6 Tips to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full Time JobYour beloved side-hustle. It’s your baby. Born of your wildest dreams and enthusiasm for what you love. Maybe you've been working it for three months or three years. Either way, you think it’s time to quit your day job and go full-time, turning your side-hustle into your one and only. It’s scary, no doubt. To help alleviate the fear and pressure you are feeling around quitting your job, read through and see if you can tick off these six things that will help you succeed if you decide to go full time. Know How Much Money You Need to SurviveYou need to know down to the dollar how much money it will take to pay your bills every month. This includes keeping the lights on, buying groceries, and saving for your future. Can You Cover Your Monthly Expenses for Five Months Straight?Before quitting your day job, your side-hustle should be creating enough income to pay your monthly expenses for five consecutive months. This means covering personal expenses as well as the investment capital to keep your side-hustle running smoothly. You Have a Six-Month Emergency FundHave a reserve of money in place in case your first few months are rocky. It’s common to have slow times when you are self-employed. An emergency fund goes a long way toward peace of mind. Your Side Gig Still Excites You, Six Months InSide-hustles exist off enthusiasm and hard work. They are created in the margins of our life that we carve out of already full schedules. This means that you need to keep working your day job for at least six months and still be passionate about your side hustle before quitting your job. You do not want to quit your day job only to find that your side-hustle isn’t as important to you as it was in the beginning You Have GoalsWhat is a business without goals? It’s just you, working away your days. Without an endpoint or means of measuring your success, it’s easy to wonder if you are making any headway. Make short-term and long-term goals for your business, as well as a plan to meet them. This will give you something to work towards and a place to focus when you are feeling listless or forlorn. Make a 12-Week PlanYour 12-week plan can coincide with your goals, or it can simply be mapping out your first 12 weeks of being self-employed. It can be tempting to start your days at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., but by having a plan in place of how, when, and where you work will make the transition smoother. Turning your side hustle into a full-time gig is scary. It is also fantastic, exhilarating, and rewarding when done right. If you can successfully check off all these steps, then take the plunge! About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. How To Find A Job On IndeedIndeed bills itself as “the #1 job site in the world.” Indeed is more than a job search board. It’s a tool you can use in your job search. It can be especially valuable in a passive job search, delivering job opportunities to your email each day. The first step is to create an Indeed account. It’s free, and setting it up will take just a few minutes. On the Indeed.com home page, click the “Sign In” link. That will take you to a login screen. On that page, click “New to Indeed? Create an account.” You’ll be prompted to “Add a resume.” Don’t do it. Do not upload your resume to your Indeed profile. Instead, customize your resume for the specific position you’re applying for. You can still use the “easy apply” option available on job postings by uploading a specific resume for a specific job. You’ll get a better match with applicant tracking systems if you tailor the resume for the job posting. In addition, if you upload a resume, your resume is public by default and may be viewed by anyone accessing the website. Indeed’s terms and conditions page says “this includes users of Indeed’s Resume Search product, Employers whose Company Page you may be following, and anyone with access to the URL associated with your public resume, such as search engines and other third parties that may crawl our Site. We offer you this visibility to help you find a job.” If you’re conducting a confidential job search, posting your resume may tip off your employer that you’re looking for a new role. That’s another good reason not to upload a resume. After continuing on, you’ll be prompted to confirm your email account. Click on the link and you’ll receive an email with a button you’ll need to click to complete the confirmation: And once you click on the link, you’ll get a confirmation message: You should also designate your account type: Click the “Set account type” button. Choose “Job seeker (looking for a job).” Once your account is set up, you can save jobs that you want to apply for so you can come back to them later. Once you’ve applied, you can also track your status for positions you’ve applied for on the same page. Use Indeed Search to Identify Possible MatchesIndeed’s search function is robust. You can search for possible job opportunities by location, distance, industry, job title, experience level, salary, and more. You can use Indeed’s filters to refine your search parameters, adding or removing criteria until you find positions that are a good fit for your skills, education, and experience. To get started using Indeed search, click on the “Find jobs” link in the menu bar. The default search is “What” (job title, keywords, or company) and “Where” (city, state, zip code, or “remote”). Indeed will identify job opportunities that match