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August 7, 2023

6 Signs It’s Time to Quit Your Job and How to Resign Gracefully

There comes a time in every working professional’s career when you’ll want to quit your job. Whether you’re unhappy at your current job or you feel like it’s time to move on for a new challenge, you’ll need to resign gracefully. 

While adversity can help you become more successful, here are six red flags to look out for in the workplace:

1. You aren’t being treated fairly by your boss or coworkers 

If you feel like you’re constantly being passed over for opportunities or are being asked to take on more work than your colleagues without getting recognition for it, it can make for an unpleasant work experience. If you have cause to believe you’re being unfairly treated and regularly pressured to say ‘yes’ in the workplace, then it may be time to move on.  

2. Your job no longer challenges you

If you feel like you are no longer making an impact with your work, or that the work itself is no longer interesting or exciting, it may be time to consider quitting your job. If you’ve done everything you could to find new challenging projects and asked your manager about taking on new responsibilities with no success, consider your exit strategy.

3. You feel like your skills aren’t recognized at work

You may start to realize that your skills aren’t being put to good use at your current job, or you aren’t being recognized for your hard work. If this is the case, then it may be time to look for new opportunities where you can develop résumé-worthy skills and grow as a professional.

4. You’ve lost passion and interest in your work

Are you no longer feeling inspired or excited by the projects at your job, or you aren’t seeing any potential for career growth even after discussing the situation with your manager? If this is the case, it may be time to consider quitting and moving on to another company where you can find fulfillment.

5. You don’t enjoy working with the people at the office, from your coworkers to your boss

Is your job negatively impacting your mental health or personal life despite setting professional boundaries? If you’re still dreading going to work even after you’ve changed positions internally or taken on other projects, this is a sign to quit. 

6. You feel disconnected from your company’s mission, goals, and values

If you don’t feel like your company is making a positive impact in the world or there seems to be a disconnect between your belief system and what your company stands for, then it may be time to quit. When considering new companies to work for, do your due diligence to find one that aligns better with your values, work ethic, and career goals. 

If you’ve already been working on the side, consider turning your side-hustle into your full-time career or starting your own business. Working with a business coach or mentor could provide you with the direction and the support you need to make the plunge.

The good news is, when something doesn’t work out, try seeing it as an opportunity to seize rather than a failure. Finding the right job can take time, so make sure you stay active to boost your morale while you job search.

Why should you write a resignation letter?

Writing a professional resignation letter is key to formally informing your company of your intentions to leave and smoothing out your leaving process. Doing this will also increase your chances of getting recommendation letters and positive reviews during reference checks future hiring managers may conduct. 

If you’ve already accepted a job offer while employed and now find yourself needing to inform your current employer that you’re quitting, be sure to respect your contract’s clause on giving advance notice. This could be as little as 2 weeks in advance but could also be a few months.

So before you change your LinkedIn profile to announce your new position, make sure your current employer has received your resignation letter either during a face-to-face meeting or by email (if you’re working remotely).  

How to write a graceful resignation letter

When it comes to writing a resignation letter, be sure it’s clear and concise and stick to one page or less. Here are three tips to write a professional resignation letter:

Use professional resignation letter formatting 

To ensure a professional formatting, follow these six steps: 

  1. Include your name and address at the top of your letter
  2. Left-align the date under your address (this date will officially start your resignation notice period)
  3. List the company address in full
  4. Address your letter to your manager by their formal title along with their last name (it’s acceptable to use their first name if you’re on a first-name basis)

Remember to write out the number of weeks’ notice in full words rather than numbers, like this: “two weeks’ notice”.

Be clear about your intentions

Open your letter clearly by stating your intent to resign as well as the exact date you plan on ending your time at the company. This helps your manager better prepare for the weeks leading up to your end date as well as after you leave.

In the body of your letter, you can provide reasons behind your resignation. Although this is optional, it can be useful and appreciated, especially if you’re on good terms with your boss.

End on a positive note

If you do decide to share your reasons for leaving, be sure to keep a positive attitude. If you’re leaving because you’re unhappy with the management or your coworkers, it’s best to selectively omit this from your letter, even if these are legitimate reasons for leaving your job.

You should always stay professional and thank your manager for the opportunities you’ve had at the company. Express gratitude for the opportunities you’ve had in the past to grow and develop yourself during your time there.

 

Dominique Vatin is a Staff Writer and Resident Career Expert at Resume Genius, where she writes about everything from how to make a resume to acing your next interview. When she isn’t helping job seekers find higher-paying, more fulfilling work opportunities, you can find her whipping up various cakes at home or planning her next hiking adventure.

 

 

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July 31, 2023

Maximize Your Marketing Potential with a Digital Marketing Specialist

It’s no secret that digital marketing is the way of the future, and businesses everywhere are beginning to recognize the need to stay ahead of the curve. If you want your business to be competitive, it’s crucial that you invest in a digital marketing specialist (DMS). With the right strategies and expertise, a DMS can help you maximize your marketing potential and give you the edge you need to succeed in the digital age.

