Informal power, which is separate from a person's job title, affects how much a person is able to get things done. Here are ways to determine whether you have informal power and suggestions for improving your standing.

When hesitating about a career move, consider these three factors, says Lexi Reese, chief operating officer of Gusto. "The most fulfilling journeys are ones where people are really honest with what they love, what they're good at and where they see a big need," she says.

Networking yields more meaningful and more productive connections if approached with an altruistic mindset, writes Shelcy Joseph. Rather than focusing on what others can do for you, inquire about subjects that interest them, offer to help if they express a need and connect on an emotional level by sharing career struggles.

Workers with student-loan debt could benefit from legislation in Congress intended to encourage employers to help with debt repayments. Under the proposal, companies could contribute up to $5,250 each year, tax-free, toward payments on employees' student loans.

If you know you're right for a job, but your resume isn't getting past HR, try a more direct route that begins with identifying a need the company has, writes headhunter Nick Corcodilos. Request a meeting with the manager you'd report to, explain your solution and prove you have expertise worth hiring.

Recruiters report resume advice that no longer serves candidates well includes using visuals and career summaries, as this information is distracting and is more useful in an interview, writes Stephanie Vozza. They also advise against the one-page rule, explaining their decisions are often based on the additional information a second page allows.

If you need more than a vacation to avoid serious burnout, consider requesting a sabbatical by making a case for your value and how an extended break would improve your performance, says Jodi Chavez, president of Randstad Professionals and Life Sciences. Offer specifics about how the break will help you achieve professional goals and avoid having to leave the company altogether.

While BYD and Tesla have been at the forefront of the conversation on electric vehicles because of their flashy models in recent years, the most sold electric car is actually Nissan's Leaf. The Japanese EV model has been on the market for approximately 10 years, and 360,000 cars have been sold as of 2018, according to the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wurttemberg.