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Outdated Technical Skills and Tools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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Remote Job Options for Moms Returning to Work

 

For moms returning to work after taking time off to raise children, the job search can be daunting. Balancing the demands of parenthood while trying to re-enter the workforce can feel overwhelming. However, we provide an easy way to search for jobs! Learn more about the types of jobs available on our website, and get started on your job search today:

Embracing the Flexibility of Remote Sales Positions

In remote sales, you can leverage your communication skills and persuasive nature to excel, regardless of your previous experience in sales. Many organizations value the unique perspectives and life skills that moms bring to the table, often providing comprehensive training programs to help you get started. Engaging in remote sales allows you to connect with clients and team members virtually, utilizing technology to bridge the gap. This role is perfect for those who are self-motivated and thrive in a goal-oriented environment.

When applying for a sales position, highlight your experience in communication. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in the workforce, you can use examples within your day to day life with your family. For example, you can share a story about how you persuaded a friend to buy a certain product using your sales communication skills. 

Accounting from Home: A Steady Path for Detail-Oriented Moms

Remote accounting roles present an ideal opportunity for detail-oriented moms keen on rejoining the workforce without sacrificing family time. In these positions, your affinity for numbers and analytical skills can truly shine, offering the chance to contribute significantly to a company’s financial health from the serenity of your own space. The digital transformation in the accounting sector has paved the way for numerous cloud-based platforms and software, facilitating seamless collaboration with teams and clients alike, irrespective of physical location. This role is especially suited for those who appreciate structure and organization but require the flexibility to work around their family’s needs. 

Share your experience in balancing the books, budgeting, etc. Be sure to list any software you have worked with or certifications you might have that apply to an accounting position.

Marketing Your Way to Success from Any Location

For those with a knack for storytelling, content marketing positions allow you to craft compelling narratives that resonate with target demographics. Social media savvy moms can dive into roles focused on building and nurturing online communities, leveraging platforms to increase brand visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, digital marketing roles encompass search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, where analytical skills are key to driving website traffic and conversions.

Highlight what social channels you are most familiar with, and mention what you have done with those platforms: have you posted content? Edited videos? Respond to comments? Detail everything to show companies your comfort level. You can also send in your personal profiles to share how you have grown those.

The Rising Demand for Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants perform a wide array of tasks, from managing emails and scheduling appointments to more specialized responsibilities like social media management or event planning. What makes being a virtual assistant especially appealing for moms is the ability to tailor their workload to fit their individual schedules and family commitments.

The beauty of VA work lies in its variety; you might find yourself supporting a busy executive one day and helping a small startup streamline their processes the next. This diversity not only keeps the work interesting but also allows for the development of a broad skill set. For moms keen on re-entering the workforce, becoming a virtual assistant can be a rewarding way to leverage their organizational skills and attention to detail into a viable career. With the right tools and a proactive approach, it’s possible to build a fulfilling, flexible career as a virtual assistant.

Ready to dive into the job search? View our latest job posts!

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Overcoming the Fear of Hiring as a Small Business Owner

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

Define Your Ideal Employee

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

Create a Plan

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

Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience

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

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

Take the Time to Train Your New Employees

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

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

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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Why and How to Make Remote Work Your Career Path

Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or looking to transition from a traditional office job, embracing remote work can open up new opportunities and offer a flexible and fulfilling career path. In this blog post, we will explore why remote work should be a part of your career goals and provide tips on how to make it a successful and sustainable option for your professional journey.

Understanding The Benefits of Remote Work

Remote work provides flexibility in terms of when and where you work, allowing you to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle. This flexibility also enables better work-life balance, as you can spend more time with loved ones or pursuing personal interests. Additionally, remote work eliminates commuting, saving you time and money. It also reduces stress associated with office politics and distractions, allowing you to focus on your tasks. Moreover, remote work can open up opportunities to work with clients or companies from around the world, expanding your professional network and increasing your chances of career growth.

