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Showing posts with label fyi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fyi. Show all posts

Here’s Why You Should Never, Ever Squish A Centipede In Your House





What is the first thing that crosses your mind when you see a centipede in your home? More than likely, you want to grab a tissue and squash the invader with extreme prejudice. After all, they are creepy looking and when we see one crawling around in the tub in our middle-of-the-night bathroom run, that instinct just seems to kick in.

More than likely, you have the same feelings for other creepers, such as ants, spiders and roaches and when you see all of those legs moving at one time, it is just a little bit unnerving. That is especially true when you think of where you typically see them. If you do happen to spot a centipede, resist the urge to squash them for one very important reason.

As it turns out, the fact that you have a centipede in your home means that you probably have a lot less of the other creepy crawly bugs; and that is a good thing.


The simple house centipede is larger than those that look like worms and they have about 30 legs. They look similar to an eyelash and they might just invade your nightmares when you see them.

These bugs might be alarming but they do their part to keep out the other house guests that you certainly don’t want crawling around.

As it turns out, centipedes have a huge appetite for other bugs, including spiders, roaches, bedbugs and silverfish. Any bug crawling around in your home is fair game to the centipede.

One of the more interesting bugs that they eat are silverfish. They tend to hang out in the same spaces as the centipede.

If you see that centipede at 2am and you don’t see any silverfish, it is not a coincidence. The centipede is one of nature’s best exterminators.

Of course, you don’t need to set up a special room for these bugs and let them roam freely. After all, the tend to alarm us when they move out of those hidden areas.

Perhaps they can best be summed up in the words of an entomologist with the USDA. He said this about them in 1902:

“It may often be seen darting across floors with very great speed, occasionally stopping suddenly and remaining absolutely motionless, presently to resume its rapid movements, often darting directly at inmates of the house… thus creating much consternation.”

Don’t squash the centipede, capture them in a jar and transport them outside. They will still protect your home by dining on those bugs that would otherwise come inside.


You can also try dropping the humidity to discourage them from hanging around.

If you don’t see them very often, you might just want to let them stay right where they are. They aren’t harmful to humans and they provide a nice service.

Just know that, when a centipede is on the job, bugs will be at a minimum.

Aside from the possibility of being startled by a centipede, they don’t do much to hurt humans. They don’t bring germs into the home and they even clean their legs regularly.

The bottom line is, centipedes will eat those spiders and other bugs, leaving you with a happy home.

Here Are The 10 Kinds of Annoying Personalities You Will Find in Every Single WorkPlace


You may be wondering why I've called this meeting. Wondering why I included you, why I included the person next to you who you can't even, and the person next to her who doesn't even go here. You are also probably curious as to why no one brought donuts.

I did this to save your lives.

You are all driving your coworkers crazy. Not adorable, quirky crazy–the other kind. You are here because you are that coworker. I'm sorry to have to tell you, but someone had to do it.





You have to change, immediately, or I can't guarantee your safety as a part of this organization. I've brought this list of character summaries for your convenience. It's hand-written because the copier was jammed. Now is the time for unflinching self-analysis. 


1. The Technology Nuisance
Getty ullstein bild

Your credo is "What's the worst that could happen?" because you will find a way to make it a reality. You are the person who breaks the copier while changing the toner—and tells no one. The person who clicks "don't save" because you weren't sure. And you always reply-all. You cold-transfer phone calls to the wrong department because you never learned how to conference call. If you do not seek help, you will be crushed under the vending machine when you try to free your stuck Baby Ruth by shaking it just a little because what's the worst that could happen?


2. The Food Forager
Getty Alfred Eisenstaedt

No one believes you anymore when you say you forgot to bring food to the meeting where everyone is bringing food. No one thinks it's funny that you brought a single-serving bag of Cheezy Poofs from the vending machine. Everyone sees you sneak over and get a double serving of Kevin's amazing homemade lasagna when you brought a two-liter of off-brand cola. FYI, it was your turn to bring the donuts.

3. The Instigator
Getty FPG

You clearly do not have enough to do. When you are not perched on your neighbor's desk, loudly speculating that Sarah didn't get into more trouble for calling in sick again last week because we all know she's the favorite, you are letting it slip that you overheard a "higher-up" say that Andrea isn't his first choice as project lead and isn't that unprofessional? You are stirring the pot of misery for entertainment, and you will eventually have to lick the spoon.

4. The Homebody
Getty Science & Society Picture Library

There is no way to sugar coat this, okay? Stop flossing your teeth at your desk. And leave your shoes on. Brush your hair in the bathroom. Flush. Take your leftover tuna salad sandwich home with you. You don't live inside your cubicle. 

