7 Ways to Win Every Argument

Entrepreneurs are passionate people. We want to be heard. But often, knowing when to shut up can benefit you immensely. Cultivating your ability to hold your tongue is important.

Make no mistake, this is something I still struggle with every day. But after twenty years of wishing I’d just kept quiet that one time -- here's my advice:

1. Remember, it’s not personal. It’s business. A few years ago, I sued a major toy company who I thought had infringed on one of my patented technologies. Looking back, I think we could have settled the dispute quickly if cooler heads had prevailed. But I became emotional and so did they. The conflict ended up in federal court after dragging on for three years, which took an enormous toll on me. It's best not to make decisions when you're emotional. Step back and ask yourself: Is this the best course of action or am I just upset right now?

2. Pick up the phone. It’s always easier to miscommunicate over email. You’ll strengthen your relationships by clarifying what you and the person you're in contact with really mean simply by picking up the phone. I have misinterpreted what people have written to me in emails on many occasions. When it comes to sensitive issues in particular -- talk it out; don't just email.

3. Hit “delete. ” The idea that anyone can win an argument over the Internet is laughable. For whatever reason, some people enjoy using their anonymity to be rude and insulting. It’s taken me many years, but I think the best way to respond to my haters is by not saying anything at all. Even if you’re calm, collected and reasonable, whatever you write will only fuel the fire. There are just too many people who get a kick out of riling others up. If you choose not to engage, you’ll be surprised how quickly the conversation dies. And, try to have a sense of humor! Usually, I’m enraged when I first read hateful comments, but later I find them kind of funny.

4. Let go of the need to have the last word. It’s better to fly under the radar. You may feel great about getting in one last jab, but more likely than not, someone else is going to remember your flippant comment long after you do and it will come back to haunt you. It’s just not worth it. I was surprised to hear Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and an investor on Shark Tank, laugh at the SEC on TV and in the media after he was accused of insider trading and found not guilty. That didn’t seem wise. If they had an eye on him before, well, they probably still do now. Gloating is unattractive.

5. Embrace the idea that sometimes, less is more. We’ve all been in meetings where someone asks a simple question and the person in charge goes on and on unnecessarily in response. Remember that most questions can be answered simply. Remind yourself. Everyone you work with will appreciate your ability to be concise. And frankly, it’s also polite. We like the sound of our own voices more than other people do.

6. Realize that certain opinions are best left unspoken. Yes, everyone is entitled to an opinion. But that doesn’t mean we need to offer all of ours up. The other day, Martha Stewart declared that she doesn’t think bloggers are experts. Okay, Martha. Sure, that’s your opinion. But I think that was foolish of her, because I’m guessing there are many, many bloggers who help promote her lifestyle brand. What purpose did undermining them serve her? I’m not sure. But it may end up hurting her business. She needs bloggers and influencers as much as everyone else does to push her brand.

7. Get comfortable with awkward silences. When it comes to the art of negotiation, I’ve learned a simple truth: Never speak first. After I explicitly state what it is I want, I clam up. When we’re uncomfortable with an awkward silence, it’s tempting to fill it quickly, but if you do, you might end up saying something without thinking it through. I’ve discovered that the first person to speak usually loses the argument. So make your point, be confident and force yourself to wait for a response.

I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped me.

Questions you should ask at an Interview

Smart applicants spend a great deal of time preparing and practicing for an upcoming interview, hoping to successfully predict the questions that will be asked.  However, many times candidates pass on preparing their own questions for the interviewer, which leaves them looking like a deer in headlights when the recruiter or hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”  In my experiences, even the poorly trained interviewers know they should allow the applicant time to fire off their own questions.  Recruiters and hiring managers expect it from the applicant, so why not use this to your advantage and make it as another segment of your interview?  Sure, many candidates will breeze through an interview never asking a question and will still get the job, but in today’s painful market, applicants need to fire with everything they have.  First off, why is it important to ask questions?

• Asking questions shows you’ve been active in your thinking about the position.  The interviewer might think you’ve lost interest in the opening if your not coming back at him/her with questions.
• Asking intelligent questions can go a long way.  Maybe in your head you responded to a previous question unfavorably in both you and the interviewer’s heads.  Use a few intelligent questions to possibly redeem yourself.  Asking well thought out questions will impress any interviewer.
• Interviewers should always do their best to present enough information about the company, culture, and position, but you can use your questions to probe deeper into the company.  Don’t forget, you are interviewing the company as well and need to make sure it’s a place that you can see yourself working.  
• So, which questions do you ask?  The list of questions below will not only bring you critical information to your job search, but also help to show your intelligence and interest in the position:
• Can you discuss the corporate culture, mission, and values?
• How would you describe the management philosophy of the organization?
• With so many companies laying off right now, how has this company been able to maintain the workforce and continue to hire new employees?
• What are the biggest challenges I would face in the first 3 months (the first 90 days are almost the hardest for a new employee)?
• What do you expect me to accomplish in this job?
• Does this position offer opportunities for advancement?
• Why isn’t this job being filled from within?
• What keeps you working here?
• What are the current goals of the department and company for the coming year?
• How soon do you expect to make a decision?
• If selected for the position, which process would we follow in regard to further pre-employment screening, on-boarding, communication,  etc.?

