By Richard Bayer, Ph.D.

In a growing but stable economy, job hunters face greater competition for the jobs that are available. Everyone has to work harder and be sharper. Just as your employer cannot be sloppy when competing in world markets, you have to be more serious about the way you conduct yourself at work with colleagues and supervisors and maintain a business-like demeanor at company outings and off site.

Actually, job security is an oxymoron. Companies cannot afford to retain employees who are merely competent; they expect people to go above and beyond the responsibilities they were hired to perform and to seek out assignments that signal an interest and willingness to move up the ladder. What’s more, any mistakes people make in judgment or comportment are less likely to go unnoticed. In fact, certain gaffes can stall or derail a career. Read more