5. The Survivalist


Getty Jack Mitchell

You are the only one who knows how to do your job. And that's fine with you because it makes you tough to fire. Surprise! It also makes it tough for you to go on vacation or call in sick, and it makes it a nightmare for the rest of us left to answer your phone. Train a backup. Seriously.

6. The Latecomer

Getty FPG

I saved this one until now because you just now arrived, didn't you? We are all late sometimes. We get it. Yes, there's traffic and annoying phone calls and parenthood. We try not to notice. But when you show up late every single day, take a few minutes extra at lunch and then have to leave early with no notice, we start to wonder why the schedule only applies to everyone else.

7. Patient Zero

Getty Popperfoto

There is nothing noble about coming to work (and god forbid bragging about it) looking like something that we might have to take out with a crossbow. You and your germs need to stay home.

8. The "Secret" Office Romance
Getty Michael Ochs Archives

Everyone knows. Yes. Everyone. 

9. The Straight-Shooter
Getty Barbara Alper

You've been in this job a long time. We know, we know—you were here when the rest of us were still in kindergarten. When music was still worth listening to and no one had smartphones. We know. Because you tell us all the time. You are frequently seen smiling to yourself when you hear corporate buzzwords. You also roll your eyes a lot. You are also the person we're going to turn to when we need someone to tell someone else to stop being annoying.

Sorry about that.







5 Ways You Are Destroying Your Own Success


You work hard, meet your deadlines and make nice with the higher ups, but it hasn't been enough to secure that promotion. Are there some sneaky behaviors that have made themselves at home in your cubicle and are sabotaging your prospects? From oversharing last night’s drinks-capades to groaning about another meeting alert in your inbox, these are 10 times you may have gotten in the way of your own success.







1 BEING TOO NEGATIVE

Your boss drops another project in your lap and, rather than accept the challenge with at least a modicum of enthusiasm, you immediately start complaining. Sound familiar? If your first reaction when asked to take on new responsibilities is groaning about how this will mean extra work, longer hours, no extra compensation and no praise at the end, you need to rethink your approach. Perhaps you are genuinely overworked and this is the tipping point, or you may not be fostering a can-do attitude.


HOW TO DEAL

A sense of humor is key, according to Lauren Handel Zander, co-founder and chairwoman of the Handel Group, an international life-coaching company. “Realize that the thought is negative and give your trait a nickname,” she says. “For instance, if you’re constantly concerned about germs, you may refer to this trait as ‘Typhoid Mary.’ When a negative germ-thought appears, call it by name.” Try flipping it into something more powerful, telling “Typhoid Mary” to back off because you’re in great health. Channel that negative energy into turning those unexpected new projects into positive opportunities. Recommends Zander: “Take a leadership position on the project, document the project’s successes and highlight them at your next review."

2 BEING TOO RIGID

The idea of staying in your lane is now an outdated one — no one can approach a job as a single-task position anymore. Flexibility and resiliency are key skills that are becoming more and more sought after. According to a study by Right Management in the U.K. called The Flux Report, “In five years’ time, 91 percent of HR decision-makers think it is likely that people will be recruited on their ability to deal with change and uncertainty.” A new generation of multihyphenate, multitasking employees could leave your rigid self behind.

HOW TO DEAL

“Be more OK with uncertainty” may seem like the obvious answer, says John Sandahl, nationally recognized personal and life coach expert and founder of Warrior Team Coaching. Yet we all know it’s not that easy. “To learn to be more fluid takes time, practice and experience, particularly with ‘being uncomfortable,’” he says. “Confidence comes through experience, which means creating opportunities for small sustainable change and, therefore, small wins.” Try practicing small risks with people who you trust. In the meantime, he says, “Many issues can be solved with open and honest communication about work style and needs.” And remember that there are rewards for those with great critical judgment skills — as long as they don’t fall prey to the blind spot of being inflexible and hard to work with.

3 BEING OVERCOMPETITIVE

Healthy competition can be great in the workforce: It energizes some, propels others to achieve and creates a dynamic, energetic environment. But a nasty competitive streak can also quickly turn things toxic.

HOW TO DEAL

If others’ successes are making you jealous to the point of distraction, try to refocus your goals and evaluate your own contributions objectively. How is your attitude contributing to the environment? Can you feel good about your goals despite what others are doing around you? Assess whether the current work environment is the right one for you.

