avenue and advertising executives. However, while these areas represent the seats of these industries, opportunities still abound in many regions.

In other words, if you want to be a software developer, you may find a lot of opportunities in Silicon Valley -- and in other parts of the country as well.

Cost of Living

Typically, companies based in large metropolitan areas offer higher salaries. However, the cost of living is also higher -- perhaps to the point that a bigger salary won't compensate for it.

Create a budget based around living and working in different locales. Factor in what housing and transportation will cost as well as things such as entertainment. Make sure you're being realistic about your budget and always factor in socking away money for a rainy day.

Don't forget to take your lifestyle preferences into account. If you enjoy golf or tennis, pick a place to live where it will be easy (and within your budget) to pursue your favorite pastimes.

Airport Accessibility

If travel is a part of your profession, the location of your home can mean the difference between a happy personal life and a miserable one. Think strategically about how close you are to a major airport and how accessible public transportation to it is. If you're in and out of airports with great frequency, you'll want to be able to get home and unwind in a hurry.

You'll also want to ensure that you can take as many direct flights as possible. When your only option is a smaller airport, you may have take connecting flights more than you care to.

Economic Growth

Are you moving to an area that's experiencing economic growth? If so, that bodes well for your long-term prospects in the area. Even if you decide to change jobs or careers, a robust local economy will yield greater opportunity.

Contact local chambers of commerce for help in determining if the industry in which you work has a substantial presence in the area. This will be crucial in building a new professional network wherever you put down roots.

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Work Attire: What's Appropriate and What's Not

by Robert DiGiacomo, for Yahoo! HotJobs


While temperatures are warm outside, you might be tempted to dress down at the office and reveal more skin than you should. But Clinton Kelly, co-host of TLC's "What Not to Wear" reality series, says, "Resist the temptation!"

"When it comes to your career, the image you're projecting at work makes a difference in how far you're going to get in the company," he says. "Don't use excuses like, 'It's hot outside,' to not dress appropriately."

Kelly, who regularly advises major corporations on workplace attire, offered the following sartorial do's and don'ts for the warm weather months.

One caveat: Individual offices may skew more casually (ad agencies and other creative outlets) or more formally (law and accounting firms). But one rule fits all professions: "If you don't look like management material, you'll never get into a management position," Kelly says.

Shoulder the Burden

Women: DO wear sleeveless shirts, if your office has a relaxed dress code.

Men: DON'T try putting on a shirt without sleeves unless you work at the beach. Suffice it to say, it's a "hairy" issue for most guys, according to Kelly.

One Button or Two?

Women: DO feel comfortable in an open-necked blouse or top that shows some of your decolletage. "If you start to see a lot of soft tissue, that's not good," Kelly says.

Men: DO unbutton your top button or two and consider a layering T-shirt, which helps wick away perspiration. DON'T display a lot of chest hair.

The Long and Short of It

Women: DO wear tailored walking shorts that reach the top of your knee. "You shouldn't wear the same kind of shorts you'd wear to your kids' soccer practice," he says. DON'T put on skirts that leave your mid-thigh uncovered.

Men: DON'T convince yourself shorts are acceptable. They're not, according to Kelly, who again cites the "hair issue" as the reason.

How Low Can You Go?

Women: DON'T think about showing off your toned abs with a crop top, nor should you risk anyone making a crack about your -- well, you know -- if you prefer low-rider jeans. "It's just tacky to show your thong out of the back of your jeans," Kelly says.

Nice (Leg) Work If You Can Get It

Women: DO leave your legs bare, if you have on a skirt or shorts. "Society has gotten to the point where it's a woman's right not to wear pantyhose," Kelly says.

Show of Feet

Women/Men: DON'T slip into your flip-flops, unless you have such a relaxed office that your boss' boss wears them, too. "Flip-flops are not appropriate for 95 percent of offices out there," Kelly says.

Women: DO wear a strappy sandal, if you work in a less traditional environment. "They're not going to tell you, you can't wear your Manolos," he says. DON'T bring your Birkenstocks anywhere near work. "On the food chain of shoes, they're at the absolute bottom," he says.

Men: DON'T make the mistake of wearing "mandals" to work. Neither you, nor your feet, will be taken seriously, Kelly says.

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