12 tips to be courteous to your co-workers (that you should already know)

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THERE ARE MANY UNSPOKEN RULES IN THE WORKPLACE.
If you've ever had a roommate or a sibling you've had to share a living space with, you may have learned the hard way not to push the boundaries of common courtesy too far. Similarly, there are many unspoken rules in the workplace as well — so pay attention and exercise civility to the people you have to spend most of your waking hours with.

Here are 12 tips to be courteous to your co-workers that you should, hopefully, already know.

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Do job seekers care about an employer's brand?

Employers might not worry much about what job seekers think about the company brand, but perhaps they should. Job seekers do care about brands, and they aren't keeping their opinions to themselves.

A new survey by Inavero highlights the role a company's employment brand plays in its ability to attract and engage potential employees.

According to the 2012 Candidate Behavior Study, 35 percent of workers begin preparing for their next job within weeks of starting a new one. Why so soon? According to Kassandra Barnes, content and research manager the explanation is simple: "The job-search process never really 'shuts off.'"

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The myth of the passive job seeker

We need to get rid of the words 'active' versus 'passive,'" says Kassandra Barnes, research and content manager. "They just aren't relevant words in the job-search landscape anymore.'' Barnes is referring to the findings of Inavero's 2012 Candidate Behavior Study, which highlights the behaviors and perceptions of today's job seekers.

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How to escape an awkward networking conversation

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How to identify a telecommuting-friendly job

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How to network via social media

Facebook is great for staying in touch with friends, sharing funny cat videos or seeing what an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend is up to, but can it help you get a job? Absolutely. Social-media websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are great platforms for networking and keeping up with industry trends.

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Job searching in a mobile world

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The skills employers are seeking in an IT professional

Given the nation's growing dependence on technology and thirst for the next big technological breakthrough, it's not surprising that information technology is one of the fastest-growing industries.

According to data from supply & demand portal, software engineer job listings are up 74 percent from 2011 to 2012. And it doesn't look like growth in the IT sector will slow down any time soon. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook shows that computer and IT occupations are projected to grow by 22 percent, adding 758,800 new jobs from 2010 to 2020.

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3 myths about older job seekers

Big Foot roams the woods of North America. The Loch Ness Monster lurks below the water's surface in Scotland. Hiring younger workers makes more sense than hiring mature ones. Which one of these myths is most widely believed?

Big Foot and "Nessie" may be out in the wild somewhere, but mature job seekers are just as attractive job candidates as their younger counterparts. More experienced, more mature, more reliable -- mature job seekers are the total package when it comes to hiring. So why do employers buy into the notion that their age is a drawback? Learn how to bust three common myths about older workers and get hired.

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What do employers think about overeducated job seekers?

Job seekers rarely consider the commitment a company makes when hiring somebody. Training, health benefits, salary, office space, technology, equipment -- these are investments companies make in a new hire, along with the hope that their newest employee will be a return on their investment.

Hiring managers often see a red flag when an overeducated job seeker applies for a position. While the job seeker sees this as an advantage -- surely he is more qualified than most applicants -- hiring managers see him as a flight risk, or somebody who won't stay at the company long before finding a better opportunity.

If you're overqualified, how can you combat this stereotype and land the job?

Why it's a problem
A certain liability comes along with overeducated job seekers, which weighs against the education advantages they have over other job seekers. "The problem may not be the over-education," says Marcia LaReau, president of career-services company Forward Motion LLC. "The question that generally comes up is, 'Is this person looking for something better, and will they leave if/when it comes along?'"

Helen Cortez, human resources manager for Next Day Flyers, agrees. "Often when I read through résumés, I come across candidates who at first glance appear to be overqualified and overeducated for the openings. As a company, we may be a bit hesitant to bring in these individuals. The concern is longevity. There is an expense tied with bringing new team members on board, and there is also an adjustment by the team they work with. That's not to say we don't bring in overqualified candidates, because we have, and we feel very fortunate to have these individuals on our team."

Why it might not be a problem
Employers are just as aware of the tough economy as job seekers. They know that many overqualified people are willing to take any to get a paycheck, but they still need to make smart business decisions. Make the choice easy by marketing your qualifications as an added perk.

