6 Tips for Freelancers - CareerEnlightenment.com

6 Tips for Freelancers Freelancing can be incredibly liberating, as you are typically in control of your own schedule and surroundings. Of course, with this freedom comes a lot of responsibility. You don’t have an accounting department, boss, or other company employee handling your paperwork, payment, etc. If you stay on top of all these things, however, freelancing can be the most rewarding experience of your life. If you’re doing so already or are considering this lifestyle, we can help. Read on for six tips for freelancers to achieve career success.1. Set Your ScheduleOne of the best things about freelancing is that there is no 8 AM office report time. However, if you allow yourself to go completely unstructured, your productivity will likely suffer. You should still try and stick to a daily schedule so that you don’t allow other activities to take priorityâ€"whether consciously or subconsciously. It’s far too easy to think that you will get to your work later, only to allow yet another task or lagging energy to impede your success. Use a project management system like Asana to stay on top of assignments.2. Become a Savvy SalespersonUnless you have a recruiter that regularly dishes out work to you, you are likely the one responsible for getting your own work. You can’t just spam resumes and hope for the best. Be strategic about what jobs to apply for, only sending your information in for jobs for which you are qualified. Learn how to sell yourself by honing your resume and cover letter, brushing up on your interview skills, and even coming up with an elevator pitch.As this thebalancecareers.com article notes, “If youre job searching, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs and career expos, and online in your LinkedIn summary  LinkedIn  or Twitter bio, for example. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives.” Consider having business cards printed and have them on you at all times, as you never know when an opportunity could arise.3. Keep Track of Your WorkAgain, no one else is going to catch it if you aren’t paid correctly, so it’s imperative that you track your hours, report them accurately, and then ensure that you have been paid the right amount for your projects. It will also help you to gauge your hourly rate, as you’ll see how long various types of projects take and can charge accordingly in the future. You don’t want to charge so much that everyone passes you over but, alternatively, you don’t want to be underpaid. If the latter happens, you’ll be tempted to take on too much work to make up for this, which leads to stress and possibly even work that isn’t up to your usual standard. Want to Read More Articles Like This One?Sign up here to receive weekly updates from Career Enlightenment, and never miss another powerful job searching tip! SUBSCRIBE! You have Successfully Subscribed!We hate spam too. Unsubscribe any time. 4. Make Sure Y our Home Office is StockedYou likely don’t have an office manager monitoring supplies as you would if you had a full-time job, so it’s imperative you keep track of what you have and what you need. There is no worse feeling than being under a tight deadline and having a home printer or computer that isn’t working properly. Make sure you’ve got printer paper and other supplies, and that your computer is updated with the latest version of your operating system. This will ensure it’s working at its optimal level.5. Know What You Can Write Off on Your TaxesThere are drawbacks to freelancing when it comes to getting paid, such as chasing down your paycheck and typically not getting benefits with your position. Because of these things, you want to make sure you take full advantage of all the tax breaks you get as a freelancer. You can make a home office deduction as well as write off things like office supplies, medical costs, transportation costs, retirement contributions, and m ore. If you’re not well versed in this area, outsource this to a tax professional to make sure you are getting all the tax benefits that come with being a freelancer.6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”It can be terrifying to turn down work as a freelancer, as it’s often feast or famine. And, as any freelancer will tell you, the “famine” periods can be far more stressful than the “feast” periods, as you worry about your next paycheck. Because of this, you might be tempted to say yes to everything that comes your way, but this can often be a huge mistake.As freelancer James Sowers notes on this DigitalFreelancer.io article, “No matter what you do, you’ll disappoint someone. Whether it be the client because you’re unable to deliver halfway through the project, your family because you’re working long hours, or yourself because you’re stressed with the work you’ve chosen to take on.” Sowers recommends asking yourself the following three questions when being app roached for work:Do I specialize in the work that’s needed by this client?Why am I taking this project on? Is it a commitment I should be making?Why am I adding that project to my plate?Once you’ve nailed down the “why” behind the possibility of accepting the work, you can decide whether this is a good decision or not.Freelancing can be a wonderful lifestyle, but it does take a lot of discipline and preparation. Follow these tips and you should have a long and prosperous career in this realm.

