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10 Best practices for managing remote teams

4/28/2020

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10 Best Practices for managing remote teams posted by https://www.market-connections.net
Career Counseling April 28 2020
10 Best practices for managing remote teams

What are the "best practices" to manage teams remotely?

How to remotely manage your team

Here is an infographic to help you review the 10 best practices to manage your team from home and keep everything in perspective. Much like enything else, there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything.
Picture

10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams
Teleconferencing sites to use for remote working
62 Places to find remote jobs online in 2020
Surviving sudden unemployment
How to find the right recruiters
8 Reasons to change your job
12 Quick & easy ways to make money online

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How to stay motivated while working from home

4/24/2020

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How to stay motivated when working from home with a logo from https://www.market-connections.net
How to stay motivated when working from home - Posted by https://www.market-connections.net
Career Counseling April 24,2020
How to stay motivated when working from home

8 Tips To Stay Motivated While Working From Home

Self motivation strategies for working from home

​When you work in an office, your day might already be planned out with your coworkers giving you social interaction and your boss giving you accountability.
 
However, working from home is much different. How can you get work done without any of this help that you would normally receive from coworkers?
 
Try these techniques to stay motivated and be productive: ​
  1. Wake up early. Think of it like this: When you’re working from home, you’re still going to work, but the commute to your desk is much shorter. Set your alarm and make an effort to get up and get ready for an early start.

    • You may find that you’re more productive earlier in the day, as your mind may be sharper.
 
  1. Get dressed. However tempting it is to work in a pair of comfortable sweatpants or pajamas, you may be more productive in regular clothes.

    • Research has shown that how you dress sends psychological signals, so if you want to get work done, it’s important to dress appropriately.
 
  1. Have your own workspace. Setting aside a regular space to work sends a signal to your brain to work whenever you’re in your workspace. Plus, having your own workspace will help keep distractions to a minimum.
 
  1. Create a schedule. A work schedule also helps to motivate you, get you going each morning, and be more productive while you work. With a schedule, you’ll know what to get started on the moment you sit down to work. Then, you can depend on it to guide you throughout the rest of the day.

    • Your schedule will depend on your own job, but, for example, if you were a blogger, you might write in the morning, before editing and posting the content in the afternoon.
 
  1. Take time to exercise. Set aside some time each day to get some exercise. Regular exercise is good for both your body and mind.

    • Most office jobs are pretty sedentary but working from home may be even worse. After all, you only need to travel a few feet to visit the restroom. With this in mind, it’s important to ensure that you take extra care to look after your physical needs.
 
  1. Reward yourself. Since you’re working from home, it would be easy to just sit in front of the television all day and not get any work done. But for obvious reasons this is not the best idea. You can bypass such temptations by using rewards to increase productivity.

    • For instance, you could work for two hours straight and then reward yourself with a short, 30-minute episode of your favorite show.
 
  1. Go outside. Not leaving your house for days on end can negatively impact your mental health. Not only is sunlight good for your health but seeing and interacting with others is important too.

    • Your mood will be uplifted, and you’ll get more work done after a short break for getting out into nature and socializing with others.
 
  1. Avoid social media. If you find yourself browsing Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram instead of working, you can take steps to avoid these distractions.

    • Try deleting these bookmarks from your browser or installing a plugin that will block you from visiting those sites.

    • Turning off notifications on your smartphone while you work also helps to stop distractions.
 
Working from home isn’t for everyone, but if you love the freedom of making your own schedule, then you may love it.
 
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to stay motivated, maintain discipline, and get all of your work done while working from home.

10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams
10 Teleconferencing sites for working remotely
Tools for working and managing remotely
62 Places to find remote jobs online
Resume writing prices and process
Surviving sudden unemployment
Use your hobby to advance your career

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Career Counseling
Employment Services
Interview Coaching
Job Search Ideas
LinkedIn Strategies
Personal Branding
Recruiters
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powered by Surfing Waves
View my profile on LinkedIn
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About the author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

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Surviving Sudden Unemployment

4/9/2020

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Solutions for sudden job loss with a logo from https://www.market-connections.net
Surviving Sudden Unemployment posted by https://www.market-connections.net
Job Search Ideas April 9 2020
Surviving Sudden Unemployment

Solutions for the suddenly unemployed

Surviving Sudden Unemployment

Through no fault of your own, you find yourself suddenly out of a job. Now what?
 
The first question to answer is: Is this unemployment temporary — or permanent? If you’re out of work due to the Coronavirus pandemic, your employer may have furloughed you temporarily. If that’s the case, your efforts will be focused on getting through this temporary period of unemployment.
 
If, however, your employer has permanently closed, or if you’re looking to change jobs or change careers, you’ll have different actions to focus on.

Your first step: Secure your finances

Regardless of whether the unemployment is temporary or permanent, your first step is to assess your financial situation. This includes both your personal finances as well as identifying any benefits due to you, either from your company or government sources.

