Work-from-Home Job Interview Tips for Moms

Landing a remote job often comes down to how well you handle the interview, and for moms, that means balancing professionalism with the realities of home life. While plenty of articles cover the basics (like testing your internet or dressing professionally), here are deeper, less-talked-about strategies that can help you shine.

Reframe Gaps in Your Resume as Assets

If you’ve taken time away from the workforce for parenting, don’t feel like you need to downplay it. Instead, connect the skills you developed at home to the job you’re applying for. Project management? That’s coordinating kids’ schedules. Crisis management? That’s handling a toddler meltdown while making dinner. Tie those examples to the competencies employers need, and they’ll remember your resilience.

Prep Your Interview “Cheat Sheet” Out of View

One of the best-kept secrets of Zoom interviews is that you can have notes where the camera doesn’t see them. Instead of writing out full answers, jot down keywords that jog your memory: achievements, questions you want to ask, and phrases that align with the company’s values. Tape them at eye level near your screen so it looks like you’re maintaining natural eye contact.

Create a Home “Signal” System

Kids have radar for when you’re on Zoom. Avoid disruptions by establishing a visual cue they can understand even if they’re too young to read. A specific scarf on the doorknob or a colored paper on the door can mean “Mom is in an interview.” Practice it with them before the big day so they take it seriously.

Match Your Background to the Employer’s Vibe

Instead of settling for a plain wall, think about how your environment reflects you. Interviewing for a creative role? A tasteful pop of color or artwork can reinforce your brand. Going for an admin or bookkeeping role? A neat, uncluttered background signals reliability. Subtle cues can say as much about you as your answers.

Use Micro-Expressions to Show Engagement

On video, it’s easy to look flat or distant. Practice tiny nods, warm smiles, and brief eyebrow lifts to show attentiveness without exaggeration. These small signals translate better on screen than in-person and keep you from appearing distracted.

Highlight Your Remote-Readiness with Stories

Interviewers want proof you’ll succeed at home. Instead of just saying you’re “self-motivated,” share specific stories: how you handled a school volunteer project entirely online, or how you taught yourself a new tool during naptime. Demonstrating how you’ve already thrived in remote or flexible situations makes you a safer hire.

Strategically Manage Silence

Video interviews often come with lag or awkward pauses. Instead of rushing to fill every quiet moment, pause intentionally. After you answer, wait a beat before asking, “Would you like me to expand on that?” It signals confidence and prevents you from rambling when the connection feels stilted.

Anticipate the “Background Noise” Question

Some employers hesitate to hire moms because they fear household distractions. If you anticipate this, you can head it off positively: “I’ve set up my workspace to minimize interruptions, and my family understands my work boundaries. In fact, working from home has helped me become incredibly focused with my time.” Addressing the concern before it’s raised shows foresight.

Prepare a “Mom-Friendly” Closing Question

Most candidates ask about company culture or growth opportunities. Moms can stand out by asking, “How does your team approach flexibility to support different work styles?” It signals you value balance without directly asking for special treatment and gives you insight into whether the job truly fits your life.

Follow Up with Personality

After your interview, send a thank-you note that’s professional but warm. If you mentioned something personal like a shared love of coffee or gardening, include a small nod to it. Remote hiring managers often crave a personal connection, and you’ll be remembered as approachable, not just qualified.

Work-from-home interviews are as much about showcasing your adaptability as your skills. With the right strategies beyond the usual “check your Wi-Fi” advice you can stand out as the confident, resourceful candidate you truly are. If you are looking to find your next dream job, see our available job listings to get started!

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What Moms And Small Businesses Are Saying About HireMyMom

There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how HireMyMom has helped moms find meaningful, flexible work and how small businesses have discovered reliable, skilled remote talent. From job seekers who gained confidence and landed their dream roles to employers who found the perfect fit for their team, these stories remind us why our community is so special.

What Small Businesses Have To Say

“I used HireMyMom’s Concierge Service to hire my most recent position and it was a wonderful experience – worth every penny! Tesia was great, and having someone handle the administrative side of the hiring process took a huge load off my plate. Additionally, her recommendations and insights were really helpful, and it helped me to be able to talk with her as I made my decisions. Finally, she brought several excellent candidates to the table, which allowed me to have options and ultimately helped find the right person for the role – which we filled in about a month. All in all, I would highly recommend HireMyMom, and I will be using them for my next hire!”

