Applying online can often be a poor way of getting a company's attention, but job seekers can improve their chances by sending a personalized email to a hiring manager, say members of the Young Entrepreneur Council. It's also possible to connect with a hiring manager or employee of a company you're interested in via LinkedIn.

It's important to understand that as the company you join evolves, your job description may also change, Anisa Purbasari Horton writes. Other things to keep in mind when starting a new job include the importance of being resourceful, even if you don't know everything at your new workplace.

Collaboration on a project won't happen simply by giving instructions and resources, says John Baldoni in this blog post and video. Managers should go further, asking employees for thoughts on how the project should proceed and whether certain aspects should be changed.

Research shows 42% of companies let employees take a "summer Friday" by leaving the office early. The perk is an easy way to offer flexible work options as wage and benefit growth remains stagnant, HR leaders say.

Don't pretend that being a perfectionist is your biggest weakness at your next job interview, writes Alison Green. Also, don't self-consciously ask, "So how did I do?" at the conclusion of an interview.

Adults who fail to get enough sleep are more accident prone and less able to control their emotions, among other things. To get better sleep, give your brain time to calm down by unplugging well before bed and avoiding pre-bed snacks or workouts, writes Sarah DiGiulio.

Before they were treated as an invasive weed, dandelions were a medicinal plant because their leaves are rich in various vitamins and minerals. The bitter leaves work well in salads and the yellow tops can be preserved in honey.