the criteria you’ve selected. Click on the job title to expand the information about the posting. Click on the “Easily apply” link or the “Apply Now” button to apply for the role. A new window will open. Enter your information in the fields. You can also attach your resume and cover letter. Or click on the “heart” button next to the “Apply Now” button to save the posting for later. (It will be saved to the “My Jobs” page.) Here is the saved job dashboard: Indeed Advanced Job SearchIndeed’s Advanced Job Search function makes it even easier to target job opportunities. With the search function, you have the option to see jobs from job boards only, from the websites of employers only, or both. You can also include or leave out postings from staffing agencies. You can target specific salary ranges using the salary estimate field. You can choose specific location and distance criteria, and choose to see jobs posted only within a specific number of days. In addition to searching for job postings, you can set up job alerts to be emailed to you. Setting Up Job Alerts on IndeedJob alerts are emails listing new jobs posted on Indeed that meet the criteria you’ve established. Instead of visiting Indeed daily to see what opportunities are available, you can receive an email with postings. You can choose to have alerts sent to you daily or weekly. Set up Job Alerts on this page: https://subscriptions.indeed.com/create/jobaler Once you enter your information, you’ll see a confirmation screen: You’ll also receive a confirmation email to the email address you entered, along with jobs that match the criteria you selected. Indeed also offers plugins for Chrome, Firefox, and Google Toolbar. These apps provide notifications from within your Internet browser about new jobs and messages from prospective employers. Use Indeed for ResearchIndeed provides Company Pages, providing reviews of the workplace, photos, job openings, and salary data. On the job posting, click on the company name to access this information. If a Company Page is available, it will open when the company name is clicked on. On the Company Page, you can see a Snapshot of the company. The company can populate a “Why Join Us” page and photos. You can read employee reviews of the company, and look at a list of all the jobs posted on Indeed. There is also salary and benefit information. Jobseekers can post questions that a company representative or other people can answer. Some Company Pages are more complete than others. Salary and benefit information is user-submitted, so the more employees the company has, the more likely this information is to be populated on the page. Indeed also conducts surveys on work happiness. It evaluates several criteria:
The Work Happiness section will tell you how many people completed the work happiness survey, so you can see the sample size the scores are based on. You can also click on the “Company reviews” tab in the menu bar and identify companies that are hiring. Simply enter your city or state and you can see the “popular companies” in that city and state. The listings also include links to reviews, salary information, and jobs. Using Indeed for Salary ResearchIndeed can also be a useful resource for salary information. In addition to company-specific salary data (found on the Company Page), you can use the “Find salaries” function on the menu to generate salary information. While not as robust as information on a specialized salary research site like Salary.com, you can generate some ballpark numbers based on job titles and location. Indeed is a robust tool for your job search toolbox. For active jobseekers, you can search the site for opportunities, drilling down your criteria to very specific parameters. For passive jobseekers, set up alerts and let Indeed serve up openings via email. You can also search for Indeed job be clicking here before you log into Indeed.
Using tools to measure your goalsHow to measure your goalsThere are several ways to measure your goals, ranging from simple to complex and free to expensive. Sometimes it makes sense to spend money on tools, but when setting goals for your own purposes, keeping it low cost makes sense.
For instance, use a spreadsheet when first starting out. Many people use spreadsheet to measure their productivity at work. Most people associate Microsoft Excel with spreadsheets, and that costs money. However, there are free alternatives, such as Open Office Calc. The Open Office suite of products is available on multiple operating systems. This software is fully functional and compatible with Microsoft products. The best part is it is free. Sometimes, you will need more sophisticated tools. For instance, when you work on multiple projects simultaneously and there may be dependencies associated with some of the goals, you’ll need to have a better method than a spreadsheet to manage these. This is also true when you have multiple people that you need to measure their contributions to the projects. While you could use spreadsheets for this, they are not meant for collaborative activities. The reporting features are lacking in a spreadsheet program. A program such as Microsoft Project gives you more control over these types of features. Other factors to consider when measuring goals is workflow. When someone on your team updates a document, you want the whole team to know about it simultaneously. Otherwise, you will need to constantly coordinate changes to documents or other assets within the project. This can become a full-time job by itself. As