Sounds silly, but make sure to listen to the interviewer throughout the entire process.  Some of the questions you’ve prepared may have already been discussed either on the phone screen or during the face to face.  Asking an intelligent question may backfire if it has already been answered.  Also, unless it is brought up, do not ask questions pertaining to benefits and perks, salary range, and earning potential.  Let them come to you on this topic, you need to flash them your interest in the opening, not your desire for some more bling.

Good luck friends, you’ll do just great.

6 Tips to Overcome Interview Fear

Preparation in interviewing is absolutely crucial to your success as a candidate, and even those not experiencing fear should always prepare. As an interviewer, I’ve worked with many candidates who have a fear of interviewing, some worse than others. This is very common in people, possibly stemming from a fear of public speaking. I’ve found a number of preparation tactics and mindsets that will help. Here are Corn on the Job’s six tips to overcome interview fear:

1. Knowing is half the battle

Understanding the interview process is critical. Many times candidates will receive emails explaining the interview process. If you do not receive one, just ask. It never hurts to ask. Along with knowing the step-by-step process, find out the interview methodology they use. If it happens to be behavioral, 

2. Memorize your resume

Read your resume until you can recite it without looking down. Being able to hold eye contact with your interviewer is important. Burning the contents of your resume into your brain will allow you to keep your head up the entire interview. Don’t forget to smile.

3. Remember, you’re interviewing the company as well

Whenever I’ve interviewed a nervous candidate, I always make sure to say, “Remember, you are interviewing us, too. You need to make sure we are good enough for you!” Come fully prepared with interview questions to ask your interviewer.

4. What’s the worst that can happen?

Really, what’s the absolute worst thing that could happen? I’m sure those with a creative mind can think of some interview horror stories, but most likely the worst thing that can happen will be that you won’t get the job. So what? You move on to the next opportunity.

5. Arrive early

You should get to the interview location up to an hour before your appointment. Sit in your car and read through your resume again. Wait till you have around 15 minutes until the interview starts, then walk on in. Being punctual is a positive, and your interviewer will remember it. Recruiters and hiring managers have heard every excuse for being late. From family emergencies to very ill pets, we’ve heard them all. We we know that maybe half of these candidates are being truthful. It really never helps your cause to lay an excuse on us.

6. Smile

Smiling can be your best friend. It’s one thing to be fearful of an interview, but it’s another thing to show your interviewer that you are scared. Smiling will at least help to eliminate a fearful look on your face. Smile and make eye contact; it brings you some much-needed interview swagger.

How to Use Google to Land a Better Job

The Internet is one of mankind’s greatest achievements. But since it’s grown to an unmanageable size, using it to hunt for jobs is incredibly daunting for any job seeker. A quick Google search for “jobs in pr” will give you 700,000 results in well under a second! Where do you even start?

Fortunately, there are a few little tricks and tools out there that can help you find the results you’re actually looking for on Google:

Search Operators

A search operator is essentially a set word, phrase or symbol that helps users increase the effectiveness of their search. Below are useful operators for job hunters:

• Site: This operator specifies a keyword or phrase that must appear at least once on the page. You can also use it to search for particular words or phrases on a chosen website. For instance, “royal family site: www.bbc.co.uk.”
• Minus sign: Use a minus sign to remove particular phrases or websites from your search. If you keep getting generic job sites in your results, use the minus sign search operator as follows: “pr jobs – www.randomjobsite.com.” This will eliminate any results from, or containing, that particular URL.
• Inurl: This operator specifies that a particular keyword or phrase has to be found in the URL before it will appear in search results. So if you want to work for a digital company, you could try “digital agency inurl:careers.”
• Asterisk: The asterisk is known as the Google wildcard and comes in handy if you’re not entirely sure what type of job you want. For example, to look for a wide range of entry level jobs in many sectors, search for “entry level * jobs.” Google will fill in the gap for you.

Here’s a full list of search operators.

Google Local

If you’re trying to limit your search to a specific area, go to local.google.com and type the location where you want to search into the bar on the left.

Once you’ve done that, type in the kind of business you’re looking for (e.g. “restaurant” or “school”). Google will then populate the map with the names, addresses and websites of all local results. Pretty handy, eh?

Strategic Search

If you know what company you’d like to work for but aren’t sure whether they have jobs available, how do you give them your resume without sending it to a generic email address?

Just use a simple Google search with the company name and position of the person you’d ideally hand your resume to. For example, you could search for “coca cola uk recruitment manager.” More often than not, the first results will include either their company profile (saves you having to trawl through their website) or a LinkedIn profile. Both can be used to get in touch about possible vacancies.

This technique is simple (and pretty obvious), yet it is woefully underused by hopeful job hunters. It really helps to avoid the middleman.

