The New Rules of Work summary

So you’ve decided you’re born to be a designer. That’s great. But before you start firing off résumés for every creative role you find, consider whether the position you’re applying for aligns with your values. Designing for a small NGO, for example, will be wildly different from working at a multinational corporation.

To be truly satisfied in your work, you should consider your interests, skills and values all together. That’s what Sarah, a literary studies graduate, learned after starting a career in publishing. She thought it would be the perfect match for her expertise and interests, assuming it would let her read, write and work with like-minded people.

Coca-Cola. Nike. You. What do they all have in common? Well, they’re all brands. Branding isn’t just for companies anymore – it’s also a way for prospective employers to gain insight into your personality.

The authors suggest requesting feedback from your peers on the qualities that make you stand out. Take the three most commonly used descriptors and communicate them in a way that presents you as a good employee, not just a nice person.

If the word “networking” conjures up images of cheap wine, dry canapés and awkward small talk with strangers, you’re not following the New Rules.

Formal networking events are no longer the most efficient way to expand your professional circle. Social media, in contrast, can put you in instant touch with interesting people within your industry. Your interactions can be as easy as a Twitter exchange, joining a Facebook group or a message inviting someone for a coffee.

Did you know that 55 percent of hiring managers won’t even read your cover letter? That’s what a September 2015 Jobvite survey found. So why should you bother writing one? Well, because 45 percent of managers will read it!

The consultants at The Muse believe a well-thought-out résumé and cover letter can make all the difference. The key is making the information most relevant to your application – whether that’s your experience or your education – easy to find. It should appear in the top third of your one-page résumé, even if that means taking achievements out of chronological order.

Congratulations! You’ve worked hard, been through several rounds of interviews and the HR department at your dream company has called to offer you the position.

Naturally, you’ll want to say, “Thanks! When do I start?” But there’s good reason to hold off on accepting an offer. Addressing any reservations you have at this stage will save you time and stress in the future.

“Excellent communication skills,” “Confident communicator,” “Communications genius.”

Some version of this undoubtedly appears on your résumé – and hopefully with good reason. Being a strong communicator is key for working well with colleagues, avoiding conflict and building relationships.

So you’ve found a job that matches your values, bought a cactus for your desk and claimed your favorite coffee mug from the kitchen. Don’t get too cozy! As your values change over time, you’ll need to make upward or lateral moves. Keep adding to your skills, and you’ll not only become more efficient in your current role; you’ll also be well prepared for your next challenge.

There’s no need to sign up for night classes – just stay curious and remain open to learning new things. You could start by working on your productivity.