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June 20, 2024 0 Comments

Manage Your Image Prior to the Big Job Interview

Not that long ago, employers relied on interviews, reference checks and resumes to determine whether or not they wanted to hire someone. These days, business owners use a variety of other methods to decide if someone is hire-worthy. Some business owners will look into your background as part of the screening process; this may include asking you information about your educational background, any criminal records, your financial history, and the way in which you use social media, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notes. Potential employers may also do a background check, which can include looking up a credit report and any past criminal activity, and they will probably spend some time online learning what they can about you and your activities.

Here are some interview tips to prepare for the background screening and help ensure that your image is as upstanding, responsible and professional as possible.

Research yourself

Since employers often use a search engine like Google to learn more about you, beat them to the proverbial punch and research yourself, Lifehacker suggests. Hopefully what pops up will be a pretty accurate representation of who you are, including recent achievements and awards, articles that may have mentioned your name, and social media profiles. If your name is fairly common or if you are in the unfortunate situation where your name is the same or close to some notorious individual, you may want to go ahead and mention this during the interview. You could even add links and URLs to accurate articles about you to your resume.

Make sure your driving record is spotless — or close to it

Many employers will want or even require that you have a clean driving record. In addition to being a good indicator of responsibility and competency, a lack of tickets and other moving violations can show your future boss that you are capable of good decision making. Of course, this is especially important if the job involves any kind of driving. If your license has expired or if you have recently moved to a new state and you have not been down to the MVD yet, do everything you can before your interview to make sure your driving records are up-to-date. For example, if you just moved and you need to get your driver’s license, you can prepare for your exam by taking the permit practice test online at DrivingTests.org.

Clean up your social media act

Chances are good the person who will be interviewing you will look you up on social media sites. Take the time and go through all of your pages and remove anything that might be remotely questionable. This includes those fun pictures taken of you at that party on your Facebook page — you may not have been doing anything wrong, but it’s probably best to err on the side of caution.

Also, as Wisconsin Job Center notes, never speak poorly of your last boss in a job interview. If you ever did any complaining about your job, boss or co-workers on social media sites, take those comments off, pronto. Assume that your potential future boss will scroll through some of your Tweets, so go back and remove any that make you look less than positive. In addition, if you have a page on LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date with your latest job history and references.

Take these interview tips to heart — do anything you can to make sure that whatever someone learns about you online will increase, and not decrease, your chances of being hired.

Check out these other great articles about job search tips as a work from home professional. Also check out our current job postings for mom professionals.

 

 

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June 11, 2024

Implementing Effective Hiring Protocols in Your Small Business

As a small business owner, finding the right talent to help grow your company can be a challenging task. The hiring process itself can be long and arduous without proper planning. However, if you go into it with a structured goal, it can streamline the experience for both sides (job seekers and employers) so that you can onboard the talent you’re looking for.

Understanding the Importance of a Structured Hiring Process

Navigating the hiring landscape efficiently requires a well-thought-out structure; it’s akin to having a roadmap. By embedding a structured hiring process into your small business operations, you can significantly enhance your ability to sift through candidates effectively, minimizing the time and resources typically expended in the hunt for the ideal team member. This organized approach not only helps in streamlining the recruitment effort but also substantially lowers the risk of turnover by ensuring the individuals you choose are well-suited for their roles and aligned with your company’s culture and values. 

Your roadmap should have a few important stops along the way: crafting the job description, sifting through candidates, interviews, and onboarding. You need to consider what you’re looking for — what are the minimum requirements a candidate needs and what does your “unicorn” candidate who has every qualification look like? How many interactions with your company do you feel are needed with a potential job seeker before you hire them? All of these questions should be answered on your roadmap of effective hiring protocols.

Crafting Effective Job Descriptions

An engaging and clear job description is your first opportunity to connect with potential candidates and make a lasting impression. It’s essential to outline the key responsibilities and expectations of the role precisely. Ensure you detail the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary for a candidate to succeed. However, it’s equally important to go beyond the basics. Infuse your job description with the personality of your small business; let candidates know what makes your company a unique and exciting place to work. 

Highlight the culture, values, and any benefits or growth opportunities that set you apart. To attract a diverse and talented pool of applicants, use language that encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. This does not mean you need to craft an entire novel about your business. Just provide a few sentences that sum up the core of your company. Then dive into the job description details. Provide a few sentences about daily tasks, and then include a bullet point list of what a candidate should bring to the table. 

As part of your hiring protocols, find a job template that works for you and use that moving forward for all new hires. This keeps things uniform and makes it easy to fill in what is needed. You can learn how to craft a great description like this and more in our Hiring Made Easy course, if you need help getting started.