Google Alerts

Another of Google’s handy tools for those who want to be one step ahead of their fellow applicants is Google Alerts.

Enter a specific term you’re interested in, such as “pr careers in london,” and set a couple of self-explanatory preferences. Whenever that phrase appears on the Internet and matches your set preferences, you’ll be sent an email—and there’s no limit to the number of alerts that can be set up. It’s that simple (and useful)!

13 Interview Tips That Will Help You Land the Job You Want

You’ve worked hard on your resume, and you finally networked your way to the right person. This is your chance: you’ve got an interview coming.

What now? Wing it and hope for the best? Google for interview tips—and end up with the same template as everyone else?

No, you’re smarter than that. You want to stand out from the crowd. Here are 13 tips on how you can do that:

1. Acknowledge your weaknesses

“What are your weaknesses?” is one of the most common interview questions, yet few people answer it honestly. They try to sidestep it or frame it as a positive thing—which is what most career counselors advise.

But we all recognize what this tactic really is: a facade. A better way to approach this question would be to acknowledge weaknesses that have nothing to do with the job you’re applying for. And tell the hiring manager what you’re doing to improve on them.

For example, it doesn’t matter if you’re not great with numbers if you’re applying to be a graphic designer. Or that you need to work on your presentation skills if you’re applying for a role that doesn’t require it, like a copywriter, consumer support, over-the-phone sales, etc.

2. Smile

Smiling is so simple, yet few people actually do it. For good reason: you’re usually nervous in an interview, or you’re intentionally trying to keep it professional.

What most people don’t know is that a smile can break the tension in the room and set you apart from the rest of the brooding crowd. It shows you’re friendly and fun—the exact kind of person people want to work with.

3. Prepare for questions others don’t

Once in awhile, you get asked really weird questions during an interview. This is especially true if you want to land a high-level job with cutting-edge companies. There’s a reason why they ask these questions: to test your thought process and your ability to think on your feet.

So be prepared for questions like “How would you estimate the number of golf balls in Australia?” (actual question in one of my interviews) or “Have you ever had a boss from hell?”

4. Keep your cool when things go south

Sometimes, no matter how much you’ve prepared, things go wrong. In fact, I know of some interviewers who intentionally disrupt the interview to see how candidates react.

So keep your cool when things go south. Remember that one stumble likely won’t cost you a potential job if you get the rest of right.

5. Get to know your interviewer before the interview

Who is this guy who’ll be asking you questions?

Knowing his background can help a lot. In my last interview, the hiring manager used to work with an ex-colleague. We bonded over that, and he didn’t even need a reference from me because he knew his friend’s standards.

Every person and every interview is unique, but you might share a common hobby or the same alma mater. At one time, I even did research on the interviewer’s university because I knew he was an active alumni.

6. Emphasize your cultural fit

Qualifications matter—no doubt about that. But qualification is a binary factor: either you’re qualified, or you’re not. Being more qualified doesn’t work in your advantage. In fact, hiring managers call that “overqualified.”

The more important thing, once you fulfill the job requirements, is your cultural fit. That is, do your beliefs and values align with the company? We all know how important teamwork is these days, so a prick can really cost the company.

7. Use enthusiastic vocabulary

The vocabulary you use says a lot about the kind of person you are. For example, consider “It’s my job” compared to “It’s my career” or “It’s my mission.” All these words have the same meaning, but show different levels of enthusiasm.

Or how about this: “Being a nurse is what I do” versus “Being a nurse is who I am.” Do you see issues as a “problem” or a “challenge”? Hiring managers pick up on these unconscious triggers.

Post-interview

8. Finish strong

Studies have shown that if you’re given a string of random numbers to memorize, you’ll most likely remember the first few and the last few. The former is called the Law of Primacy (why the first impression is so important) and the latter is called the Law of Recency.

This is why it’s crucial for you to finish strong. You can tell an interview is about to end when the interviewer asks you if you have any other questions, at which time you need to give your best shot. Stories are your best bet here. Reserve a question that you can use to lead into your story until the hiring manager asks if you have a last question.

For example, if the company is pro-flexible working arrangements:

“What do you think about employees working from home?”… “It’s just that a couple of months ago, my son fell sick and he needed someone there just in case something happened. I didn’t want to miss work for it because it was peak season. The company policy in my previous role didn’t allow for that and I had to take a leave, which I hated because my colleagues John and Paul were struggling to meet the orders coming in to the point that they had to work overtime. And there I was, not allowed to log into the system.”

9. Thank the interviewer and show your enthusiasm

You’d think that thanking the interviewer and showing your desire to work in the company you just interviewed for is common sense… but it’s not.

When you thank the interviewer, don’t just say the words. Instead, finish the thought: Thank you for…

• Taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. I know you’re busy with ______.
• Not laughing about the ridiculous career goals I told you about.
• Being the nicest interviewer I’ve ever had. (If it’s true.)

You get the point. Giving a reason why you say something makes it more credible.

