Work Effectively From Home

Telecommute has increased dramatically in the last few years. For employers, working from home can boost productivity, reduce turnover, and lower organizational costs, while employees enjoy perks like flexibility and the lack of a commute's time and transportation cost.

To work effectively from home, you’ll need to make sure you have the required technology:  a separate workspace, internet service that meets the job's needs, a workable schedule you can stick to, and ways to connect with others.

See a guide to key considerations for going 'remote' here

Sources of Potential Employers

You cannot afford to overlook any source. Gather information and develop contacts within both small and large companies. Note that 50% of new job opportunities come from companies with fewer than 100 employees. Starting out, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer positions - often lead to future job placements

A position, whether paid or voluntary, can allow for “hands-on” experience in your field. The people around you can be a great source of information and advice. The best way to locate a hidden job is through networking - the referral of a friend or business acquaintance

Find a significant list of less common sources here.

Be Aware of Company Culture

While your experience and qualifications are being assessed by a hiring manager, likewise you need to take the time to make your own assessments of the company. This could occur as part of your search effort or in an offer to interview.

Make the most of any opportunity to ‘get to know’ the company culture, its 'personality'. The character of the environment (formal / relaxed) (competitive / contentious) (strict / permissive) needs to fit with your expectations and your personality.

See additional hints here.

Handling a Team's Dominating Personality

Every team benefits from a talented colleague with exceptional skills who can be counted on to produce solutions to complex problems. But when an alpha personality in the group also dominates discussions and decisions, it can stifle other colleagues input, restrain collaboration, and ultimately hurt morale.

Team dynamics need an even distribution of contributing talent, not dominance. In such circumstances, effective team collaboration is required.

Find eight ways to work well with a dominant colleague here.

Prepare for a Job Fair

Job fairs represent an opportunity to connect with employers, hiring managers and recruiters. These events allow connecting with a variety of companies and present a wide range of companies for sharing your resume. Increase chances of getting hired through job fairs. While your 'face time' will be limited, it's important to take these events seriously and adequately prepare.

Stand out with 12 comprehensive points here.

Budget Your Unemployment Income

When unemployed, you will likely receive some level of financial assistance, those funds (whether lump sum or monthly) deserve careful consideration which may include a more formal budget than you are accustomed.

Unemployment typically evolves into financial lockdown mode, having to focus more on cutting expenses, rather than strategically working to find employment that best fits experience, education, needs, and goals.

See 7 critical points to consider here.

Manage Your Money When Unemployed

The unemployed experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. But there are ways to take control of your finances, manage your budget and ultimately land on your feet, even during long periods of unemployment.

Maintaining your financial health during unemployment is key to managing your physical and emotional wellness. Cutting expenses is a great place to start, as you learn to trim your budget and rethink your essential and nonessential expenses.

See 6 specific topics to gain financial control here.