Conducting Interviews That Reveal True Potential

You’ve used your template and posted your job. Now it’s time to sift through candidates. When establishing your hiring protocols, figure out what immediately disqualifies candidates. Do you need someone who has experience in your industry? Look for that first on application information. That will keep you from reviewing unqualified candidates. Create a checklist that you can reference with each application. From there, it’s time to reach out to those who meet your requirements and schedule an interview or two.

Interviews offer a golden opportunity to peel back the layers and truly understand what a candidate brings to the table. The key to a successful interview is crafting questions that invite candidates to share their stories, highlighting their unique experiences and problem-solving skills. Encourage them to discuss times when they’ve made a significant impact in previous roles, navigated complex challenges, or brought innovative solutions to the table. 

Create questions that are specific to your own company and pull from your own knowledge. Maybe your website crashed one day, ask your new digital marketing candidate how they would handle that scenario. Follow that up by asking if they have experienced something similar. Be sure to use unexpected scenarios like web crashes, but also include issues your company encounters daily. Perhaps your accounting department has to reach out to sales to collect orders — ask potential accountants in interviews how they would go about interacting with the sales team with tact to get what is needed. Write a list of questions to use as an outline for each new candidate.

A great interview is a two-way street. It’s about discovering if there’s a mutual fit, so be open about your expectations and what it’s truly like to work at your company. This honesty fosters a positive candidate experience and sets the stage for attracting individuals who are genuinely excited to contribute to your business’s success. Encourage candidates to ask questions of you as well.

Streamlining Onboarding

Finally, the last point on your hiring roadmap should be onboarding. Candidates that are thrown into the deep end and told to learn how to swim on the fly are normally the first to jump ship. Employees want to know they are supported if they have questions. Create a to-do list for onboarding that you can check off for each new hire to create a smooth process. Start with an orientation to show people how daily life works at your company. Follow up by giving your new hire access to any accounts they will need. Give your new employee tasks to get started, but pair them up with a seasoned professional at your company that can walk them through the process. 

A big step many companies miss is closing out onboarding. Once someone seems to feel comfortable with a task, companies often leave them to themselves. Have a final exit interview to see how candidates felt about the onboarding process. Ask for feedback! Then, set up consistent check-ins to ensure the employee feels comfortable with their job throughout their time with your business.

With established protocols in place, you can create uniformity in job posts with templates and streamline the onboarding process with a well-established to-do list. Feeling a little overwhelmed with this process? Our HR experts can help!

 

 

 

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May 9, 2024

Attract the Best Candidates with these Job Post Tips for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, finding the right employees can be a daunting task. With the rise of online job boards and social media platforms, the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever. However, it’s not just about attracting candidates, but also ensuring that your job posts are legitimate and authentic.

Communicate Your Business Values

By clearly stating your company’s mission, vision, and values, you can differentiate your business from others and attract candidates who align with your principles. Use your job posting as an opportunity to showcase what your business stands for and how it operates. Highlight any unique benefits or initiatives that set your company apart. This transparency will not only attract candidates who share your values but also help weed out those who may not be a good fit. You can even provide some social proof from current employees through testimonials of what it is like to work at your business. Remember, candidates are looking for more than just a job – they want to be a part of something meaningful. 

Use Professional Language and Format

Avoid using overly casual or slang terms and opt for clear and concise language that conveys professionalism. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation to demonstrate attention to detail. Structure your job postings in a clean and organized format, using bullet points or subheadings to make information easy to read and understand. Avoid excessive use of jargon or industry-specific terms that may confuse applicants. Remember, the way you present your job posting reflects your business’s image and reputation, so take the time to ensure it is professional and polished. If you need help writing a job description, our Small Business Concierge Service can help!

Be Transparent About Salary and Benefits

Candidates want to know what they can expect in terms of compensation and perks before they invest time and effort into the application process. So, be upfront about what you have to offer. Clearly state the salary range and any additional benefits, such as insurance, perks, training or flexible work options. This will not only help candidates determine if the position aligns with their expectations but also demonstrate your commitment to fair and equitable compensation.

Provide Contact Details and Application Process

One of the most frustrating experiences for job seekers is coming across a job posting without any contact information or clear instructions. As a small business owner, you want to make it as easy as possible for qualified candidates to reach out to you and submit their applications. Provide your contact details, such as an email address or phone number, so that candidates can easily get in touch with any questions or to submit their resumes. Additionally, clearly outline the application process, whether it’s through an online form, email, or some other method. By providing clear contact details and an easy-to-follow application process, you’ll not only make a good impression on potential candidates, but you’ll also increase the chances of attracting qualified applicants.