4 AVOIDING WORK EVENTS

Unless you are in your early twenties, when heading out after work is a given, going to work events after hours is usually a drag. But this is typically where the boss lets her hair down. Do you really want to miss that? Casual conversations at these events are crucial because they could expose a mutual interest or passion. (Try doing that on a 30-second elevator ride, where everyone is looking at their cell phones).

HOW TO DEAL

You don’t need to stay all night and do shots with the IT department, but do make sure you get some face time with your higher-ups. Who knows, maybe they’ll let you in on a position opening or a new project coming down the pipeline that could potentially lead to a promotion.

5 CHRONIC LATENESS

Known for rushing to meetings or missing deadlines? It’s not a good look. Chronic tardiness sends a message that you just don’t respect other people and their time. John Sandahl recognizes that this behavior usually means something else is going on with the individual. “Health issues, trouble at home, lack of training or awareness or, more simply, the person just doesn’t care or feels unconnected to their work or purpose.”

HOW TO DEAL

Take a tip from a life coach like Sandahl and ask yourself some questions about the “purpose” and the “why” of your work. The questions are meant to help you “reassess and perhaps reframe or reconnect to your responsibilities.” If you are constantly missing deadlines, speak to your supervisor about managing expectations. Perhaps the timelines were overzealous when they were created, or maybe you need help prioritizing and managing your time. In general, being open and honest with your boss will lead to less surprises and better communication for everyone.







How Often Should BlacK Men Shampoo Their Hair


HOW OFTEN SHOULD MEN OF COLOR WASH THEIR HAIR?
It’s pretty obvious to most people that black men’s hair is different, both in look and feel. It should then come as no surprise that our hair care should be different as well. Let’s take a look at the reasons.







IT’S DRY

We’ve all heard that black hair in general is dryer than other hair, but why? This is mostly because of the curls in our hair. The natural oils that are in everyone’s scalps travel down straight hair much more easily than curly hair. This alone makes black hair more dry and subject to breakage/loss. The natural oil just doesn’t get to most of our hair.

There’s nothing that can be done about this since the curliness of our hair is determined by the bulb shape of the hair follicle, which is determined genetically. Hooked bulbs cause curly hair, round bulbs cause straight hair.

WASHING


Due to the unique nature of black hair, we men must be more conscious about the drying effects of most shampoos. Shampoos tend to contain chemicals that strip the existing oils off of your hair, which may be fine for straight hair, but can be overly damaging to curly hair, which doesn’t replace the oils as easily.

While you’ll need to take into account how curly your hair is, generally washing 1 – 2 times a week achieves the desired cleaning effect without overly drying out our hair. It is also ok to condition hair daily.

With this knowledge and these tips you should be set to get the look you want without any troubles.







Science Reveals How The Most Attractive Female Lips Look Like


In the age of the selfie, more women than ever are looking for ways to perfect their pouts—which might be why a record-breaking 27,400 lip implants were performed in the United States in 2015. But what does the "perfect" pair of female lips really look like? According to new research published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, they're (mostly) more natural-looking than you might think.

In their February 2017 study, researchers from University of California, Irvine showed more than 400 participants side-by-side images of young women's lips and asked them to rank each photo on a scale of one to 10, with one being the least attractive and 10 being the most attractive.


First, the participants were shown photos in which women's overall lip sizes were manipulated, to help researchers gauge the "ideal" lip surface area: 




And then they were shown photos in which women's upper and lower lips were manipulated separately, to help researchers gauge the "perfect" upper-to-lower lip ratio:



Ultimately, the researchers found that participants preferred lips that were approximately 50 percent larger than a woman's natural lip size and took up about 10 percent of the lower third of a woman's face. They also preferred a lower lip that was two times the size of the upper lip—kind of like those of models Miranda Kerr and Alessandra Ambrosio, explained study co-author Natalie Popenko.


Models Miranda Kerr and Alessandra Ambrosio have lips that match study participants' preferences.

The participants' preference for a fuller, more natural lower lip was slightly surprising to the researchers, as current plastic surgery trends indicate that many women (celebrities and otherwise) are asking plastic surgeons for a visibly fuller upper lip. But the researchers recommend skipping the trend and preserving the more natural look if you do decide to have plastic surgery—a larger upper lip can unintentionally come off looking "overly filled and disproportionate," says study co-author Brian Wong, MD, PhD.

It's important to note that, in an effort to generate findings that could be compared to previous research, this study focused solely on the lips of young Caucasian women. And, of course, your lips—much less this study's definition of "perfect" ones—aren't the only things that define you and your beauty. So don't stress too much if your pout doesn't match these participants' preferences.

