Talk big in your resume, because what it says may get you into your favored company. But it’s the little things you do that help employers determine whether or not they should keep you there. On paper, it’s all about making a big, positive first impression. Everyday life however, demands for subtler, seemingly unimportant habits and gestures – those that tell people about who you are, more than about what you do. Here are a few skills that you might want to consider taking up:

The art of small talk
If you’ve ever been at a lunch meeting with a major client – all of whom you are with know each other very well, then you know what it’s like to feel out of place. As a professional, however, it’s your job to always make that you are never so. Small talk will easily get you out of that quiet corner and into the center of talk, but it is not always so simple.
Steer clear of obvious attempts like talking about the weather. Start with a compliment to get your subject interested – but make sure you’re sincere! You can also talk about industry events that you might both have attended, or asking about his or her work. Of course, you already know that religion, politics, and internal gossip, are topics that should be avoided.
Feel free to stay out of personal conversations, those that involve private jokes, or those that do not involve your self. But since it is after all a business meeting, you have every right to interject, in a polite manner, questions that relate to the nature of your meeting in order to keep your contemporaries from digressing further. Take charge of the conversation and make sure that after every, introduction or meeting, you have accomplished your objective.

Appreciation for the Internet
It is no longer acceptable to know nothing about the Internet – especially for a professional. Even if accessing the Web doesn't’t interest you in the least bit, consider it a necessary partner towards an easier life. Not only does the Net, through email, instant messaging, and other connectivity tools like Skype, allow you to multitask and touch base with your contacts without ever leaving your cushy office chair; the Net is also a big help for those who are looking to expand their network of clients, suppliers, resources, etc. There are individuals, though, who still prefer to go by the old-fashioned way of doing things – faxing, doing daily rounds, sending packages via mail. If you are one of them, try studying the ins and outs of the World Wide Web first, for fun, out of curiosity, or even just for the heck of it. Then, see where your newfound knowledge will take you.

The tactful-aggressive
While being able to assert yourself – that is, express your opinions, whether enthusiasm or objection, is a powerful weapon, knowing how to wield it with finesse can be even more compelling. It’s not always easy to hold back your emotions or keep your voice down when you’re getting excited over something, but it’s worth a try. If you have been tasked to tell a team member that his or her suggestions are no good, try suggesting that he come up with “more ideas to choose from” instead. The truth hurts enough as it is – a little sugar may help make harsh realities a lot easier to swallow.

Primping on-the-go
Go-getters are always running around, meeting people, prospects and deadlines. Primping while running up a flight of stairs, in between meetings, or while stuck in traffic is a valuable skill that one can only master in time, and with a lot of practice. Do not be afraid to check your appearance on reflective surfaces on occasion – everybody does it. Learn the art of applying makeup in moving vehicles. (Tip: Use products that are meant for “smudging” like souffle foundations, lip gloss, and fat eye crayons. Avoid using products that say “loose” or “liquid” on the label, lest you want any stains on your suit.)

Know your place
Never overestimate or worse, underestimate yourself or your abilities. It’s like dressing up – over time, you get the hang of striking a balance between being overdressed and underdressed by observing your peers. Look at your contemporaries. Examine their skills and what they bring to the table, and take it from there. If caught in a potentially awkward situation, go stag – sit by yourself or mingle with people you are comfortable with until you are invited to approach the top dogs. Keep a low profile, but at the same time remember to make your accomplishments known.