work from home

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September 9, 2024

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?

Written by HMMCustomer Care

July 16, 2024

Top Hard Skills for Remote Job Descriptions and Resumes

As the remote job market continues to expand, it is increasingly important for employers and job seekers alike to be aware of the hard skills necessary for success in this growing field. To ensure that a remote position is filled with an experienced and qualified individual, employers need to know which hard skills to ask for in a job description. On the other hand, job seekers should have an understanding of what hard skills they need to include on their resumes to demonstrate their capabilities.

Why Hard Skills are Important in Remote Positions

In remote positions, where the physical presence and direct supervision of employees may not be possible, hard skills become even more critical. Hard skills refer to the technical abilities and expertise required to perform specific tasks or roles effectively. These skills are tangible and measurable, providing employers with a clear understanding of an applicant’s capabilities. One of the primary reasons hard skills are important in remote positions is the level of independence and self-direction required in such roles. Remote employees often have to work autonomously and handle various responsibilities without constant guidance. Having the necessary hard skills ensures that they can tackle the job effectively and deliver results without constant supervision.

Additionally, remote work often involves collaboration and communication across different time zones and locations. Strong hard skills in areas such as project management, technical proficiency, and data analysis can help bridge any potential gaps in communication and ensure efficient and effective teamwork. Moreover, employers hiring for remote positions typically have a specific set of requirements that need to be fulfilled due to the unique nature of remote work. Including hard skills in the job description and on applicants’ resumes helps employers find candidates who possess the necessary qualifications to excel in a remote environment.

Key Differences Between Remote Job Descriptions and Traditional Job Descriptions

Remote job descriptions tend to emphasize the importance of self-discipline and self-motivation, as remote workers typically have less oversight than those in traditional office settings. Additionally, remote job descriptions often mention the need for strong communication skills, since remote work often relies on effective communication via video calls, instant messaging, and email.

Remote job descriptions may also include language around the need for technical skills, such as proficiency in certain software or hardware that remote workers are likely to use. Finally, remote job descriptions may focus more heavily on an applicant’s ability to work independently and to meet deadlines, as remote work often requires more self-direction and self-management than traditional office positions.

In contrast, traditional job descriptions may place more emphasis on skills such as collaboration, team building, and leadership, as these are typically more important in office settings where employees work in close proximity to one another.

Top Hard Skills to Include in Remote Job Descriptions

Technical proficiency: Be sure to specify the technical proficiencies that are required for the role, such as experience with certain programs or systems.
Time management: Seek out applicants who have a strong track record of managing their time effectively and delivering work on schedule.
Communication: Be sure to look for applicants who are able to articulate their ideas clearly and work collaboratively with others via online channels.
Problem-solving: Remote workers must be able to troubleshoot technical issues, identify roadblocks, and come up with creative solutions to keep projects moving forward. Look for candidates who have a history of proactive problem-solving in their previous roles.

Need some help creating the perfect job post? Take a look at our Small Business Concierge Services!

How to Highlight Hard Skills on Your Resume for Remote Positions

Use bullet points: List out your hard skills, such as software proficiency, language fluency, or project management experience. This makes it easier for recruiters to quickly scan your resume and see your relevant skills.
Quantify your accomplishments: When highlighting your hard skills, include specific examples of how you’ve used them in previous positions. For example, if you’re proficient in a specific software program, mention how you used it to improve a process or increase efficiency.
Tailor your resume: Each remote job may have slightly different requirements for hard skills, so tailor your resume accordingly.
Use keywords: Use relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills section, to make it easier for recruiters to find your resume during the screening process.

Need some help drafting a resume that shows off your skills? Our resume training services can help!

What hard skills are you noticing that are needed more in a remote workplace versus traditional? Reach out and let us know!

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July 9, 2024

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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June 9, 2024

Raising Little Entrepreneurs: Including Kids in Work-From-Home Tasks

As someone who has worked from home for over two decades while raising kids, I can tell you that your kids love to be involved with whatever you are doing — from normal chores like folding laundry to daily tasks like work meetings. Your kids love spending that time with you, and they are like little sponges, soaking up everything!

