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Job interviews are the fortune cookies of hiringvague and often misleading. But companies keep using them, despite research suggesting that typical job interviews are mostly unreliable predictors of future job performance, because they give hiring managers the illusion of insight, and a convenient way to validate gut instinct with zero data. Its not that all interviews are useless; some formats, like structured behavioral interviews with scoring rubrics, including AI-based scoring algorithms that match responses to actual outcomes and future performance, can be moderately predictive. But the typical unstructured interview? Oftentimes, it conveys the illusion of predictability by allowing hiring managers and interviewers to unleash their biases and subjective preferences during the interview, and then reactivate those same biases during their job performance ratings and evaluations of those candidates, once they become employees. Its mostly a personality contest masquerading as a talent evaluation. The candidates who perform best in interviews are often the ones with the most confidence, charisma, and charm. Unfortunately, these traits are also the calling cards of narcissists, Machiavellians, and the occasional smooth-talking psychopath. What passes for “leadership gravitas” can often be ego dressed in a blazer. In fact, studies show that narcissists are more likely to be seen as competent in interviewsespecially by less experienced, trained, or qualified interviewers who confuse bravado with ability.. So how do you stand out in an interview without sounding like you’re auditioning for a TED Talk titled “Why I’m Amazing (and You’re Lucky I’m Here)”? Here are five science-based recommendations: 1. Quantify your brilliance instead of announcing it Its one thing to say youre a strong leader. Its another to say you managed a team that increased revenue by 35% in under a year during a hiring freeze. Guess which one gets remembered? Vague self-praise triggers skepticism. Data builds trust. Candidates who provided specific behavioral examplesespecially with measurable outcomesare generally rated significantly higher in competence and hireability. Swap generic lines like Im results-oriented for I led a cross-functional team that reduced churn by 28% in Q3. And when you do this, resist the urge to sound smug. If your data is good, it speaks for itself. No need to add a drumroll. 2. Be confident enough to admit what you dont know Ironically, one of the most confident things you can do in an interview is say, I dont know. Not followed by silence, of coursebut followed by . . . but heres how Id go about figuring it out. This signals humility and problem-solving, a combo thats far more attractive than pretending youve mastered every domain from supply chain to quantum physics. As psychologist and author Tasha Eurich suggests, self-awarenessparticularly awareness of ones own limitationsis a key marker of effective leadership. If you mention a skill you havent mastered, follow it with a brief story of how youve successfully learned something similar.Now youre not just self-awareyoure coachable. In todays volatile and unpredictable job market, people should care less about what you know, and more about your ability, disposition, and willingness to learn in the future. 3. Show you have empathy Narcissists tend to lack empathy. So, if you want to distance yourself from that ego-obsessed camp, demonstrate that you can see the world through someone elses eyes. Empathy isnt just about being nice in interviews. Its about showing an ability to collaborate, manage conflict, and not derail an entire Slack thread with your emotional immaturity or self-centered delusional rants.Same rule applies to the job interview: When you describe past experiences, include others in the narrative. What were their challenges? How did they feel? How did you adapt your approach to help? How did you realize they felt and reasoned? Ask your interviewer thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, not just your potential title. It shows you care about humans, not just your LinkedIn profile. 4. Let your achievements shine, but dont dwell on them for too long The bigger the accomplishment, the more chill you should be when you mention it. Theres a fine line between thats impressive and wow, do you talk about anything else? Weve all met someone who peaked in high school sports and never got the memo. Think of it this way: if youre a big deal, you dont need to say ityour story should do the heavy lifting. Let your success land quietly and let the interviewer be the one who leans in. For example, instead of I turned around a failing division single-handedly, try I was fortunate to be part of a turnaround effort that ended up boosting performance by 40%. In other words, same data, less ego. 5. Read the room Heres a wild idea: Focus more on the people interviewing you than on your own performance. Read the room. Listen actively. Make eye contact. Nod (at appropriate times, not like a bobblehead). Pause to check if your answers are clear. It sounds basic, but narcissists are notoriously bad at this. They monologue. They steamroll. They mansplain. They circle back to points no one asked about.So if you want to distinguish yourself, be the person who not only speaks wellbut listens even better. For example, after you answer a question, try asking, Did that answer what you were hoping to learn? or Would you like more detail on that? Its called being a kind and socially skilled human, and its rarer than you think. Final thought: Be the antidote to the ego parade The truth is, narcissists can be magnetic in interviews. But so can people who are competent, thoughtful, and self-aware. The latter are just more unusualand in far greater demand once the honeymoon phase is over and actual work begins. So, the next time you walk into an interview, remember: You dont have to dazzle with hype.You just have to seem real, competent, and curious enough to connect. Confidence is great, but only if it helps you persuade others that you are competent. In contrast, humility in the face of complexity will make you stand out, because modest competence beats delusional confidence (most of the time).