"The company wants the best employees but also wants assurance that these workers will stick around," says Amber Dixon, marketing director of Intermountain Financial Group LLC. "They are aware that the individual may not stay with the company once the economy improves, but they can benefit from the knowledge of the educated employee until that happens. And, they hope that the individual and the company will create a strong working relationship that will persuade the employee to stay, but maybe in a higher capacity."

If you're an overeducated job seeker, make your intentions and your career goals clear in your cover letter and during interviews. "We've found [that] a discussion on the topic can be very enlightening," Cortez says. "Candidates may be at a stage in their life where they don't want to travel or where they want to be a part of a smaller organization that's in a growth cycle rather than a Fortune 500 company. The right circumstances can lead it to being a win/win situation."

Also, stress the benefits of your education and training. "I know that we care more about being educated than overeducated," Dixon says. "In my circle of networks, many employers have mentioned that they would rather hire someone with a higher degree than someone without one in this economy."

Ideally, you'll find a job where there's room to grow. "What's more productive is to apply for higher jobs where the candidate gets to grow into the position," LaReau says. "HR professionals know that the best jobs are the ones with the right balance between experience and growth." Whether you're over- or under-educated, or somewhere in-between, explain why you and this job are a good match and what each side will get out of the relationship.

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Employers want IT workers -- so why can't you find a job?

When you started your search for an information technology position, you were optimistic. People you knew seemed to have no problem landing great tech jobs, or they were telling you about other people who had just been hired. But now that you've sent out many résumés with little or no response, you're wondering why no one is snapping you up. What's going on?

First, take comfort in knowing that the demand for skilled IT talent hasn't waned, so there are still opportunities to be had. However, the emphasis here is on "skilled:" Companies that are hiring generally seek experienced professionals with specific skills.

If your experience or area of expertise doesn't quite align with what many employers are looking for right now, it doesn't mean you aren't a viable candidate for hire. You may just need to confirm that you're doing everything you can to give yourself an edge in a competitive marketplace. Here's some advice:

Revive your résumé
You've sent out your résumé a bunch of times. But is it a good résumé? Does it underscore the skills, talents and credentials that make you marketable and valuable to an employer? Does it clarify employment gaps and accentuate the positive things you've done while searching for a new role? Does it highlight specific achievements?

One thing employers want to see from job seekers today is an explanation of how they solved a critical problem, increased efficiency or otherwise saved the organization headaches, time or money. If you have a great story, use your job application materials to tell it.

Another important question: Are you leveraging terminology from employers' job descriptions in your résumé and cover letter? For additional insight, look to the "2013 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide" for a glossary of common IT positions and their responsibilities.

Also include a professional summary at the top of your résumé that succinctly highlights your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments. That way, hiring managers will have a snapshot view of what's most important to know about you as an IT professional.

Critique your credentials
You're a technology pro, so no doubt you already understand the importance of having up-to-date technical skills and certifications. However, are you sure you have the best credentials for the jobs you're applying for? If you don't, that may be holding you back from getting an interview or an invitation to a second one.

Just like technology itself, IT roles are always evolving. Use your professional network to find out what skills and designations your peers landing employment offers have earned. You may need some additional training to increase your value to a potential employer, and this may require making that investment in yourself. Most employers are looking for IT professionals who can hit the ground running; they prefer you to come to the job with the in-demand credentials in hand.

Many firms are specifically seeking technology professionals who understand the challenges today's businesses face in harnessing the power of big data, seizing mobile opportunities and embracing a "bring your own device" approach. If you have relevant experience in any of these areas, make it known.

Expand your network
Professional networking, conducted both online and in person, can help you connect to relevant job opportunities faster. However, if your network consists primarily of your peers who are also looking for employment -- or aren't employed at firms that are expanding their IT teams -- you need to broaden your scope of contacts.

Reconnect with old business contacts, mentors, teachers or family friends who have some business clout. Take advantage of networking events and other activities offered by local business organizations or professional associations. Be active in online networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter -- just be sure to keep all content fresh and professional. Once you've expanded your network, focus primarily on cultivating contacts who can introduce you to influential and well-connected people at the companies you'd like to work for most.