Sometimes it can be difficult to balance work and your kiddos, but that is why I recommend making them part of your workday schedule! They can lend a hand while also learning valuable skills. For example, when my kids were toddlers I asked them to neatly stack papers for me. If there were other days where they wanted something a little more active, I set them up with their very own “office” with a small desk, some simple materials like papers and highlighters, an old keyboard, and told them to run their own business. It was absolutely adorable, and I noticed how quickly they picked up things like noon meant they were going to “step away from their desk” for lunch or how to handle phone calls…even if they completely made up the phone calls themselves! This also encouraged their imagination, which is so important for young children.

As my kids got older, the tasks they could do to help offered more responsibility. For example, I would have them count out items such as envelopes into stacks of twenty-five and add up the stacks to ensure we had the correct amount of envelopes for mailings. I would also let them seal envelopes and put stamps on them. Some of our favorite memories include beautiful spring days when we all walked to the mailbox together after all that work.

Once they were in the pre-teen stage, I even let them answer the phone. They learned invaluable skills on how to answer the phone, talk to people of all different backgrounds, and how to socialize professionally. When my kids grew out of that stage, I’m not sure who missed them more, myself or my clients who got a kick out of interacting with them!

Not only can your kiddos really help you with your work, they can learn skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, all the while creating fun memories with their parents. If you want to start including your children in your daily work from home routine, here are a few skills you can pass onto them:

Teaching Time Management

Give your kiddos their own deadlines to complete tasks. If you need twenty five paper clips for paperwork, tell your children to count out the paperclips by the end of the day. If you have very young children who are just learning the clock, ask them to be your personal alarm clock and alert you during certain times of the day; this will help them tell time while also keeping you on track for lunch breaks, snack breaks, and more.

Enhancing Communication Skills Through Business Calls

Yes, I have let my kids answer the phone for work, and yes sometimes we had some hilarious mishaps. However, clients and myself alike always enjoyed the experience. Teach your kids what to do if a phone call drops, if it is hard to hear someone on the other end of the line, and how to place calls themselves to others. If you mostly do online video calls, you can also have your kiddo help you login to those calls so they can get used to working on the computer with popular programs like Zoom or Google Meet.

Imparting Basic Finance Knowledge with Invoicing Tasks

Back in the day when paper invoices were more common, I would print off a list of customers and hand that to my kiddos as well as a stack of invoices. Their job was to make sure that I had printed off invoices for everyone on that list. This taught basic organizational and cross-referencing skills while also letting them see how invoices were set up. As teens, they helped me with the bookkeeping by inputting vendor invoices into our system which was just taking a paper invoice and typing in the due date and amount. I would check this at the end of everyday to make sure totals matched; this sort of experience was extremely helpful for my kids!

Celebrating Successes to Foster a Growth Mindset

The big thing to remember here is that your kids need to be rewarded when they do good at the tasks you include them in! This does not have to be complicated — you can simply praise your child for their good job. Don’t forget to pay them somehow; when my kids were really little they just liked working with me, but as they got older I found ways to pay them back for their help. As toddlers we had a points system in place that would allow them to pick out a toy from a magazine. As little kids they received a dollar for just about everything they did. As teenagers they were paid a small wage. This passes on the value of hardwork, but we were also sure to add in bonuses for a job well done such as surprise pizza parties with friends when they were younger or a cash bonus for the teenagers.

My children are now all grown and are very hard workers. We did our best to set them up with skills they would need for the future, and we often saw this advantage at play when the kids started at their entry level jobs and some of their coworkers were unsure of how to do basic tasks because they were not familiar with them. I highly recommend finding some way to include your children in your work in every stage of their lives to foster valuable skills and also create lasting memories.

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June 9, 2024

Why Being A Small Business Gives You an Edge in Online Job Postings

When it comes to hiring new employees, many small businesses may feel like they are at a disadvantage compared to larger companies. After all, larger companies often have more resources, a well-known brand, and a larger pool of applicants to choose from. However, when it comes to posting job listings online, being small can actually give your business a competitive edge due to things like:

Niche Talent Acquisition is Easier

In the world of online job postings, small businesses have a distinct advantage when it comes to niche talent acquisition. While larger companies may struggle to attract candidates with specialized skills or industry knowledge, small businesses can focus on targeting specific talent pools that align with their unique needs; big companies often focus on building large teams of people for support rather than a small, specialized team like a small business needs.

