Productive people set out each day to tackle an ambitious project, as opposed to a to-do list of unrelated tasks, leadership consultants Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman write. They maintain a steady cadence in their work and excel at collaborating and problem-solving.

Consider factors such as bonuses, relocation allowances, annual leave, professional development and your start date when you're negotiating a job offer. Gaia Vasiliver-Shamis writes that you shouldn't try to negotiate until you've received an official offer.

Communication is the most in-demand skill among American workers, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner says. Improve in this area by honing your listening skills and learning to make use of eye contact and other nonverbal cues.

Automation can keep older employees in the workforce longer, writes Automation Anywhere CEO Mihir Shukla, citing evidence from multiple research reports. Shukla mentions Japan, which uses robotics to encourage older workers to stay in their jobs and bolster the economy.

Use effective forms of nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact and nodding, to show you are engaged in a job interview, writes Alicia Adamczyk. Be mindful of your hand gestures and smile often.

A Texas man pleaded guilty last week to stealing $1.2 million worth of fajitas over nine years while working at a county juvenile center. Gilberto Escamilla would order the fajitas through the juvenile center, intercept them when they arrived and sell them to his own customers.