What should I say in my cover letter?

Clue Wagon’s Kerry Sandberg Scott (yesterday’s guest blogger) puts it this way:

“Really think about why you want this particular job, and why your experience makes you the one they should call first. This doesn’t have to be long, because you want to save something for the interview. It just has to show them that you really did read the ad, that you understand what they’re looking for, and that you might be the one they need.”

6 Key Cover Letter Elements

In order to convey that message effectively, there are six things you must include in your cover letter. The table below shows the six must-have elements for an effective cover letter, and gives an example of how you might express them:

WHAT TO SAY: EXAMPLE:
1) Who you are and how to contact you

 Julie Jobseeker
44 Bearfoot Road
Northborough, MA
866-486-4660
jjobseeker@youremail.com
 
2) Which job you’re applying for and how you found it

 New Business, Inc.
123 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01110
Attention: Harold Von Hirer

RE: Plant Manager Position posted on JobBoard.com

3) Why you’re interested and enthusiastic about this job
at this
organization

 Dear Mr. Von Hirer:

As my attached resume indicates, I have spent the past four years as a Plant Coordinator at Former Company, and the prior three years as a Line Manager with Smith Company. These roles have given me the multi-faceted expertise to successfully take on the Plant Manager position at New Business. This opportunity is especially attractive because I share your commitment to the local community. As a longtime volunteer at the Springfield Shelter, I have seen firsthand how your corporate contributions directly impact people’s lives.
4) What relevant experience or transferable skills make you a good candidate

 My expertise aligns exceptionally well with your job description, and I’m proud of my track record. At Former Company, I continually sought ways to streamline processes, reduce scheduling conflicts, and minimize downtime. During my tenure, production rates rose steadily, achieving an overall 33% increase between 2005 and 2009. I’m confident I could achieve similar results for your business.
 
5) That you’d like an interview and

 I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to explore how my skills and experience could best meet your team’s needs.

6) That you’re grateful for being considered  Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy. I look forward to your call.
Best regards,

Julie Jobseeker

How do you get into that select group? A solid, organized resume is essential, but first, you’ll need a compelling cover letter that will pique the hiring manager’s interest.

Follow these five steps to build a cover letter that will make your resume almost irresistible:

1. Avoid Anonymity
2. Complement – Don’t Echo – Your Resume
3. Include an Endorsement?
4. Share Your Knowledge about Them
5. Put it All Together

1. Avoid Anonymity
In many cases, the job ad or posting will tell you the name of the hiring manager. If so, use it and be sure to spell it right. If not, don’t stop there; find out the name. Search the company’s web site. If you can’t find it there, call the company’s main phone number. Ask for the individual’s name (with correct spelling), title, and department. In doubt about gender? Ask, “Is that Mr. Lee Jones or Ms. Lee Jones.” Your cover letter will be more impressive if you’ve taken the time to find out the name and use it.

2. Complement – Don’t Echo – Your Resume
Job applicants use the resume to list their qualifications, accomplishments, and relevant work experience to land a particular position. The cover letter, meanwhile, serves as the applicant’s “opening act” whose objective is to generate enough interest that the hiring manager will want to read the resume.

Accomplishing that requires two things:

• Phrases that call attention to relevant qualifications and background, which are detailed in the resume.
• A little self-promotion through the use of persuasive language.

Your resume should contain detailed proof that you have the skills and background to do the job. Your cover letter, on the other hand, provides a sneak preview that should highlight how well your background matches the employer’s needs, and how your skills have benefited previous employers. By writing an effective cover letter, you can help the hiring manager get to know you a little, and you might actually help set the tone for an interview.

Let’s say you’re responding to a job posting for a software project manager. One of the key qualifications reads: Proven ability to complete projects on time and within budget. You have that ability, and your resume says so. But what if the hiring manager never looks at that part of the resume? You can call attention to it in your cover letter by saying something like this:

During my tenure at ABC Company, I have directed three software development projects within tight timeframes and delivered them ahead of schedule, saving $25,000 in budgeted development costs and thousands more in productivity costs by making the software available for use weeks ahead of schedule.

You’ve just improved your chances that the hiring manager will flip to your resume and see what else you did for ABC Company.

