Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Top 20 Websites for Finding Remote Jobs

Let’s face it—not everyone is cut out for a rigid, 9-5 work schedule. And you know what? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But how do you find paid work that’s flexible enough to fit with all your other very real-life demands?

The answer is pretty simple: remote work.
Due to an increasingly digital workplace, the importance of being in the same physical office as your coworkers are becoming less critical by the year.

Things get a bit murkier though when it comes to asking how to find remote jobs online and how to start remote careers. While remote work IS the future, but not all employers are there yet.

According to Forbes, 68% of U.S. workers say that they expect to work remotely in the future. It’s rare to find a company that wouldn’t allow you to work from bed when you come down with the flu, but it can be trickier to find a spot that would want you to work remotely 100% of the time.

Still, even though (for now) it’s easier to get a job sitting behind a desk in someone else’s office, that doesn’t mean getting paid to do work from your own living room is impossible.

Remote job websites are platforms, where both people looking for work and employers post their offers.

Needless to say, using these websites will help you set a solid start for your remote career. They’ll assist you in finding first clients easily and earning employers’ trust along the way.
Also, you constantly sharpen your skills by taking different projects from various employers. In the end, your portfolio shall grow and there will be many more job offers.

We’ve handpicked the best websites available, for you. Bookmark this page and come back as often as you need to while you find your way into the remote workforce.
In this article, we will list the best remote job websites on the internet.

Upwork


Upwork offers tools to kickstart your remote journey – collaborative space, built-in invoice maker, and transparent recruitment process. You might also be able to work for many famous clients such as Microsoft, Airbnb, Dropbox, etc.

Toptal


Toptal is a global network of the top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams, on-demand. With $200+ million in annual revenue and over 40% year-over-year growth, Toptal is the largest fully distributed workforce in the world.

Surely, you can be one of them if you work hard enough in building your skills.
 

Simply Hired


One of the best things about Simply Hired is that you can browse freelance jobs in your nearby location. Additionally, there is a list of top salaries and a tool to estimate your fee. This is helpful to benchmark for a specific work you want to do.
You’ll also be able to create a resume from the website and learn many things from their blog.

FlexJobs



FlexJobs doesn’t only provide a platform for remote work, but it also encourages everyone to try this career path. Furthermore, the website handpicks jobs from around the world.

At $14.95 a month, you get full access to its wide network of employers, various skill tests, and a detailed description of every company.

See all 20 websites and the complete article.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

8 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask An Interviewer



While some interviews may feel more like interrogations, they shouldn’t. 
 
Close your eyes and think of a tennis match: The ball is hit back and forth, rather effortlessly (well, unless you’re opposite Serena Williams). An interview should be like a casual game of tennis, where questions are lobbed back and forth. They ask a question, you respond. Then you ask a question, and they respond. Back and forth.
 
The key is to ask the right kind of questions. The type of questions you chose to ask your interviewer should stem from what you need to know in order to fully evaluate the position. This means the questions you chose to prioritize should be well thought out.
 
Here are 8 prompts to get you in the right frame of mind:

QUESTION #1: What do the day-to-day responsibilities of the role look like?

Writer Annie Dillard said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” Success and happiness in a job boils down to contentment with the nitty-gritty of the everyday.

QUESTION #3: What’s your favorite part about working at the company?

It’s important to get a sense of your interviewer’s opinions about working there. If enthusiasm flows easily, that’s a great sign. If it doesn’t, that is worth noting too. 

QUESTION #5: Are there opportunities for professional development?  If so, what do those look like?

When asking this question, you’re looking to key into whether there are opportunities for growth and whether the company has a Learning & Development program. Stagnation is a big red flag, so be alert! 


 

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

The 4 Best Ways To Land A Good Job

Naomi Cahn

I recently interviewed an applicant for a job. Her cover letter showed that she had spent time thinking about what the position would require, that she had relevant experience, and that she was excited about the work. When I asked about her work habits, she explained that she was an organizer, who asked lots of questions about the work. After we spoke, she wrote me a follow-up thank you email that arrived in my inbox less than an hour after the interview ended. 