Actively Engage with Applicants

Don’t just sit back and wait for resumes to come in – take a proactive approach in your hiring process. Respond promptly to inquiries and applications, acknowledging receipt and providing a timeline for next steps. Ask thoughtful and relevant questions to gain further insight into candidates’ skills and experiences. Schedule interviews in a timely manner and keep candidates informed throughout the process. Provide feedback and updates, even if it’s to let them know they didn’t make it to the next round. Many applicants are dealing with the frustration of being ghosted during the hiring process (for those that are not familiar with “ghosting”, this is when a candidate interacts with a company and at some point of the process, the candidate never hears back from the company even after following up). Some open positions may receive hundreds of applications which can make it difficult to respond to everyone, but you can set up automations to inform candidates of what is happening within the process so that they know where they stand with your company.

If you feel a little uncertain about the whole hiring process, then check out our self-paced online course Hiring Made Easy where you can learn from industry experts how to craft the perfect job description, what steps you should go through when hiring, what salary you should offer, and more.

 

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March 16, 2024

Overcoming the Fear of Hiring as a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, the decision to hire new employees is an important one. It can also be intimidating and filled with anxiety. The thought of taking on the responsibility of providing wages and other expenses associated with hiring can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that hiring is essential for the growth of your business. Let’s look at ways to overcome the fear of hiring as a small business owner and how to make the process easier:

Define Your Ideal Employee

It is important to take the time to carefully define your ideal employee or contractor before you begin the hiring process. This means taking the time to think about what qualities and skills you are looking for and which of these would be most beneficial to your business. Make sure to consider qualities like team-orientation, communication skills, work ethic, dependability, problem-solving abilities, and any other unique traits or qualifications that are relevant to your particular business needs. You should also think about the type of personality that will fit best with the company culture you are hoping to foster. By taking the time to define your ideal employee upfront, you will be better able to identify qualified candidates who possess the qualities and skills that you desire.

Create a Plan

The key to success is to create a plan ahead of time so you know what to expect. Start by making a list of all the tasks required to hire a new employee. This should include outlining what tasks this job will entail, what specific skills and experience you are looking for in your new hire, taking this information to draft the job post, then deciding what questions to ask in an interview to help you find the best candidate. Once your job posting is live, make sure you’re organized with the applications you receive. Consider creating a spreadsheet that outlines each candidate’s qualifications and notes from the interviews. This will help you easily compare each applicant and make your final decision. Additionally, establish a timeline for when you plan to make an offer and inform candidates. Outlining your expectations ahead of time will help ensure everyone is on the same page and save you time in the future. Finally, if this is your first time hiring, you may want to consult an experienced advisor who can answer any questions and provide advice on the best practices for hiring.

Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience

You want to make sure you hire the right person for the job, but you may be afraid to take a chance on someone without a lot of experience. However, this shouldn’t stop you from considering potential over experience. When it comes to hiring for potential, start by looking for someone who is highly motivated and eager to learn. Ask yourself questions like, “Does this candidate demonstrate a genuine interest in the position?” and “Do they have any related skills or knowledge that could benefit the job?” This will help you identify people who might have the aptitude for the role, even if they don’t have all the necessary experience.

Also look for candidates who have transferable skills. Are there any abilities they developed in a previous role that could be applied to your position? A great example of this is a mom who has to stay highly organized managing her family which translates into a very diligent personal assistant that can keep your calendar on track. Finally, remember that even if someone doesn’t have all the required experience, they can still be successful in a position if they are willing to put in the effort. Investing in a strong training program and providing adequate resources will help bring inexperienced employees up to speed more quickly. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to consider hiring for potential instead of experience when it comes to filling positions in your small business. There are plenty of motivated and talented individuals out there who just need a chance to prove themselves. By taking the time to invest in them, you could find yourself with a loyal and hardworking team member.

Take the Time to Train Your New Employees

While it may be tempting to simply have a new employee start working without any training, it’s important to invest the time and effort in training your new team members. Training doesn’t have to take long or be complicated. A comprehensive orientation process can cover all of the basics and ensure that everyone is on the same page. You can also break down your training into smaller pieces and offer ongoing education on specific topics.

When creating a training program, be sure to focus on the basics and make sure all of your employees understand the core processes of your business. You should also ensure that new employees learn how to use the technology they need to do their job. Having an in-depth understanding of your products and services is also essential, so make sure to include this as part of the training program. Finally, remember that while new employees will likely need additional guidance as they get up to speed, giving them a strong foundation at the outset can pay dividends down the line. It can also be helpful to get feedback from current employees on what they wish they had known when they first started so you can incorporate this into your new employee training program.