10. Follow up

After you leave the interview, email a thank you note within an hour. Then follow up in three days, then a week, and consistently do it until you get a solid yes or no.

Absolutely don’t give up! There are many reasons why an interviewer may not call you back other than the fact that you blew the interview. It might be a perseverance test, she might just be plain busy, or—and this is more common than you think—she’s procrastinating.

If you don’t follow up, and her boss finally asks her to make up her mind and make a hire (or the work piled up to a tipping point), your email would already have been buried and the Law of Recency kicks in—the last few candidates who applied after you will be the ones being considered.

11. Keep in touch and add more value

Of course, there’s no need to be rude when you follow up. Every communication between you and the hiring manager needs to add value.

One of the most effective ways to do that is by linking to interesting articles around the Web that are relevant to them. Do you know how much busy people appreciate it when you take the time to curate the Web for them? They want to keep up with the latest happenings; they just don’t have the time.

12. Learn to negotiate

There’s one thing all high performers do: they negotiate when they get an offer. Why not, when you always have alternatives, right?

But even if this offer is your only one, negotiate it! Doing so is an indication that you, too, are a high performer. There’s no need to lie about having options. The very fact that you want to negotiate triggers a subconscious assumption that you’re in demand.

And remember, negotiating need not be adversarial.

13. Close the loop

Last but not least, thank the people who got you introduced. Thank the interviewer and thank everyone in between, even if you end up taking another offer. Take them out to coffee if you can afford to. A simple expression of gratitude can double the amount of people willing to help you in the future. It shows your appreciation and encourages them to help you out in the future.

4 Tips for Transitioning from College to Your First Job

Looking for a job that’s made just for you? Learn how to network your way into a job you love in our free one-hour videowith the Classy Career Girl and Brazen’s networking experts.

The first day of work at your first real job has a lot in common with the first day of school: the fear, the preparation and the best part—the excitement!

But pretty much everything else is not in line with what you’ve experienced before, and it’s important to realize that before you make the ultimate rookie mistakes.

So get off on the best foot on the first day with these tips:

1. The word “work” is now a verb, not a noun

In college, how you approached your education was mostly up to you, and it came in the form of homework. You had a single, physical deliverable, and when it was done, you were done.

Most professors had attendance policies to the effect of “If you can come to class once but ace all the tests and turn everything in, you’re good,” but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a job that suits that schedule. The average workplace will expect you to not only show up, but to put time and energy into your work, often for long periods of time.

Prepare to keep up your stamina without necessarily knowing when the work will be finished.

2. Even if you have a chill workplace, stick with appropriate work attire

Unless you were especially motivated, your college wardrobe probably included jeans and a nice t-shirt (or stretch pants and a not-so-nice t-shirt). So imagine how confusing it can be to get hired at a workplace that offers a “casual attire” policy, only to find out “casual” doesn’t mean what it used to.

Avoid the awkward and swift learning curve when it comes to workplace attire by following these guidelines:

Ladies, focus on appropriateness and style:

• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and your thighs. Rare is the workplace where a tank top (even a really pretty one) is appropriate. Stay on the safe side until you have a few promotions under your belt, and leave the tank tops to the post-work happy hour. (This also has the benefit of keeping you safe from overly-excitable AC systems.)

• Wear clothes that fit now, not a year ago. Flattering without flattening (no outside Spanx, thanks) will make sure you’re dressed appropriately from every angle.

• Wear clothes with fabrics and patterns that aren’t flashy and attention-grabbing. Let your jewelry and, even better, your face be your trademark. Express your personal style, but not at the expense of the attention and taste of everyone else in the office.

Gentleman, focus on cleanliness and fit:

• Discard any t-shirts or khakis you’ve had since high school. Even if you think they’re “totally sweet,” chances are they’re too worn and old-looking to make you look professional.

• Update your khakis and dress pants to make sure you aren’t sporting cuts and styles that were hot in 2002. And, much like the ladies, make sure you’re flattering the body you have now, not the one that played college rugby. Line up your shoulders with the lines on your dress shirts and make sure any gut is politely covered, not pressing against the buttons and pulling out of your tuck.

3. Ageism isn’t just for the elderly

As a recent college graduate, employers will expect you to have basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and hope you can offer experience in advanced Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel (bonus points if you can get known as the office expert on any of these programs).

If you want to be especially valuable, download the free versions and practice, practice, practice with other technologies like Prezi, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and anything else you can get your hands on. Sometimes just mentioning these technologies will be enough to get you in the door for the interview (but of course, make sure you have the skills to back it up).

4. Not every conversation will be life-changing, but you have to talk anyway

Along with assuming you’re skilled with technology, older coworkers might also assume you’d rather text than talk.

Prove them wrong by being pleasantly social. Learn how to talk to people both superficially and deeply.Think up a few phrases that briefly express welcome and interest, and always be armed with one or two inoffensive topics you can speak on if you’re caught for more than five minutes in the breakroom.

Simple social skills will pay out in the long run and, even more importantly, you might find out you actuallylike your colleagues.

