Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, October 23, 1994                   TAG: 9411160005
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: F2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PEOPLE WORK DIFFERENTLY OVERSEAS, AND YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW

A: Abigail E. Adams, an anthropologist at Hollins College, notes there are differences throughout the world, and what "goes over well in one country may not be well received in another." Efforts to learn about a country's culture are appreciated. While, Adams argues, a resident "might not be wounded to the core" if a cultural faux pas occurs, appropriate behavior "serves as a measure of someone's savvy; that person is then considered to be a higher valued person." To be considered educated to a country's social traditions is a business asset.

Don't rely on one resource to learn about the country. Start with basics and build on that, using as many resources as possible.

Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, recommends beginning at the public library. Ask a reference librarian to help find recent publications on social customs for the particular country. Special care should be given to "how to receive, give and invite," says Adams, "as those customs are important in other countries."

Tim Gubala, director of economic development for Roanoke County, suggests calling both the Virginia Department of Economic Development's marketing manager for the International Division - (804)786-3791 - and the trade specialist at the Richmond office of the U.S. Department of Commerce - (804)771-2246.

Phillip F. Sparks, acting chief of the city of Roanoke's Office of Economic Development, also sees the embassy of the particular country as a valuable resource. Calling directory assistance in Washington, D.C., will net the phone number for the specific embassy. Most embassies have a protocol officer who is familiar with both that country's social customs and the business customs of the United States.

Classes are sometimes offered in protocol; when you talk with any of the above offices, ask if classes are scheduled any time soon.

In addition to your research, Adams suggests reserving time for yourself. She finds that as travelers "experience differences in cultures, they experience culture shock. The differences in time and space can be upsetting." Successful travelers "reserve time to take care of themselves."

Q: I've heard that resumes are out and cover letters are in; should I send a great cover-style letter and omit the resume?

A: Resumes without cover letters go unread since no one knows what the writer intended. Cover letters without resumes leave readers unable to document claims made in the letters. Most companies still expect both; don't use the job search as a time to experiment.

Because many position advertisements generate dozens or hundreds of responses, playing by the rules increases the odds your response will make the first cut.

A good approach is a cover letter which summarizes skills and conveys information not found on the resume. Cover letters should be no more than one page, as should resumes.

Stick with the one-page rule. Invest in the best white or cream stationery possible. Make sure your documents have been proofread for spelling errors. Be certain the format for both letter and resume makes them as attractive as possible. Minimize use of bolding, underlining, and font changes - the goal is to focus the reader, not distract.

While an unconventional approach occasionally works, the individual who plays by the rules and plays best is more likely the winner. Clean, sharp, tightly written letters and resumes are still the standard.

Q. I'm not getting raises and promotions because I choose to dress differently than my co-workers. Why should I conform and squelch my personal taste?

A. Companies have well-defined images, and they reward those who support those images. Organizations may tolerate behavior and dress outside the norm, but it won't be rewarded.

Consider that you have the opportunity to express yourself through clothing on nonwork time. Use that opportunity to fully explore and communicate your unique identity.

At work, moving inside the boundaries in clothing choice demonstrates support for the company, its mission and its image. Try dressing a little more like your co-workers, but add an object (a tie, necklace or bracelet) which expresses your fashion sense. Careful dressing to move closer to conformity while maintaining a little individuality moves you from outsider to being an interesting "one-of-us."