– Jen B.

“We needed strong candidates desperately for an internal bookkeeper role. We saw great traction and really high-quality candidates from HireMyMom. We were extremely impressed with not only the pricing, but the entire process. It felt super easy and seamless to use as a hiring manager, and we appreciated the access to solid US-based talent without the usual noise. We will be back! Thank you!”

– Mona A.

Ready to find your dream candidate? Then post a job on our site!

What Moms Have To Say

“Three years ago a personal training client of mine informed me about HireMyMom.com. It could not have been a better time in my life as I was a single mom approaching a new schedule and the fact that I would have 3 kids in 3 different school schedules. A 9 to 5 would have never worked for me financially, professionally or personally. Within the first month with Hire My Mom, I had a great job with an eCommerce based company in California and worked for them for 2 years. Then later seeking a new position, Hire My Mom was my first go to and I found another perfect fit. Again, within a month with Hire My Mom, I signed up with another great remote position and could not be any happier. I highly recommend Hire My Mom in the search for your next venture. I am two times happy and very thankful for an organization that values a work/family balance. I honestly do not know how I would have been able to pull off the last 3 years without their amazing remote job hosting platform. Thank You!!”

– Jenny B.

“After months of trying to find a job through Indeed I found a job in less than two weeks with Hire My Mom! I have told so many other moms about it. I absolutely love this company and feel so blessed to have found them.”

– Melissa C.

“I was employed in an office job for 10 years. It was time for a change. Given that I was employed, I had the benefit of waiting for the right position. After interviewing for a couple positions that were a close fit but not quite “THE JOB,” HireMyMom recommended I apply for a newly posted position. My job experience wasn’t exactly what they were looking for, but it was a field I had always wanted to work in. I went for it!! After a couple weeks of the hiring process, I got the job! It’s been almost two months and I still feel like I’m dreaming. I work from home, making generous pay, in a position with an incredible team. This has completely changed my life. Go for what you want! Be picky! The right position is out there waiting for you!! HireMyMom can help you find it”

– Leigha T.

“Best Legit work from home job site! I joined hiremymom on the free trial in October, the last day of the free trial I applied for 3 jobs. I got an interview 2 days later & got my dream job! I’m going from being a corporate momma to an all virtual momma. My daughter’s school is going all remote and I’m just so grateful to be able to be there for her and still be employed. I am just so blessed to have found hiremymom on instagram!! They truly make it possible for moms that want to work, but also be able to be present for their kiddos!”

– Judith R.

Ready to start your own success story? Explore flexible remote opportunities and join a community of moms landing jobs they love.

Every testimonial is a reminder that meaningful work and reliable talent can be found in one place. Whether you’re a mom looking for flexibility or a business searching for trustworthy remote help, HireMyMom is here to make the process simple, supportive, and successful. Your next opportunity or your next great hire is just one step away!

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Why Small Businesses Are Ditching Big Job Boards (and What They’re Using Instead)

For years, small business owners have turned to platforms like Indeed or Upwork to fill remote roles. But nowadays, a growing number of them are walking away. Why? Because these sites aren’t built with small businesses—or trusted professionals—in mind.

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by unqualified applicants or burned by poor freelance experiences, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs are actively searching for alternatives to Indeed or Upwork that better align with their values, budgets, and needs.

Here’s what’s behind the shift—and why platforms like HireMyMom.com are rising in popularity.

The Problem with Big Job Boards in 2025

Large platforms offer volume, but not always value. Here’s what small business owners are frustrated with:

1. Low-Quality Applicants

Job boards like Indeed often attract mass applicants who are applying to dozens of roles without reading the job description. This wastes time and rarely results in a strong hire.

2. High Fees and Hidden Costs

Platforms like Upwork take a cut of the freelancer’s pay and may charge employers additional fees for visibility, access to talent pools, or job promotion.

3. Lack of Personalization

These platforms are designed for scale—not for small businesses that want to build long-term relationships with trusted contractors.

4. Overwhelm and Burnout

Spending hours filtering resumes or reviewing irrelevant proposals can distract from running your business. The hiring process should save you time, not consume more of it.