Lastly, don't fail to consider the opportunities and connections that an interim work arrangement might yield. A specialized recruiter can assist you in finding temporary IT positions. Often, these engagements lead to full-time roles for talented workers. Working as an interim technology professional also can help you earn income -- and keep your skills sharp -- while you continue your search for full-time employment.

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Do's and don'ts of an online job search

Searching for jobs online can be convenient and efficient if done correctly or frustrating and time-consuming if done incorrectly. While you may see thousands of job listings right at your fingertips, it's easy to get overwhelmed and waste opportunities if you're applying carelessly or using standard website settings. Adjusting to this new job-search process may seem confusing, but it isn't impossible.

The job search has changed from printed résumés and pounding the pavement to online job boards and one-click applications. Here are some do's and don'ts for job-searching online.

Do take advantage of narrowing search results
While you may want to find a job in sales, you may not be interested in scrolling through 100,000-plus search results. To avoid this headache, use advanced searches and narrow down search results. Most sites allow you to receive more specific results using certain criteria, such as:

Job-posted date
Company
City or state
Categories for a specific functional area such as "management" or "entry level"
Salary
Employment type, for specific jobs by schedule, such as "intern," "full-time" or "part-time"
Exclude: This is where you can remove jobs that have been posted nationally or regionally, jobs without salary information included or any nontraditional jobs.

Don't use one résumé for every job application
No two jobs or companies are alike, and your work experience will apply differently to each role. It's essential to customize your résumé according to each industry or job for which you're applying.

While this step helps demonstrate that you'd be a great fit for the job, it's also important because most online job applications are screened by an applicant tracking system, which searches for words or phrases in your résumé that match the job description. While this may sound bizarre or unfair, it helps manage the large volume of applications that hiring managers receive.

Do know the importance of résumé keywords
As mentioned above, applicant tracking systems usually screen for keywords pulled from the job listing. For example, an administrative assistant's job description may include "answer and route all incoming calls to internal staff" or "provide clerical and data-entry support to internal staff." Not only should you possess these skills, but they should be included in the skills and work-experience sections of your résumé.

Don't always expect to hear back
After you've customized your résumés and applied to jobs that met your specific search results, you should be proud of yourself for making progress. However, don't get your hopes up that you'll hear back from a company the next day, week or even month. Realistically, you won't hear back from most employers.

This is a part of the modern-day job search and is not a personal insult. Most companies receive too many applications to respond individually to each job seeker. If you don't hear back, it's likely because your application didn't get picked up by the tracking system or you were passed up for somebody more qualified.

As you continue to apply for more jobs and become more accustomed to the online job search, you'll discover your own do's and don'ts. Online job searching is meant to be efficient for both the job seeker and the hiring manager and can lead to a great job if you focus your efforts.

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How to get your creative career started

Creative positions such as graphic designer, writer and Web designer may seem like unattainable dream jobs, and jumping into the creative professional world can seem intimidating. However, these jobs are attainable. If you're interested in pursuing a creative job but aren't sure where to start, here are some tips to help you get organized and begin your search:

Create a portfolio
Having a digital portfolio is essential for creative individuals. Not only is it a great tool to keep your work organized and easily accessible, but it makes it easier to show your work to potential employers. Including a link to your portfolio in your cover letter and résumé is more secure and professional than including attachments for the hiring manager to download. Check out free websites such as Coroflot or Behance to start organizing your work.

Know and use industry terms
Whether you're formally trained or self-taught, it's important to be comfortable using industry terms for your work. If you're a designer, you should be familiar with popular software programs, in case the company you're interested in uses a different one than you. If you want to write for a living, learn about the different writing positions for which companies hire. Most creative jobs also require working knowledge of Internet publishing, an important subject area to research.

Develop a personal brand
Just as creative individuals help a business develop a company identity and share it with the public, creative professionals can also establish their own personal brand. Decide what professional identity you want, what direction you want your career to go in and any special focus or concentration you want to pursue. This step may be a lot of work, but it can also be fun, especially when customizing your résumé, business cards, social media profiles and portfolio to match your brand.

Use social media as a career tool
Social media are a great resource for networking and staying involved with your industry. You can share your creative work with your social-media community and participate in industry conversations. Take advantage of the resources available to creative workers and use the tools to their full potential.

