You are more likely to achieve personal growth if you nurture your creativity, get enough sleep and trust your gut when making decisions, writes Nicolas Cole. Also, shield your inner circle from toxic individuals and limit your distractions on social media.

Professional editor Dana Robinson ended a lengthy period of underemployment by optimizing her resume and undergoing a detailed branding effort. New business cards, a new domain name and a redesigned website helped to attract the attention of employers, Dana writes.

You're more likely to get responses to your messages on LinkedIn if you use the recipient's name right away and clearly identify why you would like to connect with them, writes Marcelle Yeager. Try to determine whether you have something in common that can help you stand out from others who may be making similar efforts to connect.

Ten thousand new jobless claims were added for the week ended April 15, the first increase in four weeks, but still an indication of steady job growth, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Just like an actor prepares for a big scene, job seekers should take time to get into character before a job interview, writes Cathy Salit. You don't have to act like a different person, but you should emphasize the qualities that are most important for the position and aim to be the most impressive version of yourself, Salit writes.

After a two-way tie in which both candidates received 11 votes, a coin toss decided the results of the Colp, Ill., mayoral election. Candidate Tammy O'Daniell-Howell beat out her opponent, Bryan Riekena, when she called heads during the official quarter toss on Thursday.