Identifying if Remote Work Suits Your Personality and Skills

Remote work is not for everyone, and it’s important to assess if it suits your personality and skills before committing to it as a career path. Consider your ability to work independently and self-motivate, as remote work requires a high level of self-discipline and time management skills. After all, when you’re working from home there is no one to look over your shoulder and help manage your projects. Reflect on your communication and collaboration style, as remote work often involves virtual meetings and interactions. Evaluate your technical proficiency and comfort level with using digital tools and software. Additionally, consider if you thrive in a structured or unstructured work environment, as remote work offers more autonomy and flexibility.

Setting Remote Work as a Career Goal

If you’re convinced that remote work is the right career path for you, the next step is to set it as a concrete goal. Start by visualizing what your ideal remote work career looks like. What type of work do you want to do? What industries or fields are you interested in? Then, identify the skills and qualifications you need to acquire in order to succeed in remote work. Set specific, measurable goals that align with your career aspirations. This could include obtaining relevant certifications, building a strong online presence, or networking with professionals in your desired industry. If you need help defining what working from home looks like for you, then schedule a one-on-one session with our HR experts as part of our Job Seeker Advisor Service!

Continually Learning and Adapting in Remote Work

As you embark on your remote work journey, it’s important to remember that the landscape is constantly evolving. Technology advancements, industry trends, and new ways of working emerge regularly, and it’s essential to stay updated and adaptable. Continually learning and adapting is key to thriving in remote work. Stay curious and seek out resources, such as online courses and webinars like Cultivate, to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your field. Embrace new tools and software that can streamline your work and improve productivity. Connect with other remote professionals through online communities and networking events to share knowledge and experiences. By continually learning and adapting, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with remote work.

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Going Remote: How to Write Invoices that Get You Paid Every Time

Remote employment has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more individuals opting to work from the comfort of their own homes. However, with this shift in the traditional work setting comes the responsibility of handling administrative tasks, such as writing invoices. As a remote worker, it is crucial to understand the importance of creating well-written and detailed invoices that will ensure you get paid on time, every time.

Understanding the Basics of Invoices

An invoice serves as a professional record of the work done and the amount owed by the client. It typically includes essential information like your contact details, the client’s details, a clear description of the services or products provided, the agreed-upon rates, and the payment terms. Invoices can be created using various software or templates, making the process simpler and more efficient. By mastering the basics of invoices, remote workers can ensure a smooth payment process and maintain a professional image with their clients.

Essential Elements to Include in Your Invoice

Firstly, make sure to include your contact details, including your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Next, provide the client’s information, including their name, company, address, and contact information. Clearly state the services or products provided and provide a detailed description of the work completed. Include the agreed-upon rates or pricing structure, as well as any additional fees or expenses. Finally, don’t forget to include the payment terms, such as the due date and acceptable payment methods. For more specifics, check out our guest blog from Nicole Garrison.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Invoice

One common mistake is failing to provide a detailed description of the services or products provided. Without a clear explanation, clients may question the charges or be unsure of what they are paying for. Another mistake to avoid is not setting clear payment terms. Make sure to specify the due date and acceptable payment methods to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, double-check for any errors or inaccuracies before sending out your invoice.

Best Practices for Prompt Payment Collection

When it comes to collecting payment for your remote work, promptness is key. To ensure timely payment, there are a few best practices you can follow. Establish clear payment terms from the start of your working relationship with the client. Specify the due date and acceptable payment methods to avoid any confusion or delays. Consider offering incentives for early payment, such as a small discount or bonus. This can motivate clients to pay promptly and strengthen your professional relationship. Lastly, be proactive in following up on unpaid invoices. Send gentle reminders and be persistent in your pursuit of payment.

What tips do you have for invoices? Share it with our audience!

 

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Top 5 Skills You Need to Land Legit Home Jobs as an Online Business Manager

For stay-at-home moms looking to build fulfilling careers, the rise of online business management has opened up a world of opportunities. With the flexibility to work from home and the potential for high earnings, legit home jobs as an online business manager have become an attractive option. However, breaking into this field requires a specific set of skills. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 5 skills you need to land legitimate home jobs as an online business manager, so you can start building a successful career while still being able to prioritize your family.

Understanding the Role of an Online Business Manager

As an online business manager, your role is crucial in ensuring the smooth operations and success of a business in the digital realm. You are responsible for overseeing various aspects of the business, including marketing, customer relations, project management, and team coordination. Your ability to strategize, organize, and communicate effectively is essential in guiding the business towards its goals. With your expertise, you play a vital role in streamlining processes, optimizing productivity, and fostering growth.

