Even skilled professionals won't get far if their co-workers and managers don't perceive them as being competent, writes Shana Lebowitz. By speaking a little more quickly and avoiding emoticons in your emails, you can appear more competent, she writes.

Loud talking was the biggest pet peeve among almost one-third of participants in a recent study by Harris Interactive and Randstad. To address this problem, speak from your diaphragm and avoid trying to talk over background noises, writes Steve Blakeman.

You can expand your influence on social media if you play to your strengths instead of trying to be all things to all people, which leaves you seeming a bit "vanilla," says personal trainer Jillian Michaels. Focus not only on communicating your ideas to your followers, but also on curating posts and articles by others.

US workers said in July the lowest yearly salary they would accept at a new job is $57,960, according to a Federal Reserve survey. That number is a decrease from $59,660 four months before.

If you've had a history of hopping from job to job, the most important thing is to own your work history and emphasize the skills and experience you've accumulated when interviewing for a new position. Make sure to let hiring managers know that you're looking for a long-term home with your next job, writes Jessica Vann.

The University of Southern California is defending the misspelling of William Shakespeare's last name on a statue of Queen Hecuba. University officials note that Shakespeare has been spelled almost two dozen different ways throughout history, with the school opting to use the spelling that was commonly used in the 18th century.