I hired her.

With 21 million people unemployed, finding a new job has become a job. People looking for work receive conflicting advice: use LinkedIn, don’t post updates on LinkedIn, be yourself, or cater to what you think the employer wants.

Here’s what some of the latest research tells us about the best ways to find a new job. 

1. Authenticity. It turns out that being honest and true to yourself is a better strategy than turning yourself inside out to cater to what you think an employer wants. In a new study — To be or not to be your authentic self? Catering to others’ preferences hinders performance — researchers from Harvard Business School and UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School asked participants to imagine that they were applying for a job and needed to prepare a two- to three-minute video about themselves and the job. Some participants were told to cater the videos to what they thought would meet the expectations of the interviewers, some were told to just be themselves, while a third group was not given specific instructions. 

The “caterers” not only experienced greater anxiety, but they were less likely to be hired than those who were told be authentic.  As Francesco Gino, one of the study authors explained recently,  the desire to present ourselves accurately leads us to communicate in a more fluid way about who we are – and so that means that others see us as more genuine.  Think about how much easier it is to be yourself than the person you think the interviewer wants to meet. And then be authentic: that will make you feel and do better

The “caterers” not only experienced greater anxiety, but they were less likely to be hired than those who were told be authentic.  As Francesco Gino, one of the study authors explained recently,  the desire to present ourselves accurately leads us to communicate in a more fluid way about who we are – and so that means that others see us as more genuine.  Think about how much easier it is to be yourself than the person you think the interviewer wants to meet. And then be authentic: that will make you feel and do better

4.      Making a decision.  Remember that not only is the interviewer examining you, but you are interviewing the position to see if it is the right one for you. Ask questions as they come up during the interview if you have them. Scary as they may be, interviewers are people too. Trust yourself, and, as organizational psychologist Adam Grant notes in Tim Herrera’s Smarter Living New York Times column: “Listen to the advice you give to others. It’s usually the advice you need to take yourself.”

Finding a new job at any point can be daunting, and trying to do so during a pandemic can be even more difficult. But there are jobs out there, and there are strategies to help you get one.

See all 4 ways and the complete Forbes article

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

12 Surprising Job Interview Tips

Jon Youshaei

You’re almost there. Your resume landed you an interview and now it’s time to seal the deal. So what’s the best way to prepare?

To find the answer, I looked back on my interviews, sifted through research, and most importantly, asked employees from today’s most coveted companies. I tried to find deep insights beyond the typical “sit up straight!” and “dress to impress!” tips we hear too much.

Below you’ll find the 12 best tips to help before, during and after your interview.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW


 1.    Research Earnings Calls, Quarterly Reports & Blog Posts

In today’s world, content is king. Goldman Sachs publishes quarterly reports, Microsoft records its earning calls, and every startup has a blog.

With so much out there, I’m baffled that few of us look past the company’s homepage. It’s like we’re writing an essay on The Odyssey without quoting a single passage from the book.

Example: If you’re interviewing with Google, here’s two ways to answer: “What’s Google’s biggest opportunity in the next 5 years?”
  • Weak: “I think wearable technology will be big because Google Glass and Apple Watch represent a new trend that shows...”
  • Strong: “Call me geeky, but I was listening to Google’s quarterly earnings call and was blown away by the fact that display advertising hit over $5 billion in the past few years. Therefore, I think that…”
Neither answer is wrong, but the latter says much more. It shows you’ve done your homework and give answers rooted in data.

2.   Use Google Alerts

Keeping up with company news is hard, especially if you’re interviewing with multiple places at once. That’s why Google Alerts is a savior; it’s a tool that emails you anytime a new story appears for a specific term. That way, you learn about current events without searching for them.
 Example: If you’re applying to Creative Artists Agency, follow these steps:
  1. Go to www.google.com/alerts
  2. Type in “Creative Artists Agency”
  3. Put in your email address if you’re not already logged in to Gmail
Soon enough, you’ll get updates on CAA and have more ammo for your interview.