Essential Skill 1: Strong Organizational and Planning Skills

To be successful as an online business manager, you must have strong organizational and planning skills. This means being able to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and create efficient workflows. You should be able to manage your time effectively and handle multiple projects simultaneously. By staying organized and planning ahead, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly and no important details are overlooked.

Essential Skill 2: Proficient in Online Technologies and Tools

This includes being knowledgeable about various digital platforms, software, and communication tools that are commonly used in the business world. From project management tools to social media scheduling platforms, being proficient in these online technologies allows you to streamline processes, collaborate effectively with team members, and stay up to date with the latest trends in digital marketing.

Essential Skill 3: Exceptional Communication Skills

You must be able to effectively communicate with clients, team members, and key leaders. This includes clear and concise written and verbal communication, active listening, and the ability to convey complex information in a way that is easily understandable. Strong communication skills enable you to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with others.

Essential Skill 4: Experience in Project Management

To excel as an online business manager, experience in project management is a crucial skill to possess. This involves being able to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Project management experience demonstrates your ability to handle multiple tasks, set realistic goals, and manage resources efficiently. So, don’t forget to highlight your experience in this essential skill when pursuing a career in online business management.

Essential Skill 5: Ability to Work with Remote Teams

To be successful as an online business manager, you need to have the ability to work effectively with remote teams. This means being able to collaborate and communicate seamlessly with team members who may be located in different time zones or even different countries. You must be adept at using various communication tools and technologies to facilitate smooth and efficient collaboration. The ability to build relationships and foster teamwork remotely is a valuable skill that will make you a strong candidate for legitimate home jobs as an online business manager. With this skill, you can navigate the challenges of remote work and lead your team towards success.

Ready to become an online business manager? Check out our open job listings!

 

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8 Tips to Unplug and Enjoy Spring Break with Your Kids

Are you planning a spring break vacation with your kids? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of juggling work and family obligations. Taking time away from work is a great opportunity to relax and make memories with your children. However, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you can truly unplug and enjoy the break. After all, when you work remotely, it can be hard to put your phone down. That’s why we’ve put some great tips together for you! Learn some tricks to get prepared at work to be able to fully enjoy and embrace the upcoming vacation and family memories.

1) Decide What Can Wait

Make sure to prioritize tasks and decide what can wait. Some things may need to be taken care of before leaving, but some tasks can wait until after you return. Start by making a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and then prioritize those tasks in order of importance. This will help you determine which tasks you can delegate or delay until after the break.

2) Let Your Boss and Team Know as Soon as Possible

You can start by talking to your boss and teammates about the dates you plan to be gone. If you have vacation or personal days available, this is the best way to ensure that you will get the time you need. Your boss may even suggest ideas to make the process easier, such as having someone cover your responsibilities while you’re gone. Keeping an open dialogue with your team will help make sure everyone is on the same page; it’s important to stress too that even though you might work remotely, you still want separation from vacation and work time.

3) Set an “Out of Office” Message

Letting people know you will be away on spring break is important. Setting an ”out of office’ message is a great way to do that. This can be done through email or by updating your voicemail. Make sure the message states you will be away and when you will return. This way people know they can’t reach you, but they can still reach someone else if they need help while you are gone. Don’t forget to turn off any automatic emails during the time of your vacation. This way you don’t have to worry about being interrupted by work-related emails.

4) Check in Only When Needed

When you’re on vacation, it’s important to find ways to unplug and truly enjoy your time off. One way to do this is to limit the number of times you check in with your work. This could mean limiting yourself to checking in only when necessary or at pre-agreed upon times. Try to get the most out of your break by focusing on quality family time, rather than worrying about work obligations. Make sure you let your boss and teammates know if and how often you plan to check in, so they know what to expect from you while you’re away.

5) Keep Your Phone out of Reach

This will help reduce temptation to constantly check emails and messages, and ensure that you don’t miss out on time with your family. Put your phone away in a place where you can’t easily access it, or switch it off altogether. If you need to keep your phone available for emergencies, set a specific time each day when you will check in with work. That way you can still enjoy the break without worrying about work related tasks.