What Small Businesses Want Instead

Small business owners aren’t just looking for a warm body to fill a role. They want:

  • Professionals who understand small business needs
  • Flexible, part-time, or project-based support
  • Values-aligned workers they can trust
  • A smoother, simpler hiring experience

That’s where curated platforms like HireMyMom come in.

Try Our Concierge Hiring Service if you’re ready for hands-on help finding the right fit.

Why Small Businesses Are Choosing Curated Remote Hiring Platforms Like HireMyMom

At HireMyMom.com, we offer an alternative that’s specifically designed for small businesses and professional women looking for remote work.

Here’s how we’re different:

  • Every job post and employer is pre-screened
  • Focused on remote, flexible roles
  • Community-driven with values at the core
  • Affordable, transparent pricing
  • U.S.-based professionals

“We highly recommend HireMyMom.com. We got several solid resumes, interviewed four excellent candidates and wished we could hire all of them. Each had an additional skill set beyond the one we required. We are thrilled with the person we chose – quick learner, commitment to quality/doing things right, and a happy, can-do person.” Meredith Bell

Post a Job Now or let us do the work with our Concierge Service.

What Job Seekers Are Saying Too

Freelancers and remote professionals are also moving away from large platforms. Why?

  • Oversaturation and underpricing on many large job boards
  • Difficulty standing out on massive job boards
  • Frustration with scam jobs or ghosting

At HireMyMom, job seekers enjoy:

  • A scam-free job board
  • A supportive, friendly community
  • Real, flexible opportunities with small business owners who care

Create Your Profile and Apply for Jobs

FAQ: Choosing the Right Hiring Platform

Is HireMyMom only for moms?

Not at all! While many of our professionals are moms, we welcome anyone seeking flexible, remote work.

Can I hire someone part-time or just for a project?

Yes. Many businesses start with 5–10 hours per week or a short-term project.

How long does it take to find someone?

Most employers get quality applicants within 3–7 days. Our Concierge Service can speed that up even more.

Is HireMyMom more expensive than other platforms?

We offer affordable flat-rate packages and no hidden fees—and you keep 100% of the hire’s pay.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Post—Hire with Purpose

In a world full of job board noise, curated platforms provide clarity, connection, and confidence. If you’re tired of the overwhelm of mass-market sites and ready for a better way to hire or get hired, HireMyMom.com is here to help.

Post Your Job Today or Get Help with Hiring to find remote professionals who truly fit your business. Looking for remote work? Sign up today and start applying for your dream remote job

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Tips for Working from Home with Toddlers

The upside of remote work is that you are able to work at home with your small children… but the downside of remote work is that you are working from home with your kids! Having a flexible schedule is great, but it can be tricky to manage with an active toddler that requires lots of supervision. Our HR and mom experts are here to share some of their favorite tips on how to juggle work and kids:

Utilizing Technology Effectively

According to data from the Pew Research Center, 60% of parents working remotely with young children use digital tools and apps to keep their toddlers occupied. Consider incorporating educational apps and shows into your routine. These tools can provide valuable learning opportunities while giving you a chance to tackle work tasks. However, it’s crucial to set screen time limits to ensure a balance between engagement and learning. Screen time guidelines from pediatric experts can help determine what’s suitable for your child’s age.

Another option is to set up a video call with family or friends. A quick video chat with grandparents or a favorite aunt can be an exciting break for your toddler and give you a few minutes to focus on work. You can also explore virtual storytime sessions or interactive classes designed for young children, which many libraries and educational institutions offer for free.

In addition to apps and video calls, smart home devices can be a practical help. Voice assistants can play children’s songs, read stories, or even answer simple questions, keeping your toddler engaged while you handle work tasks. Ensure you have parental controls in place to maintain a safe digital environment for your child.

Sharing Breaks with Your Toddler

Short breaks with your toddler can be refreshing and valuable. During these breaks, plan activities that foster connection and relaxation. Read a story together or engage in a quick, fun game. Physical activities like a mini dance party or a brief walk can be invigorating for both of you, offering a pleasant change from the workday routine.

