When you’re interviewing for a new job, don’t forget that it’s a two-way street.

In my field, there are a few major things interviewers first look for: Are you competent? Can you handle stressful situations? Are you willing to learn new technology? These are all great topics that help filter out unqualified candidates.

As the candidate, the important thing to remember and actively take advantage is: Interviewing is a two-way street. There are some things you need to look for: Is this company competent? Are its engineers productive, smart people that you’ll enjoy working with? etc.

Don’t forget that you need to play hardball too.

It’s easy to get caught up using shorthand “speak” over e-mail. Be careful who you use it with.

When talking professionally in-person, the chances that you get criticized for grammar or spelling is almost none. However, professional e-mail requires much more attention to be paid towards grammar, spelling, and proper English.

In addition, it’s important to remember to separate personal from professional “speak” within e-mails. When I was looking for a new job, I was e-mailed by a potential employer using shorthand like “u” for “you”, “2″ for “to”, etc. (e.g. “i’d like u 2 get back 2 us asap. thx!”). That’s a huge turn-off for any candidate.

First impressions count, even if it’s just an e-mail.

There are some things we simply can’t get through alone. We need each other.

The strength of a relationship with a significant other is more than just love, mutual interests, or having fun. Without the other, you’re just not the same person; it’s a bond that can’t be broken. I need you and you need me.

When a significant other passes away, it’s devastating. Some people are able to carry on with their lives; others simply lose all their motivation. It’s important to remember that everyone needs someone in their lives who can make that bond and provide each other with the motivation to live a full, happy life.

Most ideas don’t just come out of thin air. They’re the result of knowledge and experience in a special line of work.

When you work in a certain field, you learn about what works and what doesn’t. Entrepreneurs in that field are able to take what they know about what doesn’t work and come up with new ideas to fix those problems.

For example, take a look at Noca. This company was founded by ex-Visa employees to fix the problems with credit card transaction fees. Coming up with good ideas is nothing special; it just takes a little knowledge and a little insight.

I’ve always wanted to write a book. Not a novel or tall tale, but something in nonfiction.

Writing a fictional book is one thing. Writing a book that will educate or help other people is another and I think that’s what interests me the most. Blogging kind of gives you that opportunity to dip your toe into the world of publishing and it can be a lot of fun.

If there’s something you’re passionate about, I say go ahead and write a book about it. Let other people know about your passion and you might be able to make a difference in someone’s life.

Did you know there are over 1,100 Dunkin’ Donuts within a 50-mile radius of the city of Boston?

The first question most people ask is: Why? Why why why why why? It doesn’t make sense. However, what you probably never knew is that Dunkin’ Donuts originated in Boston. That’s the reason it’s so popular and so well-received.

It’s a known fact that communities will tend to stand by a business that started in their hometown than businesses from outside the area even if the products are better. In the last few years, Krispy Kreme tried building a few stores in the Boston area. It didn’t go too well. Even though Krispy Kreme’s donuts may have been better, Bostoners stuck with their heritage.

Something to keep in mind if you ever try to start a business

My children will be my legacy, not my work.

It’s no secret that I enjoy my work. I love to think about new ideas, work with cutting-edge technology, and try to make a difference in the world. And in all of these thoughts, I wonder what my legacy will be. What grand company or invention will I be remembered for?

And over the last few years, I think I’ve realized that my legacy will not be about any of the above. My legacy will be my children and their future. A company or invention can only stay around for so long. A family history can last forever.

Stud finders are amazing.

For years, I’ve always resorted to the old “knock on the wall” trick for finding studs in the wall when hanging pictures or shelves. I have to admit, I’m not the best when it comes to figuring out which sound indicates I’ve found a stud. I’m probably wrong like, 99% of the time.

Then I got a stud finder. I haven’t looked back ever since

We put things off if we don’t feel the consequences. So how do we break the habit?

Sometimes we don’t just procrastinate, we actually won’t do something if we don’t immediately feel the consequences. If I don’t brush my teeth tonight, will it matter? Tomorrow I’ll feel the same, but in the long run it might make a difference.

Besides a stricter brushing regimen, one way to make people realize those long-term consequences is to show them in real-time. What if your toothbrush tracked how often you used it and could digitally render an image on your bathroom mirror of how your teeth will look in 20 years? It’s not a pretty picture. But it might motivate you.

So if we can’t make people feel the consequences of putting something off, maybe we can help them realize those consequences by showing them.

Everyone procrastinates, you and I included. But why?

One reason (of many) has to do with the felt consequences of putting something off. I can put off seeing the dentist for my checkup because I won’t feel any consequences if I don’t. The same goes for my car. I know I need to check the oil, but I can put it off since there are no immediate consequences.

But what happens if I put it off for too long? Maybe I get a cavity? Maybe my car gets engine problems? Well, now I can feel those consequences. Now I can’t put it off.

We put things off that we don’t see as affecting us now, even if doing so will affect us in the long run. There are ways to address this form of procrastination, but we’ll talk about that next time