Technical interviews can be daunting for early-career developers, but clear communication, problem-solving skills and soft skills are often more important than perfect answers, writes veteran technology journalist Rich Hein. "Most interviewers are paying far more attention to how clearly you think out loud," Hein writes. "They want to hear how you break a problem down, how you handle uncertainty, and how well you can collaborate under a little pressure."

A recent Kickresume survey of 2,000 people reveals that while 52% ask for a pay raise, only 24% actually receive one. Additionally, even though 66% of workers negotiate their starting salary, just half are successful. There are multiple reasons why employers might deny a pay raise request, including company-wide budget constraints, unfavorable economic conditions, or it being too soon after your last raise.

Many job seekers mistakenly believe that companies stop hiring between Thanksgiving and New Year's, but experts say this period can actually offer greater opportunities. With fewer applicants, candidates may stand out more in the hiring process. Companies often continue recruiting during the holidays to fill roles before the year's end or to prepare for new projects in January.

Texas A&M's recent historic comeback against South Carolina highlights the importance of leaders taking ownership in turning around a struggling team, writes Alaina Love, the CEO of Purpose Linked Consulting. Head coach Mike Elko set the tone by openly accepting responsibility for the team's poor first-half performance, emphasizing accountability over blame. Quarterback Marcel Reed and other leaders followed suit, acknowledging their mistakes and focusing on solutions. This culture of ownership allowed the team to reset their mindset and rally for a disciplined, effective second half, notes Love.

My take: I tailgated at this game and watched the second half on TV. I'm just glad that this story focused on what Texas A&M did right, not what my Gamecocks did wrong. -- Janet

Job seekers and employers are increasingly frustrated by a congested job market as applications per job opening have nearly tripled since 2017, with the average job now receiving 242 applications, Greenhouse data shows. Job seekers are using AI tools to submit more applications, many of which are not a great fit, and recruiters are struggling to manage the influx as companies shrink HR teams, leading to a paralysis in hiring.

Employers should expect 2026 to be similar to 2025, with subtle changes rather than major transformations, according to Indeed's "2026 Jobs Hiring Trends Report." The report predicts a slight rise in unemployment, stable job openings and modest GDP growth, with employers likely to maintain leverage in salary negotiations amid a challenging labor market.

Teens are increasingly joining LinkedIn, with high-schoolers and college students using the platform to build professional networks and jumpstart their careers. Career counselors now recommend LinkedIn profiles for students with clear goals.

From sister publication Kiplinger: Holiday gift-giving can be stressful, but behavioral finance research offers strategies to ensure gifts are well-received. Studies suggest that practical gifts are often more appreciated than showy ones, and that buying from recipients' wish lists is more thoughtful than surprising them.