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

As a small business owner, you need to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Before hiring someone, you should let them know what is expected of them in terms of work hours, job duties, and any other relevant information — you should also communicate this to the rest of your team. They can help you through the hiring process, which can act as a support group for overcoming anxiety in this area. It is okay to share with your current team your fears about onboarding a new member. Getting their perspective in this area can be extremely helpful!

Make sure your new employee knows exactly what is expected of them, so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings. Let them know that you are available to answer any questions they may have, and that you are there to help them succeed. Ask them what their goals are and how they plan to achieve them. By having these conversations, you can ensure that everyone is working together towards common goals. Finally, make sure to document your expectations in writing. Having everything in writing can help keep everyone accountable and make sure that everyone is on the same page. It can also serve as a reference point if there is ever any confusion about expectations or roles.

We understand that even with these tips the hiring process can be intimidating. We have resources available that can help! Our Small Business Concierge Service can help you with the entire hiring process from helping you create a solid job post, receiving and reviewing incoming applications and resumes, conducting interviews, presenting you with the top 2-3 candidates and even helping with the onboarding process if desired. 

Or if you are interested in learning more about the hiring process on your own, we have a self-paced course called “Hiring Made Easy” that can teach you valuable tools to use such as what to know before you hire, what questions to ask during an interview and what the going rate of pay is for common roles. At HireMyMom, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today if we can be of any assistance. 

 

 

 

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February 10, 2024

How Employee Advocacy Can Help You Attract and Recruit Talent

Your employees are your greatest brand ambassadors, and they could be the key to streamlining your hiring process. A record number of people have been quitting their jobs, and recent statistics show they’re on the hunt for opportunities that will offer better pay, professional growth, and work-life balance.

As job hunters become more particular about what they want, recruitment teams are facing new challenges in filling their teams with talented individuals. In a candidate’s market, one of the most effective ways to get through to great candidates and show you have a positive company culture is to use employee advocacy recruiting.

Why employee advocacy recruiting works

Nothing gets through to candidates quite like hearing from an employee about the company culture, growth opportunities, and day-to-day tasks. People are more likely to trust a message from your current employees over your HR team. 

Even the most diligent recruiters and HR staff who have taken the time to really understand employee values are still a less trustworthy source because they haven’t experienced the work first-hand. 

When employees who know everything about your products, services and company culture share their experience organically with people in their circles, this personalized approach helps your brand increase its social reach significantly.

5 tips for successful recruitment through employee advocacy

Here are a few tips on leveraging employee advocacy for your recruitment needs.

1. Put yourself in the shoes of potential candidates

When screening potential candidates for hire, your primary goal is to fill vacancies with the best talent. For this to happen, you must overcome obstacles standing between you and the strongest candidates.

The key is to reach candidates towards the top of the funnel (before they’ve even begun searching for a new job) and build brand awareness, so that when talented candidates decide they’re ready for a career shift, they’ll already have your company in mind. 

This is why it’s especially important to consistently share glimpses into your winning company culture through the eyes of current employees. The most effective messaging isn’t the one with a sense of urgency. 

2. Ensure company public profiles are up-to-date and transparent

Before your target audience forms an opinion about your company, take control and be upfront about your policies and values. Having an authentic voice helps to attract and retain employees you can trust.

The first way to ensure transparency is to provide relevant, up-to-date information on your company’s official site and other social media platforms. For example, you can start by updating your “about us” page to reflect any recent changes in staff or add more value to existing company profiles.

Take some time to navigate your company page from the perspective of someone who has just learnt about your company, and take note of any questions a candidate might have. As they research your company, they should be able to connect the names and faces of the people they see on LinkedIn and other social media sites and walk away with an impression of what your company culture is like. 

3. Make it easy for employees to post on social channels

Your employees already have a lot on their plate, and advocating your brand on social media can seem like an added responsibility. To make employee advocacy programs as effective as possible, the least you can do is streamline the process.

There are many ways you can encourage your employees to get your brand message out there. You can start by providing helpful tips and training. Your employees might be experts in their field, but not everyone regularly shares their personal life on social media. Don’t assume that your employees will automatically know what and how to share.

Train them on promotional messaging and share tips like how to optimize their social media profiles, the best times to post, and topics they can share. Training makes your employees confident enough to promote your company on social channels.

You can also create an internal hub of shareable content. This makes it easy for employees to share consistently on social media, because they can simply add a personal comment and share the post with their personal network. 

4. Encourage employees to review the company online

Most potential candidates will look up your company on anonymous review sites like Glassdoor when deciding whether to apply for an open position. Use them to your advantage by asking your current employees to leave reviews.