Treat volunteer opportunities like entry-level gigs
If you're new to your field and don't have much experience, you can expand your portfolio and add to your résumé by doing free creative work for local nonprofits. Reach out to local businesses, and include your portfolio and a project pitch. Offer to create or redesign their website, write and publish a newsletter, photograph and create videos of an event or help with publicity. These businesses will appreciate the complimentary services, and your portfolio will continue to grow.

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What does it take to be considered overqualified?

As a job seeker, you may sometimes think you're a contortionist, trying to fit and shape yourself into the perfect candidate for the job. Oftentimes you need to tweak your experience and skills to match the job posting's phrasing. But what if you find yourself easily meeting or even surpassing the job requirements? While you may think you're a sure pick for the role, hiring managers may deem you overqualified.

Where's the line between being a perfect fit and being overqualified? Here's how to understand whether your qualifications will work for or against you and why hiring managers care.

The problem for both job seekers and employers
As time goes on, a person's career tends to ascend to higher titles and more responsibility. "An overqualified job seeker is someone who, because of salary, experience or education, is considering taking a step down in job or pay out of short-term convenience or personal necessity," says Jeff Zinser, principal of executive recruitment and search company Right Recruiting LLC.

Although this may sound like a plus for employers, who can benefit from the extra skills and experience, overqualified applicants may be viewed as a flight risk. "This situation is a problem for employers, because there is a high probability that the person will leave the job as soon as a position at their historical level appears," Zinser says. "In many situations, once the person becomes productive, they leave. Then the employer needs to refill the position. Job specifications and requirements are designed to fill professional positions with people who will be happy and challenged for the long term."

Send the right message
The hiring manager has valid reason to be concerned about overqualified applicants. But what if you truly want the lower-level job -- whether out of interest or necessity? How can you rephrase your experience so it's more hire-friendly without lying? "We never recommend editing or omitting vital information like experience or education from a résumé to prevent from being labeled overqualified," says Peter Zukow, general manager at Lock Search Group, a recruitment and staffing firm. "Instead, it is important to tailor a résumé to the specifications of the role. Highlight the qualifications and experiences that are most applicable to the role. If an individual misrepresents themselves on their résumé, it can be extremely embarrassing or even lead to immediate disqualification if uncovered during interview or background checks."

Address the issue
No matter how experienced a job seeker is, the key to convincing an employer that you're the right person for the job is making a clear business case for it. After you've tailored your résumé to fit the job description, address the issue of being overqualified in your cover letter and interview. Acknowledge your extensive credentials, but explain how this position fits into your career path, as well as how the business can benefit from your experience. Also come prepared with ideas for how you're a fit with the company culture and you align with its business values. An ideal job has responsibilities that play to your strengths and challenge you, so communicate that you're approaching this position as a learning opportunity.

Being an overqualified job seeker doesn't have to result in instant rejection. Research the roles you're applying to and how your experience can benefit the team as well as yourself. Employers look for workers who are a good company fit and will be around for a while. By making it clear you're interested in the job and have room to grow in the role, you'll prove that you're the best person for the job.

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The pros of part-time jobs

For many recent graduates, life may not be going exactly as planned. The rocky job market has many wondering when they'll put their education to use at a real, full-time job. But rather than accept unemployment until things turn around, they should consider taking a part-time position.

There are a number of reasons recent grads should look more seriously at part-time jobs. Chief among them is money. It never hurts to have a little income, and it'll get your parents off your back. Student loan debts may be due soon, plus the sooner you're able to start saving money, the sooner you'll be able to move out of your parents' house. Not to mention that having an active social life requires cash.

Filling a résumé gap
But the benefits go much deeper than funding weekend partying and staving off financial problems. A part-time job shows prospective employers that you can take life seriously and be proactive. Employers may question gaps in a candidate's résumé, especially ones that stretch over a long period of time. Show employers that you're responsible by taking a part-time job to help pay off your student loans while looking for more permanent employment.

Gaining experience in your field of interest
When researching part-time positions, look for ones that would give you experience in your desired field and possibly introduce you to professional contacts that may be useful down the road. For many employers, a candidate's prior experience is an important factor, and professional referrals remain one of the most trusted and widely used methods among hiring managers for filling vacancies. A part-time job in a related field is often more beneficial than a full-time position in an unrelated one.