What is a Digital Marketing Specialist

A Digital Marketing Specialist (DMS) is an individual who is well-versed in all the strategies, techniques, and tools necessary for marketing a business in the digital space. Digital Marketing Specialists have a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the online world, including search engines, social media, email marketing, content creation, and advertising platforms. They are experts in identifying a business’s unique needs, developing comprehensive marketing plans, and executing campaigns that drive traffic, engagement, and revenue.

The Role of a Digital Marketing Specialist

A DMS is an expert in promoting businesses, products or services online. They use various digital channels to attract and retain customers and generate leads. They work in close collaboration with the sales team, content writers and designers to create a digital marketing plan that aligns with the business goals.

The core responsibilities of a DMS include:

  • Developing and executing digital marketing campaigns
  • Creating engaging content for website, social media and other online platforms
  • Analyzing website traffic and other metrics to measure campaign performance
  • Optimizing the website for search engines (SEO) to improve online visibility
  • Managing and monitoring social media accounts and ad campaigns
  • Designing and sending email marketing campaigns to potential and existing customers
  • Conducting market research and analyzing consumer behavior to inform digital marketing strategies
  • Collaborating with other departments to ensure a cohesive brand image and consistent messaging across all channels

A Digital Marketing Specialist must also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the digital marketing industry. They should have a good understanding of various digital tools and platforms like Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, SEO tools and more.

Benefits of Hiring a Digital Marketing Specialist

If you’re considering whether or not to hire a DMS, you might be wondering what benefits they can bring to your business. The truth is, a skilled Digital Marketing Specialist can bring a wealth of advantages to your company, from increasing brand awareness and driving more traffic to your website, to boosting your customer engagement and conversion rates:

  1. Expertise: They have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and execute a successful digital marketing campaign that meets your business goals and objectives.
  2. Focus: They can take care of all your digital marketing needs, leaving you free to concentrate on other important areas of your company.
  3. Cost-effective: Digital marketing can be a cost-effective way to reach a large audience, especially when compared to traditional marketing methods. 
  4. Increased reach: With the right digital marketing strategies in place, you can expand your customer base and drive more traffic to your website, leading to increased sales and revenue.
  5. Data-driven insights: By analyzing data such as website traffic, engagement rates, and conversion rates, they can continually optimize your campaigns for maximum effectiveness.

Maximizing Your Business Potential with a Digital Marketing Specialist

A DMS will use analytics to identify your target audience and develop customized campaigns that reach the right people. This targeted approach will help ensure that your marketing dollars are spent effectively, and you’ll see a better return on investment. A specialist will help optimize your website and content to improve your search engine rankings. Higher rankings will drive more traffic to your site, resulting in more leads and conversions. Additionally, a Digital Marketing Specialist will manage your social media accounts to engage with your audience and increase brand awareness. They will develop content, track engagement, and monitor your online reputation.

Specialists will also have the expertise to create and manage digital advertising campaigns. They will ensure that your ads are optimized, targeted, and reach the right people. Finally, a Digital Marketing Specialist will monitor and measure your marketing campaigns to track results and make necessary adjustments. This data-driven approach will help you continually improve your marketing strategy and stay ahead of your competition.

If you need help hiring a Digital Marketing Specialist, check out our Small Business Concierge Services. Already hired someone? Share your tips for what to look for with our audience!

 

 

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July 17, 2023

Letting Our Customers Do All The Talking

If you are interested in working with HireMyMom, you may be wondering what other people think about us! For employers and job seekers alike, testimonials from current clients are often a big part of the decision to work with a company or not. While we would love to sit here and tell you how awesome we think our services are, we’ll just let our customers do all the talking for us:

Hear from some of our employers:

Mark David McCreary, Internet Tools, Inc.

“I needed a super Virtual Assistant, somebody that was much more technical than average, and could work without much supervision. And my task would only take 1 to 2 hours a day. I posted a job on HireMyMom, and within a week I had 7 applications for a challenging task.

Five of the applications were superb and I scheduled interviews. I followed the “Who: The A Method for Hiring” book and asked a handful of questions. Giving them a chance to tell me what makes them great and what they like to do. From there I narrowed it down to 2 applicants, and both were very qualified. I flipped a coin and offered the job to the first person, and she accepted. I emailed the others thanking them for responding to my “cry for help”.

My new hire is working out great, and I like the idea of remote workers. It does take a special person to be a remote worker, and I think those people are attracted to HireMyMom. There is a lot of talent on HireMyMom, and if you need some assistance with challenging tasks, I suggest that you give it a try.”

Monique Baldwin

“Without exaggeration, I have had the opportunity to hire and work with literally hundreds of freelancers and assistants over the past 18+ years. I have also used more than a dozen services and platforms for hiring team members.