What NOT to do when you start a new job -

What NOT to do when you start a new job - Youre starting a new job. How can you avoid getting off on the wrong foot? Avoid the following and youll be more likely to have a job next week. Dont wear an outfit if you have to check with your friends first to see if it will be okay.  Hopefully, you have a good idea of the office dress code. However, some workplaces support very casual attire, and you may be tempted to sport something that is a little too casual. If youre tempted to call a friend to ask if he or she thinks you can get away with wearing your new tank top or your perfectly torn jeans, think again. It doesnt hurt to dress up a little when you start your new job. Plan everything in advance, as you would for an interview, so you will be comfortable and suitably attired from the start. Dont be late.  Perhaps there is a lot of traffic, but there are no excuses for being late your first week. If you have to arrange to be early (even very early) to ensure getting there on time, do it. Do not put yourself in a position of offering excuses for being late on the first day because you didnt understand the traffic patterns. The early bird gets the worm isnt just a trite cliche; its a reminder that when you appear prepared and ready, youll put yourself in a position to succeed. Dont flub your introductions.  Think beyond My name is Be sure you can explain who you are and what you do! What do you want them to remember about you? What do you want to be known for? Be sure to work on your eye contact, a pleasant smile and a firm handshake. All of this will contribute to the first impression that your colleagues have of you. Dont forget your colleagues names.  Dont be the one who tells everyone youre not good with names. Maybe you really arent good with names. However, your job is to become better at it before you embarrass yourself and forget your boss name. A few tips: Use peoples names as soon as they are introduced. Say, Nice to meet you, Sara. If you didnt catch the name, or are unsure of the pronunciation, ask the person to repeat his or her name, and make a real effort to learn it. Take notes so youll remember people later. For example, jot down something to help you match a new colleagues name and face. Another trick? Make an association with the persons name. If Tom is tall, think, Tall Tom and youre more likely to remember it later. Get my free white paper:  5 Mistakes Preventing You From Landing a Job This Week   Dont be a slob.  If your co-workers start to question their choice in hiring you the minute you dump your things all over your desk, beware! Look around to see how other people organize their areas. If no one else has personal items or photos out, consider keeping your area clear of those types of things. Dont leave your food out or extend your personal items into anyone elses space. Dont make a big decision without asking a question.  If youre of the mind that its better to ask forgiveness than permission, think again. When youre new at a job, ask before you do anything significant for the first time. Dont make executive decisions that otherwise wouldnt be your call. Keep your questions to things that you are curious about and try to save the Why do you do it that way instead of this other way? types of inquiries for later on. Dont eat the pudding from the refrigerator.  You know how possessive people can be about their food! Do not take anything that doesnt belong to you, or you could risk wrath that might impede your career path. Avoid loud phone conversations.  In the open workspaces so common today, its virtually impossible to avoid overhearing colleagues personal phone conversations. If at all possible, stick to texting when absolutely necessary to connect with your friends outside of work. Do not be the loud talker everyone cant stand to have in the office. Dont bolt at the end of the day.  Especially when you start a new job, dont be a clock watcher. It cant hurt to stay a little beyond your designated hours so that everyone sees that youre more interested in getting the job done and less interested in running for the door. Appeared on AOLJobs.com.