Personal Finances

One of the biggest mistakes many people make after losing their job is not making immediate adjustments in their finances. With the uncertainty of the full impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, you could be out of work for four weeks, or four months. No one knows right now.
 
However, if you were already living paycheck-to-paycheck, there will likely be some impact on your finances. So the first thing you should do is adjust your lifestyle to fit your new financial reality … at least temporarily. Conserve as much cash as you can.
 
Make a list of your current expenses (review your checkbook register, credit card statements, and/or online banking profile) and see what you can cut out. Determine which of your current monthly expenses must be maintained (mortgage and car payments, utilities, groceries) and which ones you can do without for now. The sooner you make these adjustments, the better off you will be.
 
Once you know what you’ll have to live on (unemployment benefits and savings, for example), you can determine if you need to find other sources of income — for example, a part-time job. (This income may have an impact on your unemployment benefits, but you may need the money to carry you though until your unemployment compensation comes in, which could be 2-4 weeks or longer.)
 
If your unemployment stretches on for a while, you may need to cut back to only making minimum payments on your bills. While now is not the time to be holding a garage sale, you may find some things that you can sell for cash on Facebook Marketplace, buy/sell/trade groups, or Craigslist. (Be sure to minimize contact with buyers — for example, taking payment by PayPal, Facebook payments, or Venmo and doing porch pickup.)
 
Try to avoid tapping into your retirement accounts or selling stocks or mutual funds while the stock market is down. If you have a cash-value life insurance policy, you might consider tapping it for emergency cash, but remember you will have to pay interest on any loans you take out, and you’ll want to pay the loan back when you are able to.
 
If you will have trouble making your mortgage payment or paying other bills (credit cards, auto loans, student loans), contact your lender. Many of them have forbearance programs which allow you to make reduced payments or skip payments (adding the missed payments to the end of the loan period).
 
You may also be eligible for special programs for the unemployed. For example, the “Home Affordable Unemployment Program” may reduce your mortgage payments or suspend them altogether for a period of time.
 
Your credit card company may reduce your interest rate or lower your required minimum payment due to a job loss. (If you have involuntary unemployment credit card insurance, your credit card company may cover the minimum payment if you are laid off for a specific period of time. However, charges incurred after the layoff are excluded.) Don’t wait to explore your eligibility for these programs.

Company Resources

When you were furloughed, your company may have provided information about the benefits you have access to. If your company is continuing to pay part or all of your salary while you’re at home, that should be specified in the information you were given. Likewise, if you are not being paid, you may be able to access accrued vacation or sick pay. If you have company-provided healthcare, find out if your company will continue to pay your premiums while you are unemployed. (Otherwise, you will need to secure temporary health care coverage.)
 
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) eased restrictions for accessing retirement account funds. The new law allows workers who are financially impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic to cash out up to $100,000 of their 401(k) or IRA accounts. (Affected individuals are people who are diagnosed with COVID-19, their spouse or dependent. In addition, undiagnosed individuals can take a Coronavirus Related Distribution (CRD) if they suffered adverse financial consequences due to being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having their hours reduced, or who were unable to work due to child care responsibilities due to the Coronavirus pandemic.)
 
The law waives the 10 percent early withdrawal penalties (if money is taken out before age 59-1/2) and gives qualifying individuals three years to replace what they took out or to pay the ordinary income taxes due on the distribution.
 
However, cashing money out of your retirement account is not recommended unless it’s a last resort, as you will be sacrificing long-term growth of this money.
 
If you are furloughed from your job, you may not have to immediately repay any outstanding 401(k) loans like you would if you lost your job. (If you leave your job under normal circumstances — whether by choice or if your position ends up being terminated, if you are under 55, unless you repay the loan in full by tax day the following year, that loan becomes a distribution and you will pay a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty plus your ordinary income tax rate on that money.)
 
Note: If you had a previous loan against your 401(k), the CARES Act legislation does not apply to that loan.

Government Benefits

If you were furloughed from your job, look into filing for unemployment benefits immediately.
 
The unemployment insurance system (UI) is a partnership of the federal government and state programs. Created in 1935, contributions are paid into the system on behalf of workers so they have an income if they lose their jobs. The basic UI program is managed by the states, although the U.S. Department of Labor oversees the system. States provide most of the funding and administer the benefit payments. Although states must follow federal requirements, they generally establish their own eligibility criteria and benefit levels.
 
Check and see if your state offers an unemployment benefits calculator. (A simple Google search can identify if one is available.) There are two types of unemployment calculators — one that tells you how much money you are entitled to collect, and another which tells you how many weeks you are eligible to collect unemployment.
 
You must meet eligibility requirements, but you can determine these from your state’s unemployment office. You may even be eligible for benefits (even partial benefits) if you work part-time. You may also be eligible to collect unemployment benefits while you are collecting other benefits from your current position. Getting paid for unused vacation time you accrued normally does not affect your eligibility. However, you will not be eligible for benefits if you continue to receive your full salary and benefits your employer paid while you were employed.
 