"Whole faces are greater than the sum of their parts, and attractiveness can also be defined by unique facial features," Popenko added.

[h/t TODAY]

From: Dr. Oz The Good Life







According to Science These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Women in the World


Science has been able to tell us a lot about beauty: the six physical features men can't resist, your most memorable facial feature, and now—which women are considered the most beautiful in the world and why.

It all comes down to an ancient Greek philosophy called the Phi ratio, which Julian De Silva, M.D., of the Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery used along with computer facial mapping to determine which famous women have the ideal face ratio and symmetry.

While standards of beauty vary by culture, the ratio method is an interesting approach to aesthetics and may give us some clues as to why some people stand out more than others.

Amber Heard came in at the top of the list with a facial symmetry of 91.85 percent, while Helen Mirren ranked at #6 and Marilyn Monroe came in at #9. 









Dr. De Silva pointed out that this study is by no means a way to pit women against each other. "With this ground-breaking technology, we have solved some of the mysteries of what it is that makes someone physically beautiful," he said. "The results were startling and showed several famous actresses and models have facial features that come close to the ancient Greek principles for perfection."

So, according to the ancient Greeks and science, here are the 10 most beautiful women in the world:

1. Amber Heard 91.85%
2. Kim Kardashian 91.39%
3. Kate Moss 91.06%
4. Emily Ratajkowski 90.8%
5. Kendall Jenner 90.18%
6. Helen Mirren 89.93%
7. Scarlett Johansson 89.82%
8. Selena Gomez 89.57%
9. Marilyn Monroe 89.41%
10. Jennifer Lawrence 89.24%
(h/t Brit.Co)
From: Woman's Day







Here Are Powerful Photos Telling Us The Dangers Of Judging Women By Their Clothes


A lot goes into picking out an outfit in the 
morning, and it all goes through your head. But often times, so does what others will think of you because of what you wear.

Terre Des Femmes, a Swiss organization for gender equality, is fighting back against the unfair judgment women face about how they dress with an ad campaign called "Don't Measure A Woman's Worth By Her Clothes." Along with students at the Miami Ad School in Germany, artist Theresa Wlokka created three powerful images, depicting commonly sexualized areas (like a woman's chest and legs) along with "measuring sticks."


It's a glaring reminder that if a girl wears a low-cut shirt, it doesn't mean she's promiscuous, and a knee-length skirt, doesn't mean she's prude or boring. The images also highlight a common justification heard in sexual assault cases—the insane idea that showing skin means the victim was "asking for it."


Skirt Length




Heel Height




Neckline





H/T:
Elitedaily.com







How You Eat Your Food Explains Who You Are.


If you believe a certain strain of science and psychology, we never do anything just to do it. There's meaning behind pretty much everything, including the mundane stuff like, oh, how we eat dinner. There's an amazing nine different ways of chowing down, and each connects to certain personality traits you likely see come out in other aspects of your life. The topic got a close look by the folks over at Little Things and they broke it down, bite by bite.






The slow eater:
You're the type who takes her time, wholeheartedly believing in the idea that it's quality over speed. You live in the present, and you really enjoy everything around you.
The fast eater:
Multitasking is your middle name. Hitting deadlines early is normal, and you're fairly competitive. There's a possibility you put the needs of others before yours, making it important that you take time for yourself.
The organizer:
You know those people who want everything on the dinner plate to remain in respective areas, free from any risk of cross-contamination? They're likely to be tidy and organized IRL too, with a tendency to be a bit inflexible.
The adventurer:
Approaching eating with a boldness that means you'll try everything translates into every aspect of your life. You're a brave risk-taker and never afraid of suggesting a new idea or plan.
The picky eater:
This is the person who loves being in her comfort zone and knowing exactly what's going on. You're curious, not afraid of asking questions, and love learning new things.
The isolationist:
It's the detail-oriented person who eats in this manner, finishing one type of food before moving on to the next. You're cautious, think everything through, and know there's a method to your madness. It's cool but essential to realize that others might not always see things the way you do.



The mixer:
If you mix everything on your plate together before eating, you're likely to be outgoing, friendly, and capable of taking on a lot. It's definitely true, but that means you also run the risk of overextending yourself.
The oversharer:
People eating dinner with you know what's going on: They hear you crunching, munching, and generally enjoying yourself. The unabashed spirit shows that you don't care what others think and are comfortable with presenting yourself exactly as you are.
The preparer:

Carefully cutting up your food and getting it perfectly ready means you tend to be forward-thinking, ambitious in your professional goals, and always eager to nail down plans and future dates with friends and family.