Engaging in creative activities can also be rewarding. Simple art projects like drawing or crafting can be enjoyable for your toddler and provide a calming break for you. If you have musical instruments or even simple items like pots and pans, you can create a mini jam session to add some excitement. Incorporate sensory play during these breaks. Activities like playing with kinetic sand, water beads, or even a sensory bin filled with rice can be fascinating for your toddler and provide a different form of engagement. These activities can be both fun and soothing, helping to reset your energy levels.

Don’t forget the importance of fresh air. A quick trip to the backyard or a nearby park allows your toddler to explore and expend some energy, which can be especially beneficial if they’ve been indoors for most of the day. Outdoor playtime can be a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy some physical activity together.

Integrating Toddler-Friendly Activities

One effective way to manage remote work while keeping a toddler engaged is to set up a variety of activities that they can enjoy independently. Create a safe and inviting play area with age-appropriate toys, books, and puzzles. Regularly rotating these items can help sustain your toddler’s interest over time. In addition to toys, consider simple craft projects or sensory activities like playdough or water play that require minimal supervision. This setup can give you pockets of uninterrupted time to focus on your work tasks.

Another approach is to involve your toddler in household activities, transforming chores into fun learning experiences. Simple tasks like sorting laundry by color, helping to water plants, or organizing their toys can keep them occupied while providing educational value. Toddlers love to imitate adults, so giving them their “tasks” can be both entertaining and beneficial.

You can also leverage natural breaks in your work schedule to introduce new activities. For instance, when transitioning between tasks, set up a new game or project to keep your toddler engaged. Additionally, consider having a stash of quick and easy activities on hand, like coloring books or building blocks, which can be quickly deployed when you need a few moments of quiet.

Discuss your responsibilities as a parent and the flexibility you might need in your schedule with your employer. Research from the University of California suggests that setting a consistent daily schedule can reduce behavioral issues in toddlers by 30%. Implementing a routine can benefit both you and your toddler, making it easier to anticipate each part of the day. Be realistic about your productivity levels; working with a toddler at home is challenging, and some days may be less productive than others. Accept that there will be interruptions and allow yourself grace as you navigate this balancing act.

Have a tip that you would like to share from your own experience? Reach out! We’d love to hear.

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Tips for Showcasing WFH Experience on Your Resume

No matter where you are in your job seeking journey, whether you have tons of experience with remote work or little to none, there are certain ways you can call out your experience in a resume that will capture an employer’s attention. This will make your application materials more organized while showcasing the best skills you have for the job:

Highlight Relevant WFH Skills

When listing work from home experience on your resume, emphasize the skills that have helped you excel in a remote setting. Focus on self-motivation, time management, digital communication, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools. Provide concrete examples, such as managing a project with a dispersed team or using specific software to coordinate tasks. Mention any experience with tools like Zoom, Slack, or Trello, which are crucial for communication within remote work.

Specify Remote Work Experience Clearly

Make it easy for employers to identify your work from home roles by clearly marking them as “Remote” or “Work from Home” in the job title or location line. For instance, instead of listing a position as “Customer Service Representative,” label it as “Customer Service Representative (Remote).” This distinction immediately signals to hiring managers that you have relevant remote experience. Additionally, if you have held multiple remote roles, consider creating a dedicated section on your resume for “Remote Work Experience.” This allows potential employers to quickly see your proficiency and extensive background in remote working environments. In fact, if you have enough experience under your belt, you can remove all in-person positions to leave room to showcase your remote positions only. Otherwise, be sure to address how in-person jobs can translate to remote ones.

Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers and data can vividly illustrate your contributions while working from home. Putting numbers on your achievements offers concrete proof of your impact and productivity. For instance, instead of simply stating you “enhanced customer satisfaction,” specify that you “improved customer satisfaction scores by 20% through efficient resolution of remote service inquiries.” Highlighting these metrics provides tangible evidence of your success and showcases the effectiveness of your remote work. Don’t just make up these numbers though, use hard data from your work or take a poll of past bosses/coworkers for some stats.

