So... You're Going to Your Office Party. Dos and Don'ts.

If you find yourself working in a company with more than one employee, it's inevitable that you'll be socializing with your colleagues outside of the confines of your office. Make no mistake about it; you are still at work, just in a different setting.

 

Whether you are willingly attending Happy Hour to celebrate the big success, or fulfilling the unofficial requirement to attend the annual holiday bash, it's critical to remember that you're not down in the Islands on vacation where no one will ever see you again. You'll be required to work with these people in a professional manner the next day. Fair or not, your behavior will be noticed, scrutinized and become a part of the fabric of who you are as an employee. Indeed, these extracurricular events can be an important aspect of your job, providing defining moments in your career. Industry is littered with "flamed-out too soon" careers because of a poor party decision.

Interns should pay particular attention to this list.

 

Some of the items on this list may seem ridiculous, others unnecessary, and most just too obvious to require being mentioned. But, believe it or not, every one (in some form) has claimed the life of a budding young career. Whether you're in the interview process and attending luncheons and dinners, or an intern, or a newly minted career professional, consider these items before partying at work.
Avoid being the first to arrive
Nothing screams "Party Hound," "Lush," and poor decision maker more than sitting alone at the bar waiting for others to arrive. Plus, why subject yourself to looking busy or talking to the other "party animal" in an otherwise empty space?
Do not drink (but if you must AND you are of legal age, keep it to one)
If you want to get hammered, call up your college buddies and do that on your own time. Admittedly, not toasting the retiree or completely abstaining may feel weird. So, one drink to be social (and, of course, assuming you are of legal age) is perhaps okay. But keep it at that. There is little documented proof that getting blitzed ever improved anyone's career. As an aside, watch out for an overindulging friend (or spouse, domestic partner, etc.). If you brought them, they reflect on you.
Avoid constant shop talk
This can be a comfortable safety net when you're nervous. However, it's better to demonstrate that you have a life outside of work. Stay current on new local restaurants, sports, movies, new bestselling books, and national news so you'll have something to talk about.
Give more than one-word answersYou know how hard it is to get conversations going with unfamiliar people. If someone is making an effort, help them out (you're actually helping each other). Also, listen attentively. Good listeners are always perceived positively. Encourage others with "Hmm, interesting" or "What happened next?"
Socialize & mingle (with everybody)
You're not in junior high anymore. Be an adult and make sure you say hello to everyone. Make a particular effort to say hello to your boss, his or her boss (if in attendance), and any others who are upper level management. Simply saying hello and complimenting them on masterminding such a "great" event is sufficient to stroke their ego and make you look socially adept. But, that leads us to...
No love connections, Romeo & Juliet
Work and love do not typically mix well. Don't leave with the cutie (male or female) from the Parts Department. If there really is a spark, it will be there next week when you can get your thoughts together and figure out which one of you will quit when you break up.
Avoid questionable humor
The basic cocktail party rule applies here. Avoid talking (and definitely joking) about the big three; religion, politics, and sexuality. These topics are universally irritating and get people fired up. Being perceived as embodying any of the "isms" or "ists" (chauvinism, racist, etc.) is a real career stopper.
Try not to spend the entire time filling your face
Just because the food and drink might be free is no excuse. People will notice if you camp out next to the free shrimp cocktail with a mountain on your plate as if you've been incarcerated for the last eighteen months. They will question your judgment/manners and be appalled.
Keep the dancing family-friendly
Believe it or not, Mr. MTV, your moves actually aren't that great. If it involves any repetitive thrusting motions, pretending like you're slapping something, or your torso coming in contact with the floor, you are officially looking like a moron.
Never be the last to leave
This goes double for interns and new hires. Create the illusion you have even bigger and better things to get to.