Women Do Make These 8 Most Common Mistakes When Looking for a New Job


Whether it's money, an exciting new industry, career stagnation, or the fact that you can't stand to hear your coworker slurp her soup one more day, you've decided it's time to start looking for the greener grass on the other side of the fence.

Guess what? You might think you're pretty savvy when it comes to job hunting (you found the one you're in, didn't you?), but there are a few common mistakes many women make that can derail their efforts. As a former 15-year veteran of recruiting and headhunting, I'm here to help you. (For free!) Here are seven things you'll want to avoid:





1. Your résumé still looks like it did the last time you interviewed
Nothing's worse than pulling out your résumé only to have your own, warped version of writers' block: What the hell do I do, again? That's why the general wisdom is to add job responsibilities, accolades, awards, and wins to your résumé as you go (about once a quarter, or when something amazing happens). It might seem counterintuitive to update your resume when you're not looking, but it's for two reasons: 1) You'll be less likely to forget cool things you've done and 2) Looking at all your accomplishments on a regular basis gives you a consistent sense of your worth. You're less likely to settle when the time comes to use it.


2. A job search isn't the time to start building a network
Most of us spend more time double-tapping Instagrams than cultivating a network of people who can help us further our interests. That has to change. Identifying professional organizations and/or individuals who can mentor and further your interests isn't selfish, it's smart. Between LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Twitter, and networking opportunities, take every chance to consistently identify, build, and nurture relationships with people at all levels. That coffee friend could be the person who champions your resumé right into the job of a lifetime.

3. You say no to headhunters/executive recruiters
Executive women know it pays to keep in touch with at least two headhunters at all times. It's their job to know what's out there, and they can be your ticket to your next best role. Send a few great candidates their way, and when it's your turn they'll absolutely reward you by taking you to the top. Job boards are nice, but by the time something is posted, rest assured there's a savvy recruiter who probably already knew about it. This advice applies to everything from administrative staffing agencies and freelancer agencies all the way to C-suite headhunters. Find the best, and make them your friend.

4. You don't know the cardinal rule of interviews
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to alter your personality in an interview. A good interview is like a great first date. You've done your research, you're not emotionally tied to the outcome, and you're just exploring your options. You're not too friendly, you're not too stiff—you're pleasant, comfortable without being unprofessional, and receptive to questions and exchanges. Honestly, they're trying to figure out what it would be like to work with you, so don't have a personality transplant before walking in the door. Relax. Also, never badmouth a former or current employer in an interview; it sets a bad tone that you'll do the same in their company. Think "pleasant professionalism" and all should fall into place.

5. You don't know your worth
Every woman needs to know her "number" at all times. Salary, bonuses, pension, stock options, executive perks, potential payouts, vesting schedules–you have to know at any minute if you walk how much you need to remain financially whole. If you know what you're worth, you're more likely to get it. Always ask for slightly higher than what you'd be willing to take. Salary negotiations are a good exercise in what it will be like to work there. If they lowball you from the beginning, conditions aren't likely to improve. Your financial negotiating power will rarely be stronger than before you start, so negotiate the strongest position you can.

6. You need consensus before making a decision
Your next best job is not a choice that should be made by committee. Asking your best friend, your partner, your parents, your barista at Starbucks, your coworkers, and your dog walker for their advice on whether or not you should take a job can lead you on the wrong path or, worse, stall your progress entirely. You know what's best, and the nagging feeling that told you to start looking is called "intuition." It's the strongest sense of direction on the planet. Trust yours, and don't be afraid to make the tough call.

7. You're emotionally unprepared to walk away
If you're not really ready to leave your current position, it wreaks havoc on your life. Your performance might suffer, your coworkers might notice, and by the time you receive an offer, they might help you pack. Women are passionate creatures, and if we don't start looking at the workplace as a playing field, we'll continued to be whipsawed by politics and feeling as if we should stay because, well, what would happen if we left? Your career is an open playing field where you should explore your options and make decisions based on your own self-interests. That's not being selfish, that's survival. Love your co-workers, make friends outside of the office, but never feel badly for taking a job that gets you closer to your dreams. Conversely, don't use your job search as a salary negotiation ploy with your current employer. That only works once (if at all), and you might find yourself replaced before you knew what hit you.









Most Bosses Hates These 10 Things More Than You Taking A Sick Leave


Whether your FOMO at work is stronger than your sinus infection or you boss makes you feel like you've dropped the ball every time you blow your nose, you may be too scared to call in sick—even at the height of flu season. But according to our experts, there are far worse things you could do than recuperate beyond your cubicle's three walls. Here are nine things that will cross your boss more than your cold.