Demonstrate Remote Collaboration

Describe specific projects or initiatives where you successfully worked with a distributed team. For example, you might mention organizing regular virtual meetings to ensure effective communication or implementing a digital system for tracking team progress. Highlight any leadership roles you took on, such as coordinating a project, leading virtual brainstorming sessions, or resolving conflicts among remote team members. These examples underscore not only your technical skills but also your capability to maintain team cohesion and productivity in a virtual setting.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

Tailoring your resume for each job application is critical, particularly when highlighting your work from home experience. Start by thoroughly analyzing the job description to understand the specific skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Align your resume to reflect how your remote work background meets these requirements. It’s also beneficial to research the company’s culture and values. This can provide insights into what the employer prioritizes, allowing you to adjust your resume to emphasize relevant aspects of your work from home experience. For example, if the company values innovation, highlight any remote projects where you introduced new tools or processes to improve efficiency.

This personalized approach can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job. Still in need of some help on crafting your application materials? Our HR experts are available to sit down with you and review everything!

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Balancing the Highs and Lows of Business and Remote Work

Work, just like life, is a rollercoaster. One second you’re at the top, feeling amazing. Next thing you know, something goes wrong, and you’re at the bottom feeling awful. Working remotely can have many perks, such as wearing whatever you want and spending more time with your family. However, because you work at home, far from your team, it can feel isolating, so these highs and lows can be hard to process by yourself.

Common Challenges and Benefits for Remote Workers Early in Their Careers

Transitioning to remote work can be a steep learning curve for newcomers. One of the most significant hurdles is combating feelings of isolation and disconnection from the team. Unlike traditional office settings, remote workers miss out on spontaneous conversations and face-to-face interactions, making it harder to build relationships and a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, they may struggle to establish a routine that balances productivity with personal time. The lack of immediate feedback and oversight can also be a double-edged sword. While it provides autonomy, it can leave remote workers second-guessing their performance and decisions, which can add stress, especially for those new to this mode of working.

However, remote work can also offer incredible benefits for early-career professionals. Working from home often eliminates long commutes, giving employees more time to focus on their work or personal life. Increased flexibility allows workers to manage their time efficiently, helping them balance work with hobbies or family responsibilities. Projects that once felt never-ending in an office setting may get done faster without office distractions, leading to an early-career boost in productivity and motivation. Remote work also encourages individuals to develop time management skills and self-discipline early on, which can be valuable throughout their careers.

Challenges and Benefits for Experienced Remote Workers

While more experienced remote workers may have overcome the initial hurdle of time management, they often encounter a new set of challenges — mainly revolving around isolation. One common issue is maintaining long-term motivation and preventing burnout. The novelty of remote work can wear off over time, leading to complacency or even disengagement. To stay inspired and invested in their work, seasoned professionals must continually find ways to challenge themselves and seek growth opportunities.

On the flip side, experienced remote workers often enjoy a higher level of autonomy and control over their schedules. With experience comes the ability to fine-tune daily routines, allowing them to optimize their productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, they may have the opportunity to work from anywhere, including different countries, giving them the chance to experience new cultures and environments while maintaining their careers. 

Another significant challenge is the potential blurring of work-life boundaries. Over time, seasoned remote workers may find it increasingly difficult to keep their professional and personal lives separate, especially if they’ve developed habits that allow work to encroach on personal time. For example, answering emails for just a few minutes after hours might turn into large chunks of time spent working on weekends and evenings. The work can feel never-ending, and handling that alone can be daunting. Yet, the flexibility of remote work also allows for better management of personal commitments, such as family obligations, exercise, or travel, creating a more customized work-life balance when managed effectively.

Establishing Habits for a Balanced Routine to Manage the Highs and Lows

Don’t wait for your wins and losses. Put strategies in place to help you celebrate, move on, or simply manage your day so that everything doesn’t feel so heavy. Start with a structured daily schedule that integrates work tasks, exercise, and personal time. Including self-care activities like meditation, journaling, or outdoor walks can recharge your energy and improve your mental health. 

Regular breaks are essential to prevent burnout and enhance overall efficiency. Setting realistic goals by breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks can help keep you motivated and focused. Celebrating the completion of these smaller milestones can provide a sense of accomplishment and maintain your momentum.

Designing a dedicated workspace at home can also significantly boost your productivity. By designating a specific area for work, you create a mental boundary that helps separate your professional and personal life. This clear division can make it easier to transition between work and relaxation, ensuring that neither overtakes the other.

