Job Search Best Practices

How to make sure stories highlight skills during job interviews
Job seekers should be clear about the skills they mean to highlight as they tell stories of past accomplishments in an interview, MIT career development specialist Lily Zhang writes in this blog post. To do that, Zhang suggests using an opening statement to frame the story, then connecting the emphasized skills to duties associated with the new job. TheMuse.com (12/9)

Networking tips to help find your comfort zone
Finding an environment in which you feel comfortable is one of the keys to networking, writes Arnie Fertig. For instance, you might prefer going to large conferences or seeking out smaller group settings. U.S. News & World Report/On Careers blog (12/9)

Other News

Higher Ed Employment Trends

Why colleges need to simplify the academic application process
Colleges and universities should simplify their application processes and ask academic candidates for only a cover letter, curriculum vitae and references, writes Hollis Phelps, an assistant professor of religion at the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. Phelps argues in this commentary that only candidates on a final "short" list should be required to submit more paperwork, such as transcripts and teaching statements. The Chronicle of Higher Education (free content) (12/8)

Calif. college program trains faculty to deliver hybrid courses
Faculty at St. Mary's College in California are being trained in effectively teaching hybrid courses, where classes are given both online and in person. All 34 faculty members in the business school will be the first to receive their "Digital Driver's License" so they can teach hybrid MBA classes, but the program could be expanded to other departments. The Oakland Tribune (Calif.) (12/8)

Other News

Higher Ed in the News

Students in juvenile justice facilities granted access to federal Pell Grants
Many students in the juvenile justice system could be eligible for Pell Grants under new federal guidelines announced on Monday. Federal data show that about one-third of juvenile justice facilities provided access to college or vocational education in 2010, and officials say the move makes it easier for such facilities to offer higher-education options to students who qualify. InsideHigherEd.com (12/9)

Leadership Focus

Don't stop setting a good example for your team
Leaders can't forget that they are role models for employees, writes Jennifer V. Miller. That means anticipating what might lead you to the behaviors you're seeking to discourage. "Social conventions (and a desire to stay employed) most likely will keep your team members from pointing out your incongruent behaviors as a leader. Their silence isn't necessarily agreement," Miller advises. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (12/9)

HERC News

Are you part of a dual-career couple?
HERC has helpful resources and information to help you both with your job search. You can also search for jobs within a commutable distance of one another by using HERC's dual-career search technology and finding jobs that meet your partner's profile. Start searching today!

Editor's Note

Last chance to vote for the 2014 Educators' Choice Content Award
SmartBlog on Education this year launched a monthly Editor's Choice Content Award, which recognizes content written by educators, for educators. Our editors selected the two best original content pieces each month. Now, we need your input! Cast your vote for the 2014 Educators' Choice Content Award by Dec. 10. Winners will be announced this month.

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