Job applicants are using background space on video calls as an opportunity to make a good impression, stand out and show off some personality, writes Jared Lindzon. While in-person interviewees are often judged on appearance and clothing choices, virtual interviewees' homes and backgrounds are now subjected to the same scrutinization, so applicants should consider what's behind them before turning on their cameras, Lindzon advises. Full Story: Fast Company online (9/8)
3 ways to boost your career from home Technology can provide professional development while the COVID-19 pandemic has paused in-person conferences, classes and seminars, writes William Arruda of CareerBlast. Arruda shares place to find online communities, training simulations and volunteer opportunities. Full Story: Forbes (9/8)
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings explains why he hires talent based on the "rock-star principle" and how that has led to lean teams who are able to excel. "When those lean teams are exclusively made up of exceptional-performing employees, the managers do better, the employees do better, and the entire team works better -- and faster," he writes. Full Story: CNBC (9/8)
The Landscape
Survey: 75% of retirees confident about finances A Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report showed 75% of retirees said their confidence in their ability to maintain a comfortable lifestyle has not been affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic, while 15% said their confidence had decreased and 4% said it has increased. The survey showed 69% of retirees rely on Social Security as their main income source, while 40% have other savings and investments. Full Story: BenefitsPRO (free registration) (9/8)
Retail hiring picked up in Aug. as stores reopened US retailers added 249,000 jobs in August, according to the Labor Department, as stores reopened around the country and consumers started venturing back out to shop. Employment at clothing stores is still down almost 30% from pre-pandemic levels, but staffing at general merchandise retailers has risen 10% since February. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (9/5)
Survey: Stress reduced by flexible working Employees who are able to work flexibly are more likely to be able to change stressful elements about their jobs and are more likely to have emotional support to manage work stress, according to a study by FlexJobs. Also, 66% of those surveyed want to continue working remotely after the pandemic, 33% want a more hybrid approach, and less than 2% want to return to full-time work in an office. Full Story: HR Dive (9/4)
Google is offering a new caller ID enhancement that identifies which business is calling you and why. The Verified Calls tool will be available via Google's phone app on Android devices. Full Story: Google's The Keyword (9/8)
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