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E-Commerce
Dubai, the go-to destination for influencers, is now doubling down on its biggest market with the launch of its very own influencer academy. Jointly funded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and a travel content creation agency, the Beautiful Destinations Academy offers three months of social media training for students, aimed at bolstering Dubais tourism industry. The academy is still accepting applications for four budding influencers, who will be paid to travel and live in the city starting next month. A promotional video by Beautiful Destinations describes the program as an elite training environment where we invest in you to support Dubais unparalleled vision for the future of tourism. Successful applicants will typically train five days a week, with modules covering photography and cinematography, editing and color grading, sound effects, AI tools, industry regulations, and professional development as a travel content creator. At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate from Dubai College of Tourism, with the really special ones offered a full-time job at Beautiful Destinations. All expenses, including flights and accommodation in a luxury serviced apartment, are covered, along with a livable income for the three-month program. Students will also have access to shoot at some of Dubais most stunning and exclusive locations, normally reserved for celebrities and royalty. Jeremy Jauncey, CEO and founder of Beautiful Destinations, told The Independent: I want to share what Ive learned with the next generation and give others the chance to experience the coolest career in the world. And theres no better city than Dubaiwhich has inspired Beautiful Destinations creators since our earliest daysto do this in. You dont need to be an expert to applywere looking for raw, hidden talent. He added: We want to equip young people with the skills to build a solid future in travel content creation, to take advantage of this fast-growing sector. You dont need expensive equipment or formal training just a desire to turn your social media hobby into a dream career. Issam Kazim, chief executive of Visit Dubai, told The Times UK that the academys launch is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation and excellence in the tourism sector. Dubai welcomed a record 18.72 million international visitors last year and recently introduced the “golden visa” (a new visa that allows influencers to live in the UAE sponsorship-free), along with a Dhs 150 million (about $40 million in USD) government support fund to aid influencers. Given that over half of Gen Zers aspire to be influencers, where better to make that happen than the influencer hotspot of the world? Applicants must upload a 60-second video on travel culture or adventure on Instagram, tag @BeautifulDestinations @VisitDubai #BDacademy, and complete an online form before April 24 to be considered for the first cohort.
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E-Commerce
It has taken a little over five months and has been anticipated for several weeks, but it now appears increasingly likely that the bromance between Elon Musk and Donald Trump is nearing its end. Musk is reportedly planning to step down from his role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). During Teslas latest earnings call this week, Musk said, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly next monththough he noted that he still intends to dedicate some time to government issues going forward. The announcement came as Tesla reported surprisingly poor results, and Musks pivot appeared to serve as a parachute for a business in freefall. Following his remarks and amid expectations that he would now refocus on Tesla, the companys share price rose. This was an off-ramp for Musk out of the Trump White House, says Dan Ives, managing director and senior equity research analyst at Wedbush Securities. The global brand damage, political firestorm, and perfect storm chaos over the past few months will now end this volatile political chapter for Musk. What Musks departure means for the quasi-governmental agency hes leaving behind remains uncertain. Trump has heavily promoted the potential cost savings DOGE would deliver to U.S. taxpayersthough it’s unclear whether Musks actions have genuinely produced the savings touted by the administration. If Trump hasn’t got bored with DOGE, theres still a chance that he might send a check to voters with a nominal saving, says Bruce Daisley, a former Twitter executive. He’s never expressed much interest in the midterms, so its possible this won’t be of interest by then. Cary Cooper, professor of organizational psychology at the University of Manchester, believes Trump will continue DOGEs work by appointing another entrepreneur or business titan to lead the agency. Hell appoint another business guy, no question about it, he says. Any new head of DOGE may not feel bound by Musks infamous five things email, which demanded government workers justify their roles by reporting five achievements from the past week. Still, Cooper believes the mission will carry on. It may have been Musk who led the way, but I think Trump wants that to happen as well, because he perceives the civil service to be left of center, Cooper says. DOGE remains Trumps tool for pushing that agenda. As for the businesses Musk is returning to, opinions are divided. Teslas reputationand share pricehave suffered amid sweeping layoffs and controversial decisions that have impacted many American families. Ives and Wedbush Securities believe Musks stint in government and his perceived callousness will reduce long-term demand for Teslas electric vehicles by as much as 10%. (Musk did not respond to Fast Company‘s request for comment.) Still, despite Tesla’s recent financial setbacksincluding a near-10% drop in revenueIves remains optimistic about the company’s future. This was the time to close one dark chapter and open a brighter one for the Tesla story, with autonomous and robotics front and center, he says. Some view Musks exit from government and return to the private sector as a strategic move to salvage his personal brand. His brand is damaged, Cooper says. He is seen as an extreme right-wing person who cares nothing except about helping the wealthy like him to survive. While Musk may have held such views for years, it was his highly visible government role that solidified them in the public eye. Because of that, the challenges facing the entrepreneur and worlds richest man are only growing. But Musk has faced crises beforeand is likely to try everything to turn things around. Musk is almost certain to try to pull a rabbit out of a hat of merging xAI with Tesla to position Tesla as an AI business, Daisley says. There’s a much bigger multiple [there], and his talk of robotics gives another horizon to chase rather than the EV one that he’s currently losing ground on.
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E-Commerce
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