*** #3 brings up a security issue on multiple browsers so skip it.

5. Craft Your “Story Statement”

 Though most interviews start with the same prompt (“tell me about yourself” or “walk me through your resume”), we blow it off with boring answers like:
I studied [major X] because I really care about making a difference in [industry Y] as you can see through my last job at [company Z]…
This answer is like tearing out the first 200 pages of your autobiography. You leave out everything that gives meaning to why you want this job in the first place. What was your moment of epiphany? How did your childhood influence you? Why does this job move you? Most people don’t answer these questions. They start and end with their professional experience, leaving little to inspire the interviewer.

Next time, use what I call a “Story Statement,” which is a Cliff Notes of your autobiography.

Example: Here’s an amazing Story Statement that Teach For America fellow Kareli Lizarraga used for her interviews.
I grew up in California and Arizona after immigrating to the United States when I was four years old. Since neither of my parents went to college, I relied on my high school teachers to help me apply to top universities. With their support, I was able to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Then I spent a summer at a Washington DC law firm, which represented low-income students and helped me realize that my passion lay within creating educational opportunities for all.
I decided to become a teacher because I see myself so deeply reflected in the stories of so many students in your schools – and that’s why I’m so excited about the opportunity to interview with you today. Like my teachers did for me, I want to impact the next generation of students by supporting them and understanding the experiences they’re facing.
A Story Statement shows that you’re a person, not just a professional.  It also makes it easy for your interviewer to predict the next chapter of your story. For Kareli, Teach For America is a logical next step. Of course, if she interviewed for Apple, she may change her Story Statement to include an early experience with her first computer and talk about how her passion for tech grew from there. For a Bain interview, she could mention how she started problem solving at a young age and now wants to do it on a big scale.

Chances are, we’ve all had experiences we can connect to where we’re trying to go. It’s just a matter of selecting the right ones to tell our story. That said, if you struggle to craft your Story Statement for a particular interview, you might be applying for the wrong job.

See all 12 tips and the complete Forbes article




Thursday, June 11, 2020

3 Major Changes To Job Interviews You Need To Prepare For

Dawn Graham

If you’re in a job search or plan to be soon, you know that the stakes are high in this competitive market. A major part of the process where many job seekers routinely underprepare is the interview. In fact, I often see candidates spend more time planning their outfit than their content.

While what you wear certainly has an impact, what you share earns an offer. And just when you thought the interview couldn’t get any more stressful, the current pandemic has changed up the game in new ways, so there are a few additional things you need to be ready for if you want to stand out and secure a great next step in your career.

Although you’ll no longer need to worry about the grip of your handshake (perhaps ever again), here are three new aspects that will be important to focus on in your next job interview:

1) You’ll need to set up the environment. While video teleconferencing has become more popular over the last several years, use of this medium for job interviews has dominated in the past few months due to social distancing, which means expectations for a near flawless execution have also skyrocketed. Fumbling through the process while experiencing distractions and technical difficulties isn’t an option, so it’s up to you to master the platforms being used and practice beforehand so you appear confident in troubleshooting any unexpected challenges. 

And now, instead of showing up to a building where you meet in a conference room or office, you are required to set the stage for the interview environment, which takes some additional preparation and can have a major impact on the outcome. As the host of at least one side of the interview space, you’ll need to consider lighting, connectivity, audio quality, ambient noise, background visuals and video angles just to name a few. 

Everything counts and will be a part of the evaluation since it’s likely you’ll be using video technology regularly to communicate in the new role, perhaps with customers, so the interview has become an audition of sorts. 

Interviews are inherently anxiety-provoking and there’s a lot you won’t be able to control, so it’s in your best interest to control as much as you can regarding the environment. The ball for much of this is now in the job seeker’s court.

