While work is important, you dont have to be so consumed by it that you forget all about your family and friends. At the same time, keep your CV updated. Draft and compile different ones for different jobs applications. While you should convey your thoughts clearly in an interview, being pushy will work against you, as most organizations look for team players.

While you may smile during an interview, if you do so while answering a serious question, you may look gormless. Your brain must connect to your facial expression. If you havent heard from a prospective employer for two weeks after your interview, do call or e-mail to find out if a decision has been taken, so that you can move on. Dont be upset at being an assistant, even when you know what you could do the job better than your boss. You have to start somewhere and its good training.

Find a mentor and youll get guidance and learn the ropes. Dont try to love all your colleagues. Its impossible. Avoid brawls by staying away from those who get your back up. Treat assistants well. Theres no need to shower them with gifts. Some kind attention is more important. Speak politely, even though they are there to do the dogsbody stuff. Dont charge your company for the boozy lunch expense voucher but it will remain a black mark against you.

Know well, what the work costs are. Never talk ill about your boss or colleagues, when you leave. People have a strange way of getting together.