most of us continue to work from home, it is also helpful to keep up with the best tech gadgets to work from home. Another factor is time management. It may help to brainstorm about time management apps with the team to find out do time management apps help your productivity. Even if you have all the tools for working and managing remotely, keep in mind the tool should not be used as a means to run the projects for you. They have their uses, but the responsibility rests with you, or the project manager. Also, you have to consider some flexibility in the measurement as not every item will go according to plan. You may need to make some adjustments along the way. At the end, with or without the help of tools, it is important to have a personal list of good habits to have - high performance habits. Being too rigid with the plan can cause problems within a team. Strict adherence to a tool will make the projects rigid, by definition. On the other hand, you do need some ways to accurately measure the goals as you are moving on up. It’s a delicate balance that requires compassion as well as firmness. When choosing a tool, try to get your team involved, so they know what to expect. This isn’t always possible as some companies already have solutions implemented. If this is the case, you will need to manage the expectations of the team and provide any training and assistance needed to make the tool work for them. As you move along, remember the 10 best practices for managing remote teams. Remembering best practices will always make the projects move along more smoothly. Five Tips for a Job Search During a PandemicThese five (5) success tips will help you as you conduct your job search during the pandemic Success Tips For Job Searching During the PandemicNot everything has changed. If you experienced success with your job search strategies before the pandemic, you should still implement them. For example, if you are good at writing Thank You letters of if you are good at following-up, you should still practice your success techniques. Focus on Your StrengthsCompanies hire employees who can solve problems for them. Sales people create revenue. Accountants ensure compliance with regulations and provide financial data that can be used for decision-making. Customer service staff help answer questions, keeping customers happy. Beyond what you do for a company, what is the impact that you have on the organization? It’s even more important to highlight accomplishments on your résumé, LinkedIn profile, and career documents in a competitive job market. Change careers, if necessary, to a new field. Assess your work history and identify older skills and/or experience you can leverage. Seek out opportunities for additional training and learning. Be Clear on What You NeedThe more specific you can be about the opportunity that you’re seeking, the more likely you will find it. Take some time to define what you’re looking for in your next job. Are you looking for a position that allows you to work remotely? Do you have a specific schedule you need — for example, because your children are engaging in remote schooling? Having a list of criteria like this can help you identify whether a position will be a good fit — or not. Look For Companies That are Hiring or In NeedBe aware of which industries are holding steady or growing during the pandemic, and which ones are struggling. Focus on essential companies that are not affected by government shutdowns. Create a target list of companies. Researching your prospective employer is even more critical — be aware of changes affecting the company due to the pandemic. Set up Google Alerts to get informed about news affecting your ideal employers. Follow your target companies on LinkedIn. Subscribe to the company’s emails, blog, and social media channels. Nurture Your NetworkNetworking is even more important for a job search during times of high unemployment. Meeting face-to-face or for coffee may not be an option right now, but you can connect virtually. Stay in touch through social media, phone calls, Zoom or FaceTime, email, text, and LinkedIn messages. Adapt to the New Needs of the Job SearchPrepare for an online job interview. Set up a specific space for the interview. Make sure it’s someplace quiet with no distractions. Conduct a practice session with a friend on Zoom. When it’s time for the actual interview, dress like you’re going to an in-person interview (head to toe!). Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear back from the interviewer right away. Be patient. The hiring process will likely take even longer than normal. That’s true even if the company initially seemed in a hurry to hire. Do follow up, but don’t be a pest. Ask how the person is doing, and if there’s anything they need from you to move the process along. If you do have a job offer that is put on hold, consider asking if you could work in a contract or temporary role in the meantime. For example, one national furniture rental company is currently in a hiring freeze, but they are staffing with contract/temporary workers in the meantime. One advantage of job searching during a pandemic is that it may be easier to interview because remote interviews can be done at any time. You don’t have to drive somewhere and wait in an office for the interviewer. You can have your notes in front of you that you can reference easily. And, if the interview is by phone (and not by Zoom or Skype), you don’t have to dress up or worry that you’re making sufficient eye contact with the interviewer.