4 Tips for Becoming Everyone’s Favorite Coworker

Even if you’ve managed to work out a virtual agreement with your workplace or you’re a full-time freelancer, chances are you’ve experienced the mixed blessing of coworkers at least once on your professional path.

Sometimes good, sometimes bad, the truth is that coworkers have a significant impact on job satisfaction. But did you ever stop to worry you might be a bad one?

Here are a few guides for staying on everyone’s good side:

1. Be nice all the time

We all get angry at work. But you aren’t necessarily paid to be a human being who experiences normal feelings like anger. You are paid to be a consistent, friendly expert in whatever industry you have chosen.

While you will no doubt have good and bad days, strive to present a positive front at all times (and at the very least in emails and meetings) to ensure you’re building a consistent and professional reputation. Coworkers need to know what they can expect from you to build relationships, because the alternative is the hot-and-cold office gremlin who takes his moods out on cubeville.

2. Gossip, but not too much

Gossip gets a bad rap in most office settings, and that’s fair because when done wrong, it turns a normally pleasant office into a world war. However, gossip is also a necessary and vital part of the office.

Business Week hits it on the head by pointing out that “the irony about workplace gossip is that it’s often about things that really matter to the company or team and should be addressed.” As a member of an office community, you should participate in discussions about office goings-on. Otherwise, you won’t be able to manage your reputation, defend those of other coworkers or possibly hear about what’s coming down the line. But if there’s too big a glint in your eye or you start to pant when the latest buzz hits the cubicles, chances are your heart is in the wrong place, and your reputation will suffer.

3. Share, but not too much

Much like gossip, the extremes of sharing can reflect badly on you. Share too much and you become someone people want to avoid or it’s an awkward case of gross TMI (too much information).

On the other hand, if you stay mum about your hobbies and interests, you become a mystery no one feels connected to. Toe the line by becoming known for a few harmless topics (coin collecting, running road races, baking) and being friendly whenever those topics come up.

4. Bring in treats

Finally, let’s be real. Food is the universal path to friendship and good feelings. Whether you make a mean boxed brownie or saw some Chips Ahoy! cookies on sale, bringing food into the office is a way to casually engage with coworkers and offer a token of peace. Here are a few great places to start.

How to Become Your Boss’s Favorite by Improving Efficiency

When you’re just starting out at a job, you’re at the bottom of a steep learning curve. No, I’m not talking about the role-specific skills or perplexing office political landscape you have to navigate (though these, too, are important).

I’m talking about the massive, often unfathomable learning curve that is your boss. That person one who wants one thing one moment, another the next, and is always hovering over your desk with tired, worried eyes and saying things like, “Just checkin’ in…”

Here’s a little hint to unlocking the mysteries of the Great One: efficiency. Whether you’ve got yourself a control freak or a laid back surfer dude, managers love efficient workers because they take a huge load off of their backs, make them look good and save the company money in significant and cascading ways.

Here are a few ways to turn yourself into your team’s most efficient member and become your boss’s favorite:

Make sure everyone is on the same page

At the end of a planning or brainstorming meeting, it may seem like everyone has received the same message. After all, everyone nodded and added their own ideas. If you work in a super-enthusiastic or nerdy office, they may have even clapped their hands.

But here’s the thing with communication: you don’t know whether or not everyone is clear on what’s been decided unless you make a concerted effort to find out. After all, sometimes managers will interpret your mere enthusiasm about the idea for a project as actually taking responsibility for it, causing much confusion down the line when you don’t get it done.

Near the end of one-on-one meetings with your boss, take time to summarize what you’ve discussed via a follow-up email to demonstrate your deep understanding for the project (and give the boss a chance to offer some corrections if you’re not on the same page). Then list out all the tasks that need to get done and set goals and due dates, letting your boss help you prioritize. You can apply this mentality to bigger meetings as well if there isn’t a project manager or meeting leader to do this for you.

Learn to say no when you need to

One of the quickest ways to rise in the office is by saying yes. Yes, I’ll take on this new project. Yes, I’ll work through the weekend so I can get this to you for that big presentation. Yes, I’ll try this task that’s outside of my comfort zone.

But if you truly say yes to everything, you’ll quickly burn yourself out, and then you won’t be producing your most creative or innovative work. What’s more, you’ll overcommit yourself, disappointing your boss or team members when you can’t meet deadlines and slowing down the greater machinery that’s waiting for you to complete all that you’ve said you’d do.

Instead of saying yes all the time, learn how to make accurate estimations about how long a task will take and to balance that estimation against the other tasks currently on your plate. Then, learn how to nicely but firmly say no when necessary and offer a compromise.

For example, if your boss asks for a time-consuming project to be done on an impossibly short deadline, you might say, “Getting the presentation in by Monday isn’t doable given the other tasks on my plate, but Ican get it to you by Wednesday at noon, or by Tuesday morning if I can borrow a teammate to help me out.”