6) Put Together a Daily Schedule

Creating a daily schedule is one of the best ways to ensure you’re able to unplug and really enjoy your spring break with your kids. This can help keep everyone on track and make sure that you’re all getting the most out of your time away. Come up with activities to do each day, from morning till evening. Be sure to include some fun, educational activities, some quality family time, and some down time for yourself. Scheduling out your days will help you stay focused and make the most of your break. Remember to also leave room for flexibility and spontaneity – it’s a vacation after all!

7) Set Some Ground Rules

First, decide how often you are going to check in with work, if at all. Make sure to stick to the rule you decide and don’t let it be flexible. Secondly, create a schedule for the day and talk about expectations so everyone knows what is expected of them. Finally, set some boundaries for yourself. Make sure to take some time for yourself throughout the day and make sure not to be too strict on the time you spend away from work. Ask your family to help keep you accountable as well.

8) Take Some Time for Yourself

Taking time off work for a spring break trip is a great way to unplug and enjoy quality time with your kids. However, make sure you take some time for yourself too! Dedicate some time each day for yourself so that you can relax and recharge. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, pray or meditate or read a book. Taking some time for yourself will help you be in the best mental state to spend quality time with your kids during your trip. Remember, your trip should be a fun break from the daily routine, so make sure to make some time for yourself to enjoy it too!

What are your tips for getting ready for spring break at work? Let us know so we can share them!

 

 

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How to Land a Remote Job without Any Prior Experience

In today’s digital age, the concept of traditional office jobs is rapidly changing. More and more companies are offering remote job opportunities, allowing individuals to work from the comfort of their own home. This is especially beneficial for stay-at-home moms who want to balance their family responsibilities while still pursuing a career. However, one common obstacle for many stay-at-home moms is the lack of prior experience in the workforce. If you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to land a remote job, don’t worry – it is possible!

Understanding Remote Work and its Advantages

With remote work, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere, whether it’s your cozy home office or your favorite coffee shop. No more rushing to beat traffic or having to step away from the office if your kiddo gets sick at school. Remote work allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs as a stay-at-home mom. You have the freedom to choose your own hours and manage your time efficiently. Plus, with advancements in technology, collaborating with colleagues and clients from around the world is easier than ever.

Evaluating your Skills and Interests

As a stay-at-home mom, it’s important to evaluate your skills and interests to determine the type of remote job that would be a good fit for you. Consider your previous experiences, hobbies, and any relevant skills you may have developed while raising your children. Take the time to reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you’re passionate about. By identifying your strengths and interests, you’ll be able to narrow down the types of remote jobs that align with your skills and allow you to truly enjoy your work. You can also include this information on your resume; as a mom, you know all about meeting deadlines and staying organized, for example! If you are unsure what skills you have that are marketable to companies, you can schedule a one-on-one session with our HR experts who can help you. Even if you have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, that’s okay! You have lots of amazing skills you learned from being a mom that you can bring to the table and put to work for any company.

Getting Certified: The Key to Enhancing Your Resume

Getting certified in a specific field can significantly enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing a remote job. Certifications demonstrate your dedication and expertise, giving employers confidence in your abilities. Research the certifications that are relevant to the remote job you’re interested in and invest time in obtaining them. Whether it’s a coding certification or a project management certification, adding these qualifications to your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you’re committed to professional development. This is also helpful so that you don’t have to go to school for a long time or pay a large sum of money; there are great programs out there such as those offered by LinkedIn or Hubspot for all sorts of certifications. Certificates can also show your commitment to companies that you are serious about getting back into the workforce and learning new things.

Building an Appealing and Powerful Resume

A well-crafted resume can make all the difference when applying for a remote job. Showcase your relevant skills and experiences, highlighting any transferable skills gained from your time as a stay-at-home mom. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to make your resume stand out; if you worked on a project where you grew a company’s social media base by 75%, include that number for potential employers.  Don’t forget to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and always proofread for any errors or inconsistencies. With a strong and compelling resume, you’ll have a greater chance of catching the attention of potential employers.