Even if your part-time job isn't in your desired field, it is still a good way to round out a résumé, as well as prove you're a driven self-starter. It may also lead to letters of recommendation, which will be invaluable in your job search.

Improving time-management and organization skills
Taking a part-time job will also help in your quest to find sustainable employment in less-direct ways, such as improving your time management. With nothing to do each day but fill out the odd job application and make a phone call or two, it's easy for an unemployed job seeker to get distracted and disorganized. A part-time job can help create structure that is likely to spill over into the rest of your life and prepare you for a full-time schedule.

A part-time job makes a great transition into the hustle and bustle of the daily work force. So, while it may not be what you originally wanted, any chance to put yourself to work, fill résumé gaps and build worthwhile experience should be looked at as an opportunity.

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Follow Up After an Interview Without Being a Pest

Comparisons between job hunting and dating are common, and never are they more true than when it comes to the follow-up. After a date, you want to let the other person know you're interested, but you don't want to appear desperate. Plus, you don't want to feel foolish if he or she had no intention of contacting you again. On the other hand, what if he or she is waiting for you to make the call and if you don't, you'll miss out on a great romance?

So many questions and no definite answers to any of them. Ultimately you have to use your judgment and hope for the best.

Following up after a job interview is similar. As if you weren't nervous enough, you end up asking yourself a dozen questions and imagining hypothetical situations. "If I follow up now, do I seem desperate? If I wait too long, will they think I'm lazy? What if I'm the front-runner but I bug them and they cross my name off the list? What if I'm tied with someone else and my initiative gives me the edge?"

As with dating, job hunts don't have rules set in stone. At best, you can do what feels right and see what happens.

Here are three possible methods for following up with an employer and ways to know if you've crossed the line from eager to annoying.

1. The thank-you note is necessary after an interview, and no job seeker can afford to forgo it. Thank-you notes tell hiring managers that you respect their time. They have packed schedules and can afford to spend time interviewing only a select group of applicants, so your note acknowledges how grateful you are to get some face time.

Appropriate: An e-mailed note on the same day of the interview shows that you are courteous and don't dawdle. For most employers, an e-mail is an acceptable form of thanks because e-mail is a part of everyday business life and arrives quickly. A handwritten letter can be sent as a supplement to the e-mail if you want to stress your gratitude or you know the interviewer is old-fashioned.

Overkill: If you're going to follow up with a letter after your follow-up letter, think again. You already said thank you, so what else do you need to say? Both you and the hiring manager know that another letter is your way of asking, "Did I get the job?" Don't clog the hiring manager's inbox with more notes unless you want to be thought of as a pest.

2. The phone call is daunting and not the right move in every job situation. In fact, many job postings specifically state, "No phone calls." Unless you're feeling brave, you might want to skip it.

Appropriate: Unless you were specifically instructed not to call the hiring manager or another contact, you can make the call after an appropriate amount of time has passed. In this case, if you were given a deadline for when a decision would be made, let it pass and wait a few extra days and then make the call. Just once (unless instructed to call back).

Overkill: The phone call is one of the easiest ways to sabotage your image. Call once, when appropriate, and don't call again unless you've been told to. Phone calls are a nuisance in a way that letters and e-mails aren't. You can decline to open a message or just read it and ignore it. A phone call is harder to ignore if it requires the hiring manager to screen his or her calls once you become a repeat offender. If the company wants you, it probably won't forget to call you.

3. The pop-in causes you anxiety when your in-laws do it. Your place is a mess and suddenly you're forced to entertain people who you might not like very much anyway. Don't do that to an employer if you want to be considered for a job.

Appropriate: Stopping by to visit the company is rarely acceptable. Unless you have an explicit indication that you're welcome to show up uninvited, which would actually imply that you are invited, showing up in person is inappropriate. This follow-up is one case where once is almost certainly too much.

Overkill: When you show up and the hiring manager or receptionist gives you a look that says, "Why are you here?" you'll know you've crossed a line. Employers are busy -- they have schedules, meetings, clients and tasks. By showing up unannounced, you not only disrupt their routine but also imply that you are more important than their obligations and deserve their immediate attention.