3. Include an Endorsement?
Another element you might consider adding to your cover letter is an endorsement from a former boss or colleague. Tooting your own horn too loudly can come off as self-serving or even a bit obnoxious, but a quote from someone else attesting to your skills and dedication can’t hurt.

For instance, a statement like this may be an incentive for a hiring manager to read your resume:

Our COO, Pat McDonald, had this to say about my work on a recent software upgrade project: “Jane exhibited strong leadership skills and a high level of dedication to her work. Her great attitude helped motivate all her teammates, who pulled through under her direction to beat the project deadline by two weeks.”

4. Share Your Knowledge about Them
Conducting research about the company before an interview is a must. And dropping some of that knowledge in a cover letter can impress a hiring manager. To show that you’ve done your homework, consider citing data in one of the following categories:

• The industry or industries in which the company operates;
• The company’s market position;
• The company’s potential for growth; and
• The importance of the job you’re applying for within the company (as you see it) and how your experience can help deliver in that role.

You might throw in a line such as: I believe XYZ Company has great potential to be a leader in its industry through its publicly stated software development initiatives.

One piece of knowledge you don’t want to share in the cover letter is your idea of how much a position in the company might pay. Focus on the value you can bring to the company.

5. Putting it All Together
Incorporating all the recommendations from above, here’s how the entire cover letter might read:

January 15, 2008

Mr. John F. Jones
Director of Technology Operations
XYZ Company
123 Main St.
Anytown, USA  22222

RE: Software Project Manager – Job Posting RF637 on XYZ Company Web Site

Dear Mr. Jones:

I believe I am exceptionally well qualified for the Software Project Manager position, and have attached a resume that highlights many skills and accomplishments that align closely with your current needs. Among the qualifications that will enable me to make a significant contribution to your organization are:

•  Three years of experience as a software project manager;
•  Two certifications in project management from accredited
    organizations;
•  Many years of development experience in Java and Windows;
•  A strong track record of project management and leadership
    in multiple industries.

During my tenure at ABC Company, I have directed three software development projects within tight timeframes and delivered them ahead of schedule, saving $25,000 in budgeted development costs and thousands more in productivity costs by making the software available for use weeks ahead of schedule.

Our COO, Pat McDonald, had this to say about my work on a recent software upgrade project: “Jane exhibited strong leadership skills and a high level of dedication to her work. Her great attitude helped motivate all her teammates, who pulled through under her direction to beat the project deadline by two weeks.”

Thank you for taking the time to review my qualifications. I will call you next Wednesday to see if you will be available to talk further. I would appreciate the opportunity to interview and answer any questions you might have. Let me emphasize my interest in the Software Project Manager position and my confidence that I can make a strong contribution to XYZ, a company that I believe has great potential to be a leader in its industry through its publicly stated software development initiatives.
Sincerely,
Jane C. Smith