Regular unemployment insurance benefits — in most states — run for 26 weeks (plus one unpaid “waiting week”). For people who have not yet found a job within that time frame, Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) offer additional compensation. Each of these programs has a different deadline. Consequently, the number of weeks you are eligible for will depend on when you filed your original claim.
 
Your unemployment payment depends on your weekly earnings prior to being laid off, and the maximum amount of unemployment benefits available (this will vary by state). Unemployment benefits typically replace about half of your previous earnings, subject to a maximum benefit level.
 
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the average unemployment benefits nationwide was $387 per week in February 2020. The maximum state-provided weekly benefit ranges from $215 in Mississippi to $550 in Massachusetts. (Some states offer higher benefits to jobseekers with dependents. Check your state benefit details to see if this is the case in your state.)
 
Because the benefit is subject to a cap, unemployment insurance benefits replace a smaller share of previous earnings for higher-wage workers than for lower-wage workers.
 
The permanent Extended Benefits (EB) program typically provides an additional 13 or 20 weeks of compensation to the unemployed who have exhausted their regular benefits in states where the unemployment situation has worsened dramatically.
 
You may also qualify for unemployment benefits from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic if:
  • Your employer closed
  • Your hours were reduced
  • You or someone in your household is quarantined
  • You or someone you are caring for is “high risk” (older adults and/or persons with serious chronic medical conditions)
  • You have a lack of childcare due to the Coronavirus (i.e., your childcare closed)
 
You may not be eligible if you quit your job because you are worried about contracting Coronavirus at work. Check with your state’s unemployment office before quitting your job. Each state’s guidelines vary. For example, in the state of Nebraska, you may still be eligible to collect unemployment benefits if you quit your job but have “good cause” for quitting — for reasons including (but not limited to), the conditions of work, compelling health reasons, or quitting to escape spousal abuse.
 
Note: If you stayed home from your job because you were worried about contracting Coronavirus, you may not be eligible for unemployment compensation. The CARES Act excludes individuals who have the ability to work from home with pay from collecting unemployment. It also excludes those who are currently receiving paid or sick leave.
 
The CARES Act also provides supplemental unemployment compensation. The law provides emergency funding to states to provide an additional $600 a week in payments — on top of regular weekly payments, as long as the individual is eligible to receive at least $1 of underlying benefits for the claimed week — from the time a worker lost his or her job until July 31 as part of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits. It also funds an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for states, which typically cap unemployment benefits at anywhere between 12 and 30 weeks.
 
File your claim for benefits as soon as you are able to. Note that you will have to request benefits every week you want a payment, even if your application is still pending initial approval. File your claim weekly during your furlough.
 
Many states have a one-week “waiting period” before claims are eligible. (Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Vermont, and Wyoming don’t have a “waiting week.”) At least 35 other states have waived the waiting period for Coronavirus-related unemployment claims, allowing eligibility for benefits immediately.
 
In addition, at least 27 states have waived the requirement that workers actively search for work in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation.
 
Although many claims are paid within a few business days, it may take 2-3 weeks for your first unemployment check to arrive (and these days, most claims are paid electronically through direct deposit to your account or to a reloadable prepaid debit card, instead of a physical check).
 
Under normal circumstances, unemployment insurance program provides benefits to people who:
•     have enough employment to establish a claim
•     have lost employment through no fault of their own
•     Are ready, willing, and able to work
•     Are actively seeking work
 
However, as mentioned previously, the requirements to actively seek work have been waived in many states.
 
For the “actively seeking work” requirement, if you are unable to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic, as long as you stay in contact with your employer, and are available to return to work when asked, you satisfy the “work search, availability, and capability” requirements. If your current unemployment is not due to the Coronavirus pandemic, you still need to conduct a weekly work search; however, you do not need to accept work offered to you if you are under quarantine or if you have been instructed to stay at home (or are under a statewide stay-at-home order).
 
One thing you may not have realized is that unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal tax return. Unemployment compensation may or may not be taxable in your state. Check with the Department of Labor in your state for information. Most state unemployment applications allow you to choose to have state and/or federal income tax withheld from your payments. Make sure you set aside part of the money for taxes if taxes are not withheld from your payment.
 
You may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments if you do not have taxes withheld from your unemployment benefit payments. Check with your tax advisor for advice.

Other Assistance

Your new financial situation may make you eligible for other kinds of assistance. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or “food stamps” are issued by the state based on financial need. Each state has a different application form and process, so contact your state agency directly to apply. During the current public health emergency, some of the existing regulations are being relaxed or suspended, which will make additional people eligible for this benefit.

Health Care Coverage

If your company is not paying your health care premiums while you are unemployed, if your company has more than 20 employees, you can continue your existing health care coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) law. However, you will need to pay this premium yourself. The cost of the COBRA premium may be higher than short-term insurance you can obtain for yourself.
 
