5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party

5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party 5 Tips for Surviving your Office Holiday Party 5 Tips for Surviving Your Office Holiday PartyNavigate your amtsstube holiday party with ease this season.Its that time of year again time for the much anticipated holiday office party. Youre excited and nervous all wrapped up with a tidy bow. Not to fear, your feelings are quite normal.While everyone loves a party, office parties are a bit different. Theyre meant to allow employees to kick back, get to know one another in a less formal setting, and enjoy the holiday festivities. The problem is that, just like at the office on an average day, your actions during the office holiday party will be under scrutiny by your peers and supervisors. The only difference is that at office parties theres alcohol involved and inhibitions are lower than normal.A holiday office party is no joke. Its important to play by the rules. Failing to do so can leave you starting a job search in the New Year. In buch en to stay gainfully employed and not ruin your career during this years holiday party, be sure to follow these simple office party etiquette rules.Rule 1 Dont skip it.If you receive an invite to your offices holiday party, be sure to attend. Not showing up to the party sends signals that you dont care, or you arent part of the team. It can also lead to awkward moments the following workday when your teammates are all laughing about something that happened at the party and youre left out. Attendance at your offices holiday party is especially important for new employees. An office holiday party is a great opportunity to connect with your boss and your peers, and show them youre mora than the responsibilities of your professional role. Once you establish a personal connection with your colleagues by engaging with them at the holiday party, theyre more likely to want to work with you, help you, and be engaged with you at work.Rule 2 Dress appropriately.Not sure what to wear to a compa ny holiday party? Be sure to check in with your co-workers to determine the appropriate dress code. If the theme is ugly sweater, then be sure to wear the ugliest holiday-themed sweater you can find. Its also a definite conversation starter. Not doing so, however, can result in conversations happening behind your back about you not being a team player.If the theme is more formal, make sure you take that route. Showing up with your ugly sweater to a suit and tie affair wont be considered funny. Be sure to follow whatever dress code is in place, and youll be off to a great start.RelatedA Guide for What to Wear to a Company Holiday PartyRule 3 Consume alcohol in moderation.In order to keep the momentum moving in the right direction, this next office party etiquette rule is of utmost importance. Many, if not the majority, of office parties tend to have free alcohol available. While this may be tempting, it can also spell disaster. Lots of otherwise model employees have been canned for n ot following this basic rule Dont overindulgeDrinking too much alcohol at your office holiday party can lower your guard and make you act ridiculous. It can lead to arguments, or you dancing on a table (or something worse). Dont be the person who drinks too much and then makes a spectacle of themselves. Youll never live it down. Your behavior will go down as legend, and you may even end up losing your job altogether.Rule 4 Stay away from sensitive subjects.Office flings are obviously a sensitive subject, but it isnt the only subject to avoid. Typically, workers in an office environment are most comfortable around their peers. Theyve developed a certain rapport where its understood which subjects are on- or off-limits.One thing to consider when attending a holiday office party is that the subject matter youve cleared as OK within your department, or between those with whom you work closely, may not be appropriate outside of that circle. Consider that everyone from the company will be invited. Theres a good chance youll be mingling with people with whom you dont frequently connect.Rule 5 Prep your elevator pitch.Youve got goals to move up in your company, but progress has been slow. If done properly, your office holiday party can offer a great opportunity to network and help you move the process along a bit faster.It isnt often that you get a chance to talk to the C-level folks at your company. The office party offers such a chance, so be prepared when the opportunity presents itself. As long as youve followed the rest of the office party etiquette rules up until meeting with those who can help you get promoted, youre in a good position.Yet, dont get caught making small talk about the weather and stumbling over your words. Put together an elevator pitch that presents you as a model employee and makes mention of your contributions, without coming across as bragging.Also, practice your pitch with a colleague or your partner. Get feedback from them to ensure you do nt come across pushy, and you get the main points across. Be personable during the conversation, and be sure to ask questions as well. No one wants to promote the all about myself employee, so show you care about others and be genuine in your communication.RelatedHow to Search for a New Job During the HolidaysBonus Rule Be serious about office parties, but have fun.While these office party etiquette rules might take some of the fun out of the party, they shouldnt stop you from allowing yourself to have a good time. As long as you do so within the confines of the rules above, youll make it through your party unscathed, and you might just enjoy it as well.Office parties are a great opportunity to anleihe with your co-workers, make new connections, interact with your boss (and their bosses) on a deeper level, and even position yourself for a promotion. Dont shy away from your office holiday party because of the potential pitfalls. Embrace it.Showing that youre interested in a deeper re lationship with the company and its employees can show your employer that youre a long-term asset to the company. Theyll see the dedication you have to being a part of whats going on, and you can benefit from it.Click on the following link for more advice on getting ahead.Need help with your resume? Take advantage of our free resume review todayRecommended ReadingHow to Make the Holiday Hiring Spree Work for YouHoliday Overload Steps for Balancing Work and LifeWays to Stay Focused at Work During the Holidays