Article: 4 Strengths of Family-Friendly Work Cultures
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How Can Working From Home Strengthen Your Family Culture?
Instead of allowing working from home and the pandemic cause you and your family stress it also has the ability to strengthen your family to the core. You can build a routine, a schedule, and come together as a team to get through the challenging times. Use this time to be an example for those that are watching you.


Remember to give yourself grace and others patience. Take advantage of this time and spend those little moments that you can with your children if you have them home. Take that extra time to dive into those home projects that have been getting put off or just relax and allow yourself to take a deep breath and close your eyes.


Working from home has the ability to bring you closer to your family, friends, and loved ones. Be open minded and allow yourself to seek out the opportunities that you normally wouldn't have.


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Job Search Tips for the Holidays
 
There is a myth out there that says that companies don’t hire during the holidays. But it’s just that…a myth. Just ask the jobseeker who was invited in for a second interview two days before Christmas.
 
Putting your job search on hold between Thanksgiving and New Year’s isn’t just a bad idea — it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Like hockey great Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” If you’re not looking for a job during the holidays, you’re not going to find one.
 
Employers hire all 12 months of the year. In fact, many new positions are funded to start with a new budget year — which often coincides with a new calendar year. Other hiring managers have hiring budgets that must be spent before the end of the year — “use it or lose it.” Both of these scenarios offer opportunities for jobseekers in December.
 
The holidays also offer some organic opportunities to network at company parties, social gatherings, end-of-the-year professional association events, and even Christmas cards and letters.
 
Working on your job search during the holidays may also mean less competition from other candidates who put their job search on hold. Many people wait until January — making it a New Year’s Resolution — to look for a new job. If you wait until January 2nd to start your job search, you’ll have more competition.
 
Even if you aren’t offered a job in December, you can lay a lot of the groundwork by making connections before the end of the year, making it more likely that you’ll be hired quickly in the New Year.
 
10 Ideas for Job Searching During the Holidays
Here are some specific strategies you can use in your holiday job search.

1. Accept all invitations you receive for holiday parties and get-togethers. Whether it’s a social or charity event, use these opportunities to reacquaint yourself with people who might be useful in your job search, and make new connections. Be sure to follow-up.

 

1. Re-connect with old friends and colleagues. Get back in touch with previous co-workers and supervisors, people from high school and college, and former neighbors, during the holidays.

 

1. Host your own holiday party. It doesn’t have to be anything formal or elaborate. Hosting your own holiday open house, dinner party, or get-together can help jumpstart your job search. Extending an invitation is a great excuse to reach out and talk with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while! 
2. Volunteer. There are many opportunities during the holidays to give your time to charities and organizations. Some of these opportunities might also help you build your network, make new connections, and bolster your résumé.

 

1. Create a business networking card. Develop a business card that lists your contact information and social media links — especially to your LinkedIn profile. You can use this in lieu of your normal business card — or instead of it, if you’re unemployed.

 

1. Update your social media presence. If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to create yours. If you have one, give it a fresh look. Is it time to update it? Can you increase your number of Connections — or solicit additional Recommendations?

 

1. Look for opportunities to get your foot in the door. If you’re currently unemployed, look for temporary or seasonal jobs that may lead to full-time positions.

 

1. Connect with recruiters. Many are trying to reach year-end recruiting goals at this time of the year, and you may have just the skills they are looking for.

 
 
While applying for jobs, don’t be surprised if you do not hear anything back right away. Many people use their accumulated vacation time before the end of the year, so you may find yourself waiting a bit longer than usual for a response to your résumé or job interview. Be patient, but persistent.
 
If it’s your goal to find a new job in the New Year, don’t put off your job search just because it’s the holiday season. A job search that starts in December gives you the opportunity to get hired before the end of the year — or to have momentum and a head start on other candidates once the calendar turns over on January 1.

There are many reasons that employees are let go that may OR may not have a whole lot to do with the employee individually. Budgets, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions are just a few.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE INTERVIEW:

1. Analyze the situation and events surrounding the ‘Why’ you were let go. What didn’t work out? What went wrong? How did you contribute to the termination? Could have you changed the outcome?
2. Let any negativity, hostility or ill will - go!
3. Address any anxiety, fear or apprehension you have about your dismissal (journaling is a great tool for this).
4. What are 3 positive things that evolved from this situation? New opportunities?
5. Move forward and prepare for your interview.
6. Craft your response to the questions “Why were you let go?” “Why did you leave your last position?”

 
Be honest - project with confidence while you speak and choose your words, tone and message carefully. Maintain a positive upbeat attitude and keep your answer fairly short.

SO, WHAT DO YOU SAY?

Here are some sample responses to hiring managers, recruiters and employers if they ask…

“I really enjoyed working at XYZ company; however, after some time I noticed that the compatibility was diminishing, and it was time to move on. I learned a lot, and contributed a lot at the company - it was just clear to both of us, that I wasn’t a good fit. I was excited to learn that your company values new ideas and employee contributions at all levels.”

“I had a great experience with XYZ company, even as the company struggled through numerous layoffs. Ultimately, my position was eliminated and I had to make a career shift. I am excited to learn more about the responsibilities within the _____ position here.”  

“As the company reorganization began to expand, I could see the handwriting on the wall and knew that my position would soon be eliminated, and so we mutually agreed on my departure. I received a severance package and took a few days off to spend with family and travel. I am excited to jump back into a challenging position.

“As you can probably tell by now, I am a go-getter. I worked at company XYZ for a few years and I really enjoyed the people; however, it was clear that my career would not progress past my current role. After realizing that there were no lateral opportunities for cross-growth, I realized that I needed to pursue challenging and expansive positions better suited to my _____ background. This position is really appealing to me because of the management opportunity and the company culture.”  

Take your time as you create your own unique, authentic response. Draft your response on paper and practice saying it out loud until it becomes a natural response for you.

Taking the time to do this will help you to grow the capabilities and skill you need to interview from a place of confidence.

​Remember, this is an opportunity for a new chapter in your career.