By honing in on niche talent acquisition, small businesses can create job listings that speak directly to the expertise and interests of highly skilled professionals. This targeted approach allows them to bypass the noise of larger companies and attract individuals who are passionate about their industry and eager to contribute their skills to a smaller, more specialized team.

Furthermore, small businesses often have a more intimate knowledge of their industry and its talent landscape. This insight enables them to strategically identify and engage with potential candidates through professional networks, industry events, and online communities. With a smaller pool of potential candidates, small businesses can dedicate more time and resources to building relationships and connecting with top talent.

Showcasing Unique Company Culture

Unlike larger companies, small businesses often have a close-knit team and a strong sense of identity. This allows you to create a company culture that is authentic, dynamic, and truly unique. When posting job listings online, make sure to highlight what makes your company culture special. Are you known for your supportive and collaborative work environment? Do you have a flexible and remote-friendly work policy? Are you committed to developing future leaders? These are the things that will catch the attention of talented individuals who are looking for more than just a job. When employees feel connected to and aligned with the values and vision of the company, they are more likely to stay long-term and contribute their best work.

Flexibility in Offering Competitive Packages

Unlike larger companies with rigid salary structures and benefits packages, small businesses have the flexibility to tailor their compensation and perks to meet the needs of individual employees. This flexibility allows small businesses to offer more personalized and enticing packages that can attract top talent. Whether it’s offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or unique perks like unlimited vacation or professional development opportunities, small businesses can go above and beyond to create attractive packages that larger companies may struggle to match.

Additionally, small businesses can often offer equity or profit-sharing opportunities, giving employees a chance to directly benefit from the company’s success. This can be a powerful motivator and attract individuals who are seeking a more entrepreneurial environment.

Quick and Personalized Recruitment Process

Small businesses typically have less bureaucracy and red tape, allowing them to streamline their recruitment process. This means that candidates don’t have to wait weeks or even months for a response or decision. Additionally, small businesses can leverage their size to facilitate more direct and open communication with candidates. They can offer opportunities for candidates to connect with team members and ask questions about the company, the role, and the work environment. This transparent and personal interaction can help small businesses build rapport and trust with candidates, ultimately leading to successful hires.

Did we miss any advantages of listing a job position as a small business? Reach out and let us know how your small business has benefited with online job listings compared to large companies.

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June 9, 2024

What NOT To Put On Your Resume

When it comes to finding remote work opportunities, crafting a strong resume is essential. Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to make sure it accurately represents your skills and experiences. However, not all resume skills are created equal. In fact, there are many that you should not include such as:

Generic Soft Skills That Don’t Impress

Including broad and non-specific soft skills on your resume can often dilute the overall impact of your professional qualifications. Phrases such as “excellent communication skills” or “strong leadership abilities” are overused and fail to convey the depth of your capabilities. These types of statements do not differentiate you from other candidates, as they are commonly claimed and hard to quantify. Instead, it’s crucial to showcase your soft skills through tangible achievements or specific instances that illustrate your capabilities. For instance, rather than saying you have “excellent communication skills,” you might mention “developed and implemented a communication protocol for remote teams that increased project completion rates by 30%.” This approach not only demonstrates your skill but also provides measurable evidence of your effectiveness.

If you don’t have data to support statistics such as the 30% mentioned above, you can still detail your experience so that companies better understand how you can help them. The key point here is to provide specific information so employers know what you are bringing to the table.

Outdated Technical Skills and Tools

Including obsolete technical abilities or software on your resume can inadvertently signal to potential employers that your skills have stagnated. You might feel like your resume is lacking and think to put in these tools as filler. Instead of highlighting familiarity with dated programs, emphasize your expertise with contemporary tools and platforms that are pertinent to remote work environments. For instance, rather than noting basic competence in an older software version, it’s more beneficial to mention your adeptness with current collaborative tools such as Slack, Zoom, or cloud-based project management systems like Monday.com. This not only demonstrates that you’re in tune with the technologies that facilitate effective remote work but also underscores your adaptability and willingness to learn and implement new solutions. Concentrate on those technical skills that mirror the demands of the remote job market, showing a commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge skill set.