2) You’ll be asked how you’re handling the pandemic --  Read how to address this, #3 of the changes and more interview tips at the complete Forbes article

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

REVEALED: The simple keywords to use on your LinkedIn profile that will have employers coming to YOU with job offers

By CARINA STATHIS 

Whether you're looking for a new job or are open to new opportunities, an Australian careers expert has revealed how to attract employers by using 'primary and secondary keywords' on your LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson said the 'most important thing' to do is find and use the right keywords to ensure your profile is seen when an employer or recruiter is searching for potential employees.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Sue said it's vital to remember that LinkedIn is a major search engine database, and so it relies on words and connections to monitor your online activity and give you priority.
Further to using keywords, Sue said it's also important to network, use the specific words to outline current or previous occupations and qualifications to make your profile stand out. 

HOW TO USE KEYWORDS ON LINKEDIN AND WHERE TO PUT THEM ON YOUR PROFILE 

Primary keywords (job titles) to insert at the header of your profile 
A primary keyword is usually the occupation title you are seeking or the previous job you had, such as 'Career Counsellor', 'Supermarket Stock Filler', 'Vet Nurse' or 'Retail Assistant'
Find and choose a primary keyword to use in the header of your profile
For example: a Senior Human Resources Generalist (primary keywords) with a range of specialties (secondary keywords) 
Secondary keywords (job descriptions) to insert in the description and body of your profile 
Secondary keywords relate to primary keywords and describe the occupation, experience or qualification 
These keywords in your profile will give you the best chance for coming up in search results that are aligned with your primary keywords
Describe the range of specialties and duties relating to the job - such as Organisational Development or Event Management
Examples:
'Supermarket Stock Filler (primary keyword) at Coles with a range of duties involving managing supplies, ordering stock and assisting customers (secondary keywords)' 
'Vet Nurse (primary keyword) with experience in nursing horses, cows, dogs, birds, cats and rabbits (secondary keywords)' 
'Secondary School Teacher (primary keyword) with experience in event management (secondary keywords)' 
Choose secondary keywords to use throughout your profile - Read more on secondary keywords, more profile tips and the complete article

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You” Questions

Alice Berg


The entire interview narrows down to this single question: Why should we give you this job? And it is probably the hardest part of a job interview. Many applicants who don’t prepare for this type of question don’t make it past the interview stage. It may be the reason you didn’t get hired after a wonderful interview.

But when you have a proper answer prepared, you can actually have an advantage over other applicants. Remember, it is your chance to bring attention to some of the outstanding qualities that make you a great candidate for the job.

This article will help you learn:

· Why interviewers like to ask why should we employ you

· The best way to answer this question

· How not to answer when you are asked why they should hire you

“Why Should We Hire You?” — What the Interviewer Is Really Asking?

This question may be asked in different ways but what the interviewer is actually asking is why are you a good fit for this position. They have gone through your resume, cover letter and tested your suitability from the time you started the interview up to this point. What they really want to know, therefore, is if you understand what they are looking for and whether you can offer it.

Already, they think you might be qualified enough for the job; otherwise, they would not invite you for an in-person interview. But there may be one or more applicant just as or more qualified for the job. Thus, answering this question is your one chance to sell your unique skills, qualifications, achievements or abilities.

How to Answer Why Should We Hire You Properly During an Interview

There is no one way to answer this question during an interview. That’s because different employers are looking for different things. You need to learn what the recruiter is searching for to sell yourself appropriately. Here are some tips for answering this question correctly:

Emphasize the Skills and Experience You Have to Do the Job

When asked “why should we give you this job?” or “tell us about yourself” bring light to the skills, talent, strengths, achievements and work experience that are relevant to the specific position you are interviewing for. Relate how these qualities will help you get the job done.

Show How You Will Be an Excellent Addition to Their Team

Educate yourself on the company culture and the characteristic of the department you will be working in. Armed with this information, demonstrate how your professional and personal attributes make you a perfect fit.

Talk about How You Will Help Them Achieve More - Read the full Medium.com article for more answers, tips, and what not to say...