How To Write A First Time Job Resume

How To Write A First Time Job ResumeIt is actually very important for any job seeker to prepare his or her first time job resume. This is the first step in preparing for a job interview. In other words, this is the beginning of applying for a job and you will be answering many questions that come up at the job interview.It is advisable to start with your first-time job resume by writing a basic one or two pages. It can be based on your previous job and/or education and can include a letter of recommendation from your current employer. It will serve as a portfolio for you as well as a reference as you go through the application process. It is one of the first steps in showing your qualities that you are qualified for the job that you applied for.Wordings are very important when you are applying for a job. You should ensure that you write clearly and concisely. When reading your resume, be sure to focus on those points that you are most interested in and not all the things that you can think of at the moment.References are very important when you are applying for a job. Even if you already have a job, there may come a time when you will not be able to do the job because of your age or health. With that, you will have to show that you are someone who can do the job with proper care.It is vital to make sure that your skills are relevant. For example, if you are currently employed, it is very important that you emphasize your relevant skills such as project management, financial management, teamwork, and quality control. It will be good to highlight these skills in your first-time job resume. They will help you present yourself well in the job interview and you will definitely get the job you are applying for.Lastly, writing a first time job resume should be a fun experience. It will be much more meaningful if you try to write out your resume in an organized way so that you are also able to impress potential employers. There are many tips and ideas that can help you write a professional first time job resume that is appealing to the job seeker.It is a good idea to prepare your job resume ahead of time so that you are able to show it to potential employers. This will also give you a better chance of getting the job that you apply for. Although it is possible to get hired without going through the formal interview process, but if you were to apply for the same job with the same qualifications, chances are that you will not get it.

Memphis Gives Student Loan Repayment Benefit to City Workers

Memphis Gives Student Loan Repayment Benefit to City Workers Memphis will become the first municipality to offer its employees financial assistance paying down their student loans, city leaders announced Thursday. The 20th largest city in the country, Memphis will contribute $50 a month to the student loan account of any employee who’s worked for the city for at least a year. In doing so, Memphis joins a small but growing list of employers to introduce student debt repayment as a workplace benefit. While only about 4% of companies offered some form of student loan assistance in 2016, that could increase five-fold to 20% by 2018, according to a survey of 320 companies by Willis Towers Watson. Yet benefits run the spectrum, from debt counseling to a payroll deduction for payments. Some employers have even launched a plan that calculates a retirement match based on the amount an employee is paying in student loans. Memphis is looking to address recruitment and retention challenges, especially within its public safety departments, says Alex Smith, the city’s human resources chief. City officials also pointed to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis that found per capita student debt levels in Memphis increased 5% between the first quarters of 2015 and 2016, compared to 3% growth nationally. The report found the largest growth was among borrowers aged 41 to 50, with the average balance for a borrower in Memphis at $31,000. The city’s contribution, managed by outside administrator Tuition.io, will be applied only after an employee pays the minimum monthly amount. It can be applied to federal or private loans, and there’s no requirement that you must have earned a degree, so people who dropped out of collegeâ€"those most likely to struggle to repay loansâ€"can take advantage, too. But the debt does have to be for the employee’s own education; parents cannot use the benefit to pay off loans they took out for their children. While Memphis is the first city to offer student loan payments to all employees, other government bodies have paved the way. Federal agencies routinely help pay down employees’ federal student loans. There also are both local and state governments that offer student loan refinancing programs or loan forgiveness programs for professions such as nursing and teaching. Both federal and local public sector employees can currently qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, too, although that program requires 10 years of work before the benefit is applied. (It may also be in jeopardy under the Trump administration.) In the private sector, student loan repayment benefits have taken off largely in the financial, professional, and technology industries. There is currently no tax incentive for employers to offer those benefitsâ€"and for workers, student loan payments count as taxable income. That may change, however. At least 10 states have introduced legislation in 2017 to either make employer student loan payment contributions tax-free or to offer some type of tax credit to encourage employers to offer it, according to the National Council of State Legislatures. Even without legislative help, experts predict companies will increase student debt-related benefits. “It is growing like a brush fire,” says Amy Hollis, voluntary benefits leader at Willis Towers Watson. Student loan assistance serves two purposes for employers: It’s a recruitment and retention tool, as well as an employee wellness program aimed at reducing stress, Hollis says. While many employees report worrying about finances during work hours, a recent survey found that was more common among millennial workers. Because the benefit is so new, there’s little data (and even less available publicly) about who participates and to what effect. Amy Li, an assistant professor of higher education and student affairs leadership at the University of Northern Colorado, says tracking program outcomes will be key. In Memphis, for instance, she says she’d want to know the demographics of the city employees, and to see data comparing how city workers fare with their student debt, compared with private sector workers. That sort of an evaluation isn’t planned for Memphis. But Smith, the HR director, says the city will closely track participation of the estimated 6,000 eligible workers and collect feedback from employees.

