A colleague's promotion can spur pessimistic thoughts about your future with the company, Kat Boogaard writes. However, remember that the success of a co-worker shows the company believes in promoting from within, which could ultimately benefit you based on your performance.

To avoid confusion, clarify your role as a contractor and the employer's expectations before beginning a large project, freelance illustrator Jon Jones says in this article outlining several strategies. Implement "sprints" into your team's workflow to avoid long feedback loops between you and the client, says Gopika Prabhu, who runs a design firm.

Co-workers who say irrational things, lie often and exhibit passive-aggressive behavior must be held accountable in order to maintain a healthy office environment. Be careful not to give them the satisfaction of knowing they got under your skin and document any instances of particularly unacceptable behavior, writes J.T. O'Donnell.

In the week that ended Oct. 14, the number of Americans making their first claims for jobless benefits dropped to 222,000, the smallest number since March 1973, the Labor Department said. It was the 137th week in a row that claims held below the 300,000 mark, which is viewed by economists as a sign that the labor market is strong.

HR and project-management certifications are among the top industry-specific certificates that impress recruiters, writes Emily Moore. Sales professionals can set themselves apart with certified formal training, and those in analytics should consider pursuing Salesforce certifications.

Claire Jeffress, a high-school senior in Texas, this month was named homecoming queen and kicked a game-winning, 30-yard field goal for the football team. Jeffress also hit all five of her extra-point attempts.