National Business Digest

NATION
Short job stints look badto employers, survey says
NEW YORK -- If your r & eacute;sum & eacute; looks like a laundry list of short job stints, your career may be headed nowhere.
According to a recent survey from Robert Half Finance & amp; Accounting, nearly nine out of ten chief financial officers said that the length of time a candidate has spent at previous employers is a somewhat to a very important factor in evaluating them for a position.
Only 10 percent said that it wasn't important.
"Holding too many positions in rapid succession and without signs of professional advancement can be a red flag for employers," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half. "Hiring managers place a high value on employee loyalty, in part because it is so difficult to replace top performers."
Robert Half polled 1,400 CFOs from a random sample of companies with more than 20 employees.
Australia tops the listof recognizable countries
NEW YORK -- If countries were brands, which one would be the Nike or the Coca-Cola of the world?
The land down under is the most recognizable country brand, according to an index released by FutureBrand, a brand consultancy, and Weber Shandwick, a public relations firm. The United States followed, with Italy coming in third.
"Australia has successfully marketed its assets countrywide without picking apart particulars," said Rina Plapler, executive director at FutureBrand. "It has collectively harnessed the mystique of the whole country."
Plapler also noted that Australia has a national logo -- the kangaroo -- which sets it apart from other countries that typically use flags to distinguish themselves.
The United States, however, finished first in all business-related categories as well as best shopping, best resort and lodging options and best country for families.
The study incorporated opinions from industry experts, a survey of 1,500 travelers and national statistics.
Associated Press