1. Spreading your germs to other employees.
Your coworkers are left to pick up the slack when you call in sick—but no one can do your job if everyone is consumed with coughing. "While having someone call in sick is hard, having someone show up to work when they are sick is worse," says Sharlyn Lauby, president of consulting firm ITM Group Inc., founder of HR Bartender, and author of Essential Meeting Blueprints for Managers. "No one wants your germs."
2. Emailing everyone—or the wrong person.
*That time you meant to complain to your coworker and accidentally hit reply-all—alerting your boss to how you really feel about her request that you work the weekend—was way worse than when you missed a meeting because of a migraine. "Nothing makes people crazier than hitting the reply-all button for insignificant and irrelevant responses," says Lauby, "and you can put yourself in a very awkward position if you reply-all and forget who is included." *
3. Feeling they can't trust you.
Bosses need people they can count on, says Jill Jacinto, millennial career expert and associate director of communications for WORKS. Building trust with employer will make you his or her most valued employee. But burn that dependable bridge and your boss may not believe you the next time you really call in sick, warns Hallie Crawford, career coach and founder of career coaching agency Hallie Crawford. "You can lose your boss' trust by lying about a project or the way something was handled with a client," she says, "or taking the credit for something you didn't do."
4. Showing up unprepared.
If repeated nose-blowing will keep you from reading a report, it's better to stay home than to show up and show off that you're not prepared, warns Lauby. "If you've ever had to explain a memo to someone who didn't take the time to read it or stop your work to tell someone how to fill out a form that they should already know how to complete, then you know what I'm talking about," she says. "Don't be that person."
5. Clocking in at all the wrong times.
Missing a day because you're down-and-out is one thing—but missing a meeting because you hit the snooze button one-too-many times is quite another. "Everyone has one of those mornings where the alarm clock didn't go off or train was late," commiserates Jacinto. "But if that is happening every morning, your boss will take notice—and he or she won't like it." Just as bad to your boss, Lauby says, is being the person who clocks out before the work day is up. "At least when an employee calls in sick, the company knows you're going to be gone and they put together a plan to get the work done," she says. "But wanting to leave early puts stress on the department because they don't have time to put a plan in place."
6. Abusing expenses.
That company credit card sure is tempting. "You might think no one will notice the glass of wine at dinner or the upgraded economy comfort seat—but your accountant will," warns Jacinto, who says his or her next step will be to sit down with your boss to devise a plan on how to rein you in. "Bosses are held accountable for everything their employees do, say, or spend," she says, and pulling on his or her already-tight purse strings won't please anyone.
7. Appearing unprofessional.
You spent a lot of money on a new dress whose neckline does all the right things for your decolletage, so you'll be damned if you won't get your money's worth by wearing it every chance you get—even to work. But your boss will take notice—and may even take umbrage—if you do things "that are not illegal, unethical, or immoral but just aren't smart, such as wearing the wrong attire to work," says Lauby, "or using profanity in front of customers, or telling weird jokes. No one wants to be the office police and tell an employee they're not making a good impression."
8. Being negative.
No one likes a Debbie Downer—not even your seemingly humorless boss, warns Jacinto. "Your boss doesn't want to hear about your problems," she says. "He or she wants to hear your solutions." Beyond that, Crawford says, "working with a negative or critical attitude can dampen the office culture, especially when most bosses try to cultivate a positive work environment. Employees with bad attitudes make that difficult or even impossible."
9. Being glued to your phone.

Unless you're using your phone to call your doctor about that persistent cough, it's likely your employer doesn't want to see your cell out at all. "Employees must respect the fact that they are at work," says Lauby, who adds you can stay on the good side of cell phone usage by putting it in silent mode and taking private calls in a private place. "Don't play Plants vs. Zombies during working hours," she says. "You get the point."









Here The Things You Should Never Attempt or Do in a Job Interview


Whether you’re burned out at your current job, looking for a more challenging position, between jobs, fun-employed or whatever, welcome to the job-hunt jungle. Focused on landing a worthy gig, you’ve rolled up your sleeves and done everything that smart job seekers do -- spread the word amongst your friends and former coworkers, researched company leaders on LinkedIn, wrote a brilliant cover letter, collected glowing recommendations and completed several epic online applications. Then, one day, the career gods bestowed upon you a glimmer of hope: You have an interview, which is one step closer to snagging a J-O-B. But how can you make the best possible impression on your interviewers? Recruiters, hiring managers and career coaches weighed in with real insights and advice to give you the edge. So if you want to ace your interview, whatever you do, don’t do these things.








