Aligning your response with employer needs in interviews | Empowered employees can lead to greater teamwork | Right-to-disconnect laws are gaining traction globally
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To effectively answer "Why should we hire you?" in an interview, focus on aligning your response with the organization's needs, writes author and professional presentation coach Joel Schwartzberg. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to meet those needs, offering a balance between showing your value and addressing the organization's goals, Schwartzberg writes. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (11/8)
Empowered employees can lead to greater teamwork Empowering employees can lead to a sense of ownership and boost long-term retention, writes Naphtali Hoff, a psychologist and executive coach, as well as raising productivity. "When employees feel empowered, they are more inclined to mentor others, share knowledge and contribute to an overall atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration," Hoff writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (11/8)
Right-to-disconnect laws are gaining traction globally At least 17 countries have implemented right-to-disconnect laws, with France and Portugal leading the way. These laws aim to prevent employers from contacting employees outside of business hours, promoting healthier work-life balance. Australia recently joined this trend, and similar legislation is being considered in the UK and parts of the US. Full Story: MSN/Business Insider (11/11)
Hire Smart
What is "white-fonting" on a resume? Career coach Jasmine Escalera warns against the TikTok trend of "white-fonting" on resumes, which involves copying job description text in white font to trick applicant tracking systems. Escalera says this practice can harm professional reputations if discovered. Instead, she advises job seekers to focus on networking and personalized applications. Full Story: WNBC-TV (New York City) (11/11)
Increased longevity is reshaping careers, allowing individuals to work well into their 70s and beyond. This extended lifespan offers opportunities for career changes and personal growth. "The 100-year life gives lots of opportunities for younger people," says Ciara Spillane, a lecturer at University College Dublin and founder of Positive Prospects. "Knowing that we are likely to be working for more than 50 years, it allows more time to change careers, pivot to completely new areas and retrain later in life." Full Story: Silicon Republic (Ireland) (11/11)
DOD uses direct hires to bolster cyber workforce The Defense Department has increased its use of direct hire authority to grow its civilian cyber workforce, with about half of new hires coming through this method. This has helped reduce the vacancy rate from nearly 25% to 16.2%. The Cyber Excepted Service and pay flexibilities such as targeted local market supplements have been key in attracting talent. Full Story: Federal News Network/WFED-AM (Washington, D.C.) (11/11)
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Sabbaticals offer alternative to early retirement Sabbaticals present a viable alternative to early retirement, providing the freedom to explore personal interests and recharge without the financial and permanent implications of leaving the workforce. There are three main types of sabbaticals: "working holidays," where individuals pursue passion projects; "free dives," which involve intense explorations and self-discovery; and "quests," focused on recharging and learning new skills. Full Story: Kiplinger (11/9)
Balancing Yourself
People slept their way to better decision making Recent research supports the idea that sleep enhances decision-making, problem-solving and creativity. A study showed that participants who slept before making decisions made more rational choices, unaffected by initial impressions. Additionally, Thomas Edison and other creative thinkers recognized the transitional sleep state as a source of inspiration, a notion further backed by French research in 2021. Full Story: The Conversation (11/11)
A sixth-grade student at Carlos Gilbert Elementary School in New Mexico has initiated a protest movement against the school's decision to halve school library time in favor of technology classes. With support from students and some teachers, the student has organized petitions and sit-ins, saying that reading is crucial for intellectual development. Full Story: Santa Fe New Mexican (11/11)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Artist William Hogarth depicted the comedy of 18th century UK politics in a four-part series called "The Humours of an Election." The first one is a parody that borrows from what famous artist/painting?