I’m thrilled that I found my favorite administrative Rockstar through HireMyMom. The caliber of the applicant pool on HireMyMom was far more skilled, experienced, and professional than any other resource that I have used before. Plus, the process of putting out an ad and getting responses was super easy.

I have and will continue recommending HireMyMom to folks looking for remote assistance for their teams or businesses.”

If you want to hear more from our employers, check out their testimonials here.

Hear from some of our jobseekers:

Miranda Cameron

“I found my work from home job on Hire My Mom 3 years ago, and it has been the biggest blessing for my family. I was able to find the PERFECT, flexible job for a stay at home mom, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work on my own schedule while still being the primary caregiver for my kids. After applying to what felt like hundreds of remote jobs on Indeed and LinkedIn and not hearing a single thing back, it took me only 3 weeks on Hire My Mom to get my official job offer. I am constantly recommending the site to every mom I know!”

Asyia Andrews

“I knew when I first held my newborn back in 2019 there was no way I could leave him to go back to a workplace. I started searching the internet looking for legitimate work from home websites and came across everything from flexjobs and ziprecruiter, to Indeed and LinkedIn. I applied to EVERYTHING but what caught my eye about HireMyMom was their attention towards working Moms. They not only advertise legitimate work from home opportunities, they offer both part-time/full-time as well as independent/w-2 work. I am forever grateful for being able to stay with my son and be the mama he deserves just by being present during the first most crucial years of his life. I was able to secure 2 work contracts independently and easily transition to my now W-2 position!”

If you want to hear more from our job seekers, check out their testimonials here. 

If you have a testimonial you want to share, you can send it to us via email or share it on any platform of your choosing from Google to SiteJabber to BBB. We can’t wait to hear from you!

 

 

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July 10, 2023

How an Online Business Manager Can Streamline Your Business

Running a successful online business requires wearing many hats. As a business owner, you may be handling everything from marketing to bookkeeping and client management. However, taking on too much can lead to burnout and inefficiency. This is where an Online Business Manager (OBM) comes in. An OBM can help organize and streamline your business operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.

What is an Online Business Manager?

An Online Business Manager (OBM) is a virtual professional who can help business owners streamline their operations, increase their revenue, and reduce their workload. They are experienced managers who work remotely and take charge of the day-to-day management of an online business. An OBM is different from a Virtual Assistant (VA) in that they are more of a strategic partner and oversee the bigger picture. While VAs are typically responsible for administrative tasks such as scheduling, email management, and customer support, OBMs take on a more extensive role. An OBM will analyze and identify the areas of the business that need improvement, create systems and processes that improve efficiency and productivity, manage and supervise staff, and keep the business running smoothly. OBMs are versatile professionals who can adapt to different industries and help businesses of various sizes and structures.

The Benefits of Hiring an Online Business Manager

Managing a business can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself. However, with the help of an Online Business Manager (OBM), you can streamline your operations and focus on the aspects of your business that require your expertise. Here are some benefits of hiring an OBM:

  1. Better management and use of your time
  2. Improved organization of your business
  3. Expertise in multiple areas – including areas you may not be strong in
  4. Increased efficiency for your business and team
  5. Strategic planning for your business

How to Hire an Online Business Manager

Now that you understand the benefits of hiring an Online Business Manager, it’s important to know how to go about finding the right person for the job. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you hire the right Online Business Manager for your business.

  • Define your business needs: Do you need help with operations, finances, organization, team management, marketing or all of the above?
  • Look for experience and expertise: Look for someone with experience and expertise in the areas you need help with. For example, if you need help with operations, look for someone who has a background in operations or management and can show you results from their previous work.
  • Interview candidates: Ask about their approach to managing projects and how they would handle different scenarios that might come up in your business. If this is your first time hiring an OBM, we offer Concierge Services for companies where our HR experts complete the hiring process for you, both to save you time and hire someone they know will be great for the job.
  • Check references: Talk to their previous clients to get a sense of their experience working with the Online Business Manager and how effective they were in achieving their business goals.
  • Negotiate the contract: Once you’ve found the right Online Business Manager for your business, negotiate the terms of the contract, including payment, the scope of work, and the length of the engagement. Be clear about your expectations and what you hope to achieve through working with them.

Tips for Successfully Working with an Online Business Manager

Be upfront and specific about what you need from your online business manager. This includes timelines, tasks, and deadlines. If there are any special requirements or preferences, make sure to communicate them early on. Next, determine your availability and preferred communication methods. If you prefer email or regular check-ins, make that clear from the start. Make sure to establish trust with your online business manager by communicating openly and honestly. Provide regular feedback, give clear direction, and trust them to handle their responsibilities.

Be sure to keep your OBM informed of any changes in your business. Most important of all, take the time to celebrate the milestones that your online business manager helps you achieve. Recognize their contributions and show your appreciation for their hard work.

Hiring an OBM can be one of the best decisions you make for your business. They can take care of day-to-day operations, leaving you free to focus on what you do best. By following these tips, you can successfully work with your online business manager to streamline your business and achieve your goals.