Bosses prefer honesty over a nasty surprise, and you’ll look like you’re more on the ball and adept at managing your time when you think this out upfront. You’ll also increase efficiency by allowing the people around you to plan accurately, rather than leaving them scrambling when you turn something in a week late. And if you can regularly set and meet impressive but realistic goals with your boss, you’ll find yourselfmoving up to bigger roles.

Take responsibility for screw-ups

Nothing throws office productivity off track quite like that person who’s made a major mistake and won’t ‘fess up. Maybe it’s staying quiet about a system bug and letting the testers find it on their own months down the line. Or maybe it’s avoiding your boss in the hopes she won’t find out that your stray comment in a sales call lost your company a customer.

Whatever it may be, it’s important to admit your mistake to your boss as soon as possible, while also reflecting on what you could do better next time and proposing a solution for making things right. This will not only show your boss that you’re willing to grow and that you believe in the success of your team, but it will also allow your boss to put a new plan into action that will mitigate the damage, rather than wasting time trying to fix a mistake as it grows bigger down the line.

In meetings, put a sock in it

Just because your boss calls a lot of meetings, that doesn’t mean she enjoys being in them any more than you do. You can make those meetings more efficient and productive by not distracting everyone with asides and by keeping what you have to say short and to the point. If you have something to gripe about, save it for a one-on-one meeting. Take a good look at the agenda ahead of time and come prepared with questions or contributions so you’re ready to go when your moment in the spotlight arrives.

If you find meetings are consistently getting off track, don’t be afraid to make a few suggestions to your boss, like having timed “burst” meetings that run only 10 or 15 minutes long or assigning a clear leader.This meeting productivity guide from Simply Business has many more useful tips you can suggest. Just make sure to ask your colleagues for their meeting gripes before you start making recommendations so it doesn’t seem like you’re going behind their backs.

Communicate the way your boss does

Are you an email person while your boss prefers face-to-face talks? Well, sorry to break it to you, but the only way you’re going to get things done is if you adopt your boss’s communication style. You’ll know this if you’ve ever written a long but well-structured, bulleted and bolded email, only to have your boss respond in a single line, leaving you with less clarity than you had in the first place.

Of course, you can use your own communication style to brainstorm, but after that you’ll have to compromise. And, whether in person or online, make sure you use the TL;DR mentality. In email, summarize your main points up front before going into greater depth. In person, list the topics you’d like to discuss, and then ask your boss where she’d like to start. The better you communicate up front, the greater grasp you’ll have of the task at hand, and the sooner you’ll get it done the right way.

There’s no getting around it: improving efficiency is the best way to make your boss love you. Think of all of the many ways you can take the burden off of your boss’s back and be a clear force for productivity around the office, and you’ll become a favorite in no time.

5 Things Never to Tell (or Do With) Your Boss

Creating boundaries with our employers can be a tricky business, especially when working in an environment where the line between colleagues and friends is hard to find. That can make us feel overly comfortable with colleagues, and even a boss when it comes to discussing personal issues that don’t relate to our work. Can revealing too much about your personal life backfire on you professionally? Absolutely. How can you navigate the mine field of what not to tell (or do with) your boss? Here are five tips to keep you on track and help you define a healthy professional boundary with your employer:

1. Don’t consume excessive amounts of alcohol with or around your boss.

We all have a healthy limit for behaving professionally in public while drinking alcohol. Maybe you can handle one drink, maybe two, but when it comes to places where you’re around your boss, like a company happy hour or holiday party, resist the urge to have a drunken bonding moment with your boss. Maybe it worked for one guy one time, but upon sober reflection, your boss may get the impression that you’re one they have to “keep an eye on.” Set a limit for a safe “business drunk” and stick to it. Your self-control will be seen as a sign of maturity and professionalism.

2. Don’t tell your boss your plans to leave the company … after telling everyone else.

Nothing will burn your bridges faster than letting your boss find out from the grapevine that you’re leaving. On the other hand, telling your boss that you’re interviewing or talking to other employers can give the impression that you have no interest in getting promoted or growing professionally within your current job. You have to balance the need to keep your boss in the loop, while also keeping open your professional options. When in doubt, err on the side of discretion, and don’t be too liberal with discussing your plans to leave the company with colleagues before you’ve discussed with your boss — and given him or her the chance to persuade you to stay.

3. Never tell your boss “No, I can’t do that.“

Obviously if your boss is asking you to do something illegal, immoral or otherwise, that’s a different case. But when it comes to professional tasks and responsibilities, bosses like to see a can-do attitude. Instead of reacting to a difficult, challenging assignment with a sigh and immediate reasons why it can’t be done, instead consider what resources you’d need to actually get the job done. Maybe you need an assistant, a bigger budget, more time, access to a special person or resource. Think of it as an opportunity to expand your responsibilities in a way that can lead to a raise or promotion at the end of the day.

4. Don’t start a romantic relationship with your boss.

I don’t think this needs any elaboration. It still shocks me that it happens all the time.