If you have a health condition, you will want to ensure continuous coverage, so don’t let your group plan lapse before you get short-term insurance coverage in place. You may also want to check with your employer’s human resources department to be sure you will be able to get back on the group plan when work resumes.
 
If COBRA premiums are too costly, you can also look into short-term health insurance coverage. One source of options is ehealthinsurance.com. You may also be able to take advantage of private coverage thorough enrollment on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care exchange. If you had insurance through your employer that is no longer available, you may be eligible to enroll on the individual exchanges as part of a Special Enrollment Period. Check your eligibility and options available on Healthcare.gov or your state’s health insurance marketplace. Depending on your income, you may also qualify for free or low-cost coverage under Medicaid. (The Healthcare.gov site provides information about this option as well.)

Step 2: Is it time for a change?

If It’s Time for a Change
You may also take this opportunity to change directions with your career. Because the provisions under the CARES Act do not require those receiving unemployment benefits to be actively seeking work, you could use this time to start a new business.
 
In 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Act authorized $35 million in funds to encourage states to enhance and promote Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs. SEA entitles unemployed individuals to claim jobless benefits while simultaneously gaining access to small business development assistance. An individual with a “viable” business plan can continue to receive unemployment benefits as long as they are working full-time to get a new company off the ground.
 
Under this program, individuals receive financial aid equal to their unemployment insurance benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks while they receive entrepreneurial training and other resources (including counseling and technical assistance) to help them launch a business.
 
However, note that you are not eligible to receive extended unemployment benefits if you participate in the SEA program — you are limited to 26 weeks of payments, and you may not be eligible to receive the additional $600/week in federal assistance. Check with your state’s Department of Labor to see if they offer a SEA program. (As of March 2020, the states of Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York and Oregon have active Self-Employment Assistance programs.)
 
Take advantage of the programs available to you. Many of these are paid for through state and federal funds. This isn’t charity. These are programs paid by tax dollars, and the goal is to get you back working again. 

Step 3: What To Do Now

Without a job to go to every day, your days may seem endless. (Unless you have children at home that you’re suddenly in charge of teaching.) Work on projects that you’ve put off because you’ve been busy with work. Learn how to use your hobby to your advantage, discover your passion, revive your personal network, and most importantly, don't waste your time.
 
Think about where you want your career to be one year from now, and five years from now. Take the opportunity to move yourself closer to these goals. Use your successes and failurs to your advantage.
 
Focus on personal development. Are there skills you can work on developing? There are opportunities to take online classes for free. For example, the eight Ivy League universities are offering hundreds of online courses to the public at no charge. Many other course platforms are making courses available online for free or low cost.
 
Check out:
•     ClassCentral.com
•     Coursera
•     edX
•     Rosetta Stone
•     Alison
 
With many of the free courses, you can also secure a certification for an additional fee, which you can add to your résumé.
 
Speaking of résumés, now is also an excellent time to work with your résumé writer to update your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and other career search documents. When you’re back to work and the economy is humming along again, you may find yourself wanting to look for a better job. Now might be the right opportunity to take the time to gather your accomplishments.
 
Seek support from others during this time. In-person gatherings are highly discouraged, but you can use technology like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom to meet up virtually with friends, family, and even co-workers.
 
Be sure to take care of yourself during this time. Eat right. Try to get at least some exercise each day. Get plenty of sleep. Take advantage of the programs and services available to you, and be prepared for what’s next.

How to apply for unemployment benefits
How to ace an online video interview
Laid off, let go, or fired. Now what?
62 Places to find remote jobs online
How to find the right recruiters
10 Sites to find government jobs
12 Ways to make money online

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10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams

4/8/2020

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Mistakes to avoid when managing remotely - with a logo from https://www.market-connections.net
Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams
Career Counseling April 8 2020
10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams

10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams

How to manage your team remotely

Here is an infographic to help you review the mistakes to avoid when managing your team from home and keep everything in perspective. Much like enything else, there is a right way and a wrong way to do everything.
Picture

Recommended posts:
Tools for working and managing remotely
10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teams
How to evaluate your LinkedIn profile and get a score
How to be a better manager
Surviving sudden unemployment
62 Places to find remote jobs online
10 Teleconferencing sites to use during the Coronavirus outbreak

Categories

All
Career Counseling
Employment Services
Interview Coaching
Job Search Ideas
LinkedIn Strategies
Personal Branding
Recruiters
Resume Writing Ideas

powered by Surfing Waves
View my profile on LinkedIn
Follow @MandyFard

About the author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.