Do you have more questions about an OBM? Reach out, and we can share those with our audience because chances are, someone else has the same questions!

 

 

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July 3, 2023

Get Hired: Mastering the Art of Writing a Virtual Assistant Cover Letter

If you’re looking for a job as a Virtual Assistant, the cover letter you write can make or break your application. Crafting an effective cover letter that conveys your experience and skills while demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment to the position is essential in standing out from other candidates. Explore the key components of a successful Virtual Assistant cover letter and provide tips on how to make yours stand out below:

Outline Your Skills and Experience

As a mom looking to enter the virtual assistant job market, you already have an abundance of skills that will be highly valued by potential employers. Here are a few key skills and experiences you should highlight in your cover letter:

  1. Time Management: As a mom, you’ve likely honed your ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Employers will be impressed by your ability to efficiently manage your time and prioritize tasks.
  2. Organizational Skills: Being organized is crucial for any virtual assistant role. Make sure to highlight your skills in maintaining schedules, tracking important dates, and managing digital files.
  3. Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential when working remotely. Emphasize your excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as your experience in collaborating with others.
  4. Technical Savvy: With technology at the forefront of the virtual assistant world, make sure to showcase your proficiency with various software programs and tools. Be specific in your cover letter about the types of software you’ve used in the past.
  5. Flexibility: Employers need someone who is adaptable and willing to take on new tasks as needed. Share examples of how you’ve been able to pivot and adjust to new situations in the past.

By highlighting these skills and experiences in your cover letter, you’ll show potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed as a virtual assistant. Just remember, while you have lots of skills to share, keep it short so that hiring managers can easily read your cover letter quickly.

Use Keywords from the Job Posting

To truly stand out among other applicants, it’s important to use keywords from the job posting in your virtual assistant cover letter. This means analyzing the job description and taking note of the key skills and responsibilities listed. Including these keywords shows that you have carefully read the job posting and understand the requirements of the position. Additionally, many employers use automated systems to sort through resumes and cover letters, and using the right keywords can increase your chances of being seen by a hiring manager.

For example, if the job posting emphasizes proficiency in Microsoft Office, make sure to mention your experience with Excel and Word in your cover letter. If the job requires scheduling and organization skills, mention specific tools or software you’ve used in the past to manage tasks and appointments. However, don’t just throw in random keywords for the sake of it. Make sure they are relevant to your skills and experience, and use them in a natural, contextual way. Finding online cover letter templates can help show you how to do this.

Explain What You Can Do for the Company

Now that you’ve outlined your skills and experience and used relevant keywords from the job posting, it’s time to explain what you can do for the company. This is the heart of your cover letter – you need to convince the employer that you’re the perfect fit for the position.

Start by researching the company and understanding what they do. Then, explain how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate to help them achieve their goals. For example, if the company is looking for a virtual assistant to help with social media management, you could say:

“I am confident that my skills in social media marketing, content creation, and scheduling would make me an asset to your team. With my experience working for a variety of clients in different industries, I am comfortable with creating engaging and effective content across multiple platforms. Additionally, I am skilled in using scheduling tools such as Hootsuite and Buffer to ensure that posts are published at optimal times for maximum reach. I am excited at the opportunity to help your company grow and reach new audiences through social media.”

Notice how this paragraph not only highlights the applicant’s skills and experience, but also connects them directly to the needs of the company. By explaining how they can help the company achieve its goals, the applicant is demonstrating their value as an employee and making a compelling case for why they should be hired. You can also take this a step further and include a tip or two on how you would change their current practices to make their company better.

Close with a Call to Action

After explaining what you can bring to the table and highlighting your skills and experience, it’s important to end your cover letter with a call to action. This shows the employer that you’re confident in your abilities and are excited about the possibility of working with them. A call to action is a statement that invites the reader to take a specific action. In this case, you want the employer to invite you for an interview or to contact you with any further questions they may have. Here are some examples of strong calls to action for a cover letter:

  • I look forward to hearing from you to discuss how my skills and experience can benefit your company. Thank you for your consideration.
  • If you’re interested in learning more about my qualifications, I’d love to speak with you in more detail. Please feel free to contact me at [insert your contact information].
  • Thank you for considering my application. I believe that I could be an asset to your team and would love the opportunity to discuss this further in an interview. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Remember, a call to action is a chance for you to leave a lasting impression on the employer. Be confident, courteous, and professional, and you’re sure to catch their attention.

Remember, the cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression and stand out from other applicants. So take the time to craft a well-written and personalized cover letter, and you may just land your dream virtual assistant position. Good luck!

If you need help writing a cover letter or would like a professional to review your current cover letter, check out our Cover Letter Services!

 

 

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June 26, 2023

Revisiting 2023 Resolutions: Are You on Track?

