Disney and Shell announce job cuts; Tips for creating social media assets; Notorious interview questions to know; How PR pros should 'keep going'; and more

DAILY SCOOP

Disney lays off 28,000 employees, Shell to cut 9,000 jobs and Merriam-Webster tweets popular searches during presidential debate

Also: Pantone releases “period” color to eliminate menstruation stigma, Walmart to roll out redesign, Nordstrom to stop selling fur and exotic animal skins, and more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

British Red Cross encourages engagement with social media press kit

The website provides key messages in bite-sized pieces and packages the organization’s campaigns in ready-to-share posts.

THE WORKPLACE

The worst, most nefarious interview questions (and how to answer them)

It doesn’t matter how many tennis balls you think might fit into a limousine, but your problem-solving skills will be carefully examined. Mind these expert tips for acing your next interview.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Affect’s SVP Jen Dobrzelecki: ‘Keep going’

Here’s how this NYC-based PR exec views the future of the industry, the short-term effects of COVID-19 and the tools that help the most during WFH.

RAGAN AWARDS

Showcase what makes your organization a top place to work

Enter Ragan’s Top Places to Work Awards—part of our Employee Communications Awards. The entry deadline is Friday, Oct. 23.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

DE&I job titles are on the rise

According to data from LinkedIn, diversity roles have become increasingly popular around the world in the last five years, as the global economy tries to find balance, equity and justice for all.

DAILY SCOOP

Universal Health Services scrambles after alleged ransomware attack, Japan Airlines removes gendered language and JPMorgan Chase’s WFH update

Also: Brand managers gear up for #NationalCoffee Day, PR budgets are down and content marketing gets organizations’ focus, WebMD stokes ire with chai latte recipe, and more.

COVID-19

5 examples of clever, creative COVID-19 pivots

The pandemic is forcing businesses to adapt or wither away. Take heart — and maybe borrow an idea or two — from these savvy strategic swivels.

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

How short-term and long-term crisis responses require different mindsets

The immediate need to play defense, provide robust media relations and careful holding statements can differ from the strategic approach required for long-term management.

RAGAN AWARDS

Announcing Ragan’s 2020 Top Women in Communications Awards

Nominate the inspiring women you work with—or yourself. The entry deadline is Friday, Nov. 13.

DAILY SCOOP

‘The Simpsons’ debuts with diversity pledge, Cream of Wheat drops Black chef in rebrand, and Amazon highlights SMB’s for Prime Day

Also: The Hershey Company offers Kit Kat Flavor Club, Innocent Drinks announces recyclable packages with snark, 68% of marketing execs do business differently after COVID-19, and more.

MEDIA RELATIONS

When is it OK for your brand to weigh in on breaking news?

Newsjacking is a powerful technique, but in these turbulent times, an ill-conceived comment can do a lot of damage. Consider this guide.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

How employee resource groups enhance internal comms efforts

Communicators share how they’ve leaned on employee affinity groups to respond to recent events.

PR INDUSTRY

5 PR lessons from ‘Tenet’

The new film from director Christopher Nolan offers communicators several takeaways as they navigate crises and more within their organizations.