Blog Posts by The Daily Muse

Toot Your Own HornAsk just about anyone what personality trait grates his or her nerves the most, and a braggart is bound to top the list. So, it makes sense that most of us are loathe to toot our own horns, for fear of coming across as obnoxious. Especially in the office. This obviously makes standing out in the workplace a bit of a challenge. But, given that promotions aren't exactly being doled out by the truckload these days, we all need to find ways to highlight our own talents. With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind that'll help you impress your boss with your stellar skills without coming across like an egomaniac.

No Splashing in the Shallow End

When you're first starting a new job, or even a new role, it's important not to make a big entrance right off the bat. For example, if you want to show off your Excel wizardry, simply declaring you're the best in the land isn't going to impress anyone.

Instead, start small and subtle. Craft your best spreadsheet possible for whateverRead More »from 3 Ways to Toot Your Own Horn (Without Being Obnoxious)

Office PotluckWhether your office is celebrating an employee's recent promotion or simply fostering some holiday spirit, sooner or later you'll be the lucky recipient of an office-wide email prompting you to don your oven mitts and prepare your best dish for sharing. OK, so it's not nearly as nerve-wracking as your first presentation in front of the corporate execs, but as a potluck rookie, you probably have some concerns. If you're nearing your first collaborative meal in the workplace, the following tips will guarantee your culinary success.

Skip the Excuses and Participate

It's tempting to take the easy way out and simply forego the potluck-after all, you're probably strapped for extra cash, stressed about an upcoming deadline, or altogether too exhausted to cook. Well, put those excuses aside, grab your mixing bowls, and get cooking. More than anything, potlucks are meant to be a fun way to connect with your co-workers, so give in and make the most of it!

Pull Out the Family Recipes

There Read More »from A Rookie’s Guide to the Office Potluck

What to Get Your BossAt some offices, holiday gift-giving is pretty standardized: The whole department draws names, or you have a gift exchange, or everyone decides to go in together to get the boss a lovely gift basket or some concert tickets. And then at other companies, you're pretty much shooting in the dark. What can you get your manager that will impress her, without going overboard and making her (or anyone else) think you're a brown-noser? (And, if we're really being honest, that won't blow your entire holiday bonus check.)

No matter what type of boss you're shopping for, we've got you covered with these perfect gift picks, all under $50.

Kate SpadeFor the Office Dweller

Let's start here: You know at least one thing about your boss, and it's that she comes to the office every day. Pop your head in her door and take a quick scan of what she might need. Does she have stuff all over the place? Try this "Cordies" organizer ($24.99), which will keep her phones, camera, wallet, and other desk essentials Read More »from What to Get Your Boss for Christmas

More often than not, job descriptions are as vague and frustrating as the end of The Matrix-leaving you with more questions than answers. What does "willing to be flexible" really mean? What does the day of a "master multi-tasker" actually entail? And what are you getting yourself into in a "fast-paced, high-intensity" environment?

Sometimes, these phrases are harmless, but others, well, let's just say it pays to read between the lines a little bit. We chatted with a recruitment consultant from a Toronto-based executive search firm and got the skinny on what these cryptic bullet points may really mean. Read on for a quick translation guide-plus what you should ask during an interview to make sure you uncover any major red flags.

"Flexible and willing to perform other tasks as assigned."

This line signals a job that will give you a variety of job duties, which can be great if you're the kind of person who thrives on every day feeling a little bit different. Just beware that "other Read More »from "Fast-Paced" and "Flexible:" What Job Descriptions Really Mean

Last Minute Job InterviewAs a recruiter, I'm constantly calling people for interviews. Since I have clients who need positions filled immediately, I often ask candidates to come in as soon as possible-sometimes even the next day. I also remember being on the job hunt myself a couple of years back and getting called for an interview to be held that very same day!

If you're a job seeker, you shouldn't be alarmed by these surprise job interviews-in fact, you should be prepared. And having been on both sides of the desk, I've learned a thing or two about how to get ready. Here are a few pointers for how to handle last-minute job interviews with ease, all based on mistakes I see people making all the time.

Always Have Your Resume Ready

One of my biggest pet peeves is when applicants don't come in with a hard copy of their resume. I know I called you in at the last minute, but it's part of the deal-and having a resume on you is pretty elementary if you're a job-seeker. Even if you're called in that day and don'tRead More »from “Can You Come in for an Interview—Tomorrow?”

Be Productive After Work

With winter and the holidays creeping around the corner, there seems to be fewer play hours in the day, extra obligations piling up, and more to do on the job. And returning home after a long day's work can feel increasingly daunting with household chores, bills, and errands. So what's a girl to do with more tasks and less time?

If only we had the energy we did in college. Remember? You'd come home late, completely wiped from studying or an exam (in my case, it was usually a volleyball match) and despite your exhaustion, you were somehow able to rally yourself for the evening's social activities. Who could resist another 80s party, right? While I'll confess I haven't found that energy again (and while neon spandex and side ponies will always be more enticing than balancing the checkbook), I have found a few ways to rally after work just the same. These steps have made a noticeable difference for me in making my post-work hours the productive (or social) time I want them to be.

Read More »from From Wiped to Wired: How to Be More Productive After Work

Calling in sickIt all starts innocently enough-first a sniffle, then a tickle in your throat, then before you know it, you've been knocked out by whatever nasty bug happens to be making the office circuit. But, while your body may be begging you to stay home, those piles of work on your desk (and maybe even your boss) are suggesting otherwise.

So, what do you do? Should you load up on whatever non-drowsy cold medicine is rolling around in the dark recesses of your junk drawer and suck it up, or keep your germs at home and let the bug take its course, sparing your colleagues the same fate? Taking time off is tricky business, especially when it's an unplanned day like a sick day. While there's no guarantee you'll convince your boss and colleagues you're better off at home, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the blowback the next time you're feeling lousy.

Know the Rules (Hint: They're Not in the Employee Handbook)

I'm willing to bet most of us with a standard 9-to-5 have sick days Read More »from The Unspoken Rules of Calling in Sick

5 Things You Should Never Share With Your Boss

Some things are better left unsaid, a wise girl once told me. Actually, five regretful girls told me-after saying things to their bosses they wished they could have sucked right back in their mouths (if only their feet weren't blocking the way).

Learn from their mistakes, and avoid these topics with your manager at all costs.

1. Your Side Business

It's fine to have a hobby, and it's fine and dandy if that hobby makes you a profit. What's not fine is selling your services to your manager and her peers. Case in point: A girl I used to work with was getting some negative feedback on her recent performance. Little things were building up to be a big thing, and rumors were swirling that management had had enough of her lack of attentiveness in meetings and constant mistakes.

They finally found out why this initial rock star was dwindling into a clock-watcher: At an important client dinner, she announced to a manager (who just told the table that she's getting married) that she'd love Read More »from 5 Things You Should Never Share with Your Boss