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects individuals who are 40 or older from being discriminated against in the workplace in favor of younger employees. There is no federal protection in place to protect workers younger than 40 from age discrimination. To determine if you are legally eligible to perform a job, employers are allowed to ask if you are over the age of 18.1. How old are you?
2. Are you married?
Questions about marital status are prohibited. Employers might be tempted to ask this question to find out if your relationship could have a negative impact on your work. For example, if you are married you might be more likely to leave the company if your spouse gets a job transferred to a different city. Even a question as seemingly innocent as “Do you wish to be addressed as Mrs., Miss, or Ms.?” is not allowed.
3. Are you a U.S. citizen?
Citizenship and immigration status cannot be used against a potential employee during the hiring process according to The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). Employers must wait until after a job offer had been extended to require a worker to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and submit documentation that proves identity and employment authorization. It is lawful for an employer to ask an interviewee if they are authorized to work in the US.
[See Important Skills Every Worker Needs Now]
4. Do you have any disabilities?
This question might seem necessary to determine if a job applicant can perform the required duties, but it is illegal to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employers cannot discount anyone from a job because of a physical or mental disability. In fact, the law requires that they accommodate disabilities unless they can prove it would cause significant difficulty or expense to do so. Employers also cannot ask you if you have had any past illnesses or operations.
5. Do you take drugs, smoke or drink?
Concerns about drug, alcohol or nicotine addictions are valid as they can impact an employee’s quality of work and the rates of a company’s health insurance coverage. However, an employer might find themselves in legal trouble if they don’t frame questions about these potential problems in a careful manner. They are allowed to ask if you have ever been disciplined for violating company policies about the use of alcohol and tobacco products. They can also ask directly if you use illegal drugs, but an employer can’t inquire about your use of prescription medications.
6. What religion do you practice?
Inquires about religious beliefs are a sensitive issue. An interviewer might be curious for scheduling reasons such as holidays that an employee might need off, or if the candidate will be unavailable to work on weekends because of religious obligations. It is illegal to intentionally discriminate against an employee or harass them based on their religious beliefs. Employers are required to accommodate an employee’s religious beliefs or practices in regards to things such as dress and grooming policy and flexible scheduling.
7. What is your race?
There is no situation in which questions about an employee’s race or skin color should be use to determine their eligibility for a job. This protection is granted under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are permitted to ask an employee to reveal their race on a voluntary basis for affirmative action purposes.
[See U.S. Cities With the Strongest Job Markets]
8. Are you pregnant?
Questions about family status tend to affect women the most, but they can also pertain to men in certain situations. Employers might have concerns about an employee taking time off work for pregnancy leave or not having child care arrangements during work hours. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act states that an employer cannot refuse to hire a pregnant woman because of her pregnancy, because of a pregnancy-related condition, or because of the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers.
It is, however, lawful for employers to ease their nerves about an employee’s availability or commitment to a position by asking about long-term career goals or the ability for an employee to work overtime and travel. {scholarship opportunities}
The Bottom Line
It is important to know your rights as an employee. Unlawful questions are not acceptable on applications, during the interview process or in the workplace. Although improper questions by employers might be simple mistakes, they could also be intentional cases of discrimination that should be reported. life issues

     
    * Don’t go beyond one page. In most cases, three or four paragraphs are enough to tell your story.
    * Don’t try to be cute. Humor is subjective; it can make you seem unprofessional rather than personable.
    * Don’t resort to cliches, exaggerations, or false flattery.
    * Don’t assume spell-check will catch all errors!
    * Don’t simply repeat claims you made in your resume. Instead, highlight the most impressive accomplishments from your resume and describe the story behind them.
    * Don’t forget to change the recipient’s name and company name for each cover letter you write!

   1. The opportunity to make them love you before they know your price.
   2. The opportunity to demonstrate your ability to handle an uncomfortable situation confidently and respectfully, without caving (a prized skill in most jobs).

To Answer or Not to Answer?

If you’ve done your homework, you should have a fairly good idea of the typical salary range for someone with your level of experience in the kind of position you’re seeking within your market.

If you feel it’s in your best interests to avoid the question, your reply should respectfully and professionally communicate three general principles:

    * Your interest in the opportunity;
    * Your expectation to be paid in line with market conditions and your experience level; and
    * Your willingness to discuss salary history once you and the company decide you’re the right person for the position.

If you’re applying for a sales-oriented job where negotiation skills are critical to success, then by all means demonstrate your negotiating finesse and your ability to diplomatically sidestep the question. If you’re applying for an administrative assistant’s position in a huge company with a rigid salary structure, there’s not much point in negotiating.

However, when you should answer depends on when in the hiring process the question comes up. Some companies demand a salary history with your application. Others will ask the salary question in an initial phone screen. The trouble is, at these early stages, they’re most likely trying to screen you out, not in. Even at these early stages of the selection process, you have a choice whether or not to provide a compensation number.

What to Say, When You Say It

Don’t get caught off guard. Craft a response that feels comfortable for you and practice saying it. Think that sounds silly? Remember that being unprepared for this question can literally cost you thousands of dollars.

Use the following examples as a guide. Modify them to suit your style and personality, then practice until you can say any one of them with a smile!

