Career tips for the festive season from RPCushing Recruitment

With Christmas nearly upon us, the office party season is in full swing. While some people dread the thought of spending out-of-office hours socialising with their work colleagues, others embrace the opportunity to party a little too enthusiastically, (resulting in a sore head and a walk-of shame into the office the following morning!).

If you look beyond these traditional mindsets, believe it or not, your work Christmas party can actually be a springboard for your career. It offers the perfect opportunity for networking and allows others to see you as an individual, rather than simply a colleague or employee. So, while enjoying yourself should certainly be top of your agenda while out partying with your peers, the experts at RPCushing Recruitment suggest you consider a few of the following tips if a promotion or pay rise are top of your Christmas wish list this year!

Do
Take up the invitation to an office party; no-one likes a no-show, so even if you only show your face for an hour, at least you will be seen to make the effort.

Try to introduce peopleÖbeing seen as a natural host and facilitator will certainly do your reputation no harm. If you forget a name, donít dodge the introduction. Itís less awkward (and better manners) to apologise and acknowledge that the name has escaped you.

Be yourself, but keep your fellow guests in mind; naughty stories and loose language will be frowned upon in many circles. Listen to others; no-one wants to hear about you all night long.

Act as though your behaviour is being observed every minute (because it probably is). Stay cool, calm and try not to drink more than you can handle. Have fun and enjoy yourself, but keep your professional head on too.

Take the time to network. As clich as it may seem, taking the time to talk with people at the party who can influence your career, especially those who you may not see regularly such as top management, can really leave a lasting impression.

Finally, remember your manners and thank your manager for organising the party.

Donít
Drink too much. Know your limits ñ if you feel that you might not be able to control yourself after a few drinks, decide in advance if you are best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you do drink alcohol, try drinking slowly or alternate with soft drinks.

Gossip. Resist the impulse to criticise that over-the-top outfit, to speculate over who fancies who or to let it be known that you think so-and-so is about to get the push.

Say anything you wouldnít say on a normal day in the office. Avoid phrases such as:

- Iíve never liked you
- Iíve always fancied you
- Why wonít you promote me?
- I could do your job with a paper bag over my head.

Overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours; leave on time with your dignity intact.

Assume everyone celebrates the same holiday, so donít go overboard with the ìMerry Christmas.î