Rule 3: Always act as if you're on the clock. Sure, you've punched your proverbial time clock. But if you're attending a work event—or even a private dinner at your higher-up's home—you're not really done with work, Jacinto says. "Remember that even if you are not at the office you are still on the clock," she says. "Act professional."
Rule 4: Show off your personality and interests. When it comes to what you can talk about, you don't have to stick to the progress you've made on your latest report. "Expand your conversation beyond the workplace," Pierce advises. "Leave work at work—this is your time to show that you have an interesting exciting life outside of the office." Two topics you must avoid, though, are religion and politics. "Even if these tops arise, stay evasive and do not get emotionally involved," says Pierce. "Have 'happy' conversations instead."
Rule 5: Don't speak ill of your coworkers to your boss. Commiserating over your cubemate's super-stinky habit of eating tuna fish at her desk could bond you and your new boss BFF—or it could send her a strong message that you're not a team player. "Loyalty and trust are traits bosses look for," says Jacinto. "Plus, you never know what relationships they have with these people."
Rule 6: Brush up on your table etiquette. You know not to put your elbows on the table at a fancy work dinner. But are you confident in which fork to grab first? When it comes to an important work-related event, it's smart to brush up on your table manners—lest you embarrass your boss, says Pierce. "If you are unsure what to do, pay attention to others around you on how to act at the dinner table," she advises.
Rule 7: Don't overdo it. Even if you share a common interest in making your own from-scratch gourmet pizzas and a healthy obsession with Ryan Reynolds, your boss can never be your real best friend. "This person should not become your BFF," says Jacinto. "They are first and foremost your boss. Keep the boundaries."