Can you believe we are already halfway through the year 2023? It feels like just yesterday we were counting down the seconds to welcome the new year with our resolutions in hand. With all that has happened since then, it’s understandable if some of us may have let our resolutions slide a little. However, it’s never too late to recommit and get back on track.Let’s revisit our 2023 resolutions together and explore how we can make progress towards achieving our goals for the remainder of the year:

Why You Might Be Struggling to Meet Your Goals

It’s halfway through the year, and you might be feeling a bit disappointed with your progress towards your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re struggling to meet your goals, you’re not alone. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or distracted as the year progresses. One of the main reasons people struggle to meet their goals is because they set unrealistic expectations. Perhaps you set too many goals or gave yourself too little time to achieve them. Alternatively, maybe your goals were too broad or general, making it difficult to make meaningful progress towards them. 

Another reason for struggling with resolutions is that life gets in the way. Unexpected events such as illnesses, relationship problems, or financial setbacks can sidetrack even the most determined individuals. Finally, procrastination and lack of discipline are other significant roadblocks that people face when working towards their goals. The first step towards overcoming these challenges is to identify the reason(s) why you’re struggling. Once you understand why you’re struggling, it’s easier to take action and get back on track. So, if you feel stuck, take a few moments to reflect on what’s holding you back. Remember that it’s never too late to get back on track and start making progress towards your goals. Whether you’re three months behind or more, don’t give up. Stay committed and keep moving forward, even if you have to take small steps.

How to Get Back on Track

It’s easy to lose sight of your new year’s resolutions halfway through the year. Perhaps you’re facing unforeseen obstacles, or you’ve lost motivation to achieve your goals. But don’t fret, because it’s not too late to get back on track.

  1. Identify the Issue: First things first, identify what’s causing you to veer off course. Is it a lack of motivation, procrastination, or maybe you set an unrealistic goal? Once you identify the issue, it will be easier to take action.
  2. Break it Down: Large, overwhelming goals can be discouraging. Break them down into smaller, achievable milestones. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your motivation to keep going.
  3. Get an Accountability Buddy: It’s always helpful to have someone hold you accountable for your actions. Find a friend or family member who can encourage you to stay on track.
  4. Re-evaluate: It’s okay to re-evaluate your goals and make necessary changes. If you’ve found that your original goal isn’t attainable, adjust it to something more realistic.
  5. Create a Plan: Develop a plan to achieve your goals. Write it down and make it visible to remind you of what you’re working towards.
  6. Take Action: Lastly, take action! Don’t just think about it, act on it. It’s essential to follow through with the plan you’ve developed. Remember, every little step counts towards achieving your ultimate goal.

Tips for Achieving Your Goals Moving Forward

  1. Set SMART Goals: Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Setting SMART goals will help you create a clear plan and stay focused on what you want to achieve.
  2. Create a Plan: Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps and assign deadlines for each one.
  3. Track Your Progress: This will help you to stay accountable and keep you motivated as you see your progress towards your goals. You can use a journal, planner or an app to track your progress. Celebrate your wins and use them as motivation to continue pushing forward.
  4. Stay Positive: Focus on your strengths and use positive self-talk to boost your confidence. If you make a mistake, don’t be too hard on yourself, instead, use it as a learning opportunity and make adjustments to your plan.
  5. Find a Support System: Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your journey. It’s essential to have people who understand your goals and can offer you support and motivation when you need it.

By implementing these tips, you can make progress towards your goals and achieve the things you set out to accomplish. Remember, it’s never too late to revisit your resolutions and get back on track towards the life you want to live.

How are your resolutions coming along? Reach out and let us know!

 

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June 19, 2023

Remote Hiring Made Easy: Crafting Job Listings That Attract the Right Candidates

In today’s world of remote work, small business owners have a unique opportunity to tap into a global talent pool. But with the rise of telecommuting comes the challenge of creating job listings that truly attract the right candidates. Whether you’re hiring for a virtual assistant or a marketing manager, it’s crucial to craft a job listing that not only accurately conveys the position, but also speaks to the kind of person you want to hire. If you are new to the hiring process or are struggling with it, we have created a self-paced course called Hiring Made Easy. In this learning experience, we cover everything from identifying what you want in a candidate to compensation levels to onboarding candidates. For a small sample of what Hiring Made Easy covers, check out the information below:

Identifying the Key Qualifications and Characteristics You Want in a Candidate

When it comes to hiring a remote employee, it’s important to be crystal clear about the qualifications and characteristics you’re looking for in a candidate. Without a clear understanding of what you’re looking for, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring someone who isn’t the right fit for your business. To avoid this, take some time to identify the key qualifications and characteristics you want in a candidate:

  • What skills and experience are required to perform the duties of the role effectively? 
  • Are there any technical requirements, such as proficiency in certain software or tools? 
  • What kind of personality traits or work styles would thrive in a remote work environment? 
  • Do you need someone who is highly self-motivated and independent, or someone who is comfortable collaborating with a team remotely? 