How To Dress For A Business Professional Interview - Work It Daily

How To Dress For A Business Professional Interview - Work It Daily How To Dress For A Business Professional Interview There are many factors that will determine your success in the hiring process. In addition to having a dynamic resume and the ability to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job, your personal appearance will influence the hiring manager’s decision, too. Related: 5 Tips For Dressing Your Best For Interviews In today’s society where style originality is the norm, there are some guidelines that you should consider when dressing for a business professional interview. You may not agree about the importance of your unique fashion choice and how it will be perceived by a prospective employer, but remember, you only have one chance to make a good first impression so proceed with caution and dress for success. How To Dress For A Business Professional Interview Learn how to dress for a business professional interview with these tips: Outfit To Job Position Match When you are deciding on your interview attire, consider the hiring organization and what they represent. It is understandable that you want to retain your distinctiveness, however, you may have to modify it if it isn’t in sync with the prospective workplace. A super trendy look complete with multiple piercings and lots of bling might be well received in a young creative environment, such as an advertising agency. However, that particular look may not be suitable in the healthcare or financial industry. Proper Business Attire If you are applying for a business professional job, then dress like a professional. Again, this goes back to dressing to match the prospective workplace. If you are applying for a job as an auto mechanic, your best three piece suit is not going to win you any votes. If you are hoping to land a job in an office environment, a business suit is the best choice and is appropriate for men or women. Make sure that you have a clean, pressed dress shirt under your jacket and your shoes are dirt free and polished. If a suit is not necessary in your chosen field, make sure you wear a clean, pressed pair of pants and smart casual shirt. It is always better to be slightly overdressed instead of underdressed. Tattoo And Body Piercings There is an ongoing debate as to whether it is acceptable to show your body art or hide it during an interview. Again, the acceptance of this form of expression is in the hands of the receiver aka the hiring manager. Many large corporations will state in the employee manual that all visible body piercing be removed and tattoos covered during work hours. Unfortunately, you probably won’t be informed about the company policy before the interview, so it is a good idea to remove piercing jewelry and cover up the tattoos. The best scenario is to be judged on your personality, qualifications, and skills instead of being judged negatively because the HR person doesn't like your nose ring. Likewise, keep your jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Remember, you are on a job interview not going out for a night on the town. Personal Hygiene Your personal hygiene speaks volumes about your personality, values, and how you conduct yourself. Let’s face it: it can be a touchy subject because one person’s perception of the proper level of personal cleanliness may be different from someone else’s. If your personal au natural scent is less than desirable and your clothes appear unkempt, the interviewer might question your ability to keep your workspace organized or your consideration for your fellow workers. Likewise, if the interviewer is hyper-sensitive to perfumes and fragrances, this may be the deciding factor between you and another candidate. First impressions are very important and while dressing well is key. There are a number of other important factors that can make or break your interview. For more tips on acing interviews, check out this article on five important interview tips that every candidate should know. Related Posts How To Answer 7 Of The Most Common Interview Questions Dress For Success: How To Choose Your Outfit For An Interview How To Ace The Panel Interview Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