5. Never lie to your boss.

When it comes to making a mistake, always own it — never blame a subordinate, colleague or your dog. However, it’s better to have a solution in place or at least options to fix the mistake in mind when it comes time to fess up. If the mistake is minor, you may be able to fix it and not tell your boss, but never lie about it if asked! While not lying seems obvious, as the advice above indicates, there are plenty of situations when being selective about what you tell your boss is very different than lying.

The Case For Lying In Your Exit Interview

When you leave a job that makes you unhappy, it's easy to want to tell your employer why you're leaving. Whether you're frustrated by mismanagement, not-so-challenging assignments or maddening co-workers, you want to get it off your chest. Because the Big Boss can use that information to improve the company, right?

Wrong.

Think a few people at that company might be mad at you for airing your grievances? Probably. No matter how professionally you presented them.Fast-forward six months. Think your company will really implement any of the changes you suggested? Probably not.

We like to think our superiors are mature enough to take criticism in stride, but the truth is, some aren't. And you need even those immature bosses on your side as a reference down the road, especially if you're hoping to move up the ladder in that industry.

Which is why even if you're leaving your job because it sucks, you should keep that truth to yourself - particularly if you've worked hard to build relationships at that workplace. Telling the truth seems like the right thing to do, but it's not the best move for you or your career.

I like the analogy Andrew Rosen makes in his piece about how to break up with your job, that it's similar to a romantic breakup. When we leave a person, we often have the urge to talk it out, explaining where the relationship went wrong. But the truth is, while that gut-spilling or over-explaining may make you feel better, your ex isn't going to change because of it. In many cases, being truly honest will hurt and offend.

Now picture your employer as your soon-to-be ex. No matter how you hedge your complaints, no matter how constructive you frame your criticism, chances are someone at that organization will be mad at you for doing it. And that's bad for your career.

(This is kind of like how Penelope Trunk says women shouldn't report sexual harassment because it will likely hurt your career. Not exactly what we want to hear, but she has a point.)

Instead, hold your tongue, even if it's against your nature. Put the focus on what's ahead, and use that as your reason for leaving, telling your employer you've been offered an opportunity you simply can't pass up. That saves you from having to say anything at all about the job you're leaving, and it helps you stay honest, too.

And what if you're asked specific questions about what it was like to work for that company?

Respond like you would if your mom asked you how you liked her meatloaf, and you didn't want to hurt her feelings. Couch your answers. Offer positive feedback on what did work. Change the subject.

Because once you make a smooth exit, your frustration over your organization's inefficiencies will fade into the distance, just like your ex when you've got a new crush. Then you can put all of that energy where it belongs - into your new job.

Top 5 Lessons You'll Learn In Your First 'Real World' Job

Fresh out of college, you toss off your graduation cap, frame that hard-earned diploma and iron your most professional outfit for your first day at your very first post-college job. Everything you've accomplished thus far has prepared you for this moment. Or has it?

Here are five of the many lessons I learned from my first post-college job:The journey from college to career may not be perfectly seamless. Now more than ever, young professionals often experience a serious learning curve coming fresh out of college. But no matter your level of experience, your approach and attitude to that all-important first job can serve as a valuable learning experience and stepping stone for future success.

1. Arrive early.

During my first week at work, I noticed that my boss got to the office very early, about a half hour before our scheduled start time. I followed her cue and started arriving at work around 7:30 a.m.

That gave me plenty of time to grab coffee and a banana and settle in to check emails and make my to-do list for the day before the office really started buzzing with activity. I enjoyed the distraction-free quiet time before the emails started pouring in and my phone started ringing. Also, when you consistently arrive early and do good work, people take notice and it definitely enhances reputation.

2. Make work friends.

Let's face it: We spend 40 hours a week with our colleagues, more time than most of us spend at home with our families. I learned quickly that one of the best ways to make work enjoyable was to make friends. It helped that I worked with a great team of people who I would want to be friends with anyway, but taking lunch breaks together to chat and learn more about each other's personal lives only strengthened those relationships.

A recent study out of Tel Aviv shows that having social support at work will even help you live longer, yet another reason to make friends at work. But studies and research aside, this is common sense; friendships make us feel good, and when we feel good, we are happier and more satisfied.

3. Mind your manners.

I grew up minding my p's and q's thanks to my parents, but my first job reinforced the importance of being polite and respectful to absolutely everyone. No matter someone's job title or rank in the organization, every employee is important and has a role.

A smile and hello in the hallway or small talk in the elevator can go a long way in building relationships. When you have a positive relationship with someone at work, it's much easier to be efficient and get things done when you need help.

4. Organization is key.

I was organized in college, obsessed with my day planner and crossing items off my to-do list. Yet when I joined the real world, I took my organizational skills to a whole new level. Staying organized wasn't just helpful, it was imperative to success in my job. Keeping organized was the difference between completing tasks well and on-time and being sloppy and late.

I learned to love my Outlook Calendar and its reminder features, and my daily to-do lists were detailed, even down to the simplest task. I also tried to keep my desk and office tidy because working in an uncluttered space made me feel calm and motivated. A clean office gives a good impression to your bosses and co-workers, too.

