When you’re applying for assistant jobs, either through your network or cold, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the important person at the other end of the desk is choosing you because they’re the one conducting the interview. True, they won’t be groveling or blowing their lunch money on letterpress thank-you notes, but you must still choose your master wisely. You don’t go around marrying people just because they propose. As a general rule, try to avoid saddling yourself with any boss who uses the expression think outside the box—if for no other reason than it’s doubtful that anyone who uses a cliché to describe creative thinking will be able to teach you very much.

• How did you "pay your dues" in your field? Tell about the menial tasks you survived to get where you are today. Add your story!
  

You’re probably thinking, “Damn it, Katy, I’m living at my parents’.” Or, “I’m living in an apartment I can’t afford, eating canned green beans. I’m dying here. I have no income and have to scrounge around for change to take to the Coinstar to buy lunch. I’m going to take the absolute first assistant job I’m offered, even if that means lying about it at cocktail parties.” Believe me, I understand. Particularly if you’re counting down the days until your student loans become due. But you have to honestly ask yourself, “Am I signing up for a year of doing menial tasks for some yahoo who won’t teach me anything, or is a year of menial tasks the price of admission to breaking into a kickass career with a great mentor?” If it’s the latter, you’re in business.