Of course, you're bound to meet someone who broke one of these rules and impressed the hiring manager by his or her audacity. Perhaps going against etiquette will work for you. Just be aware that you're risking your professional reputation and could be removing yourself from the running for a job where you were a top candidate.

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Are you really qualified for that job?

You did it. Four years of college went by in a haze of parties, new experiences and, hopefully, at least a few dozen textbooks. Now it's time to go out into the world and get a job. Should be easy, right? You've done your part, and someone out there owes you a job. Wrong.

Companies are looking for qualified workers who will help their businesses move forward. Beyond a college degree, you will need to show experience, concrete skills, emotional intelligence, tenacity and myriad other qualities.

Here are three tips to help you navigate the thin line between qualified and entitled and honestly evaluate your skills as a recent graduate or entry-level worker.

1. Evaluate your experience and goals
Jaime Radow, a certified life coach in Scottsdale, Ariz., poses five questions that can help recent graduates and entry-level workers take the first important step in any job search: evaluating your experience and your goals.

What education do I have? "This list should include everything from college to those 10 years of dance classes to that weekend workshop you took in film making," Radow says. "Write it all down. Don't edit yourself."
What experience do I have? "Paying jobs and internships obviously make the list, but also include that six months of volunteering at the retirement home, i.e., skills gained, communication with the elderly, patience and compassion. Even selling baseball cards or Girl Scout cookies as a kid is sales experience. You may amaze yourself with all of the things you can do."
What do I enjoy doing? Here again, it is important that you do not edit yourself, Radow advises. List your passions and interests, and be honest about what these are.
If I could have any job, what would it be? Why? Dig deep. Think about what you really want to do and what you envision yourself doing for a living. When you're honest with yourself about the kind of job you'd like to have, you're more likely to find a good fit.
What jobs do I believe I am qualified for, and what is the pay range for my level of experience?Based on the skills and experience you've listed, what kind of positions do you think you're qualified for? Research these jobs online and find out what the starting pay is in your area.

2. Appraise your skills honestly
Once you've evaluated your experience and goals, make an honest and well-rounded appraisal of your skills. Julie Bauke, career strategist and president of The Bauke Group based in Cincinnati, suggests you:

Make a list with three columns: good/very good at, can do it/adequate at and not so good at/don't ask me to do this.
Collect honest feedback from those you have worked with -- professors, peers and former or current managers -- and compare that with your self-assessment.
Accept that you are not great at everything. No one is.

"I once spoke to a group of about 75 MBA students and asked who in the room was really great at managing large amounts of detail," Bauke says. "Every hand went up. There's no way. Honestly evaluating the experiences you have already had, plus your gut, plus feedback from others, will point you in the right direction."

3. Focus on the interview
According to Stu Coleman, partner and general manager at Winter, Wyman, a recruitment company based in Boston, the difference between entitled and qualified often balances on the turn of one phrase or the choice of one word over another.

"You can't assume anything," Coleman says. "Remember it [the interview] is an interview, not a meeting. Ask questions, leading ones that will result in a conversation about how you can add value. Ask what their opinion of you is, what concerns or hesitations they may have."

Maria K. Todd, president and CEO of Mercury Healthcare International, cautions new graduates and entry-level workers to avoid coming into an interview with an entitled attitude.

"I have been plagued with these candidates who feel a sense of entitlement," Todd says. "They walk into an interview as if they are the ones who are very busy. They have no idea about our company, and want to 'cut to the chase' with their deal-breaker offer to be employed for a minimum of $70K."

As a recent graduate or entry-level worker, it is important to have and exhibit confidence with a healthy dash of modesty. Know your strengths and celebrate them, but be careful not to give off an air of arrogance or entitlement. Employers want to hire people who are confident but humble, enthusiastic and ready to roll up their sleeves to help the business succeed.

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Are you a good fit for a small company?

If you're job hunting, one way to potentially increase your chances of success is to look for a position with a small business. Many applicants focus their efforts on large companies, because they either are attracted to the idea of working for a household name or believe these companies have more openings. Yet pursuing employment opportunities with smaller companies can be a wise move.

Before you begin sending your résumé to every small employer with an opening, however, make sure you'd be a good fit for the company. Small businesses often have very defined corporate cultures, and working at a mom-and-pop shop can be different than working at a larger company.