1 SHOWING UP LATE OR TOO EARLY

It’s a no-brainer: Obviously, punctuality is important in an interview. But sometimes your Waze is way off, causing you to arrive much too early or embarrassingly late. You may think arriving early is a point in your favor. But you don’t want to show up more than 15 minutes early because it can stress out your interviewers. After all, they take responsibility for your waiting time, and they don’t want to feel guilty if you’re stuck on a couch for what seems like an eternity. So if you get to an interview more than 10 minutes early, find a place to wait -- your car, Starbucks, etc. -- to avoid creating any awkwardness. And regarding lateness, Cheryl Jordan, chief financial officer for Omega/Cinema Props, urges, “Don’t be late. But if it’s unavoidable, be sure to call.”

2 BE AFRAID TO MAKE EYE CONTACT

You know the old proverb “The eyes are the windows to the soul?” Well, it isn’t just some hokey, poetic metaphor. When it comes to job interviews, your eyes really do give the interviewers an idea of your level of interest, professionalism and confidence. That’s why eye contact is crucial. Melissa Logan, general manager at Amoeba Music, recommends, “Avoid darting eyes. Instead, try to keep eye contact throughout the interview.” Eye contact also shows sincerity, honesty and respect -- all of which are imperative when you first meet a prospective employer. And as far as first impressions and eye contact go, Cheryl Jordan, CFO for Omega/Cinema Props offers, “A pleasant, confident greeting is important -- especially to a company where customer-service skills are key.”

3 CHECKING YOUR PHONE

Sure, it’s tempting to text a friend or scroll through your Facebook feed when you’re in a quiet room, nervously anticipating an interview. But just don’t. Cheryl Jordan, CFO for Omega/Cinema Props, says, “Turn off your cellphone before entering the building. Don’t use it even while waiting for your interview in the reception area.” Because, she explains, “current employees may ‘check out’ applicants. And if an applicant is excessively texting or using his cellphone, it’s considered a danger signal. These current employees will then pass this information on to the manager who is interviewing.” You should really just ignore your phone completely throughout the entire visit. Revolve Clothing senior recruiter Laura Santos advises, “Don’t even glance at it during the interview.”

4 WEAR INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING

Clearly, you’re not going to saunter in to an interview in gray sweatpants or a Kim Kardashian-esque beige bodycon dress. But you do need to consider what you want your style to convey. Laura Santos, senior recruiter at Revolve Clothing, advises, “You definitely want to dress the part.” In order to come across as a professional, you should always err on the side of slightly more overdressed and conservative -- even if your job is in a more laid-back environment. But all job fields aren’t created equal when it comes to “dressing the part.” According to Ryan Kahn, founder of The Hired Group and MTV’s “Hired” career coach, “It’s all about understanding the company culture.” Just dress accordingly, whether the environment is creative to tech to corporate to fashion to finance. Pay attention to grooming and hygiene too. Also, Laura suggests, “avoid overloading on fragrance.”

5 FORGET TO DO RESEARCH

Once you’ve landed a job interview, take a cue from William Miller, the budding Rolling Stone journalist in “Almost Famous”: Do your homework. Know who you’re talking to, what they’re about and what they do. Show some genuine interest, even passion. Don’t venture in and think you can fake it. Cheryl Jordan, CFO for Omega/Cinema Props says, “Research the company. Prepare a series of intelligent questions that will highlight your curiosity about the company and its function. Nothing makes me crazier than an applicant who asks: So, what exactly do you do here?” Angela Priest, former hiring manager for a Fortune 500 company adds, “I expect you to be assessing whether or not this company is a good fit for you as much as we’re assessing how well you fit with the company.”

6 QUESTION THE PERKS

The adrenaline rush of a potential new job can be exhilarating, almost to the point that you’re eager to know every perk as if you already have the job. But before you rattle off a series of questions -- “How many vacation days do I get? Does your company give annual bonuses? What’s your retirement savings plan like?” -- slow down and be patient. “While it’s good to have follow-up questions prepared for your interviewer, don’t ask too many questions about benefits and time off during an initial interview,” says Jordan. “It’s appropriate to request more information -- especially that kind -- once you receive the job offer.” So wait till that offer comes.