Companies that are hiring are pivoting to meet jobseekers where they are. Most job fairs have gone online, allowing you to participate remotely. Some companies are doing Zoom “meet and greets,” allowing prospective employees to interact with company representatives virtually. Should you be searching for a new job now? If you’re in an industry affected by the pandemic, the answer is likely yes. If you’re in an industry that is currently in a hiring freeze, lay the groundwork so you’re prepared to make a change once the pandemic ends. Even if you’re not interested in changing jobs right now, create a plan for the future. Some things about the job search — for example, virtual job interviews — are likely to stick around long after COVID-19 is gone. Job Searching During a PandemicHow to find a job fastUnemployment numbers are expected to continue to fluctuate through the end of 2020 and into 2021. While the pandemic is new, looking for work in a challenging job market is not. You can supplement some of the “tried and true” job search techniques with special strategies that are necessary because of COVID-19. But there are no hard and fast rules for a job search in a pandemic, so be flexible! Even if you are currently employed now, some companies have announced further layoffs and furloughs as the pandemic stretches into late 2020. It’s important to be prepared for what’s next. This means updating your résumé and LinkedIn profile and taking the time to track and document your accomplishments. In addition, it may be useful to take some time to analyze your transferable skills and experience, particularly if you are in a declining industry or an industry that has been negatively affected by the pandemic. Some things about the job search are the same:
However, some things are different in a job search during the pandemic:
One important thing to remember: Don’t automatically discard the things that worked for you before in your job search. If you have had success previously with a specific tactic — for example, working with recruiters, or tapping into the hidden job market, don’t write them off just because there is a pandemic. “No One Is Hiring” Your mindset is especially important when looking for a job during a pandemic. Companies are still hiring new employees. Want proof? Search for openings on job aggregator sites like Indeed.com, SimplyHired, or Monster. Check out the “Jobs on Facebook” feature (https://www.facebook.com/jobs/) or LinkedIn Jobs (https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/). You’ll see hundreds of open opportunities. Companies in the shipping/delivery field are hiring, as are grocery stores and many healthcare facilities, including pharmacies. Information technology and technical support positions are also in high demand, as employees need more assistance with their computers and other devices when working from home. Look for companies that are meeting pandemic-specific needs. These companies are now hiring for temporary, part-time, and short-term opportunities. However, some industries are struggling. For example, hospitality companies — restaurants, airlines, resorts, hotels, and conference centers. Almost everything related to the entertainment industry has been affected. Colleges and universities are facing budget cuts as students defer returning to campus until the pandemic ends. Government organizations — often some of the steadiest employers — are also facing shortfalls affecting employment and hiring. Even in companies that are hiring, there may still be uncertainty. The hiring timeline has grown longer in some cases. If the company is conducting multi-person interviews, it may take time to coordinate schedules so all the panelists are available at the same time. Some job openings may be put on hold temporarily as situations change in the business. You may even have a job offer rescinded if a company’s fortunes suddenly change. If you’re suddenly unemployed, your next job may not be a full-time or permanent position. It may not be your dream job. But a short-term or temporary position may make it easier for you to weather the pandemic and be in a position to get a new role in the future. It’s often easier to get a job when you already have one. And some temporary and short-term roles may turn into permanent positions once the economy ramps back up again. You may also find yourself going through a career change during the pandemic. Is there a way you can use your existing skills in a new industry in the short term? For example, if you were a Server in a restaurant, can you use your communication skills to work a remote customer service job? Or if you were an Event Coordinator for a hotel/conference center, could you use your project management capabilities to manage scheduling for a hospital? If You’re Furloughed The pandemic caused a number of companies to furlough employees. Many of these companies continue to pay employee benefits (such as health insurance) but the furlough allows workers to apply for unemployment. If you’re still on furlough, develop a job search strategy in case your position is permanently eliminated. Start working now on updating your job search documents (résumé, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, etc.). so you can immediately start applying for positions if you find yourself without a job. With the end of the enhanced unemployment benefits, if you are still furloughed, you may be considering short-term or part-time work. Research your state’s unemployment benefit requirements to determine how this work may affect your benefits. 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.
About the authorMandy 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. 8 Tips To Stay Motivated While Working From Home
First define motivation for yourself. You would be surprised at the different meanings that are offered online. A good place to start is a look at motivation synonym offered by Thesaurus. You will also see a and
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. Sometimes, the interruptions are significantly higher and/or of a more urgent nature; i.e.: if you work in property management or in healthcare, etc.
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:
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. About the authorMandy 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. 10 Mistakes to avoid when managing remote teamsHow 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.
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About the authorMandy 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. Tools to work remotelyProject ManagementCommunication and Screen SharingRemote AccessFile Management and SharingTime Tracking and Productivity MonitoringDesign CollaborationSharing Notes and IdeasMind Mapping and Visual BrainstormingCalendar SharingDistraction Blockers
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SelfControl (Mac) Serene (Mac) Cold Turkey Productivity Owl Scrivener (minimalist writing tool) Security and Password HygieneFeedback and RecognitionTime Zone CoordinationAbout the authorMandy 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. Where to find online jobs during the confinementA guide to find remote jobs in 2020
Here is a list of more than 60 places where you can find and apply for remote jobs. If you’re trying to start a freelance career or hoping to find a remote job, these websites are a great place to start looking.
Some of these sites are free, while others are paid membership sites.
As we move forward with the times, finding remote work is becoming easier. Be sure to check all resources available to you.
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About the authorMandy 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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AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Archives
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