The ideal candidates for roles with small businesses often have these traits:

An entrepreneurial mindset. By definition, small and midsize companies have fewer people to tackle projects, oversee initiatives and move things forward. As a result, employees need to be self-starters who can work on their own and think creatively about business solutions.

The ability to collaborate. It's hard to get any job if you aren't a team player, but in a small business, your ability to work and get along with colleagues is absolutely essential. The most effective employees can advance their ideas, but not at the expense of working relationships.

In addition, you should possess excellent listening skills and an upbeat personality. When you're working with the same tight-knit group every day, a negative attitude can easily affect the entire team.

A willingness to do it all. If you're a veteran of a large employer, you're probably accustomed to having someone in IT address your computer issues and asking the department's administrative assistant to order more office supplies. At a small company, however, you may not be able to call upon these same resources. Are you comfortable attending to all tasks, both large and small? And are you willing to help others who need a hand?

A focus on customer service. Every client counts for a small business. You'll need strong interpersonal skills to provide great service and ensure customer satisfaction. A small company may not be a place in which you'd thrive if you get annoyed by the small or "irrational" demands of clients.

A passion for the job. Small employers seek employees who don't merely punch the clock. They want people who show a true interest in and commitment to the bigger picture and understand the correlation between individual effort and the company's overall success.

Working for a small business offers many rewards, including autonomy, the opportunity to make large contributions, a chance to assume significant responsibility and often a family-type atmosphere that may be hard to find elsewhere. If you possess the right skills and mindset, working for a small business could be an excellent career move.

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Top 6 things not to do in your job search

Although the economy has shown some recent signs of recovery, the current unemployment rate stands at 7.5 percent.

Since there are plenty of obstacles standing in your way to a new job, it's imperative to hone your approach. See if you're making any of these job-hunting mistakes, and fix them before it's too late:

1. Not proofreading your résumé
The quality of your résumé is what forms most potential employers' first impression of you and opens the door to job interviews, so it's important to make sure it's perfect. Whether you create one on your own or have it professionally prepared is up to you; just be sure it is 100 percent error-free.

In addition to making the paper version of your résumé perfect, make sure the one you send via email delivers without any messed-up formatting or funny breaks. To create a version of your résumé that can be embedded in the body of an email, remove all current formatting by opening your résumé and saving it as a plain text (.txt) file -- and remember to click on the box that says "insert line breaks." Then, reopen it with the Notepad program. Be sure that all of the text is flush with the left-hand side of the document, and ensure that you have used only clear, easy-to-read fonts. Save that version and you're done. Email it to yourself to review what it looks like when it arrives.

2. Becoming discouraged
Searching for a job can be difficult and lonely. You may interview with dozens of companies, never to hear from them again, and you may experience many unreturned phone calls as well. In the midst of all this adversity, it's important to maintain a positive attitude and an upbeat outlook. Becoming discouraged only works against you.

If you're unemployed, you probably have some free time on your hands. Spend a portion of it to keep your attitude and outlook healthy. Stay in shape, stay connected to friends, join networking groups and learn new skills to add to your résumé. These types of activities can keep you motivated and reduce the amount of time you have to become discouraged.

3. Telling the whole world you're looking for work
This is especially true if you're employed. If your boss finds out that you're thinking about leaving, he could speed up the process by giving you the boot. The last thing you want is to lose your current position before you've found a new one. Keep your job search to yourself.

4. Using a singular strategy
If you want to find a job quickly, search for leads in every way possible. For instance, 36 million people used social media to find a job in 2011. If you've been ignoring that avenue, start checking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn regularly for job announcements. Checking job boards is also a good idea, but if you're intent on working for a particular company, consider showing up in person. You may not land a job interview, but you'll at least get your face in front of someone, which could lead to an opportunity down the road.

5. Underestimating the power of networking
While some job events and career fairs may seem like a waste of time, you never know where your next key contact will come from. Embrace networking as a major piece of your job-hunting strategy. Join or become more active in professional groups. You may also want to volunteer for functions with your professional networking group. This is a great way to stay involved and get noticed by the movers and shakers in your field.

