How to make the most of a December job search As 2020 approaches, job hunters need to get ready and focused for finding employment in the new year. Hiring is slow in December so spend your time networking and narrowing the type of job you want -- however, the rare December jobs tend to be good listings, writes career expert Kourtney Whitehead. Forbes (12/1)Common goals create meaningful "communities" Bringing people together based on passions and common goals is important for starting a "community" work environment or business, says former Instagram employee and author Bailey Richardson. Communities based on these cores tend to be more ethical and can bring businesses closer to their customers, according to Richardson. Fast Company online (11/29)
Making the Connection
How to discuss an outside job offer with your employer An outside job offer can be important leverage when negotiating with your employer, but the discussion requires a delicate approach. Candor and tact go far in navigating this potential minefield. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (11/26)Try training bundles to boost your career skills To get ahead in your career, consider picking up new skills with online career training bundles. Examples include: The School of Graphic Design Mastery Bundle, a 40-hour training package; The Premium 2020 Project & Quality Management Bundle, a 120-hour training package; and The Complete QuickBooks Guru, which has eight courses. The Next Web (11/29)
Hire Smart
Which traits to look for when hiring Potential hires should possess traits that will help your business thrive, according to Calendar president John Hall. Enthusiasm, a proactive approach, integrity, communication skills, a unique personality and emotional intelligence are all traits to look for when hiring, says Hall. Inc. online (12/1)
Flying can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be, says Candy Bar founder Dylan Lauren, who uses the 20 minutes spent taxiing on a plane to meditate. Close your eyes and block out sounds and thoughts, she says, which allows you to center yourself and clear your head for the rest of the day. Bloomberg (tiered subscription model) (11/29) Poll question: Do you plan to fly over the December holidays? Tornadoes in Arizona, heavy snow in the Northeast and high winds in California led to more than 800 flight cancellations on Sunday, the busiest day for Thanksgiving travel. Flight delays and cancellations continue today so maybe some meditation is in order.
A growing number of winemakers, particularly in Chile and Argentina, are using concrete vats rather than French oak or stainless steel to age their vintages. The advantages are twofold, says Cakebread Cellars winemaker Stephanie Jacobs, as concrete's semi-porous nature allows desirable micro-oxygenation, unlike stainless steel, and concrete doesn't impart its own flavors to the wine within, unlike oak. Barron's (free content) (11/26)