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Tools for Working and Managing Remotely

4/8/2020

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A man working remotely online with a logo from https://www.market-connections.net
Tools for working and managing remotely - posted by https://www.market-connections.net
Career Counseling April 8 2020
Tools for working and managing remotely

Tools to work remotely

Project Management

Asana
Basecamp
Monday
Jira
Trello
Workfront
Proofhub

Communication and Screen Sharing

Skype
Zoom
Slack
Join.me
UberConference
Google Hangouts

Remote Access

TeamViewer
Zoho Assist
RemotePC
LogMeIn
Chrome Remote Desktop

File Management and Sharing

Dropbox
Box
Google Drive
Huddle
OneHub
OneDrive

Time Tracking and Productivity Monitoring

Toggl
Clockify
Hivedesk
Hubstaff
Harvest
FunctionFox

Design Collaboration

Canva
Bannersnack
Visme
InVision
GoVisually

Sharing Notes and Ideas

Evernote
OneNote

Mind Mapping and Visual Brainstorming

MindMeister
MindMup
Idea Flip
Concept Board

Calendar Sharing

Google Calendar
Calendly
Microsoft Outlook Calendar
TimeTree

Distraction Blockers

StayFocusd
SelfControl (Mac)
Serene (Mac)
Cold Turkey
Productivity Owl
Scrivener (minimalist writing tool)

Security and Password Hygiene

Zoho Vault
LastPass
1Password
TrueKey
Dashlane

Feedback and Recognition

Office Vibe
Tiny Pulse
Culture Amp
Know Your Team
15Five

Time Zone Coordination

World Time Buddy
Spacetime
Timezone
Team Time Zone Pro
Time Zone Ninja

62 Places to find remote jobs
12 Ways to make money online
How to ace an online interview
Surviving sudden unemployment
How to find the right recruiters
How to apply for unemployment benefits
Your debt, your job, and the financial apocalypse

Categories

All
Career Counseling
Employment Services
Interview Coaching
Job Search Ideas
LinkedIn Strategies
Personal Branding
Recruiters
Resume Writing Ideas

powered by Surfing Waves
View my profile on LinkedIn
Follow @MandyFard

About the author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.


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LinkedIn Scorecard

4/5/2020

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How to evaluate your LinkedIn profile and get a score - with a logo from https://www.market-connections.net
LinkedIn Scorecard - How to evaluate your LinkedIn profile and get a score
LinkedIn Strategies April 5, 2020
LinkedIn Scorecard

LinkedIn Scorecard

How to evaluate and score your LinkedIn profile

The LinkedIn Scorecard is a comprehensive self-assessment that allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your LinkedIn profile according to LinkedIn’s best practices in the areas of Profile Completeness, LinkedIn Profile Photo, LinkedIn Headline, LinkedIn Profile Basics, Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, LinkedIn Summary, Common LinkedIn Profile Mistakes, and Engaging on LinkedIn.
 
An effective LinkedIn profile is an asset in a passive job search, allowing you to be found online by recruiters and hiring managers looking for candidates like you. It is also essential in an active job search, allowing you to connect with companies that are hiring, apply for positions online, and use your network more effectively.
 
Give yourself the appropriate number of points for each line. Then total your score.


LINKEDIN PROFILE COMPLETENESS

Profiles that are considered “complete” by LinkedIn’s standards receive 40 times more “opportunities” (contacts from prospective hiring mangers and recruiters) than incomplete profiles. LinkedIn has its own criteria for “profile completeness” — these are things you need to have on your LinkedIn account in order to have a “complete” profile, according to LinkedIn.
Your industry
Your score: ___________
​Not listed on your profile = 0                           
​On profile = 4
Your location
Your score: ___________
​Not listed on your profile = 0                           
​On profile = 4
​An updated current position
Your score: ___________
No current position on profile = 0                    
​Simple listing (job title/company) = 2                         ​
​Complete listing with description = 4
Two past positions under “Experience”
Your score: ___________
​No past position = 0
1 past position with simple listing = 1
2 past positions with simple listings = 2
1 past positions with complete listing = 3
2 past positions with complete listings = 4
Your education
Your score: ___________
No current education on profile = 0                 
​Complete listing (institution and degree) = 4
Skills
Your score: ___________
Not on profile = 0   
Minimum of three listed = 4
Profile photo
Your score: ___________
Not on profile = 0  
Have a profile photo = 4
A minimum of 50 connections
Your score: ___________
Fewer than 50 connections = 0
50 or more connections = 4
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 32 points)
Your score: ___________

​LINKEDIN PROFILE PHOTO

LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. Is your LinkedIn profile photo giving the right impression?
The photo on your LinkedIn profile is recent
Your score: ___________
Older than 2 years = 0 points
Within the last 24 months = 1 point  
Within the last 18 months = 2 points
Within the last year = 3 points

The photo is appropriate for a business profile
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points 
No = 0 points
Your face is clearly recognizable (in focus, close up, looking at the camera)
Yes = 2 points 
​No = 0 points
Your score: ___________
You have a background image on your profile
Your score: ___________
Yes = 0 points   
​No = 2 points
​Photo is high resolution (sharp, clear)
Your score: ___________
Yes = 0 points   
​No = 2 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 11 points)
Your score: ___________