Irrelevant Job Experiences and Skills

When tailoring your resume for remote work positions, it’s crucial to curate your content with precision, ensuring that every line speaks directly to the job you’re eyeing. Irrelevant job experiences and skills can overshadow the qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for a remote role, causing potential employers to miss your most valuable assets. For individuals, such as stay-at-home moms aiming to re-enter the workforce, this point is especially poignant. Rather than listing every past job or task, focus on selecting experiences that showcase your proficiency in remote-relevant skills like digital literacy, project management, or independent problem-solving.

Consider, for example, the management of household finances or coordination of a community event through online platforms — these experiences, while not traditional jobs, demonstrate capabilities highly transferable to remote positions. Highlighting your involvement in such activities can illustrate your adeptness at managing multiple tasks, organization, and using digital tools.

Overused Buzzwords That Lack Substance

In the competitive realm of remote work, your resume needs to shine without relying on the crutch of cliched buzzwords. Phrases such as “team player,” “hard worker,” and “strategic thinker” pepper too many resumes, making them blend rather than stand out. Instead of falling into the trap of these all-too-common terms, focus on substantiating your qualities through concrete examples and achievements.

For instance, rather than declaring yourself a “team player,” detail a time when you collaborated with a remote team to overcome a challenging project deadline, highlighting the role you played in fostering teamwork and project success. Rather than professing to be a “hard worker,” describe a scenario where your extra efforts directly contributed to a key accomplishment or significantly benefited a project. Swap “strategic thinker” for a description of how you identified a problem, devised a solution, and implemented a strategy that led to measurable improvements.

By replacing generic buzzwords with specific, evidence-based instances of your skills and achievements, you effectively demonstrate your qualifications and value to potential employers in a way that buzzwords alone cannot convey. Remember to keep these explanations short — provide just enough information to interest a company, and then you can explain it further in an interview. For example, you can use bullet points to share information such as “Lead team to transfer from past software to Quickbooks” for an accounting position.

Personal Traits That Are Better Shown Than Told

Highlighting personal traits on your resume can significantly bolster your candidacy for remote work, but it’s crucial to present these characteristics through demonstrable examples rather than mere assertions. Rather than claiming to be “analytical,” for instance, you might describe a time when your analytical approach led to the streamlining of a workflow process, saving time and resources. Similarly, instead of simply stating you are “innovative,” detail a scenario where you initiated and executed a project that introduced a novel solution to an existing problem, resulting in enhanced efficiency or profitability. This method of showcasing your traits provides a vivid illustration of how you apply your personal qualities in a professional setting, offering concrete evidence of your value to potential employers.

Overall, it is important to be more specific and intentional with the job information you provide to potential employers. You don’t want to stuff a resume with tons of text, but it is important to flesh out your experience a bit to communicate what you bring to the table. Need help creating your resume? Our HR experts are here to support you.

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June 1, 2024

Tips From Fellow Moms On Working From Home This Summer With Kids

Working from home has its benefits: from setting your own schedule to spending more time with your kiddos, remote work provides opportunities never before seen in the workplace. However, those opportunities might become a little more challenging during the summer because the kids are out of school…and with you 24/7! Trying to focus on work while ensuring your children are happy, healthy, and entertained is more than just a full time job — it’s two full time jobs.

That’s why we turned to our exclusive Facebook group and asked moms: how do you juggle work and spending time with your little ones during summertime? Our fellow moms provided some great tips that we will now share with you.

Establish A Daily Schedule

When the kids are in school, everything runs on a schedule. 6am wake up call. 8am start of school. 10am math class. 4pm school ends. 6pm sports. Although the children have free time within that schedule, there is still a schedule. During the summer, all of that goes away. This can lead to boredom for your child, and stress for yourself as your child looks to you for entertainment.

The lovely moms in our Facebook group suggest sticking to a daily routine. This does not have to look like the strict school schedule where every hour something is happening; instead, you can let your kids know that after they wake up, they have chores to do. Once those are done they can play games or with toys for an hour. After that they can go outside, to the pool or take a nap. The important part here is that kids know what to expect for the day ahead…and so do you! You can tailor your work schedule to this new summer routine so that both you and your children are happy. Additionally, while this helps you with your work schedule, it also helps the kiddos transition more smoothly back into the routine of school once the summer is over.

