Employers in the US value durable skills such as teamwork and communication and attitudes such as adaptability and resilience in early-career hires, according to a survey by UpSkill America and Western Governors University. While 58% of employers hire primarily for skills, 42% prioritize attitudes, and employers who have removed degree requirements tend to fall into the latter group.  

Career consultant Amy Lindgren advises that job seekers identify the person who would be their future boss, consider their needs, and tailor application materials and interview responses accordingly. Lindgren also suggests setting a time limit while searching, no more than an hour, but do it at the same time every day.

If you struggle with productivity, it may be that the tools you're using are misaligned with your natural cognitive style, writes Deliberate Direction's Allison Dunn, who outlines four dominant styles, including those who are driven by logic and data, those who are collaborative and those who pay attention to detail. Dunn suggests tools that match each style as well as tips on arranging your workspace to optimize your time.

Amazon announced the layoffs of about 14,000 corporate employees as the company seeks to focus its investment on AI and other areas it considers its "biggest bets." Layoffs at Amazon ultimately could involve up to 30,000 workers. A blog post outlines the company's goal "to be organized more leanly, with fewer layers and more ownership."

Laura Brown and Kristina O'Neill are co-authors of a new book titled "All The Cool Girls Get Fired," which delves into the potential upside of losing a job. "I mean it when I say getting fired is like a shortcut to the better life that comes next," Brown said.

Mental health challenges are increasingly common in the US, with about 23% of adults living with a mental illness, writes Julie Wolfe, a medical director and psychiatrist. Employers have a legal obligation to accommodate mental health needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Wolfe encourages employees to seek accommodations such as flexible scheduling and private workspaces. Wolfe emphasizes the importance of early intervention and suggests that employees identify trusted colleagues or supervisors to discuss their mental health needs.

From sister publication Kiplinger: Selling a home with a spooky past can be challenging, as stigmatized properties -- those associated with events such as deaths, crimes or paranormal activity -- can deter buyers. Disclosure laws vary by state, with some requiring sellers to reveal deaths or crimes on the property. However, a Zillow survey found that nearly 70% of buyers would consider a haunted house if it meets their other criteria.

If you're looking for a spooky road trip this Halloween, the Extraterrestrial Highway offers 141 miles of desolate desert punctuated by unique roadside attractions in southern Nevada. The Alien Cowpoke gas station or the Little A'Le'Inn motel in Rachel, Nev., feature alien decorations for the true believer. "Wherever someone else might stand on the subject, we certainly can't say we're the only species in the universe," says George Harris, the founder of the Alien Research Center and the main advocate for the roadway receiving the official moniker of the Extraterrestrial Highway.