​LINKEDIN HEADLINE

Your LinkedIn Headline is one of the first things someone sees when they search for you.
Your Headline adheres to LinkedIn guidelines
Your score: ___________
Only name and/or credentials = 0 points 
​More than your name and/or credentials = 2 points
Your Headline is unique and could not be said of anyone else and is not just your job title/company
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points
​No = 0 points
Your Headline uses all 120 characters to maximum advantage
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points
​No = 0 points
Your Headline uses keywords appropriately
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points  
​No = 0 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 8 points)
Your score: ___________

LINKEDIN PROFILE BASICS

Your LinkedIn profile includes volunteer work
Your score: ___________
No volunteer work = 0 point  
At least one volunteer position = 1 point

Multiple volunteer position listed = 2 points
Your LinkedIn profile includes projects listed under the Projects section
Your score: ___________
No Projects listed = 0 point 
​At least one Project listed = 1 point

Multiple Projects listed = 2 points
Your LinkedIn profile includes Organizations
Your score: ___________
No Organizations listed = 0 point 
​At least one Organization listed = 1 point

Multiple Organizations listed = 2 points
You’ve added additional Skills to your profile
Your score: ___________
You have fewer than 5 Skills listed = 0 point  
​You have 5-24 Skills listed = 1 point
You have at least 25 Skills listed = 2 points
You’ve claimed your personalized LinkedIn profile URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
Your score: ___________
No personalized URL = 0 points 
Personalized URL = 3 points
You’ve re-named links to website, blogs, and third-party sites
Your score: ___________
None of the links renamed = 0 points
Some text links renamed = 1 point

Most text links renamed = 2 points 
All text links renamed = 3 points

Profile has been proofread and is error-free
Your score: ___________
Many errors = 0 points
Several errors = 1 point

Few errors = 2 points
​No errors = 3 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 17 points)
Your score: ___________

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ON LINKEDIN

For your LinkedIn profile to help you reach your personal and professional goals, you must be able to communicate what makes you exceptional and compelling. This is your personal brand.
Information on your LinkedIn profile is concise yet comprehensive
Your score: ___________
Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points
Information on your LinkedIn profile is a good representation of your career
Your score: ___________
Yes = 1 point 
​No = 0 points
Information on your LinkedIn profile provides your relevant qualifications
Your score: ___________
Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 3 points)
Your score: ___________

THE ABOUT SECTION

The LinkedIn Summary is your opportunity to tell your story — briefly and succinctly.
The About section is well constructed and distinctive and could only describe you, and not someone else
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points  
Somewhat = 1 point
No = 0 points
The About content concisely describes you — who you are and what you want to do with your career
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points
Somewhat = 1 point
​No = 0 points
The About section contains interesting information that will entice the reader to want to read more of your profile
Your score: ___________
Yes = 2 points
Somewhat = 1 point
​No = 0 points
The About section is an appropriate length
Your score: ___________
More than 100 words up to the max = 2 points 
​Between 40-100 words = 1 point

No content or fewer than 40 words = 0 points
 TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 8 points)
Your score: ___________

COMMON LINKEDIN PROFILE MISTAKES

Avoid making common LinkedIn mistakes on your profile. 
Profile is focused on a single job target
(Don’t try to be “all things to all people” – instead, focus on your profile)
Your score: ___________
Yes = 1 point
​No = 0 points
Profile is written from the correct point of view
Your score: ___________
(An informal profile should be in first person [I, me].
a formal profile should be written in third person [Sharon, she or Tim, he]).
Yes = 1 point  
No = 0 points
You use all the content sections available to you
Your score: ___________
(Make sure to include information in all relevant sections — 
i.e., Honors & Awards, Languages, Certifications, Patents, Publications, etc.)
Yes = 1 point 
No = 0 points
Your profile includes several positive Recommendations
Your score: ___________
Ask for Recommendations; aim for one Recommendation for every 50-100 connections
Yes = 1 point   
​No = 0 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 4 points)
Your score: ___________

Engaging on LinkedIn

Only about 40 percent of LinkedIn users log in daily. The average LinkedIn user accesses their account for 17 minutes per month. What you do while you’re on LinkedIn is important.
You continue to grow your network by adding connections regularly
Your score: ___________
Add connections every time you log in = 4 points
Add connections weekly = 3 points

Add connections monthly = 2 points 
Add connections only occasionally = 1 point

Have not added any connections since joining = 0 points
You log into Linkedin regularly
Your score: ___________
Log in at least twice a month = 2 points
Log in at least once a month = 1 point
Log in less than once a month = 0 points
You follow at least one Company Page
Your score: ___________
Following at least 5 Company Pages = 2 points
​Follow at least 1 Company Page = 1 point

Don’t follow any Company Pages = 0 points      
You share content on your LinkedIn feed regularly
Your score: ___________
Post three times a month or more = 3 points
Post twice a month or more = 2 points

