APU Careers Careers & Learning

Halloween ghouls, and office rules

By Kristen Carter, Guest Contributor

I recently attended my company’s fall festival and willingly participated in a group costume competition. I have always preferred homemade costumes since they tend to be the most original. So, five of us dressed up as breakfast items (e.g. bacon, eggs, toast, milk, and coffee), with some 80s makeup/accessories, and labeled ourselves, “The Breakfast Club.” It was a hit, and we won the coveted “Most Creative” group costume.  As I was taking pride in our efforts and enjoying the creativity of my colleagues, I thought about how many other professionals would be taking part in Halloween festivities in their offices. While this can be an exciting time, there are definitely some guidelines to follow to ensure your costume is appropriate for a work setting and will not lead to your boss having a personal talk with you in his/her office.

In a recent post titled, “How to Dress Up for Halloween at the Office,” CareerRealism’s Areilla Coombs provides three simple tips for you to follow:

  1. Keep it Office Appropriate.” Some simple questions to ask yourself about your costume: Is it too tight?, Is it too short?, or Does it show too much skin? These questions are gender-neutral: we have likely all seen the one guy who has taken his costume a bit too far just to get a few laughs. Also, it is important to consider if you will be dealing with clients face-to-face, and how they might react to your costume.
  2. Check With Your Co-Workers.” Each office has a certain climate or corporate culture to help you and your co-workers gauge what is appropriate. Take a poll to find out what they are planning to wear to help you decide on your costume.
  3. Don’t Be THAT Guy (or Girl).” If your costume is going to spark a controversy, just don’t do it! This may include costumes with political or religious overtones. Also, if you aren’t one that gets into the spirit of Halloween, don’t criticize those that do! It’s not fun to be labeled as “THAT” guy or girl in the workplace.

All in all, just have fun and use common sense. If you have to think twice if your costume is appropriate or will offend someone, then simply don’t wear it! Remember, you are still a professional and Halloween is not an excuse to act differently.

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