Leverage School Programs and Community Resources

We all know with kids that it takes a village! Use the resources available to you. This might look like finding a summer program from your child’s school that specializes in something they like to do such as theater camp. Or, your local community center might have ongoing enrichment programs they can attend. There are also general community events that are kid-friendly all across the United States that you can find by searching “event calendar in [your city]”. This will connect you with local calendars that can help you plan out your entire summer. Some unique events we’ve attended that we recommend are church camps, tea parties in parks, and even butterfly festivals.

Turn Your Projects into Learning Opportunities for Your Kids

Kids are like sponges, and they love to soak up what their parents are doing. Your child sees you working from home, and they are often curious about what you do. They also love to help! Create a dedicated workspace for both you and your child. Perhaps for your kiddo you give them a fake keyboard to type on or a phone to answer. They can play along depending upon their age.

If they are older, get them involved in your work and give them a project. If you work in marketing, you can ask them to create a design for social media. They can do this digitally or on paper to be scanned. In fact, one of our own employees had their child make a logo which was scanned onto a computer, our employee added a little flair to it, and then sent it off to a company who chose to use it! As a bonus, our employee split the logo creation fee with their kiddo…who promptly turned around and spent it on ice cream.

Ask for Help

If you find that you are struggling this summer with work and kids, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask for tips from other stay at home moms in our Facebook group, join a local mom group for help, or even just ask family and friends for their advice or maybe even their time to babysit a little.

Working from home during summer break can be both fun and stressful. It helps to have a support system in place you can go to with questions, and it also helps to have a plan established ahead of time. Maybe as part of that daily schedule we talked about, the kids know every Tuesday they get to spend the day at grandma’s house so you can get some work done.

Did we miss a tip you think we should share? Reach out and tell us your secret to working from home during summertime!

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June 1, 2024

How to Successfully Negotiate Pay for a Remote Job via Email

Remote work is great! With a flexible schedule, no dress code, and the ability to work anywhere, there are tons of benefits of working remotely. However, one thing that can be intimidating to some is negotiating their salary…digitally! Oftentimes, you will communicate with your employer via email, and asking for money via email can be very daunting. Trying to craft the perfect virtual message can be nerve-racking, and you might find yourself typing, re-typing, and typing again trying to get the best message down. That is why we have created a handy guide below on how to create an email that you can feel confident about to help you achieve the pay you want!

Research

Before you begin writing your email, research the position and what a typical pay level for it is commensurate with the experience you bring to the table. It’s best to ask for a small range versus an exact amount. For example, ask for $25-$30 per hour versus asking for exactly $33. Remember, this is a negotiation! You also should not offer a wide range such as $25-$45 because that leaves too many options available. Your rates need to reflect the value you bring to the table, so you should be choosing a common industry range that will cover your expenses and skills.

Don’t forget, you can also negotiate for other things outside of pay such as vacation time or even your schedule! Pay is certainly the most common thing asked about in email, but you can always ask for changes to any aspect of your job.

You can also research templates for emails that others have written for positions that are similar to yours. These templates can help you get a feel for how you should structure your email. Once you’ve researched this information, it’s time to write the email!

Sell

The number one thing to do is to sell yourself. You have your résumé and cover letter ready, so now it’s time to show that you can be an asset to the company. There are a few things you should do in your email in order to succeed:

Talk about how excited you are about the opportunity
Share relevant past work experience
Explain what you can offer the company that they may not be able to find elsewhere

It’s a good idea to have the job description handy so that you can call out each piece of it in your email to demonstrate why you deserve a certain pay level. For example, if the job description asks that a candidate have 3 years of experience working as a virtual assistant, and you have 5 years of experience, call that out in your email and mention your extra levels of experience as to why you feel you would like to be on the higher end of the pay scale offered.

It can be easy to get lost in the weeds with all this information, though! Take your time. Write everything down you feel is relevant. Then go back and take information out. Keep your email short and to the point. You can just say you have 5 years of experience; you do not need to take time to list out all the places you worked and what you did at each, for example.