Post on your profile at least once a week = 1 point
​Post less than once a week = 0 points
​You post photos to your LinkedIn feed regularly
Your score: ___________
Post photos three times a month or more = 3 points
Post photos twice a month or more = 2 points

Post photos at least once a week = 1 point
​Post photos less than once a week = 0 points
You have posted an article on LinkedIn Publishing
Your score: ___________
Yes = 3 points
​No = 0 points
TOTAL FOR THIS SECTION (up to 17 points)
Your score: ___________

SCORING

The content feed on LinkedIn gets 9 billion impressions per week, so this is a huge opportunity for engagement. However, only 1% of LinkedIn’s users share posts at least once a week. Only 0.2% of LinkedIn users have published an article using LinkedIn Publishing. Remember, posts with photos increase the comment rate by 98%.
SECTION
TOTAL POINTS
LINKEDIN PROFILE COMPLETENESS (out of 32 points)
   
​LINKEDIN PROFILE PHOTO (out of 11 points)
    
​LINKEDIN HEADLINE (out of 8 points)
  
​LINKEDIN PROFILE BASICS (out of 17 points)
 
​YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ON LINKEDIN (out of 3 points)
 
​LINKEDIN SUMMARY (out of 8 points)
 
​COMMON LINKEDIN PROFILE MISTAKES (out of 4 points)
 
ENGAGING ON LINKEDIN (out of 17 points)
  
TOTAL POINTS
    

90-100 Points                   
Congratulations! You’ve positioned yourself to be found by recruiters and hiring managers and are on your way to building a strong network for your career goals. Keep up the good work!
 
80-89 Points                     
Your profile is very strong, but there are some opportunities to improve it. Review the scorecard and see where you can raise your score. 
 
70-79 Points                     
You’ve got a good start, but you’re missing some key areas where your profile can help you attract career opportunities. Review your scorecard and shore up the areas where your scores were low.
 
60-69 Points                     
Your profile isn’t as effective as it could be. Spend some time working on it and you’ll increase your career opportunities. Focus on making sure your profile is complete and spend some time engaging on LinkedIn.
 
59 Points or Below          
Help! Your profile needs attention. LinkedIn isn’t a “set it and forget it” platform. Invest some time in on your profile.


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​How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

4/4/2020

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Learning to apply for unemployment benefits - posted by https://www.market-connections.net
How to apply for unemployment benefits
Employment Services April 4, 2020
How to apply for unemployment benefits

Applying for unemployment benefits

A guide to apply for unemployment insurance

​If you recently lost your job, you could qualify for unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that you cannot apply for unemployment benefits if you quit your job or were fired for negligence or misconduct. If this is the case and you feel you were fired unfairly, your best option is to contact a wrongful termination attorney.
 
Unemployment is meant to be a temporary form of assistance that replaces a part of the salary you’re no longer earning. These benefits are managed at state levels, but federal guidelines exist. The complete name of this program is the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program.
 
Since these benefits are funded through taxes paid by employers to states, the amount of the benefits, requirements, and duration vary from one state to another.
 
There are two main requirements you have to meet before filing:
 
1.  You need to have worked for a specific time period. Most states require you to work for a full quarter before you become eligible for unemployment benefits.
 
2.  You need to have lost the job through no fault of your own. These criteria vary from one state to another.
 
It’s important to start filing for unemployment as quickly as possible, since you’ll have to wait a few weeks before you start receiving benefits. Some states actually require you to wait an entire week after losing your job before beginning the filing process.

Follow these steps to apply for unemployment benefits:

  1. Start by contacting your State Unemployment Insurance agency. Visit their official website to learn more about the application process. Some states give you the possibility to file online or with a phone call.
 
  1. You’ll have to provide some information regarding the job you lost. Get this information ready in advance to make the filing process easier. You’ll probably have to give details such as the name and address of your former employer as well as the dates of your employment there.
 
  1. Wait at least two (2) weeks. It shouldn’t take more than three (3) weeks to start receiving your benefits. Your state agency can give you a more accurate idea of when you’ll start receiving benefits.
 
  1. You’ll probably have to go to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office for an interview. The purpose of this interview is to determine if you’re eligible to continue receiving benefits. The interviewer may ask questions about why you lost the job and your plans regarding future employment.

  2. Keep the state agency updated with your earnings and employment offers. You might have to make phone calls or mail documents once a week or every other week depending on the state where you live.
 
Most states will grant you unemployment benefits for 26 weeks.
 
Your state can also provide you with valuable resources. You might be required to register through the State Employment Service to be matched with open positions in your area. If your state doesn’t require you to register through this service to receive benefits, it could help you to register anyway so you can be alerted about available positions.
 
Other resources include testing, counseling, and training programs. These are options you should explore if you have a hard time with finding work in your field. There is a variety of tutorials and training content available online. For example, Microsoft Office offers FREE and comprehensive tutorials on all is products online. There are courses available under Microsoft Office Help & Training as well as Microsoft Office 365 Training for those who may be interested. Your local Unemployment Insurance office can guide you on the availability and use of other resources.
 