   1. “I was paid well in my last position. The number was in line with market conditions and the results I delivered. I’m very interested in this opportunity, and I’ll be happy to discuss my compensation history when we determine that I’m the right person for the job.”
   2.  “I realize you need to be sure my expectations are consistent with the salary range for this position. To ensure that we’re aligned, please tell me your range for this position.”
   3. “I’m reluctant to focus on just one factor at this stage when so many other factors affect what makes an opportunity a great fit: the job itself, the company, the people I’d be working with, and growth potential. So far, I’m impressed with what I have learned about this opportunity and I remain very interested in learning more!”
   4. “The actual figure will depend heavily on a number of important variables, but my experience and research tell me that fair compensation for this position falls in the range of __________.”  [Note: Name a wide salary range toward the higher end of your expectations. For example, “$45,000 to $65,000 per year” or “$14 to $19 per hour.”]

Remember, your negotiating leverage goes way up once they’re convinced they can’t live without you. Just keep in mind that even if you don’t give a range immediately, chances are the employer won’t toss your resume in the wastebasket, says Michael Neece, chief strategy officer at PongoResume. “Your resume has already proven that they want to talk to you. I’ve never known of a situation in which a prospective employee was eliminated from consideration after an interview because he or she refused to answer the question.”

Think of a house for sale. Most house hunters will judge the house by what it looks like from the road. Realtors call it curb appeal. The house may be ideal on the inside, but if the front doesn’t look good, buyers won’t bother walking through the door.

So, like the front of a house, a personalized, targeted, well-written cover letter can be what draws an employer in for a closer look at your resume.

Tell Them Why They Need You

A hiring manager’s job is to decide which resumes warrant interviews. And the purpose of your cover letter is to make that job easier. It summarizes why your resume (which is probably one out of dozens or even hundreds) is worth reading, and shows how well you can communicate in written form.

What Should Your Cover Letter Include?

1. Which job you want and how you heard about it.
You might have seen an advertisement or online posting, or received a personal referral. A logical place to state this is in the RE: (reference) line.
Examples:
RE: Corporate Controller Position Posted on ABC Company Web Site
RE: Bakery Manager Opportunity Advertised in the Daily Tribune
RE: Web Developer Opening (referred by John Doe)
2. The skills and experience most important to this employer.
You have a set of skills, but not all of them are relevant in every job. If you’re responding to a specific job posting, it’s important to tailor your cover letter todemonstrate the value you can offer this employer on this job.

Take words and phrases directly from the ad, then look to your resume to see which skills are close matches. For instance, if your resume says “all aspects of masonry” and the job ad says “bricklaying, mortaring, and concrete repairs,” don’t assume the employer will realize they’re the same thing. If it’s just a difference in wording, use the company’s wording.

Bonus: As you note the similarities between your resume and the job description, your confidence will grow, and that will be reflected in your cover letter.
Example: If you’re applying for an accounting position at WesternBank that calls for general ledger experience, you might say:

My five years of general ledger experience with Central Savings Bank make me a highly qualified candidate for the accounting position at WesternBank. Like WesternBank, Central is a progressive financial institution with a varied product line that includes many investment and loan options.
3. How your skills benefited your employers in the past.
Past performance is a good indicator of future performance, so give the hiring manager some examples of what you have accomplished for other companies. Go ahead and brag, as long as it’s true!
Examples:
I established a strong track record of finding efficiencies in several corporate departments, which resulted in the elimination of budget shortfalls that the company had previously considered unavoidable.

Throughout my tenure at Xenyx Company, I frequently had the opportunity to use my finance and accounting skills to help the business build revenue and minimize expenses.
4. A confident, cordial ending.  
Re-emphasize your interest in the opportunity, your confidence that you can contribute, and your gratitude for the reader’s time.
Example:
Thank you for taking the time to review my qualifications. Let me again emphasize my strong interest in the corporate controller position. I am certain that my skills and experience will allow me to contribute to the success of your team. I look forward to talking with you further about this opportunity.
5. A follow-up statement.
Unless the company explicitly states that it does not want candidates to follow up, say you’ll contact the recipient on a certain date (allow several days to a week). And hold yourself to that! Even if you don’t reach the hiring manager on that date, you’ll be sending a message that you’re thorough about following through on promises.
Example:
I will contact you by telephone on Wednesday, June 27, to see if you will be available to talk further.
An appealing and well-written cover letter will entice the reader to review your resume. By explaining up front which job interests you and how your qualifications fulfill the company’s needs, your cover letter paves the way to an interview…and your next great career move!