Proofread

You’ve researched pay, written your email, and now it is time to proofread it. Read it a few times to check for grammatical errors. It helps to read it out loud to yourself to catch any potential mistakes — and to make sure that it makes sense! You can also ask friends or family to read it to get their feedback. If you’ve spent a lot of time drafting this, make sure to step away from it for an hour or so before sending. Then you can look at it with fresh eyes one last time before hitting send.

Respond

Remember, this is a negotiation! An employer might immediately accept the range you asked for and offer you something in that. Other times they might want to try and talk you down from that range. Be prepared that they may not accept your first ask. If they come back with a number you are not happy with, respond professionally and again highlight what you bring to the company that others do not with your specific experiences. You can also cite sources here if the pay range is less than industry average, for example, to show the company why you are asking for a specific range.

You should also not be afraid to ask questions about the negotiation! Ask the company why they want to give you the amount they are offering. Ask if they provide raises in the future and what a timeline would look like for that. This is not one-sided — it’s a two-way conversation between you and the business to figure out what works for you both.

Have you successfully negotiated pay via email before? Tell us about it so we can share your tips with others!

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May 1, 2024

Why a Real Estate Transaction Coordinator Could Be Your Lifeline

Do you manage your own real estate business? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the never-ending paperwork and administrative tasks that come with managing transactions? If so, hiring a transaction coordinator could be the solution you’ve been searching for. A transaction coordinator is a professional who specializes in managing the paperwork, deadlines, and communication involved in real estate transactions. By outsourcing this crucial role, you can free up valuable time and resources to focus on growing your business.

Understanding the Role of a Transaction Coordinator

Imagine the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail of your real estate transaction is meticulously handled, from the initial paperwork to the final signatures. That’s the quiet yet profound impact a transaction coordinator brings to your business. With a caring and detail-oriented approach, they navigate the intricate dance of real estate transactions, ensuring every step progresses smoothly and efficiently.

The role of a transaction coordinator extends beyond mere paperwork management. They are the harmonious bridge between realtors, clients, lenders, and any other parties involved, ensuring clear and empathetic communication throughout the entire process. Their expertise lies in foreseeing potential hurdles and gracefully managing them before they impact the transaction, embodying the essence of proactive problem-solving.

If you are interested in becoming a real estate transaction coordinator, we recommend Christal Allen’s masterclass that will teach you everything you need to know about working as a VA in real estate!

Why Realtors Benefit from the Help of a Transaction Coordinator

At the heart of every realty business is a dream that thrives on passion, ambition, and a commitment to excellence. Yet, the reality of managing a myriad of tasks, especially intricate transaction processes, can often weigh heavily on this spirited endeavor. It is here that a transaction coordinator becomes not just a helping hand, but a lifeline.

For your realty company, every resource counts. Introducing a real estate transaction coordinator into your environment can transform it profoundly. By taking on the critical yet time-consuming tasks of managing transactions, they free up your business and team so that you can pour your energies into the areas where you shine brightest – innovation, customer engagement, and strategic growth.

How to Find the Right Transaction Coordinator for Your Realty Business

To start, focus on identifying a professional who is not only organized and reliable but also possesses a deep understanding and experience in handling the specific nuances of real estate transactions pertinent to your business. Engage in conversations with potential candidates to gauge their passion for facilitating seamless transactions and their ability to empathize with the clients you serve. Listening to their past experiences, asking for testimonials, and understanding their problem-solving approaches will offer invaluable insights into how they might handle the challenges unique to your business.

It is also important to consult their references to get a better view of their experience. Ask how many real estate transactions the candidate has handled in the past, what their strengths are, and what areas they have for improvement.

Here at HireMyMom we understand that you are a busy professional, so interviewing lots of candidates may not be possible for you. Hire our Small Business Concierge Service to take over the process for you; our HR experts can help craft a job listing, select applicants for next steps, conduct interviews, and our experts can even help with the onboarding process.