Engaging in continuous professional development is another crucial habit. Regularly updating your skills and staying connected with industry peers can keep you inspired and help you navigate the highs and lows of remote work more effectively. Lastly, establish a support network of fellow remote workers for sharing experiences and strategies, turning individual challenges into collective learning opportunities. These habits can help create a balanced and fulfilling remote work experience for both newcomers and experienced professionals alike.

How do you manage wins, losses, and the every day when working from home? We would love to hear your strategies!

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Daylight Savings Survival Guide for Remote Work Families

 

The transition between being on/off Daylight Savings Time (DST) is something that many people have come to dread. The time change disrupts sleep patterns, leading to cranky babies and exhausted parents. For those who work from home, working through these adjustments can be especially challenging as you balance professional responsibilities with the needs of your little ones.

The Impact of Daylight Savings on Young Children

Daylight Savings can be particularly tough on young children, as babies and toddlers thrive on routine. A sudden change in their sleep schedule can throw them off balance, leading to increased fussiness, shorter naps, and restless nights. Children under five are especially sensitive to time changes since their internal clocks are still developing. The loss of an hour in springtime often means waking up earlier than their bodies are used to, resulting in overtired kids who may resist naps or bedtime. This disruption impacts not only their well-being but also yours as a parent working from home.

Gradually Adjusting Sleep Schedules Before the Time Change

To lessen the impact of Daylight Savings, start shifting your child’s sleep schedule in small increments several days before the time change. Adjust bedtime and wake-up times by 10-15 minutes each day until you achieve the desired schedule. For instance, if bedtime is usually 7:00 PM, move it to 6:45 PM for a few nights, then to 6:30 PM, and so on. This gradual shift allows your child’s internal clock to adjust smoothly, minimizing disruption.

While making these changes, keep the bedtime routine consistent — stick to familiar activities like reading a book or singing a lullaby to signal that it’s time to wind down. Using blackout curtains and a white noise machine can also create an environment conducive to sleep, helping ease the transition. This method ensures your child’s body gradually acclimates to the new schedule, reducing the likelihood of overtiredness and crankiness.

Creating a Consistent Daily Routine for Better Adjustment

Maintaining a consistent daily routine is essential for helping young children adapt to the time change. Structure your day with regular intervals for meals, naps, and playtime to provide stability and predictability. Sync your work tasks around your child’s routine, blocking out focused work periods during their naps or after bedtime. This approach not only ensures you remain productive but also allows you to be present during your child’s waking hours. Use visual schedules to help your child understand the new routine and keep activities consistent to create a comforting environment. Predictability helps children feel secure, which eases the transition during Daylight Savings.

Balancing Remote Work and Childcare During the Transition Period

Clear communication with your employer or employees about your situation can pave the way for accommodations such as flexible work hours. Early mornings or late evenings might offer uninterrupted work time while your child sleeps. If you have a partner, coordinating childcare duties can alleviate stress and ensure both parents share the load during critical work tasks.

Engage your child in quiet, independent activities during work calls or important tasks. A “busy box” filled with coloring books, puzzles, or educational games can keep them occupied and minimize interruptions. Additionally, planning your most focused work periods around your child’s nap times or after bedtime can enhance productivity.

Self-Care Tips for Parents Navigating Daylight Savings

Balancing the demands of remote work and caring for young children during the transition of Daylight Savings can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to carve out time for self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this period more smoothly:

  • Prioritize Sleep: While adjusting your child’s schedule, ensure you’re also getting adequate rest. If possible, align your bedtime with your child’s to maximize sleep. Short naps during the day can help you recharge and stay alert.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Integrate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or stretching into your daily routine. Even a few minutes can help reduce stress and improve your focus and resilience.
  • Healthy Nutrition: Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can significantly impact your energy levels and mood. Avoid excessive caffeine and opt for nourishing snacks to sustain you throughout the day.
  • Physical Activity: Incorporate some form of physical exercise into your daily routine. Whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or a quick workout, physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels.
  • Connect with Others: Build a support network with other parents, family, or friends. Sharing experiences and tips can provide emotional support and practical advice.
  • Flexible Expectations: Be kind to yourself and adjust your expectations. It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. Focus on what you can control and be patient with the process.

