While more jobs are listed this time of year, there are more applicants to compete with as well so figure out exactly what companies are looking for and don't get discouraged. "In January, many companies are looking to add talent who can launch new product lines, address changing customer needs or take the business in an innovative direction," writes Kourtney Whitehead.

Diligent attention to LinkedIn will enhance your level of interaction with other users, writes author Ari Kaplan, who frequently reaches out to alumni of his college and law school when he travels. "The high response rate to my random invitations to coffee may surprise you, but they always turn out to be meaningful contacts," he writes.

Recruiting trends for 2020 include content marketing and employing AI, says hiring expert Lovepreet Dhaliwal. Hiring managers need to convey the story of the organization to potential hires and stay in consistent contact with candidates.

The UK got about $7.8 million of venture capital investment in 2018, but female tech workers aren't benefiting much from the vitality of the sector. Women have accounted for roughly 17% of Britain's IT specialists for the past decade.

With the new year comes new sources of stress, but there are ways to improve your mental outlook and overall health in 2020. Scientifically proven methods to improve mental health include practicing optimism, volunteering, keeping good relationships and finding a sense of purpose, writes Sandee LaMotte.

Chemistry professor and SmartBrief reader Shoshanna Coon shared the explanation for why "nose grease" reduces the foam on beverages. The oil lowers the surface tension causing the bubbles on top of your beer or soda to burst.