• Minimize distractions. If you have scheduled a phone interview, plan to be in a quiet place, if the call was unexpected, ask to reschedule so that you are more prepared and in a focused environment.

• Avoid using a cell phone if possible. Try a landline for phone interviews, you never know when the call may drop or static may interfere with this important event.
• Sharpen your verbal skills. Since the interview is conducted over the phone, the person interviewing you can not see your body language and facial expressions, all of this communication needs to be conveyed through your tone and language over the phone. Interviewers listen for cues indicating such qualities as passion for the job, professionalism and whether the person might be a good cultural fit.
• Prepare in advance. Keep notes and your resume at hand. Research the company so you know about their business and their environment so you can be educated about what they do and how your skills and experience could be an asset to their company.
• Follow up. Send a thank you note or email to the interviewer thanking them for the opportunity and highlight your best selling points.

Face to face interviews

• Be Prepared. Know where you are going, who you are meeting with and what is expected of you. If you are conducting a first face to face interview, make sure you bring at least 3 copies of your resume with you (1 for you to review and 2 for the interviewer(s).) Be ready to discuss any work samples or skill sets that will apply to your job.

• Dress Appropriately. Wear appropriate business attire. If you know the company has a formal environment, wear a suit, if you know it is more casual, men should wear slacks, a dress shirt and tie. If more casual, women should wear a nice blouse and an appropriate length skirt or slacks. Make sure your hair and nails are clean and conservative. Reduce the amount of distractions you offer from your personal appearance, no bright colors or distracting makeup, nails or jewelry.
• Be on time. Try to arrive at least a half hour prior to your scheduled interview. This will help you locate where you are supposed to meet, announce yourself with the receptionist and get validated with security if needed. A late comer may give the interviewer the impression that you are not serious about working there and if hired may not be dependable and show up for work.
• Reduce Ego. No one ever does anything completely by themselves in any company. If you come across as talking to much or if the entire interview you hear yourself saying how wonderful you are, you have an over inflated ego. You want to project self confidence not arrogance. To do this talk teamwork, engage the other parties involved in the interview, convey interest about the company with smart questions, and don’t fixate on the job title. Have realistic expectations.
• Listen more than you talk. Listen thoughtfully and when you speak have something meaningful to say on topic and on point.
• Don’t talk about money. If you inquire about what the job pays right from the start you will give the wrong impression. Certainly you have the right to know; but make sure you inquire at the right time, with the right person in the right fashion. If you are on an interview and are represented through a staffing or recruiting firm, the money will be negotiated and disclosed to you through the agency representatives. Most times when this is the case, disclosing pay rates and talking about money is prohibited. This is why the company sought the services of an agency in the first place, so they would not have to hash out the details. If asked how much money you hope to earn in the position, a safe answer would be something like “I’m sure if we can agree on the right opportunity for me, the compensation will not be a problem.”
• The job offer. If you are offered a position and do not know right away that you want to accept on the spot, the appropriate time to take to review is a week at the most. If you need more time, let the interviewer know and give them a date that they should expect your answer. If you are interviewing for a contract position, the turnaround time is a lot shorter, a day or two should be ample to respond to an offer. Do not be afraid to ask for clarification or explanation of any benefits or other work related questions before accepting.
• Follow up. Just as in the phone interview, you want to convey your interest and appreciation to the interviewer for giving you the opportunity to interview. Express gratitude and highlight your strengths and how you would be a welcomed addition to their team.

