How to prepare for a virtual job interview Half of American professionals are switching to phone or video meetings, according to LinkedIn, so it's important for job candidates to be fully prepared for a remote interview. Best practices for getting ready include testing your internet connection, picking a good background and dressing professionally while avoiding bright colors, which can be distracting over video. Full Story: Fast Company online (3/19)
What workers need to succeed while working from home Skills are essential to the success of a remote team, not software, according to two Canadian research professors. Among the skills needed for being productive while working from home include open communication, self-motivation without being rewarded, trustworthiness to get the work done and adaptability to quick changes. Full Story: Forbes (3/19)
Hire Smart
Hiring creative people isn't enough Simply recruiting creative people is not enough to ensure an organization tackles challenges in creative ways. A new study found dysfunctional management can block the path to creative solutions, so maybe it's not always best to just hire creative people and get out of the way -- but to lead them instead. Full Story: PhysOrg/University of Jyväskylä (3/19)
The coronavirus has created a difficult situation at home between legal professionals who are telecommuting and children whose schools are closed, says Summer Eberhard of Major, Lindsey & Africa. In a Q&A, Eberhard notes that lawyers who are mothers will be affected disproportionately, and she says law firms need to be "more patient and understanding during this transition." Full Story: The American Lawyer magazine online (3/18)
Balancing Yourself
Don't let the coronavirus outbreak make you feel lonely While the world is dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, but "the most widespread health problem in the nation" is actually loneliness, according to then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in 2017. Calling friends and family, connecting with others and talking to strangers are ways for everyone to fight off loneliness during a time of social distancing. Full Story: The Dallas Morning News (tiered subscription model) (3/19)
Fitness experts say working out can be a good way to help manage the stress of the coronavirus pandemic, and while gyms and studios may close or limit occupancy there are ways to keep up an exercise routine at home. Create a walking or running routine, tap into some high-intensity interval training sessions or yoga classes available online, and find household items to use as weights for strength training. Full Story: The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (3/18)
The Water Cooler
Researchers find ancient fish had fingers Researchers examining the fossilized bones of a 380 million-year-old lobe-finned fish have discovered the first evidence of fingers. "The origin of digits relates to developing the capability for the fish to support its weight in shallow water or for short trips out on land. The increased number of small bones in the fin allows more planes of flexibility to spread out its weight through the fin," explains paleontologist Richard Cloutier. Full Story: ScienceAlert (Australia) (3/18)
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