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April 9, 2024

Facing Difficult Decisions: When to Say Goodbye to a Client or Job

In any business or employment, there are times when challenging situations arise, prompting us to reevaluate our current circumstances. Whether it’s a difficult client creating turmoil for your small business, or a challenging job that leaves you questioning your career path, deciding when to cut ties can be a daunting task. Let’s walk through this decision-making process, explore how to identify problems, evaluate the impact, and determine when it’s time to say goodbye together:

Identifying Red Flags in a Difficult Client

Fostering positive client relationships is pivotal to the survival of a small business. However, discerning when a client relationship is more detrimental than beneficial is just as important. Red flags can come in many forms – a client habitually late with payments, continual scope changes on projects, or a general lack of respect toward you and your team. What’s more, if you find an inordinate amount of your time is consumed addressing the concerns of one client, this could signal that the client is more trouble than they’re worth.

If you run a business that works with multiple clients, you may encounter one that demands you prioritize them and focus on them as much as possible, thereby leaving you little to no time for other clients; this is a big red flag and should communicate to you that they do not understand how your business works. Additionally, keep an eye out for clients that bad mouth your brand to others to try to prevent you from working with other clients, trying to force you to only focus on them.

Evaluating the Impact on your Business Health

It’s crucial to take a step back and scrutinize how a troublesome client may be negatively affecting your business. This is not just about your financial standing, but also the overall work environment and productivity levels of your team. Are you noticing that resources are consistently stretched to the limit? Are other client relationships faltering due to the attention given to this particular client? Are your team members stressed or overworked? These are significant aspects to ponder, as they can have lasting effects on the vitality and stability of your business.

When to Say Goodbye to a Difficult Client

When you’ve exhausted all avenues to resolve the issues and the strain on your business remains persistent, it might be the moment to consider parting ways with your challenging client. Don’t make this decision lightly – think carefully about the financial implications and strategize on how to recoup the potential business loss. Always remember that in ending a client relationship, professionalism reigns supreme. A courteous and concise explanation is critical to ensure the termination of the business tie does not tarnish your company’s reputation. This crucial decision may initially seem daunting, but it can ultimately protect the well-being of your business. Work with them on an exit timeline; try not to just leave them high and dry if possible to protect your professionalism.

Identifying Warning Signs in a Difficult Job

Just as in dealing with a challenging client, the first step in navigating a difficult job is recognizing the warning signs. This could mean a toxic work environment, an inability to make the client happy, or even a work-life balance that’s perpetually out of sync. If your job perpetually induces stress or anxiety, or you consistently feel undervalued, these could be indicators that your job or client is not meeting the expectations you have. The prospect of facing another work day fills you with dread? That’s a red flag. These signs should not be ignored, as they give you valuable insight into your professional situation, guiding your decision-making process.

Evaluating the Impact on Your Personal Health and Career Growth

Consider the toll your job may be taking on your mental and physical well-being. Are you facing sleepless nights, constant stress, or even health problems because of it? These issues are not just concerning, but are warning signs that your job may be harming your health. Concurrently, look at your job from a career perspective. Does it offer avenues for professional advancement? Are your unique skills and talents being effectively utilized? If the answer to these questions is a resounding ‘no’, then it’s likely your job is not only draining you but also stunting your professional growth. This phase of introspection is crucial in understanding the full extent of the impact your job has on your personal health and career progression.

When to Say Goodbye to a Difficult Job

The time to bid farewell to a troublesome job arrives when the scales tip towards more negatives than positives and change appears elusive. It’s a decision that deserves careful contemplation and strategic planning. Before deciding to step down, ensure you’ve got a safety net to fall back on financially, and you’ve evaluated your prospective career options. It’s important to consider not only the immediate consequences but also the long-term impact on your career trajectory. Leaving a job can be an intimidating decision, but remember that it could pave the way for better, more fulfilling opportunities. Be strategic, be prepared, and when the time comes, be courageous in your decision to move forward.

Moving Forward and Taking the Leap

Navigating the path to departure, be it from a troublesome client or a grueling job, demands the utmost professionalism. In the process of moving forward, it’s crucial to remain composed and polite. The decision to part ways is substantial, potentially sparking an array of future opportunities more suited to your needs and aspirations. On occasion, progress requires the release of elements that hinder your growth. Although the choice might be intimidating, taking this bold step often leads to an incredibly rewarding outcome. Embrace the transition, remain steadfast, and when you’re ready, boldly stride into your next chapter.

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Facing Difficult Decisions: When to Say Goodbye to a Client or Job

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