Employees going into annual reviews should be ready to list their contributions and negotiate for benefits such as flexible hours, writes Amy Elisa Jackson. It's helpful to know how much others with your responsibilities are making elsewhere, she writes. Glassdoor (3/21)
Making the Connection
A good network lobbies on your behalf Members of a strong network help each other gain recognition and learn about new opportunities, writes Dawn Graham. Form a network with people you already interact with, and make a point of connecting with someone new every day, she writes. Forbes (3/20)
The Landscape
US suspends expedited handling for some H-1B visas US Citizenship and Immigration Services is suspending a program that lets employers get H-1B visa applications processed within 15 days for an extra fee, likely through Sept. 10. The purpose of the change is to accelerate processing for the overall program, the agency says. Axios (3/20)
Your Next Challenge
How to make a good first impression at interviews A confident posture, professional attire and relaxed small talk help make a good impression, says HR expert Barry Drexler. He suggests job candidates turn off their phones prior to interviews. CNBC (3/19)
The Water Cooler
Parents embrace names that can be for boys or girls Gender-neutral baby names are coming into focus in recent years, according to a Nameberry analysis of Social Security Administration data. Charlie, Finley, Skyler, Justice and Royal are leading baby names that are relatively split between boys and girls. The Associated Press (3/21)