7 MISREPRESENT YOURSELF

Melissa Logan, general manager for Amoeba Music, says it best: “Don’t under- or oversell yourself. Just be yourself!” It sounds simple, yet so many people have a tough time doing it. We all want to cruise into a job interview and convince the hiring team that we’re everything they’ve ever wanted in a star employee. But you don’t want to paint an over-the-top picture of your skills. As smart and gifted as you are, you probably can’t defy gravity or herd unicorns. Advocate for what you can do, and don’t doubt the value and experience you bring. “Don’t lack confidence in your skills -- sell yourself!” Santos advises.

8 OVERSHARE

Of course you want your interviewers to like you, so it’s a good idea to share a few details that highlight your interests and personality. Angela Priest, former hiring manager for a Fortune 500 company, explains, “This helps me understand a bit more about you as a person and how you might fit into the company culture.” But you don’t want to turn your interview into a therapy session. Melissa Logan says, “You should definitely avoid divulging too much personal info.” For example, you may think that recounting a touching, personal story in an interview will tug at your hiring team’s heartstrings. But it could end up leaving a Debbie Downer vibe in the room, which doesn’t exactly scream, “Hire me!” Oversharing also applies to pre-interview information. “Don’t post anything on social media that you don’t want a potential employer to see. We look!” says Cheryl Jordan.

9 BAD-MOUTH YOUR FORMER JOB

All of our experts agree that this is a huge red flag. Even if you left the most horrible job on the planet, your current interviewers do not need to know about it. “Don’t say negative things about your previous employer or company -- even if you left because the situation was bad,” Angela Priest stresses. “Instead, discuss it in a constructive way or describe why the company was no longer a good fit for you. You may be saving us both some time and angst if there are similar conditions at our company.” Laura Santos explains further, saying, “We wouldn’t want you doing that with us if we hire you.”

10 FORGET YOUR RESUME

If you’re eager to land the job, you’ve got to be ready for anything -- which includes having an arsenal of tools that tout your talent and show just how serious you are. “Don’t forget to bring copies of your resume. Yeah, we’ve already seen it, but it’s nice to see that you’re prepared,” says Laura Santos. Cheryl Jordan also suggests: “If you have letters of reference from former employers, bring those too.” It’s definitely helpful to show the value you’ve brought to your past workplaces.

11 USE TOO MANY BUZZWORDS

Brainy is good. BS is not. If you start rattling off information you have memorized about “m-commerce” and how “mobile storefronts need to be more user-friendly to drive purchases via mobile phone,” but you don’t really understand what you’re saying, it’s going to be apparent. Angela Priest advises, “Don’t use too many buzzwords. If you know something, you know it. Using too many buzzwords makes me think that you read it somewhere in a textbook and don’t know the real-world application, whether or not that’s true.”

12 BE UNREALISTIC ABOUT SALARY

Everyone dreams of making bank -- whether that means you can finally pay all of your bills or afford a personal masseuse named Antonio. But before you throw out an outrageously huge number, you’ve got to consider your years of experience, talent and what you currently make to guide you to a feasible amount. Laura Santos says, “Don’t be unrealistic with your compensation requirements. We all think that we are worth a million bucks -- but that doesn’t mean your next employer will pay that.” So if you know what you’re worth, how do you convince an employer to pay you accordingly? Andrew G. Rosen, founder and editor of jobacle.com, suggests, “Be honest with what you make and how much you’d require to take the position. Then explain what you’re worth and give a realistic salary range.”

13 LIE ABOUT YOUR OTHER OPTIONS

Even if you’re a Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute graduate, it’s probably not the best idea to test out your skills with hiring managers, HR personnel and other big guns who can make or break your job status. According to our experts, these people are pros at detecting when someone’s bluffing. Laura Santos warns prospective candidates: “Don’t lie about interviewing at other places. We can see right through it.” Then again, you don’t want to admit it’s the only company you’re interviewing with. According to Lily Zhang, career development specialist at MIT, there’s no need to give the interviewer more power than he or she already has. Lily says, “Instead of responding with your lack of other interviews, let your interviewer know what types of positions and companies you’ve been applying to.”

14 PLAY IT TOO COOL

You’re in the hot seat for a reason, right? You genuinely want this job. Cheryl Jordan says, “Interviewing applicants who obviously don’t give a damn about where they work as long as they receive a paycheck is a huge chore, while interviewing those who are interested and enthusiastic is always a pleasure.” Certified career management coach and expert resume writer Don Goodman suggests, “Before you go in for an interview, look over the company’s website for news events. Did the company just sign a significant partnership, bring in a key individual from the industry or launch a new product? These are topics that can help build rapport and show that you have a sincere interest in the company.”









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