Blog Posts by The Daily Muse

Ask stupid questions

Ten months.

That's how long I evaded making coffee at my first corporate job. Until that point, I'd been riding on the coffee-making coattails of my co-workers, making sure I was never the one who emptied the last few drops from the industrial-sized carafe.

Then, one day, the spout sputtered into my empty mug, and I had to suck it up and ask an embarrassingly easy question: "So, how do you brew a new pot of coffee?"

And no matter your level of experience, you're bound to encounter a similar situation at some point. Whether you never learned how to use a mainstream program, you don't quite understand something your co-workers can do effortlessly, or you've just entered a completely unfamiliar industry, you'll have to ask some "stupid" questions, too.

But while everyone will tell you "there's no such thing as a stupid question," you still want to phrase your inquiries in a way that helps you come across as capable and confident. So if you've been holding back on your

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Level-headed at work

You get a rude email from a co-worker.

You read it once and start to feel annoyed, then you read it again, just to make sure. Yes: It's obnoxious. So, you hit "reply" and start dashing out a response to set the record straight, feeling your blood rise with every keyboard stroke.

Sound familiar? Whether it's getting angry with an annoying colleague, getting frazzled by a problem in a project, or just getting frustrated by little speed bumps in the day, there will be times when something minor grates on you in the office. And, like me, your first instinct may be to get angry, to snap, or to react.

But there's a better way to handle these moments. First-of course-don't send emails when you're upset. But more importantly, you have to relentlessly remind yourself to keep a level-headed perspective on the job.

I know-easier said than done. But next time something gets to you, try one of these three simple techniques for staying cool, calm, and collected.

1. Ask Yourself How

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People to befriend at work

When you don't quite know your way around the office-or heck, even if you do-it's good to know people in high places.

But by "high places," I don't necessarily mean the executive suite. While buddying up with the CEO probably wouldn't hurt, there are a few other well-known office archetypes who can really help you out.

So, when you're kicking off a new job, seek out these seven officemates-stat.

1. The Human Snack Machine

You know the feeling: It's 3 PM, you're starting to get the "maybe that rice cake wasn't enough for lunch" shakes (or the "a client just yelled at me for 20 minutes straight" need for stress-relieving indulgence), and you're a quarter short for anything in the snack machine.

This is precisely when it pays to know that guy in the marketing department who keeps a drawer full of candy-and is willing to share in exchange for a few minutes of office chit-chat. (Just make sure to occasionally offer treats in return or contribute to the snack fund!)

2. The Socialite

If

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When you're looking for a new job, you don't just want the right position-you want the right culture fit: An office that matches your laid-back vibe, your work-hard-play-hard attitude, or your uber-creative personality. A team that supports your love for collaboration, your do-it-yourself spirit, or your desire to have a great mentor. Sure, you could do good work anywhere-but if the attitudes and predispositions of the workplace feel like second nature, you're more likely to hit the ground running (and to be happy there for the long haul). But unfortunately, you can't just ask "Can you tell me about the company culture?" and consider yourself covered. Much like you tout your best self in an interview, the person you're interviewing with is putting his or her best foot forward-and you may hear a canned response that gives you very little insight. So, your best bet is to ask questions that (okay, sneakily) give you the real details about what it's like to work there. Try these four to

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Quit Job With Grace

You've finally decided to quit your job-congratulations!

Maybe you landed a great new gig and you're moving on to greener pastures. Or, maybe you hate your boss and-let's be honest-can't wait to stick it to him with your two weeks' notice.

But whatever the situation, quitting your job can be awkward and uncomfortable-and if you don't have a clear plan of action, you might end up burning bridges and sacrificing valuable references down the road.

So whatever's pushing you out the door, exit the right way: with grace, class, and preparedness. If you're not sure how to make the big announcement or navigate your last two weeks, don't worry-I've created an easy three-step plan to guide you through it.

Step #1: The Set-Up

First, set a firm date for your last day of work. Make sure to give yourself enough time to tie up any loose ends and train your replacement, if necessary. In most states, you're not required to give two full weeks' notice-but as a professional courtesy to your co-workers

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Above and beyond at job

Every classroom had one. First hand raised, the right answer to every question, and a perfectly painted solar system science project to top it all off-the token overachiever.

And while you may have scoffed at his or her overreaching ways, let's be honest: Whenever the teacher had a special assignment, reward, or treat to give out, it usually went to that one kid who always went above and beyond.

Turns out, the office isn't much different. When you want to prove your worth (e.g., during your first week on the job or while you're gunning for a promotion) you'll want to be that person. Of course, you don't want to be that annoying person, drawing attention to yourself for the sake of showing off-you want to demonstrate your value by making a genuine impact on your team.

So, how do you do it? To get you started, here are four ways to go above and beyond at work-without going over the top.

1. Put Feedback Into Action

One of the most impressive things you can do in your job

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After you have a few interviews under your belt, you typically know how to go into one feeling confident. You already know what to wear, what time to show up, what to bring, and what to research in advance to be prepared. But it's harder to leave the interview feeling really good. No matter how well you answer tough questions or connect with the hiring manager, most of us can't help but feel a little nervous or shaken after an interview. The good news is: You're not doomed to feel this way every time. Here are a few smart ways to improve not just how you interview-but how you'll feel about it after the fact.

1. Ask for What You Need

I have a good friend whose job it is to ask the crazy tough questions-you know, the "How many golf balls fit into a limousine?" types. He typically leads with one about the angle produced by the hour and minute hand of a clock at a given time. And he can almost immediately separate those who will get it right from the rest of the pack: It's the candidatesRead More »from How to Feel like You Rocked the Interview Every Time

While we always look forward to a three-day weekend, this one might go down in history as the best yet: Sunday, May 26 marks the return of one of the best shows of all time, "Arrested Development."

If you’re getting excited, too, let’s spend this workday reviewing some of the important career lessons we’ve learned from Michael, Gob, Tobias, and company.

Besides the obvious one, of course: Never, ever go into a family business with relatives like these.

1. Don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong.

2. When making a big decision, don't be swayed by the critics.

3. When you delegate an important task, double check to make sure it's been done.

4. Don't cut corners -- you'll be found out eventually.

5. Choose your words carefully -- you don't want them to be misconstrued.

This article was originally published on The Daily Muse. For more fun work advice, check out:

9 Management Lessons We've Learned From Michael Scott
Bored at Work? Place Office Lingo!
5 Career Lessons I've Learned From Mad Men

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