10 moves your boss doesn’t want you to know
… and a few that you shouldn’t even share. Even with your best friend ;)

Whether you are a professional blogger or a marketing executive, there are some rules common to all jobs. Unwritten rules can change the way you work. From the interview stage to the exit rounds, here’s all you need to know about getting ahead. Hah, now you can show her who’s the real boss!

 • Reading the ad like a pro
Often, the advertisement for a post will tell you all you need to know about the job. Spelling and grammatical errors are the signs of a company that isn’t doing too well. Flowery language and promises that offer absolutely no clue about the nature of the job are likely to conceal a post that is a dead end. Look for: ‘salary depends on the candidate’s skills and experience’. It means that they want to pay as little as possible.

 • Making an impact
“Employers can remember very little once the candidate leaves the room. Give sharp answers that take no longer than 60 seconds. Write your responses and practice”, says Robin Ryan, author of ’60 Seconds and you’re hired’.

 • Decoding the signs
Does your interview happen on time? Is there confusion about the venue, time or the post you are being interviewed for? Are you kept waiting and later told the employer is away in a meeting? Are you then asked to reschedules? Don’t waste time at this place, it’s a losing proposition. Good businesses understand that time is money and you don’t want to be with any other kind.

 • Identifying a power-freak
Sometimes, individuals in key positions enjoy the sense of power they get from making someone wait or talking to a newcomer. You’ll also be able to identify them by the grandiose way in which they speak of themselves. They’re unlikely to offer you anything in the end. They just want a captive audience. Make sure the person interviewing you ins going to be someone you will report to or work with.

 • Dressing to kill on your first day
The golden rule here is, begin as you mean to go on in clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Even if the theme at the workplace seems to be casual, keep your style on the conservative side till you are more familiar.

 • Staying politically correct!
Your first few weeks are going to be about listening and absorbing. Keep your eyes and ears open, but don’t ask controversial or sticky questions until some familiarity is established. Also stay sensitive to tensions and vibes in the office environment.

 • Recognizing Rejection
If, after the interview you are told to expect a call or mail that doesn’t arrive immediately, then assume that the answer is NO. Send a polite mail thanking them for their time. If this is a genuine case of delayed response, that mail should spur them into action.

 • Maintaining a healthy distance
Make friends where you can, but don’t sweat it out. At the end of the day, no matter how wonderful your office is or how friendly your co-workers are, a job is no substitute for a social life. Also keep work relationships limited to the workplace for the most part. Even if familiarity doesn’t breed contempt, it might result in boredom. You don’t want teamwork to suffer because you had one office lunch too many.

 • Finding Fault
When you have a criticism to make, don’t be apologetic or try to soften the blow-up by over-explaining. It betrays insecurity in leadership skills. Stick to facts and keep it concise and your criticism will be taken in the right spirit.