• How to overcome a long employment gap
  If you're re-entering the job market after a significant amount of time away, you should consider making yourself more attractive to employers by getting new certifications or training, says Carol Fishman Cohen, founder of iRelaunch. Also, be willing to take on volunteer work and temporary roles until you find something permanent, she says. Reuters (12/7)      

• Why you might need a new watch
  Subtly upgrading your wardrobe such as by buying a stylish watch can go a long way in making you look poised and self confident, and could even help you win a promotion. "To dress properly might seem like a minor detail at first glance, but the evaluation of a person starts with their appearance -- do not underestimate that," this blogger writes. Careerealism.com (12/10)

• How to present yourself in a clear, concise way
  When someone asks "tell me about yourself," don't respond with "wooly and wandering statements," but instead focus on your key skills, achievements and work responsibilities, Paul Sloane writes. "We aim for about a one-minute delivery or about 120 words when written. It is best to write it out and then practice saying it in a natural way," he writes. Lifehack.org (12/8)      

• U.S. jobless rate falls to 4-year low
  The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.7% in November, the lowest since December 2008, as employers added 146,000 jobs. Economists, however, described the latest report as mixed, with much of the decline in the headline rate due to discouraged job seekers giving up. The Inquisitr (12/8)      

Featured Content

• Are you in charge of your job search?
  Take control of your job search instead of just managing it, career expert Melissa Llarena says. For example, someone who is just managing the search will put up a LinkedIn profile, while a leader will actively join LinkedIn groups and discussions, she says. Business Insider (12/9)

Position Title Company Name Location Associate - Performance Improvement/HR Strategy & Optimization Huron Consulting Group Chicago, IL Entry Level Systems Engineer Job SAIC Columbia, MD Associate Brand Manager - Foodservice Kraft Foods Chicago, IL Associate Content Producer (Contract) (13382) Electronic Arts Los Angeles, CA Account Executive Ziff Davis Greater New York City Area, NY Click here to view more job listings.

• How to cope in times of extreme stress
  Sometimes getting a massage or going for a walk just isn't enough to get you through a difficult time, Ann Rasmussen writes. When your life takes a particularly stressful turn, focus on being compassionate with yourself. "[B]e as kind and caring with yourself as you would be with dear friends in your straits," she writes. The Huffington Post (12/7)      

Top five news stories selected by SmartBrief on Your Career readers in the past week.

• 10 things you do that bug an interviewer (U.S. News & World Report)

• 6 ways to create the career you want in 2013 (U.S. News & World Report)

• Tips for giving appropriate holiday gifts at work (CareerBliss.com)

• Study: Managers are more interested in cultural fit than skills (The Huffington Post)

• How to learn about jobs that no one else knows about (CBS MoneyWatch)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

• Parrot gets robot "bird buggy"
  A University of Florida graduate student has created a robotic "bird buggy" to help his flightless African gray parrot, Pepper, get around. Pepper uses a small joystick to steer his motorized perch, allowing him to navigate his home without fear of being stepped on. The Guardian (London)/GrrlScientist blog (12/7)      

While conscience is our friend, all is at peace; however, once it is offended, farewell to a tranquil mind." --Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, British writer and aristocrat       Have a favorite famous quote? Share it and we may publish it here!