Employee reviews are beneficial in several ways:

  • They influence job hunters’ decision-making
  • They have higher credibility than reviews tied to a name or account
  • They help increase your brand’s online presence
  • Reviews are direct feedback on company culture and potential workplace issues

These reviews are an essential part of your brand messaging, as they are seen as a trusted source of information. To preserve the effectiveness of these sources, don’t instruct your employees on how to leave feedback. Glowing reviews and five-star ratings come across as disingenuous and may actually ruin your company’s reputation.

If you want to improve an existing poor rating, try providing employees with suggested points to hit in their review (such as workload, culture, or management style) that you think will reflect well on the company. 

It’s also vital to read these reviews thoroughly so you can gain insight into issues that might need fixing. There could be issues that you’d never hear about unless feedback is collected anonymously. 

5. Don’t micromanage the process

It’s essential that the content your employee advocates write sound natural. Unlike your other promotional and marketing strategies, your employees should take the lead on this one.

As you review your employees’ posts, don’t worry about whether their content matches your ideal brand voice. Hyper-focusing on voice will result in buzzword-filled, unnatural and generic content that comes off as inauthentic and forced, thus undermining the point of employee advocacy entirely.

 

Ida Pettersson is a Content Writer at Resume Genius who enjoys supporting job seekers as they plan their next career moves. She graduated from New College of Florida with a double major in Philosophy/Chinese Language and Culture. In her spare time, Ida enjoys hiking, reading, and gardening.

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August 21, 2023

Uncovering the Power of Project Managers in Your Small Business

Project managers are essential players in any business. They play a critical role in helping organizations meet their goals by overseeing projects from start to finish. But when it comes to small businesses, project managers can be a game-changer. From web design to podcast development, these skilled professionals can help businesses take their operations to the next level. If you do not have a project manager on staff currently, you should consider hiring one!

Defining the Role of a Project Manager

A project manager is the key figure responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within a small business. They act as the central point of communication between different teams and stakeholders, and their role is to ensure that all aspects of a project are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standard. The project manager’s primary goal is to oversee all project activities, set clear project objectives and goals, allocate resources, and track the project’s progress to ensure that it stays on track. They are responsible for managing risks, issues, and conflicts, and they must also report on progress, budget, and milestones to stakeholders. 

Types of Projects Managed by Project Managers

Project managers can take charge of various types of projects, depending on the nature of the business and its goals. A few examples would be:

  • Summits: These are large-scale events that aim to bring together people with similar interests to discuss and share insights on a particular topic.
  • Web design: This includes website creation and maintenance, online marketing campaigns, and website optimization to improve user experience.
  • Course development: This entails developing and managing the production of educational courses, ranging from online courses to classroom courses.
  • Podcast development: With the rise of audio content, more and more businesses are venturing into podcast creation. Project managers can handle tasks such as scheduling recording sessions, editing and publishing podcasts, and developing marketing strategies.

In summary, project managers can help ensure that these projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high-quality results.

The Importance of Hiring a Project Manager for Your Small Business

Small businesses are often stretched thin, with limited resources to spare. As a result, it’s tempting to think that cutting corners on project management will help save time and money. However, this is often a false economy.  By hiring a project manager, you’re ensuring that every project in your business is run professionally, with clear objectives, milestones, and budgets. A good project manager can ensure that your team stays on track, that you meet your deadlines, and that your budget stays under control. 

Moreover, project managers bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. They know what works and what doesn’t, and can tailor their approach to fit your unique business needs. They can anticipate problems before they occur and find creative solutions to overcome them. 

Ultimately, hiring a project manager can help your small business save time, money, and energy, while ensuring that every project is completed to a high standard. By investing in the right project manager, you’re investing in the future of your business through the benefits they provide such as:

  • Improving project management
  • Helping your small business to stay organized. 
  • Providing valuable leadership to your small business team. 
  • Motivating and inspiring team members, and helping them to achieve their goals. 
  • Acting as a liaison between different departments, facilitating communication and collaboration.
  • Increasing productivity through a more streamlined operation.

If you need help hiring, check out our Small Business Concierge Services where we take care of everything for you so that you can focus on your company while we find your dream candidate!