Once you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for, you can craft a job listing that reflects those priorities. Use specific language to describe the requirements for the role and what kind of candidate you’re looking for, so that applicants have a clear sense of whether or not they would be a good fit.

How to Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline and Introduction

This is your chance to make a great first impression and get potential candidates excited about your job opening. Here are a few tips to help you write a killer headline and introduction:

  1. Keep it simple and straightforward: Your headline and introduction should clearly state what the job is and what you’re looking for in a candidate. Avoid being too clever or vague, as this can turn off potential applicants.
  2. Highlight the benefits of the job: What makes your job different from others out there? Are you offering flexible hours, competitive pay, or opportunities for growth? Be sure to highlight these benefits in your headline and introduction to attract the right candidates.
  3. Be specific: Use specific job titles in your headline and introduction to attract candidates who are qualified and experienced in your field.

Here’s an example of a strong headline and introduction for a remote marketing job:

Remote Marketing Coordinator Wanted – Help Us Grow Our Brand! 

We’re a fast-growing tech startup looking for a remote Marketing Coordinator to help us spread the word about our innovative product. You’ll be responsible for managing our social media channels, writing blog posts, and creating engaging marketing campaigns. This is a great opportunity to work with a fun and talented team and grow your skills in the tech industry. If you’re passionate about marketing and want to make a difference in the world, we want to hear from you!

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Job Description

When it comes to writing a job description, there are certain things that can make or break the effectiveness of your listing. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

  • DO: Be Clear and Specific; outline the position exactly as it is.
  • DON’T: Discriminate or Use Biased Language; roles should be available to all people.
  • DO: Highlight the Company Culture and Values; tell applicants why your company is different.
  • DON’T: Oversell or Misrepresent the Role; this will deter candidates from applying.
  • DO: Include Benefits and Compensation Information; tell candidates why they should apply with your company.
  • DON’T: Use Jargon or Industry-Specific Terms; unless you are hiring for a high level position, many applicants may not be familiar with very specific terms.

Including Details on Compensation, Benefits, and Work Schedule

Candidates want to know what they will be paid, what benefits they will receive (if any), and what their work schedule will be like before they even consider applying for a job. If this information is not included in the job listing, they may move on to other opportunities that do provide this information.

  • For compensation, be as transparent as possible. Include information about hourly wage / salary, bonuses, and any other incentives you may offer. If your compensation package is competitive, this can be a major selling point for candidates.
  • Whether it’s flex time, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, make sure you provide clear and detailed information about the benefits you offer.
  • Provide information about the work schedule. Be clear about the hours that will be expected of the candidate, and whether or not there will be any flexibility in their schedule.
  • It’s also a good idea to provide information about any equipment or software that the candidate will need to do their job. This can include things like a computer, phone, or specific software programs.

If you’re ready to dive into all this but just don’t have time to put it all together, we recommend our Small Business Concierge Services — our HR experts will manage the entire hiring process, including onboarding, so you can focus on your company. Or, if you want to start at the beginning and learn how to do this for yourself, try our Hiring Made Easy course.

 

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June 15, 2023

Finding Balance as a Work-at-Home Mom: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success

As a mom who left a career in higher education to start a business and work from home, finding balance has been a journey. It’s not easy to juggle work and parenting, especially when you’re trying to grow your business at the same time. However, I’ve learned a lot along the way and would like to share my experience with other work-at-home moms.

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew it was time to take my business seriously. I started by setting a realistic schedule that allowed me to work during my most productive hours while also being present for my family. I also made sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.

Once my baby arrived, I had to adjust my schedule again. I quickly learned that nap time was my most valuable work time. I also had to learn to let go of some things and prioritize what was most important. I outsourced some tasks and delegated others to free up more time for my family.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning to say no. As a work-at-home mom, it’s easy to say yes to everything, but that can quickly lead to burnout. I had to learn to set boundaries and only take on projects that aligned with my goals and values.

Overall, finding balance as a work-at-home mom takes time and patience. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that every day is a new opportunity to do better. With the right mindset and systems in place, it’s possible to grow a successful business while also being present for your family.

As my baby is growing, I’ve had to continue to adapt to new challenges. I found that having a designated workspace helped me stay focused on work during work hours and transition to mom duties when I was with my baby. I also learned the importance of self-care and making time for myself, even if it was just a few minutes here and there.

Another thing that helped me find balance was connecting with other work-at-home moms. Having a support system of people who understood the unique challenges of balancing work and parenting was invaluable. We were able to share tips, offer encouragement, and remind each other that we were all doing the best we could.

One thing that I wish I had known earlier in my journey was the importance of setting boundaries with clients. I found myself working crazy hours and responding to emails at all hours of the night, which led to burnout and resentment towards my business. Once I started setting clear expectations with clients about my work hours and response times, I felt more in control of my schedule and was able to provide better service to my clients during designated work hours.

