Works Well With Others

Success in your professional life isn't about being flawless, it’s about navigating the unpredictable with confidence and grace.

1. Understand the recruiter's perspective in job interviews

Job interviews with recruiters can be daunting, but by shifting your mindset and seeing things from their perspective, you can improve your chances dramatically. Recruiters prioritize building a long-term relationship with candidates, not just filling a vacancy. They’re often thinking ahead to future roles you might be perfect for.

Approach the meeting as a conversation where they get to know you better. Instead of seeing it as a test, understand that they’re gauging your compatibility with various opportunities. Being sincere and fostering connection are more important than overwhelming them with rehearsed responses.

To succeed, punctuality, honesty, and curiosity are key. Show up on time, as lateness suggests unreliability. Be truthful about your skills and ambitions rather than inflating your qualifications. Also, ask thoughtful questions about the job and the company. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses in follow-up interviews.

Examples

• Think of the recruiter as a match-maker looking for long-term compatibility.
• Send a thoughtful thank-you email after the meeting to leave a positive impression.
• Instead of inflating experience, share specific achievements that demonstrate your value.

2. Make eye contact to build trust and confidence

First impressions are powerful, and nothing communicates confidence quicker than eye contact. From the moment you step into an interview, maintaining steady eye contact demonstrates competence, social skills, and emotional stability.

People unconsciously form opinions within seconds, and looking someone directly in the eyes helps convey trustworthiness right away. Fixating on distractions, like the floor or an object, sends the wrong signal. The act of deliberate, direct eye contact fosters an instant positive connection.

However, balance is essential. Prolonged staring may come across as intimidating rather than engaging. Make eye contact naturally, shifting it occasionally while staying engaged with who you are speaking to.

Examples

• Candidates maintaining eye contact during interviews scored better on perceived trust and likability in studies.
• Practice eye contact in the mirror, noting the power of a steady versus fleeting gaze.
• Make a point of engaging every person in the room if you’re interviewed by a panel.

3. Ditch apologies and unclear language in professional conversations

Professional communication demands clarity, confidence, and respect. Avoid over-apologizing at work; it diminishes your authority. Instead of saying "I’m sorry," accept responsibility directly by stating what went wrong and what you’ll do to fix it.

Phrases like "Does this make sense?" can also undercut your credibility because they imply self-doubt. A better alternative is, "Please let me know if you have questions," which conveys control and confidence in your statements.

Additionally, remove overly casual expressions like "grab" from workplace dialogs. For example, instead of saying "Let’s grab coffee," present it as "Let’s meet for coffee." Clear, respectful phrasing reflects professionalism and time value.

Examples

• Replace "I’m sorry" with "I understand the issue and will ensure it doesn’t happen again."
• Swap "Does this make sense?" for "What are your thoughts on this?"
• Shift "Let’s grab a quick meeting" to "Can we take ten minutes to discuss this?"

4. Writing a toast requires preparation and inclusion

Giving a toast can be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to connect and stand out. A great toast doesn’t need to be long; it should be concise, meaningful, and memorable. Whether it’s at a wedding or business event, preparation is key.

Write it ahead of time to ensure you don’t forget anyone significant. Avoid making it sound like a laundry list of names by including phrases like “Here’s to all of you” for collective appreciation. It’s also wise to mix in humor, warmth, or inspiration based on the setting.

Understand your audience and the occasion while maintaining sincerity. An effective toast resonates with the listeners and makes them feel valued without veering into overlong or self-centric territory.

Examples

• Prepare structured notes with key names and avoid improvising too much.
• Use phrases that make people feel included, such as "This success is thanks to everyone here."
• Keep it under three minutes to maintain engagement.

5. Your wardrobe communicates confidence and identity

Clothing speaks before you do. Whether it’s a job interview or networking event, your attire reflects professionalism and attitude. Dressing appropriately can project confidence, competence, or individuality based on context.

For formal settings, a well-fitted suit conveys professionalism and trustworthiness. In more casual environments like startups, displaying personality (think a Star Wars tee paired with a blazer) can make a strong impression while signaling cultural fit.

Clothing also impacts your mindset. The concept of "enclothed cognition" shows that clothing affects your behavior. For instance, wearing a lab coat may boost focus, while a favorite outfit can enhance self-esteem during high-pressure situations.

Examples

• A tailored suit helps you feel sharp and look serious during interviews.
• Colorful accessories like ties or scarves express boldness without being overwhelming.
• Research shows people perform tasks better when dressed in attire associated with authority, such as lab coats or uniforms.

6. Meetings are conversations, not performances

Facing a recruiter, manager, or client in a meeting can feel intimidating, but shifting your perspective helps. Treat meetings as collaborative discussions, not interrogations.

This mindset shift allows for better dialogue where you actively listen and respond thoughtfully rather than trying to "win" approval constantly. Being genuinely curious about what’s being discussed often leads to better interaction and rapport.

A positive approach also involves thoughtful preparation, like noting key discussion points or questions in advance. Participation with clear, focused goals can make a meeting successful.

Examples

• Use meetings to emphasize shared goals: "How can I contribute to solving this problem with my skills?"
• Listen carefully before responding. Avoid interruptions.
• Jot down three takeaways when prepping for productive discussions.

7. Humor connects when used wisely

A dash of humor, when used at the right time and place, connects teams and breaks tension. Humor, whether it’s light self-deprecation or a witty comment, fosters a more open communication culture.

However, avoid overusing or misjudging humor that could misfire depending on sensitivities. The joke isn’t the point — it’s the bonding effect it creates.

A contextually relevant approach ensures humor supports trust-building without derailing professionalism.

Examples

• When receiving praise: “Thanks! Finally, my cat will respect me.”
• In tense moments, a simple quip: “Well, nobody warned me this meeting included lightning rounds.”
• Being self-aware but uplifting, like: “My cooking disasters make this team collaboration a refreshing, non-hazardous success.”

8. Small gestures carry lasting impact

People remember small acts of politeness or acknowledgment long after. Gestures like handwritten thank-you notes post-meetings, or keeping doors open, signal thoughtfulness.

Even offering feedback, sparingly but constructively, makes a difference. Expressing appreciation in teams ensures cohesion and fosters goodwill.

Examples

• After interviews, handwritten follow-ups greatly outshine generic emails.
• Verbally thank coworkers for teamwork like “I appreciated your ideas improving this project.”
• Surprise a team member with recognition during virtual update calls.

9. Adaptability outshines rigid perfectionism

The modern workplace values adaptability where everyone evolves amidst uncertainties. Displaying growth mindset traits—curiosity, flexibility, and problem-solving—outshines striving for unreachable perfection.

Own admitted weak areas confidently while opening receptiveness exploring solutions/ opportunities adjustments.

Examples

• Employers immediately value skilled changemakers refusing Box-limitation Templates-team deliverables -Saying calmly instead confidently standing-reanalyzing detailed missed-opportunities restructuring effort).

Takeaways

1. Always prepare ahead of time for professional interactions, whether meetings, interviews, or toasts.
2. Engage others through steady eye contact and clear, professional language.
3. Strategically dress for both confidence-building and situational appropriateness.