 

 

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August 14, 2023

Are You a Job Seeker Feeling Frustrated? Tips for When You Don’t Hear Back

It can be disheartening to invest time and effort into applying for a job and never hear back, especially when you’re eager to start a new job. It’s important to remember that not every employer responds to all applicants; however, if you’re consistently not hearing back from any employers, it may be time to reevaluate your application materials. Let’s explore some tips for coping with not hearing back after applying and how to set realistic expectations for yourself as a job seeker:

Understanding the Hiring Process

The hiring process can be lengthy. Employers often receive a large number of applications for each job posting and it takes time for them to review each one. Additionally, there may be multiple rounds of interviews and assessments before a final decision is made. This means that even if you are a strong candidate, it may still take some time before you hear back.

Secondly, it is important to understand that not every employer will get back to you. It is a common practice for employers to only contact candidates who are selected for an interview or to let them know that the position has been filled. This means that if you do not hear back from an employer, it does not necessarily mean that your application was not strong. We encourage all employers to respond to applicants, especially those that have made it far through the hiring process, but unfortunately not all employers will respond. If you are worried about your application, you can always reach out to the company for a follow up.

Finally, it is important to remember that the hiring process can be subjective. Each employer has their own criteria for selecting candidates and what may be a strong application for one company may not be for another. Additionally, some companies use applicant tracking systems that filter out candidates who don’t meet certain qualifications or who don’t use certain keywords in their application materials. It is important not to take rejection personally and to keep applying to other opportunities. It’s also helpful to reevaluate your application materials and make sure they’re tailored to each job you apply for. With persistence and a little bit of luck, you’ll eventually land your dream job.

Reevaluating Your Application Materials

By taking a critical look at your materials, you’ll be better equipped to make any necessary changes and increase your chances of getting a call back from employers.

  1. Does your resume clearly showcase your skills and experience? 
  2. Are there any typos or grammatical errors?
  3. Is your cover letter tailored to the specific job you’re applying for?
  4. Employers often do a quick Google search on candidates before considering them for a position. Make sure your online presence is professional and appropriate.
  5. Are your references up-to-date and relevant?
  6. Are you using keywords from the job description in your application materials?

Tips for Moving Forward

It can be disheartening to not hear back from employers, but it’s important to maintain a positive mindset. Utilize your professional network to increase your chances of finding job opportunities. Attend industry events, connect with colleagues on LinkedIn, and reach out to friends or acquaintances who may have connections in your desired field. Networking can often lead to hidden job opportunities and help you stand out from the competition.

Most important of all, take this opportunity to reevaluate your application materials. Update your resume to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. Customize your cover letter for each position to show that you’ve done your research and understand the company’s needs. Consider seeking feedback from our HR professionals on your resume, cover letter, and even your interview skills to ensure your materials are compelling and error-free. Additionally, you can use this time to invest in your personal and professional development. Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications that can strengthen your skillset and make you a more competitive candidate. We recommend our course Cultivate to set goals and work towards your dream job! Not only will this boost your confidence, but it will also make you more marketable to potential employers.

Don’t give up! Job searching can be a challenging process, but persistence is key. Continue applying to positions, following up with employers, and refining your approach. Remember that finding the right job takes time, and staying motivated and determined will ultimately lead you to success.

 

 

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May 29, 2023

Maximizing Your Potential with a Small Business Mentor

Starting and running a small business is no small feat. From creating a business plan to dealing with the financials, there are so many aspects that entrepreneurs need to consider. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all alone. By leveraging the expertise of a small business mentor, you can maximize your potential and increase your chances of success.

Why Use a Mentor?

  1. Experience: A good mentor will have years of experience in the business world and will have faced many of the challenges that you are currently dealing with. By tapping into their knowledge and expertise, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.
  2. Objective perspective: As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of running your business. However, a mentor can provide an objective perspective and help you see the big picture. This can be incredibly valuable when it comes to making important decisions or pivoting your business strategy.
  3. Networking opportunities: Mentors can also help connect you with other professionals in your industry or community, providing you with valuable networking opportunities. These connections can open up doors for your business and help you reach new customers, clients, or investors.
  4. Emotional support: Starting and running a small business can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s important to have someone in your corner who understands what you’re going through. A mentor can offer emotional support and encouragement when you need it most, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Overall, having a mentor can be a game-changer when it comes to running your small business. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, finding the right mentor can help you reach new heights of success and achieve your full potential.

What to Expect from Your Mentor

When you decide to work with a mentor, it is important to have a clear understanding of what to expect from the relationship. Here are some things you can anticipate when you partner with a small business mentor:

  1. Guidance and advice: Your mentor will provide you with the knowledge and insights they have gained through their own experiences. They will offer guidance and advice on everything from setting business goals to managing employees.
  2. Accountability: A mentor can help keep you accountable to your goals and aspirations. They will challenge you to stay focused and motivated, and hold you accountable for the actions you commit to taking.
  3. A sounding board: Sometimes, you just need someone to bounce ideas off of. Your mentor can serve as a sounding board for your business ideas and help you assess their feasibility and potential.

