Once you have established your perfect excuse for being late, the next trick is to always look like you are doing mountains of work. These are the 10 commandments for looking busy and keeping your boss happy.

Again, keep these safe and use them wisely.

We cannot unfortunately give credit where credit is due for these 10 commandments as they come from an anonymous source on Quora.

Commandment 1: Always have papers of some sort in your hands

This gives the illusion of a hard working employee. It will also make you look like you are on your way to a meeting. Those who walk around empty handed look like they are off to get a cup of coffee or embark on anything other than work.

Commandment 2: The computer is key

With a computer at your desk, you can look busy for days. No, you probably won’t be typing up that proposal or report, but sending personal emails and chatting to mates. And that is okay, until of course you get caught, which is inevitable. So when this happens simply explain to your boss you are teaching yourself to use new software to better equip yourself in certain areas of work.

Commandment 3: Say yes to a messy desk

The desk must be messy at all times. There should be piles of documents on your desk, whether it is work from today or last year, again it’s okay. Pile it on and pile it high.

Commandment 4: Let the phone ring to voice mail

Always let the call ring to voice mail. Remeber you are too busy to just talk to anybody at any time. If it is urgent, that person would have left a voice message and if the message is regarding work, send an email. But send the mail during lunch time hours, so it looks like you’re hard working.

Commandment 5: Look annoyed and impatient

If you constantly look annoyed or impatient, your boss is given the impression that you are very busy almost all of the time.

Commandment 6: Leave late

If the boss is still at work, leave late. And when you leave make a point of walking past his/her desk to ensure they see you and the time you are leaving. Also make sure to send email in the wee hours of the morning or past everyones bed time, and don’t forget to email on public holidays. You will appear to be the most dedicated employee ever.

Commandment 7: Sigh for dramatic effect

This is a winner. Nothing needs to be wrong, but sigh at all times. When you sit down, while looking at your computer tentatively, everyone will assume you are under immense pressure.

Commandment 8: Stack it high

We have talked about the cluttered desk, this point is simply elaborating on that idea. Not only should your desk be piled with paper and documents, but strategically place books on the floor where they are very clearly visible. The thicker the book, the better.

Commandment 9: Vocabulary

This is a fun one. Learn a new tech phrase – no you don’t have to understand what it means, but make sure your boss won’t either. Learn some nerd jargon, and then randomly drop it into a conversation you’re having with the boss. Again, make sure your boss is not clued up on the nerd jargon or you could risk looking like an idiot.

Commandment 10: Try not to get caught

Not much needs to be said here, the obvious has been stated. Do not give your boss anything to suspect.

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[Source: Quora]