Filing for unemployment benefits is a rather straightforward process. Keep in mind that these benefits are temporary and take advantage of this time when you’re receiving benefits to look for employment.

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How to sell yourself in an interview

4/2/2020

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How to sell yourself in an interview
Interview Coaching April 2, 2020
How to sell yourself in an interview

HOW TO SELL YOURSELF

Learn how to sell yourself in a job interview

Having presentation or interpersonal skills is not the same as knowing how to sell yourself in an interview. If you do not know how to sell yourself, you can’t help prospective employers. Plus, you may find it very challenging to receive employment offers and/or to negotiate your salary.
  • Get training in this area if you struggle with the sales end of the job search process.
  • Practice your skills with an Interview Coach.
  • Learn how to talk about the benefits of your work to potential employers.
  • Realize that the service you offer has value and you deserve to make money.
 
Change your thinking.
The idea of using sales skills in an interview often brings up negative thoughts. The fact of the matter is that it is an essential interaction that is necessary for your success in securing new employment. 
​
  • Change your outlook by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • See yourself as offering to help someone, rather than taking away their money.
  •  Think of how you have benefitted from other helping relationships.
  • Recognize the benefits of what you have to offer.
  • Change your thinking from one of sales to one of serving others.
  • Stop pitching and simply talk about your work and answer questions with ease.
  • Don’t promise things you can’t deliver – this makes it easier to sell your services.
 
It’s ok to negotiate. Your expertise has a monetary value.
There is a time and a place for negotiations, offers, and incentives. Make sure you don’t sell yourself short. You exchange your experience, training, knowledge and insight for  monetary rewards. Think of your services as and yourself as a product available for purchase. 
 
Show the prospective employers why they need you.
Learn how to interact with a potential employer, so that they realize you can help them. This means  showing them, rather than telling them about your skills and knowledge.  Having a professional portolio in hard copy or online, can demonstrate your skill set in a way that prospective employers come to their own conclusions about your capabilities. Keep in mind that you are selling a product. The combination of your experience, knowledge, and skillset is your product; your resume and your interactions demonstrate a taste of things to come.
 
Believe in yourself.  SELL yourself.
Acknowledge your personal strengths and demonstrate them to prospective employers.  Help them recognize your passion and interest in learning, helping, cooperating, and applying your skills. Once you believe that you are are adding value and are capable of delivering the goods, it shines through to others.   

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8 Reasons why it may be time to change your job

4/1/2020

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8 Reasons why it may be time to change your job
8 Reasons why it may be time to change your job
Job Search Ideas April 1, 2020
8 Reasons why it may be time to change your job

When is the right time to change your job

8 Reasons to change your job

If you work in an environment where people are regularly coming and going for a variety of reasons, it can be hard to pinpoint when it’s your time to leave. Are you being dramatic, or is it really time to pack up and find a new place to put down roots? You spend a lot of time at work, so you should be somewhere that works for you. Keep reading for 8 reasons that you should change your job.
 
1. You Aren’t Learning
Continuing education is a fundamental part of life. Your work should be teaching you daily. About your job, the world, or really anything. If you aren’t learning new things at work, then it might be time to find a new job. It’s time to leave your comfort zone.
 
2. You Don’t Feel Satisfied with Your Contributions
No longer feeling like you are contributing or making worthwhile contributions at work can leave you feeling unworthy or, like your position in the company doesn’t matter. Seek out a work environment that you can contribute to. No need to feel trapped in your circumstances.
 
3. You Aren’t Enjoying Your Work
Every day isn’t going to be a cakewalk, but you should still generally enjoy your work and the people that you work with. Feuding coworkers don’t help the situation either..
 
4. You Don’t Feel Valued
You should feel valued by your company, supervisor, and coworkers. That is a basic human necessity that you deserve.
 
5. You Have Negative Feelings Regularly
If the “Sunday Scaries” is a nightly occurrence, and your drive to work is rife with distress, considering looking for a job that at least brings platonic emotions.
 
6. Your Health is Suffering
If your work is negatively affecting your physical and/or mental health, then take that as a clear and loud sign that you need to go elsewhere. You can’t work if you’re dead, and everyone can be replaced.
 
7. You’ve Topped Out
Look around your office. If there is nowhere else to go and you have reached your plateau, then it is time to look for a position that will either be a move up or will allow for more advancement.
 
8. Your Environment is Toxic
Overbearing taskmasters, constant turmoil, and lack of a work/life balance are clear signs that you are working in a toxic environment. However, many other forms of toxic work environments are not as easily picked out. Think carefully about what you want out of your work culture and what you are actually getting.
 
Sometimes it is evident when you need to find a new job. However, for many, it can be a series of small and seemingly minuscule events and feelings that lead to finding new work. Think about your work life and personal life, and consider if a change is in need.

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