By working with a small business mentor, you can gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help take your business to the next level. The key is to find the right mentor who aligns with your values and goals, and to make the most of your relationship by being open, receptive, and willing to learn.

Making the Most of Your Relationship

When working with your mentor you should set goals, be open and honest, listen and act on their advice, stay accountable, and show gratitude. Sometimes bringing on a mentor can be difficult, though. Schedules get in the way and finding the time to connect can be tricky. However, there are still options available.

If you want to learn from some of the best experts in the business, you can also check out our self-paced course Hiring Made Easy. Learn what you need to get together before hiring someone, how to handle interviews, how to determine fair pay rates, and more. This is all done on your own time, so it truly works with your schedule. Lesley Pyle, founder of HireMyMom and creator of Hiring Made Easy, has 20+ years of experience as a small business owner and remote worker that she is passing on through this course. It’s a lot like having a business mentor without trying to rearrange your schedule to learn something new. Plus, if you have questions or need a little more support, you can always contact us to get in touch with a real human being who can help!

 

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April 3, 2023

The Perils of Mega Job Sites

The modern job search can be daunting and disheartening. With so many different online job sites, it’s hard to know which ones to trust and which ones will benefit you the most. Mega job sites, especially the free ones, can be a waste of time. They are often filled with irrelevant job postings sourced from outdated, unverified information. For businesses, they can be difficult to understand, hard to navigate, and nearly impossible to get a real person to help you. 

Free Sites Are Teeming with Scammers

It’s no secret that free job sites can be full of scams. There are countless stories of people who have been conned out of their hard-earned money by an unscrupulous individual claiming to be an employer or recruiter. They may offer you an attractive job opportunity or a large sum of money for a small task, only to ask for personal or banking information. Even when the job or offer turns out to be legitimate, it can be difficult to assess the validity of the source. 

If you’re looking for a safe place to search for job opportunities, then you should opt instead for a trusted resource. HireMyMom is a website dedicated to helping moms find legitimate work-from-home jobs and other flexible employment opportunities. We vet each and every listing, ensuring to the best of our ability that businesses are verified and trustworthy. On top of that, our database contains a wide variety of job postings so you can find the right fit for your skills and lifestyle.

You’re Just a Number

When you use a mega site, you become just another number in the sea of applicants. No matter how great your experience and qualifications are, you may have a difficult time standing out to an employer if they get lost in the thousands of resumes. Furthermore, your chances of standing out can be even lower if you don’t have an optimized resume or a well-written cover letter. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, and there are very few resources available to help you craft the best job application materials possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Not only do employers have to weed through thousands of resumes, but they also have to face scammers and fraudsters themselves. 

At HireMyMom, we provide a platform with job seekers who are serious about finding great remote opportunities and not just pressing a button to apply for every job they see. Because of our subscription model, we typically attract quality candidates who are serious about finding great remote opportunities. And small business owners love that because they don’t have the time to sort through hundreds or thousands of resumes and on HireMyMom, they typically receive a very manageable number of applicants making the hiring process much less cumbersome. Plus, employers and job seekers alike can get in touch with a real live human any time they need help!

You’re Competing with Hundreds, if Not Thousands

Even if you have the perfect resume and the best qualifications, there’s still no guarantee that your application will be seen. With such a massive pool of applicants, employers can afford to be picky, and your resume may never make it to the top of the pile. Plus, employers often get overwhelmed and only take the first few people who applied to the listing when it went live, leaving several other applicants behind. The odds are even worse for freelancers. Most job postings on these sites only list opportunities for full-time employment, leaving freelancers out in the cold. Furthermore, with so much competition, it can be difficult to get noticed and your rate of pay may suffer as a result.

This isn’t the case with Hire My Mom. By using this site, freelancers benefit from fewer applications and more personalized attention. Rather than competing with hundreds of other applicants, your application will stand out from the crowd and you’ll get the chance to show off your skills and talents. Additionally, since we are a paid site, the job applicant pool is smaller giving our job seekers a better chance of getting hired.

It’s time to find the job or employee of your dreams! Let us know how we can be of help.