Answering Difficult Questions
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The interviewer is looking for you to relate yourself to their company in some way, whether you intend on staying there for years or how your skill sets can be applied to new developments. They don’t want to hear how you hope to be a movie star or something irrelevant to their business. They want to see if you want to work in this position as long as it takes to find something better or simply as long as it takes period.
How would you be an asset to our company?
The interviewer is looking for both technical and interpersonal skills and effectiveness. Make sure you offer how well you work with others, not just highlight your independent skills. Show them how you will solve their problems and give new insight, sell yourself as a solution, not a candidate.
What is your greatest strength?
Let them know you are a qualified candidate. Tell them your strengths but make sure you relate them to the position.
What is your greatest weakness?
State a real weakness you have and show how you acknowledge it and are working to correct it. For example, you could say that you get nervous when you speak publicly and you are enrolled or have taken some speaking courses to improve upon this. Don’t make something up or say you have no weakness; everyone has something they can improve upon. Make it realistic, job related and show you have control over it or are attempting to improve it.
Tell me about a time when you had to accomplish a task with someone who was particularly difficult to get along with.
Teamwork is the key here. The interviewer wants you to show how you have the ability to work with others effectively, diplomatically and still influence them. Give examples of how you overcame the situation, mediated or accomplished the task effectively regardless of the behavior of a difficult person.
What are things that motivate you?
Money, hard work, a job well done, an open and exciting environment, a challenge, deadlines. These are examples of things that could motivate you in regards to your performance. Be honest and explain why your motivator would be a good thing for you to have while working there.
Tell me about a time when you resolved a problem with no rules or processes in place?
The interviewer is looking for you to have a sense of urgency and recognize the importance of initiating action. If you can show how you came to a resolve a problem using critical thinking and provided excellent customer service to all parties along the way, this would be key.
 http://www.midcom.com/interview.php

•Arrive prepared with a hard copy of your resume/CV and your grade report.

•Be sure you understand the nature of the companies business beforehand.

•Find recent press releases about the company so you’ll know the latest news about the company.

•Be confident.

•If interviewing on campus, make sure to attend the company’s information session (if available). This gives you more time to shine during the interview rather than asking questions that were already answered in the company presentation.

•Be ready to distinguish yourself from the rest of the students who have your same major, graduation date and who are interviewing for the same position.

•Avoid nervous mannerisms throughout the interview, stay focused, be a good listener and speak clearly and confidently.

•Ask questions during the interview to show and reinforce your interest in the position and the company.

•If you describe an attribute of yours that is relevant to the position, be prepared to support your claim with examples that illustrate your attribute and how you have applied it successfully.

•When presented with a difficult question, take a moment to develop your response rather than blurting out inconsistent, unorganized thoughts.

•Ask for a business card so you can follow up with the recruiter in case you do not hear back within the stated time frame.

•After the interview, send the recruiter a thank-you note reinforcing your interest in the position and your appreciation for his or her time.

•Above all else, be honest and be yourself.

{2010 Scholarships}

[See the best careers for 2010.]

These sound like no-brainers, but many statements heard commonly around the workplace violate these basic rules. Looking for an example? Here are seven heard in workplaces all the time. They may seem ordinary, even harmless. But try reading these from your boss’s point of view. You’ll see right away why it’s smart to never allow these seven sentences to pass your lips:

“That’s not my job.” You know what? A lot of bosses are simple souls who think your job is to do what’s asked of you. So even if you’re assigned a task that is, indeed, not your job, refrain from saying so. Instead, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task–there may be a valid reason. If you believe that doing the task is a bad idea (as in, bad for the company) you can try explaining why and suggesting how it could be better done by someone else. This may work, depending on the boss. In any case, remember that doing what’s asked of you, even tasks outside your job description, is good karma.

“It’s not my problem.” When people say something is not their problem it makes them look like they don’t care. This does not endear them to anybody, especially the boss. If a problem is brewing and you have nothing constructive to say, it’s better to say nothing at all. Even better is to pitch in and try to help. Because, ultimately, a problem in the workplace is everyone’s problem. We’re all in it together.

“It’s not my fault.” Yet another four words to be avoided. Human nature is weird. Claiming that something is not our fault often has the result of making people suspect it is. Besides, what’s the real issue here? It’s that something went wrong and needs to be fixed. That’s what people should be thinking about–not who is to blame.

“I can only do one thing at a time.” News flash: Complaining you are overworked will not make your boss feel sorry for you or go easier on you. Instead, a boss will think: (1) you resent your job, and/or (2) you aren’t up to your job. Everybody, especially nowadays, feels pressured and overworked. If you’re trying to be funny, please note that some sarcasm is funny and lightens the mood. Some just ticks people off.
[Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships]

“I am way overqualified for this job.” Hey, maybe you are. But the fact is, this is the job you have. You agreed to take it on and, while you may now regret that decision, it’s still your job. Complaining that it’s beneath you only makes you look bad. Plus, coworkers doing similar jobs may resent and dislike you. And guess what? Bosses will not think, “Oh, this is a superior person whom I need to promote.” Nope, they’ll think, “What a jerk.”