Thursday, June 4, 2020

Princeton Career Experts Say That to Get Your Next Job, Your Resume Should Always Have These 5 Simple Things

By Peter Economy

Not all of us will get accepted into an Ivy League university. But for those of us who still want to benefit from an Ivy League education, listen up: Princeton University is spilling the secrets behind what makes a successful résumé. 

Career Services at Princeton University has prepared a résumé guide for both seasoned candidates as well as novice résumé writers. No matter what your skill level or amount of work experience, résumé writing is, as Princeton University calls it, a "personal undertaking."

Described as a "marketing tool that demonstrates how a product (you) meets the needs of a potential customer (employer)," the résumé is critical for landing a dream job. Here, according to Princeton University career experts, is what you need to do to craft a functional and effective résumé:

1. Be relevant.

Your job is to get an interview with this résumé--not list out every accomplishment you have ever had. Pay attention to the job description--what keywords, traits, or skills are repeated, and how are you reflecting these in your résumé? It's likely that your past experience will have transferable skills that are related to the position you are applying to, so make sure you make a good case for why you should be hired.

4. Use action-oriented accomplishment statements.

Be sure to liberally sprinkle action-oriented accomplishment statements throughout your résumé. Princeton Career Services suggests that to create an accomplishment statement, "Start with an Action Verb to show you did something. Then provide the Context for that action using quantitative and qualitative terms. Lastly, demonstrate the End Result of your actions to show the value of your contributions!"
Here are some examples of accomplishment statements:
  • Allocated $1,500 budget to promote annual National Coming Out Day rally, increasing participation 25 percent over previous year.
  • Coordinated three fundraising events for local shelters, raising $8,000 and greatly improving community awareness.
  • Collaborated with a partner to formalize a 400-page training curriculum, creating a structure that made the progression of material clear and logical.
  •  
See all 5 things and the complete Inc article

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Google’s director of talent explains 4 ways to make your resume stand out

By Stephanie Vozza

Last year, Google received more applications than any other year—nearly 3.3 million. It’s no surprise that a lot of people want to work at Google, but what’s interesting is that the tech giant doesn’t use a bot to screen résumés. A real person reads every one.

“At Google, we still rely on humans for hiring—it’s the most important thing we do,” says Google’s director of talent and outreach, Kyle Ewing. “We train folks to look at résumés for skills and competency. For the candidate, the most important thing to consider is how that piece of paper can properly reflect all of your dimensions.”

Whether you’re looking for a new job or simply giving your résumé a refresh, knowing what companies such as Google train their HR team to look for can help you stand out. Here are four things to include:

1. Your experience

Look at your résumé as an opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments. “We encourage folks to think about not just where they worked or went to school, but to convey the experience they gained and the lessons they learned,” says Ewing.

If you’re a recent grad, include experiences such as academic research, tutoring experience, and recent student group or class projects, she says. Also, showcase professional accomplishments as well as highlight the intersections of work and life.

“If you volunteer or have a passion project or side hustle, adding those things tell a better story about you beyond work—a holistic candidate narrative,” she says. “At Google what you add to our culture is what you contribute beyond nine to five. We know experience comes in many different forms.”


4. What you can add to an organization

Ewing says she wants the candidate to explain what they bring to the organization, not just what makes them a fit for the role.

“Since your résumé is often your first impression to recruiters, depending on the role and your seniority, consider adding a short summary section at the top,” she says. “Focus on relevant work experience and what you can add to the organization.”

You can also add value by providing qualitative and quantitative examples of previous experience, rather than a list of recent job roles.

“At Google, we’re committed to assessing candidates based on their competencies, not only their credentials,” says Ewing. “And since there’s no one kind of Googler, we’re always looking for people who bring new perspectives and life experiences to help us build stronger teams, products, and services.”

Creating a résumé can feel clinical and like a chore, but Ewing cautions candidates to be careful when they craft theirs. “Don’t do it when you’ve had a terrible day at work, are at the end of your rope, and want a new job,” she says. “Instead, get in the habit of updating it every January. Approach it with a self-care lens so that thoughtfulness can shine through.”

See all 4 ways and the complete Fast Company article