 

 

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March 27, 2023

Overcoming the Fear of Hiring as a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, the decision to hire new employees is an important one. It can also be intimidating and filled with anxiety. The thought of taking on the responsibility of providing wages and other expenses associated with hiring can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that hiring is essential for the growth of your business. Let’s look at ways to overcome the fear of hiring as a small business owner and how to make the process easier:

Define Your Ideal Employee

It is important to take the time to carefully define your ideal employee or contractor before you begin the hiring process. This means taking the time to think about what qualities and skills you are looking for and which of these would be most beneficial to your business. Make sure to consider qualities like team-orientation, communication skills, work ethic, dependability, problem-solving abilities, and any other unique traits or qualifications that are relevant to your particular business needs. You should also think about the type of personality that will fit best with the company culture you are hoping to foster. By taking the time to define your ideal employee upfront, you will be better able to identify qualified candidates who possess the qualities and skills that you desire.

Create a Plan

The key to success is to create a plan ahead of time so you know what to expect. Start by making a list of all the tasks required to hire a new employee. This should include outlining what tasks this job will entail, what specific skills and experience you are looking for in your new hire, taking this information to draft the job post, then deciding what questions to ask in an interview to help you find the best candidate. Once your job posting is live, make sure you’re organized with the applications you receive. Consider creating a spreadsheet that outlines each candidate’s qualifications and notes from the interviews. This will help you easily compare each applicant and make your final decision. Additionally, establish a timeline for when you plan to make an offer and inform candidates. Outlining your expectations ahead of time will help ensure everyone is on the same page and save you time in the future. Finally, if this is your first time hiring, you may want to consult an experienced advisor who can answer any questions and provide advice on the best practices for hiring.

Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience

You want to make sure you hire the right person for the job, but you may be afraid to take a chance on someone without a lot of experience. However, this shouldn’t stop you from considering potential over experience. When it comes to hiring for potential, start by looking for someone who is highly motivated and eager to learn. Ask yourself questions like, “Does this candidate demonstrate a genuine interest in the position?” and “Do they have any related skills or knowledge that could benefit the job?” This will help you identify people who might have the aptitude for the role, even if they don’t have all the necessary experience.

Also look for candidates who have transferable skills. Are there any abilities they developed in a previous role that could be applied to your position? A great example of this is a mom who has to stay highly organized managing her family which translates into a very diligent personal assistant that can keep your calendar on track. Finally, remember that even if someone doesn’t have all the required experience, they can still be successful in a position if they are willing to put in the effort. Investing in a strong training program and providing adequate resources will help bring inexperienced employees up to speed more quickly. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to consider hiring for potential instead of experience when it comes to filling positions in your small business. There are plenty of motivated and talented individuals out there who just need a chance to prove themselves. By taking the time to invest in them, you could find yourself with a loyal and hardworking team member.

Take the Time to Train Your New Employees

While it may be tempting to simply have a new employee start working without any training, it’s important to invest the time and effort in training your new team members. Training doesn’t have to take long or be complicated. A comprehensive orientation process can cover all of the basics and ensure that everyone is on the same page. You can also break down your training into smaller pieces and offer ongoing education on specific topics.

When creating a training program, be sure to focus on the basics and make sure all of your employees understand the core processes of your business. You should also ensure that new employees learn how to use the technology they need to do their job. Having an in-depth understanding of your products and services is also essential, so make sure to include this as part of the training program. Finally, remember that while new employees will likely need additional guidance as they get up to speed, giving them a strong foundation at the outset can pay dividends down the line. It can also be helpful to get feedback from current employees on what they wish they had known when they first started so you can incorporate this into your new employee training program.

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

As a small business owner, you need to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Before hiring someone, you should let them know what is expected of them in terms of work hours, job duties, and any other relevant information — you should also communicate this to the rest of your team. They can help you through the hiring process, which can act as a support group for overcoming anxiety in this area. It is okay to share with your current team your fears about onboarding a new member. Getting their perspective in this area can be extremely helpful!

Make sure your new employee knows exactly what is expected of them, so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings. Let them know that you are available to answer any questions they may have, and that you are there to help them succeed. Ask them what their goals are and how they plan to achieve them. By having these conversations, you can ensure that everyone is working together towards common goals. Finally, make sure to document your expectations in writing. Having everything in writing can help keep everyone accountable and make sure that everyone is on the same page. It can also serve as a reference point if there is ever any confusion about expectations or roles.

We understand that even with these tips the hiring process can be intimidating. We have resources available that can help! Our Small Business Concierge Service can help you with the entire hiring process from helping you create a solid job post, receiving and reviewing incoming applications and resumes, conducting interviews, presenting you with the top 2-3 candidates and even helping with the onboarding process if desired. 

Or if you are interested in learning more about the hiring process on your own, we have a self-paced course called “Hiring Made Easy” that can teach you valuable tools to use such as what to know before you hire, what questions to ask during an interview and what the going rate of pay is for common roles. At HireMyMom, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today if we can be of any assistance. 

 

 

 

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