Guess What Company I Work For

Guess What Company I Work For I want you to look at these bullet points below and kick around some ideas of what company you think I work forand if you would want to work for a company like thisI recently had a workout session on trust and each of my gruppe talked about personal life changing eventsI have unlimited time offI was able to work from home and breastfeed my daughter for a year (the best thing for her health)I work on a global team where I personally speak with co-workers from at least 5 other countries every dayI was promoted six months after being hired because I was valued for my expertiseNext week I am attending a leadership training called Strategies for High PerformanceI make an impact on 1000s of peoples lives and their families EVERY DAYThe company I work for is solving some of the biggest NEEDS in the worldDid I mention I recently got a henna tattoo and went dune bashing in Dubai with my baboes boss? An Officer of the company? Oh yeah that tooSo do you think you h ave it figured out?A hint its not what you are thinking Its not a new start-up. This company has been innovating for over 130 years and will continue to innovate as we evolve with what the world needsIts GE Its that old, conservative, corporate, stuffy companyor, aswe new employees now sayIts the new GE that modern, entrepreneurship feeling, transparent, and caring about me company. GEIf youre looking to join a company where you make an impact on the world, where you are valued and trusted for your entrepreneurship and forward way of thinking, and where you are encouraged in your work/life integralrechnung look no further.The Digital Industrial company, GE, is hereView open jobs at GE on the new Fairygodboss job board hereThis article was originally published here.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. We showcase stories to illustrate how awide variety ofwomen find success and fulfillment at supportive and inclusive employers.

The Importance of Google Resume Writing

The Importance of Google Resume Writing The Advantages of Google Resume Writing You dont understand whos reading and clicking. Sign in in case you experience an account. The very first step you will notice is it is sent from a Hotmail account. Creating a Google account is absolutely free and takes just a couple of seconds. Google Resume Writing - the Story You may use the code HIRATIONBLOG50 at checkout to find a 50% discount. Amazon is on top of the paid listings. A couple years back, Google began to distributions-mix paid ads alongside the free search success. Make koranvers that you get the information youre looking for. The One Thing to Do for Google Resume Writing A possible employer will always study your career objective, to find out what you need to offer. Finding an internship at Google is no simple fit either, because there could be thousands of applicants competing with you for the very same position. Becoming an intern for Google is a complicated procedure , and while a winning resume significantly improves your probability of getting notices, in addition, there are other stages, like the interview, where you must also do your very best to get what you would like. If youre making many versions of your resume or cover letter, be certain to label each one with a particular title which will help you remember which is which (like the title of the job that youre applying for). Its possible that forfirst job resumes, its not essential for the applicant to have a thorough cover letter. However, it cannot go amiss when it has to do with applying for work. If youre attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. All About Google Resume Writing The sphere of information technology grows more important daily. Possessing a crystal clear and professional resume is critical in the medical field. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Google Maps blew Mapquest from t he water. Google will automatically index your resume to get included in its search outcome, allowing potential employers to locate your information. Google is among the most coveted organizations to work for, but its notoriously tough to enter. Google provides a resume-builder tool which youre able to utilize to create a professional resume. The Fundamentals of Google Resume Writing Revealed Google Docs exports documents in many formats, making it simple to submit the suitable file type to a hiring manager. Write your resume with the proper format-Your resume need to have a format that favors you. The following are a few of the dos and donts to think about when writing a resume and additionally the information which should NOT be included on a resume. Its quick and simple to find and use templates. A template provides you with a suggested structure for your documents, which means you can quickly begin writing. It also simply helps you save time. Google Docs letter temp lates supply you with a coordinated look to coincide with the type of your resume. If you wish to add your own section, whether for Certifications or Projects or another category thats pertinent to the work description, dont hesitate to pop it in. For first-time resumes, it should be pretty easy to make sure that it remains at one page. Writing a strong application is a challenging procedure and we would like to make it simpler. Suggestions For Writing A Good Resume whenever youre writing your resume, you should have a lot of knowledge for your resume to be attractive and convincing.