5. Recognize that building skills takes time.

One of my major responsibilities at my job was writing newsletter columns and speeches on behalf of the company's CEO. It was a huge challenge to learn and adapt to his voice and writing style when as a young professional, I'm still working on developing my own voice.

The first few times I submitted a column for review, I became frustrated when I would get back the document full of edits and changes. Finally, I realized that building skills takes time. If the task was easy, anyone could do it. It was absolutely okay that my writing wasn't perfect the first go-around.

With time and guidance from my boss, I slowly began to get the hang of it. And when I finally felt like I really conquered the skill? That made all the frustration completely worth it.

'Why Do You Want To Come Back?' How To Handle Another Tough Interview Question

It sometimes happens that you make a move, regret it and look back fondly at a company you were with, sometimes years ago. When you re-apply to a past employer, you can expect to be asked about your motivation for wanting to return.

Position your latest job positively, identifying how it has helped you develop new skills. You'll itemize the ways you have grown professionally because this adds to your desirability, and you can also introduce personal factors as a reason for returning.Tricky question, you can't complain about a current or recent employer, neither do you want to be seen as lacking judgment. The best advice is to talk about the people factor, as well as the work in your response.

Angela switched school districts for a job that would build her skills and pay more, but it wasn't working out. In response to this question she says, "I really loved working for _______.The only reason I left the district was for a great opportunity to broaden my skill set and learn more about school district finance. In the last year and a half I have managed accounts payable, receivable, bookkeeping, auditing, payroll, taxes, purchasing, cash management, financial reporting and grants. It has been a great experience that has helped me grow considerably.

"But I also learned that the people I work with are just as important as the paycheck and developing new skills. I still have friends in _____ district and I have this deep feeling that I want to come back home with my new skills. I know I can make real contributions right away."

Job Interview: You Will be Judged By Your Questions

There are plenty of obvious ways to screw up a job interview: show up late; take a call mid-interview; unload about your old boss; steal the interviewer's pen (booze on the breath or dog poop on the shoes also can lead to a less-than-desirable outcome).

But there is a more subtle job interview killer out there: failure of the candidate to ask questions.

With all the emphasis put on crafting great answers – what is your biggest weakness, by the way? – don't forget to arrive to your job interview with plenty of smart questions. You will be judged by what you ask."No questions is the kiss of death in an interview," said Jodi R. R. Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. "If I get to the end of a 45 minute interview and ask if you have any questions, and you do not, you are not going on to the second round."

"Questions help me see how the person thinks, how thorough he or she is, how curious, how truly interested in finding the right position," said Denise Altman, president of the Altman Initiative Group.

Here are some things to consider when crafting your questions:

Don't be Shy

"In today's economy with an abundance of job seekers I've found some candidates more hesitant to ask questions," Amy Carpenter, a Vice President with Ticket City who frequently conducts interviews.

"Maybe it's due to the fact they fear they'll question themselves out of a job by coming across as too particular or aggressive. In either case, what they're actually displaying is indifference or disinterest."

Do Your Research

Despite the adage, there are, in fact, dumb questions - when it comes to a job interview, at least. Any question that exposes that you failed to do a minimum amount of research about a prospective employer should be avoided (such as, what exactly is it that you do, anyway?).

Your questions should demonstrate that you know something about the company and the industry overall – and the more thorough your knowledge, the better.

Career coach Dorothy Tannahill Moran, aka Your Career Change Agent, offers an example of a well-researched question that shows off your knowledge and will give you an idea about how the company works: I see that you've announced X new product, how will your organization support the launch of that product?

Topics to Avoid

During the interview stage, it's best to steer clear of questions about compensation, benefits and vacation time. This is a time to show a prospective employer what you have to offer.

Career coach Roy Cohen, who also wrote The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide, suggests that you avoid topics "that focus on indifference, fear or job security. We live and work in times of great movement and lack of job security. Companies don't want the burden of needy employees.

And, Career coach Lisa K. McDonald reminds us, don't ask if they drug test.

Consider Adding these to Your Repertoire

We asked career experts and people who do the hiring at companies to recommend some specific questions job candidates should consider asking at their next job interview:

• What kind of characteristics are you looking for in the candidate? - Cheryl E. Palmer, Call to Career


• If this is a new position, what prompted the company to decide to create it? - Rod Hughes, Oxford Communications


• Do you have any hesitations regarding my background? – Tom Gimbel, LaSalle Network


• How would you measure performance for this position? - Mark Grimm, Mark Grimm Communications


• What do you see as the key challenges facing a person in this position? - Elaine Boylan, Adelphi University


• What makes this company different from competitors in the industry? –CareerBliss


• What happened to the person who held this job previously? – Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting


• If you were evaluating my success 6 months from now what would make it a home-run? – Roy Cohen, Career Coach


• Where will the company be in three to five years and how will it get there? – Lisa K. McDonald, Career Polish Inc.


• What challenges are being faced by the company? – Alan Guinn, The Guinn Consultancy Group