By prioritizing your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to manage the challenges of Daylight Savings and maintain a harmonious balance between remote work and family life.

What tips do you have for those with younger kids that struggle with the time adjustment? We would love to hear them!

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How to Handle Work From Home Meetings Effectively

 

With a remote workforce, meetings are a necessity to keep in touch and discuss upcoming projects. However, with everyone at home things can get a little distracting — from pets jumping into the frame to kids knocking over computers, there are lots of distractions present. How do you stay on topic and make sure everyone pays attention? By following these tips:

Setting Clear Objectives for Your Meetings

Before starting any work from home meeting, it’s crucial to identify and communicate the goals you want to achieve. This first step involves drafting a precise agenda that highlights the key discussion points and desired outcomes of the meeting. Distributing this agenda in advance gives participants a clear understanding of what to expect and allows them to prepare any necessary contributions or questions. With set topics, you can avoid unnecessary tangents and off-topic discussions.

Choosing the Right Technology and Tools

The choice of a video conferencing platform is pivotal; it should be dependable and encompass essential features such as the ability to share screens, a chat function for real-time communication, and the option to record sessions for future reference. It’s also important to verify that the chosen platform can easily integrate with other tools and software already in use by your team, facilitating a seamless workflow. Prior to the meeting, conducting a quick technical run-through can greatly minimize technical hiccups that might otherwise interrupt the meeting. Additionally, providing a brief tutorial or guidance on using these tools for participants who might be less tech-savvy ensures everyone can participate fully and effectively. Emphasizing the importance of a stable internet connection can also aid in reducing connectivity issues, further smoothing the path for productive discussions.

For example, you might choose Google Meets if you have gmail accounts and use Google Sheets to keep track of projects. This ensures everything remains within one, easy to use and connect software, and it also makes it easy to add meetings to calendars so no one forgets them.

Establishing Ground Rules for Participation

To mitigate disruptions and foster an environment focused on collaboration, it’s best to have participants mute their microphones when not contributing to the discussion. This simple step can significantly reduce background noise, allowing the speaker’s message to be heard clearly. Additionally, outlining a protocol for engagement, such as using a digital hand-raising feature or typing questions into the chat box, ensures that contributions are organized and everyone has an equal opportunity to participate. 

You may also need to set rules about participants having their camera on. If you have a large group of people, asking people to have their cameras off can cut down on background distractions. If you really want to see someone, you can ask that when people speak they turn their camera on too. What is most important is that everyone in the meeting knows what to do ahead of time to streamline the process. For example, you can ask that everyone always enters meetings with their microphones muted and cameras off.

Managing Time Effectively During Meetings

In order to be the most efficient possible, start the meeting on time, which signals respect for participants’ time and sets a professional tone. Follow the pre-established agenda as a roadmap, directing the conversation efficiently towards its objectives. Designate someone as a timekeeper to maintain focus and prevent any one topic from monopolizing the discussion, ensuring all agenda items receive the attention they deserve. This role can also gently remind participants of the remaining time for each segment, encouraging conciseness in contributions. Conclude meetings within the scheduled time frame so that everyone remains on schedule for their day.

What are some tips and tricks you have for efficient meetings when working from home?

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Holly jolly

Working during the holidays can be exhilarating, but more often than not, it’s also stressful, tiring and overwhelming. If you find yourself constantly overbooked or doing more than you should to make sure the holidays are perfect, it’s time to get some perspective and say no to some things so you can enjoy the holidays and your family more fully. Here are three tips on how to balance work and the holidays so you can create a less stressful holiday season and still achieve all your holiday goals.

1) Prioritize

Create two lists: one list of things you have to get done such as work tasks and a list of things you want to do such as creating crafts with your kiddos. Prioritize these based on your schedule. Now, we aren’t saying you have to give up one to do the other, but it does help to write it all down on a calendar so you can figure out what to do. For example, if you need to make cookies or wrap gifts this week then plan accordingly. If time permits and you are looking forward to making those items, that’s awesome! Give yourself permission to go back and forth between the different lists; if there is time left over at the end of the day then feel free to jump into wants from have-to without guilt. This method helps cut down on holiday stress which means more quality time with family during December!