In conclusion, finding balance as a work-at-home mom is possible with the right mindset, systems, and support. It’s a journey with ups and downs, but with patience and persistence, you can grow a successful business while also being present for your family. Remember to take care of yourself, set boundaries, and connect with other work-at-home moms for support and encouragement.

 

Lisa Trinidad is an entrepreneur with a background in communications. She started a mommy blog, Busy Brilliant Mom, in 2016, offering tips for managing motherhood. Despite being a working mom, she left her corporate job in higher education to start Desk On The Run, a service that offers strategy and business management to small business owners. In 2022, she founded Latina Mom Meetup, which provides a space to meet and share resources with other moms in the area. Lisa resides in Brooklyn, NY and is a mother of three girls. Her journey is driven by a desire to establish a community among moms and meet them where they are in the journey through motherhood.

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June 12, 2023

10 Fun Ideas to Keep Your Children Entertained During the Summer

Summer is here, and so is the unique challenge of balancing work and childcare! As many of us are working from home with our kids in tow, it’s important to find creative ways to keep them entertained. To help, we’ve compiled a list of ten unusual and out-of-the-box ideas to keep your children engaged and having fun this summer. From homemade science experiments to outdoor scavenger hunts, you’re sure to find something budget friendly to keep your kids busy for hours.

1) Freeze Their Toys

This caught our eye on social media, and we just HAD to share it! Watch the full video HERE. Grab some of your kiddo’s favorite toys. Put them in a bowl of water and then freeze it. Take the frozen toys outside and let your child work on the block of ice to try and free their toys. This is a great activity to cool down, and it will help your child get creative. 

2) Create an Obstacle Course

This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want, depending on your child’s age and ability. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Set up a balance beam using a long piece of wood or a log.
  • Use hula hoops or pool noodles to create a “hopscotch” course.
  • Hang a rope or a tire swing from a tree for your child to swing on.
  • Place cones or other objects for your child to weave in and out of.
  • Create a tunnel or fort using cardboard boxes or blankets.
  • Use a small pool or water table to add a fun water element to the obstacle course.

Make sure to supervise your child and ensure that the obstacle course is safe. You can even time them to make it more exciting, and encourage them to try to beat their own time. This is a great way to get your kids active and burning off energy while you get some work done. You can also flip this around and ask your child to design their own obstacle course for you to complete!

3) Use Old Boxes

If there is one thing we all have sitting around in abundance, it’s old boxes (Amazon, anyone?)! There are so many great ways to recycle these with your children such as:

  • Let your kids create their own forts with boxes and duct tape
  • Ask your kids to build a car OR decorate one that you make from boxes
  • Lay boxes flat and have your children paint their own race track for their toy cars
  • Challenge your kiddos to come up with their own ideas!

From spaceships to entire cardboard cities, the sky’s the limit!

4) Have a Scavenger Hunt

To set up a scavenger hunt, first decide on a theme or a list of items that your kids will need to find. You can make it as easy or as challenging as you like, depending on the age and abilities of your children. Some ideas for themes might include a nature scavenger hunt, where your kids have to find specific plants or animals in the backyard, or a treasure hunt where they follow clues to find a hidden prize. Once you have your theme or list of items, it’s time to hide them! Be creative with your hiding spots, but make sure they’re safe and accessible for your children. You might hide things in the bushes, behind furniture, or up high on shelves.

When your kids are ready to play, give them the list of items or the first clue and watch as they race around the house or yard searching for their treasure. You can make it even more fun by adding in time challenges or other obstacles, like blindfolding one player or having them complete a task before they can move on to the next clue. Flip the script and ask your kiddos to design a scavenger hunt for you that you can complete after work!

5) Create A Numbers Game

If your child has a lot of the same toy (such as toy cars), then you can create a numbers game to help them learn! Create a “parking lot” with masking tape or markers on a cardboard box. Number each space. Take masking tape and then number each of your child’s toys and ask them to match the numbers. It can be even more fun if you set it up in a way where you can easily rearrange numbers on the parking spaces. If your kiddo is a bit older, you can even turn this into a math game. We used toy cars as an example, but any toy works! If your children have a lot of dolls, you can tell them the dolls need to get to their homes instead of their parking spaces.

6) Imagine A Toy Parade

Grab some masking tape, or string, or anything that can help you create some lines on the floor which can easily be removed later. Tell your child to line up their toys along the line to then create a toy parade which they can show you. This activity is great for younger kiddos that are learning to “color within the lines” so to speak. This can become more challenging after a straight line, create crazy loops and zig zags that they must match their toys to.

7) Create An Indoor Movie Space

Bring the drive-in inside! Use tip number three from above, and work with your kiddos to design some comfy and cool “cars” from old boxes. Then, set up a movie screen or television, and have your kids take their cars to the drive-in for a movie night! You can even set up a little concession stand and use some Monopoly money for your children to make purchases from the stand. If you have several kiddos, then you can challenge them to be in charge of the concession stand! You could also try showing short videos as intermission entertainment during a rainy-day double-feature, just be sure to set parental controls on YouTube to keep all the programming kid friendly and mom approved. 