6. Forgetting to keep all points of contact professional
Whether it's the voice-mail greeting on your cellphone or the appearance of your social media pages, make sure everything looks and sounds immaculately professional. If employers interested in you, be assured that they will investigate you, and that includes visiting your online profiles. If you have anything that you wouldn't feel comfortable with an employer -- or your mother -- seeing online, either remove it or be sure that your privacy settings on Facebook prohibit an employer from seeing it. That way, you present yourself in the best light possible.

Final thoughts
Remember, many of your job-search expenses are tax-deductible: résumé preparation fees, paper supplies and postage, the cost of gas needed to drive to interviews, and more. Consult the IRS website for a complete list of details and restrictions, and hold onto your receipts. Finding work may be your top priority right now, but you'll thank yourself for reducing your tax burden once you're employed.

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4 bad habits to kick during your job search

If you're being honest, you can probably name a bad habit or two that impacts your personal life. But what about those not-so-great behaviors related to your job search?

We've identified four habits you might need to kick to put yourself at the front of the hiring line, and provide tips for overcoming these potential stumbling blocks. Read on to see if any of these following bad habits ring true:

Giving in to negativity
It's a cliché, but attitude really is everything. Pay attention to your internal thought patterns as you job-hunt. If you've been looking for months, it's easy to start thinking "I know this company won't hire me" or "This networking event is going to be a waste of time."

Your attitude can come across in subtle ways you may not even realize. It might be a less-enthusiastic cover letter or low energy when you interact with people at networking events. And since hiring managers want to work with positive employees, your negativity can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So how can you stay upbeat? For starters, shift the tone of your internal dialogue by adding a positive spin: "I know this company won't hire me ... unless I prepare a targeted résumé and cover letter." "This networking event is going to be a waste of time ... unless I set aside time to do follow-ups a day or two afterward."

Then seek out support in the real world. Check Meetup.com to find groups of local job seekers who can help you keep your spirits up. Or you can simply reach out to a close friend or mentor and ask for help brainstorming fresh job-hunting ideas.

Winging the interview
You're a natural people person. It's no big deal to strike up a conversation with a stranger and make an immediate connection. But those killer soft skills aren't a substitute for preparing before every job interview.

An experienced interviewer knows when you haven't bothered to look beyond the home page of the company's website or when you're struggling to give examples about past work accomplishments. Neither bodes well for how you'd perform on the job.

Prepare for every interview with a strategic eye. What do you want the interviewer to remember about you? Identify the three most important things you'd like to communicate about yourself. Do you want to come across as creative? As a leader who can motivate others? As a sales superstar?

Next, find out everything you can about what the company does and where it's going. Then, use this knowledge, coupled with what you want to communicate about yourself, to guide you in preparing answers to common interview questions. Practice your responses out loud, as you might before a big presentation.

Being too informal (or downright unprofessional)
One area where people get into trouble? Flip communication. When you're emailing a potential employer, your tone shouldn't come off as casual as a quick text or instant message. Include a greeting and salutation (as with an old-fashioned letter) and avoid slang, text abbreviations and spelling and grammar errors. Good phone manners count, too.

When your killer communication skills land you the interview, take care to put forward a professional appearance from head to toe. This isn't the time to show off your personal style. Choose classic (even slightly conservative) business wear that fits well. Many employers still expect candidates to show up in a suit.

It's also crucial to pay attention to shoes, socks and accessories. And whatever you do, don't forget to switch off your smartphone and other digital devices before you head into the meeting.

Coming across as arrogant
You're so focused on projecting confidence -- and communicating past successes -- that you come across as arrogant. You know, the slightly obnoxious guy or gal no one wants on the team?

The first sign that you might be crossing the line: You take all the credit in every work story. Make sure to focus on teamwork and collaboration, not just how you saved the day, when you discuss your professional accomplishments. Strike a balance between team projects and personal triumphs.

It's also crucial not to do all the talking when your meet with potential employers. This is your chance to learn more about the company and position. Make a point to listen carefully and ask relevant questions.

If you're a new college grad, be especially careful to avoid arrogance. You're new to the working world, so it's important to come across as someone who's looking forward to new opportunities and learning from co-workers.

While facing up to bad habits is rarely fun, doing so could mean the difference between a job offer and a few more months of hunting for leads and contacts. Take an honest look at what you're doing, then make a few job-search resolutions to change your habits for the better.

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