2) Set Boundaries

We are all guilty of overbooking ourselves and over committing to work projects and holiday parties. If you find yourself in this position, it’s okay to say no to some things so you can focus on being with family and friends during the holidays. Be proactive and communicate your boundaries to others. There is nothing wrong with turning down projects or events when they conflict with important time off during the holidays.

What if I have already agreed to do something? As difficult as it might be, if there are conflicts between obligations that have already been agreed upon, then talk them out openly. If a project is too much work without having time for family or if a party will be too much without also having time for self-care, then there is not enough room in your schedule and you need to let go or renegotiate expectations. You’re not obligated; you’re choosing what matters most to you.

3) Simplify

Work and family should be able to co-exist, but this is easier said than done. The holidays are a time of celebration and togetherness, but it can be difficult to balance work obligations with spending quality time with your loved ones. Sometimes it helps to just simplify your schedule and what you want to do. Do you want to spend the time solely with family? Take off work. Do you want to get a couple of extra work projects done before the end of the year? Block off time where you will only be doing that and nothing else. Just remember, keep things simple and whatever you do not need to do, don’t do it! Save it until next year! And remember, don’t stress yourself out because you do not want to fall ill. Take time for yourself to rest and relax too. 

How do you stay stress free with work and family during the holiday season? Let us know!

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All the Job Resources You Need in One Place

No matter which side of the hiring process you are on — whether it is as a job seeker or as an employer — we understand how stressful it can be. For job seekers, you have to craft good application materials, apply consistently to posts, prepare for interviews, and more. For employers, you have to draft a good job description, sift through applications, conduct interviews, and more. That’s a lot for either group! At HireMyMom, we are more than just a place to list/find jobs. We are here to help you develop your career and your hiring process by offering the following resources:

For Job Seekers

Work with our founder, Lesley Pyle, in a One-On-One Coaching Session to help define your career goals, get feedback, and smash through any fears you might have that are holding you back. Lesley has over twenty five years in the industry, and she always enjoys spending quality time with our HireMyMom family (that’s you!) to help you succeed.

Our staff of HR experts is very hands on as well, working to help you find your dream job. If you need help finding a job that fits your goals, then you need our Job Seeker Advisor Service. Sit down with one of our HR specialists to take a look at your skills and determine which jobs are a good fit for what you want.

If you are ready to jump in and start applying but want a second set of eyes on your materials, try our Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Training Services. Work with one of our HR experts to review your application materials to ensure they are employer ready. You can also practice some interview techniques so that you are ready to crush your next interview!

Perhaps you prefer to do things on your own time. Don’t worry, we have something for you as well! Try our self-paced course, Cultivate. Work on your own time to go through the basics of the hiring process from defining your career goals to learning interview skills to creating a healthy work mindset.

Looking for more? We also have outside partners that we work with who have provided Bonus Resources!

For Employers

Hiring practices are ever evolving, and it’s quite literally a full-time job to keep up with the changes! That’s why our staff of HR experts do it for you. Try out one of our levels of our Small Business Concierge service so that the entire hiring process is done for you by our staff.

Level One is for companies looking to hire admin and support services, bookkeepers, customer service reps, or project coordinators. Level Two is for companies looking to hire execs, managers, marketing professionals, and more. Both levels are all-inclusive meaning we help write the job description, sift through applications, and even aid in conducting interviews.

We also offer a Concierge Lite service where we consult with your company on the position you’re hiring for and help you craft a good job description. With this service, you are responsible for interviews and selecting the final candidate.

Need to hire someone fast? We offer an expedited Concierge Rush service to find your dream candidates within two weeks.

We also offer Concierge Onboarding services for those needing a helping hand after hiring a new candidate. Save yourself time as we check references, draft acceptance letters, get the candidates to complete all the paperwork, and even help candidates create goals for their first 30 days. 

Maybe you’re the type of business owner that wants to learn more about the hiring process but prefers to learn on your own time. We have something for you too! Our Hiring Made Easy self-paced course will help you overcome the struggles of when to hire, finding the best candidates, understanding pay rates, and more.

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, our team is here to aid you on your journey. If you need guidance but are not sure about the options listed above, you can always reach out to us for help.

 

 

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