8) Paint Rocks

You can start by taking your children on a nature walk to collect rocks of various shapes and sizes. Once you have enough rocks, set up a painting station outside or in a well-ventilated area inside. Give your children a range of colors to choose from and let their creativity run wild as they paint their rocks. Once the rocks are painted and dry, you can use them to decorate your garden or display them in your children’s room. They also make great gifts for friends and family. This activity is not only fun, but it also teaches your children about colors, textures, and nature. Take it a step further and put the rocks back along the walking trail for others to enjoy on their own hikes!

9) Construct Sailboats and/or Paper Airplanes

If your children like a challenge, ask them to create something they can race against each other with! Paper airplanes are simple for those that need to stay inside. Kids can decorate them and try to fold them in lots of different ways to find the best “flyer”. Or, if you can go outside, create some sailboats to see which one floats! There are kits you can purchase for this, or you can really push your kid’s creativity by asking them to find their own materials out in nature to discover what floats and what does not.

10) Bring Sports Indoors

If your child has a favorite sport they like to play such as bowling or even volleyball, ask them to create their own version of it indoors! With craft materials, kids can make things like bowling pins and a bowling ball for indoor fun, or they can use things like rubber bands and cardboard tubes to make their very own volleyball net. This can be an effective way to keep them entertained for hours while you work as they search for the best way to make a ball out of the materials they have on hand!

These ideas are a few of our own that our kids enjoy, but we would love to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to entertain your kiddos while you work from home during the summer months?

 

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June 5, 2023

I Never Hear Back After Applying for a Job…What Now?

Finding the perfect job listing can be very exciting. You send in your application materials and anxiously await news about the next step…but then you don’t hear anything. What does that mean? And is there anything you can do to get a response? These are the number one questions we hear from jobseekers, and we are here to answer them for you:

Why has the company not responded to my application materials?

Unfortunately, some companies choose not to respond at all if an applicant is not who they are looking for. While we work with every business and encourage them to be communicative with all applicants, they may still choose not to reach out. We know that many jobseekers wonder why this happens, and so we asked the companies themselves that provided these responses:

  • Many applicants do not have all the qualifications the company is looking for, so they choose to pass. 
  • Some application materials do not fully explain why the candidate is qualified for the position, so they choose to pass.
  • Companies find their dream candidate, but do not have the time to let all applicants know that the position is filled — businesses have told us that oftentimes when they do this, many of the applicants ask why they were not chosen, which takes more time for the busy business owners to respond to and get into conversations with applicants.

I sent in an application and have never heard back…what do I do?

Unlike mega job sites that do not allow you to reach out to companies, we highly encourage you to reach out to the businesses to check on the status of your application (unless they have posted not to do so in their job listing). Sometimes this will prompt companies to update you. Others may still not respond, at which time we encourage you to apply to another listing. Additionally, be sure to ask questions if you make it to an interview — ask for specifics about when the company plans to get back to candidates and what you can do to follow up if you have not heard back.

What do I do if no company has ever gotten back to me on my applications?

If you have applied to multiple listings, but have never heard back, it might be time to take a closer look at what each company is asking for in a candidate. No business ever expects to find someone with every skill they are seeking, but they normally search for someone with at least 75% of the skills listed on the post. Are you applying to listings where you only meet one or two of the qualifications? Some positions can sound fun, interesting, and new, but unless a company mentions that skill level does not matter, it is better to apply to positions that match your skill set. Companies have told us that they tend to not respond to applicants that do not closely match their job listing qualifications.

If you are applying to places that closely match your skill set, then it might be time to take a closer look at your application materials. For your résumé, hiring managers need to be able to quickly glance at it and be able to easily understand it. Sometimes it can be tempting to list every position and every software you have ever used, but companies find that overwhelming and hard to decipher amongst all the candidates. Use bullet points, and tailor your résumé for each job you apply for so that only the most important information is highlighted. For cover letters, this is your chance to explain why your skills are a good match for the company. Pick your top two or three strengths and explain your experience in those and how they fit with what the company is searching for — make sure to use the same keywords in the cover letter that were used in the job description. 

Why are companies reaching out to me but not hiring me?

Some businesses do send out a notification once they have filled the position. It can be tempting to reach out to companies to ask for feedback, but most of them have told us they simply do not have time to provide it to every single applicant that applied. Instead of directly asking the company, you can always talk to our team — they are more than happy to provide feedback on your application materials to try and pinpoint why a company went a different direction.

If you have reviewed this information and still find yourself struggling, consider our Cultivate Course or our Job Seeker Services that can help. These resources will give you the additional edge you may need to get hired!

Do you have other questions that we did not address? Reach out and ask! We would also love to hear other job seeker’s tips and tricks that they have found most helpful when applying for remote positions.

 

 

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