“This job is easy! Anyone could do it!” Maybe what you’re trying to convey here is that you’re so brilliant your work is easy. Unfortunately, it comes off sounding more like, “This work is stupid.” Bosses don’t like hearing that any work is stupid. Nor do they really like hearing that a job is easy peasy. It belittles the whole enterprise. If a task is simple, be glad and do it as quickly as you can. Even “stupid” work needs to get done.

“It can’t be done.” Saying something can’t be done is like waving a red flag in a boss’s eyes. Even if the thing being suggested truly is impossible, saying it is can make you look ineffectual or incapable. Better to play detective. Why is the boss asking you to do whatever it is? What’s the problem that needs to be solved? What’s the goal? Search for doable ways of solving that problem or reaching that goal. That’s what bosses really want. Most of them do not expect the impossible.

Last words: When in doubt, remember that silence really is golden.

Everyone has a boss. Even if you “work for yourself,” you’re still an employee to your client.

A big part of maintaining the boss-employee relationship is to never allow a boss to think you dislike your work, are incapable of doing it, or–worse–consider it beneath you.

[See the best careers for 2010.]

These sound like no-brainers, but many statements heard commonly around the workplace violate these basic rules. Looking for an example? Here are seven heard in workplaces all the time. They may seem ordinary, even harmless. But try reading these from your boss’s point of view. You’ll see right away why it’s smart to never allow these seven sentences to pass your lips:

“That’s not my job.” You know what? A lot of bosses are simple souls who think your job is to do what’s asked of you. So even if you’re assigned a task that is, indeed, not your job, refrain from saying so. Instead, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task–there may be a valid reason. If you believe that doing the task is a bad idea (as in, bad for the company) you can try explaining why and suggesting how it could be better done by someone else. This may work, depending on the boss. In any case, remember that doing what’s asked of you, even tasks outside your job description, is good karma.

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“It’s not my problem.” When people say something is not their problem it makes them look like they don’t care. This does not endear them to anybody, especially the boss. If a problem is brewing and you have nothing constructive to say, it’s better to say nothing at all. Even better is to pitch in and try to help. Because, ultimately, a problem in the workplace is everyone’s problem. We’re all in it together.

“It’s not my fault.” Yet another four words to be avoided. Human nature is weird. Claiming that something is not our fault often has the result of making people suspect it is. Besides, what’s the real issue here? It’s that something went wrong and needs to be fixed. That’s what people should be thinking about–not who is to blame.

“I can only do one thing at a time.” News flash: Complaining you are overworked will not make your boss feel sorry for you or go easier on you. Instead, a boss will think: (1) you resent your job, and/or (2) you aren’t up to your job. Everybody, especially nowadays, feels pressured and overworked. If you’re trying to be funny, please note that some sarcasm is funny and lightens the mood. Some just ticks people off.
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“I am way overqualified for this job.” Hey, maybe you are. But the fact is, this is the job you have. You agreed to take it on and, while you may now regret that decision, it’s still your job. Complaining that it’s beneath you only makes you look bad. Plus, coworkers doing similar jobs may resent and dislike you. And guess what? Bosses will not think, “Oh, this is a superior person whom I need to promote.” Nope, they’ll think, “What a jerk.”

“This job is easy! Anyone could do it!” Maybe what you’re trying to convey here is that you’re so brilliant your work is easy. Unfortunately, it comes off sounding more like, “This work is stupid.” Bosses don’t like hearing that any work is stupid. Nor do they really like hearing that a job is easy peasy. It belittles the whole enterprise. If a task is simple, be glad and do it as quickly as you can. Even “stupid” work needs to get done.

“It can’t be done.” Saying something can’t be done is like waving a red flag in a boss’s eyes. Even if the thing being suggested truly is impossible, saying it is can make you look ineffectual or incapable. Better to play detective. Why is the boss asking you to do whatever it is? What’s the problem that needs to be solved? What’s the goal? Search for doable ways of solving that problem or reaching that goal. That’s what bosses really want. Most of them do not expect the impossible.

Last words: When in doubt, remember that silence really is golden.