Always remember, we are here to help as well. If you ever feel stuck along the way or unsure, you can reach out to us and take a look at our training resources.

 

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Rocking Parenting and Professional Life with a Newborn

Having a baby is one of the most joyful moments in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful times, especially when you’re trying to juggle both parenting and professional commitments. Working remotely with a newborn baby can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right approach. Below we’ve provided some tips that we hope help you navigate this new and exciting time in your life:

Create a Flexible Schedule

Flexibility allows you to adjust your work hours based on your baby’s needs and your own energy levels. This may mean working in shorter, more focused bursts during nap times or late in the evening when your baby is sleeping. By designing a schedule that works for both your work and parenting responsibilities, you can find a balance that allows you to be productive while still being present for your little one.

Communicate with Your Team/Manager

Clear and open communication with your team and manager is crucial when working remotely with a newborn. Be transparent about your needs and limitations, and discuss how you can effectively manage your workload. Set realistic expectations and establish clear boundaries to ensure everyone is on the same page. Regularly check in with your team and keep them informed of any changes or challenges you may be facing. This will help foster understanding and support from your colleagues and manager.

Prioritize and Delegate Tasks

Identify the most crucial and time-sensitive projects, and focus your energy on completing them first. Delegate non-essential tasks to colleagues or outsource them to freelancers or virtual assistants. By prioritizing and delegating, you can ensure that your workload remains manageable and that you have time and energy to devote to both your baby and your professional responsibilities.

Take Advantage of Naptime

Naptime can be a valuable opportunity for productivity. Use these quiet moments to tackle important tasks, catch up on emails, or attend virtual meetings. Prioritize your workload and make a to-do list so you can make the most of the limited time. Be prepared to work efficiently and focus on tasks that require uninterrupted concentration. If your baby naps on a schedule, that is also a great time to schedule meetings if you need to have them. Of course, there is no guarantee that your baby will nap or stay asleep during those meetings so be upfront with whomever you are meeting with or have a backup plan for someone to help out with the baby during those times. 

Take Care of Yourself Too

Taking care of yourself is crucial when balancing parenting and professional life with a newborn. Don’t forget to eat nutritious meals, get adequate sleep when you can, and ask for help from family and friends. By nurturing your own physical and mental health, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of remote work and parenting. Remind yourself, this is a season and it won’t last forever but you do need to make sure you are not overextending yourself when you have a newborn to care for.

Seek Support from Other Parents

Connecting with other parents who are also navigating the challenges of working remotely with a newborn can provide valuable support and encouragement. Seek out online communities, forums, or social media groups where you can share experiences, ask for advice, and gain insights from others who are going through a similar journey. By building a network of fellow parents, you can find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone and gain helpful tips and strategies for managing the demands of both parenting and professional life. We have a dedicated Facebook group for our audience that you can use to find new jobs but also connect with fellow moms.

If you have any tips for your fellow moms, share them with us!

 

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8 Fun Activities to Keep Your Kids Entertained During the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time when friends and family come together…and your kids are out of school while you are trying to work! We’ve all been there: baking special dishes, keeping the kids entertained, and juggling work. It’s not easy, and over the years we’ve learned a few fun activities that you can give to the kids to keep them busy while you try to work from home. And, if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember there is an entire community of moms around you to offer support! There is lots of great inspiration online, but below are eight of our favorite things to do!

1) Coloring

A tried and true method of keeping your kiddo busy, offer them something to color! You can choose holiday related items, color by numbers, and even coloring puzzle games. Besides scoping out some free printouts online, if you have more than one child, you can also ask your children to draw something, and then they swap drawings to color them in!

2) Reading

If you know you have an important meeting that you cannot miss, make that reading time for your children! They can enjoy their favorite book quietly while you are able to participate in your meeting. If your child is not an avid reader, you can also find audio books for them to listen to, or you can also search for story times on YouTube where someone can read them a book with visuals included.

3) Baking

Creating delicious treats in the kitchen? Bring the kids! They can help with fun tasks like mixing and measuring. You can even create some plain sugar cookies that they can work on decorating while you put together other things — or you can turn it into a family event, and everyone can come together and decorate.

4) Crafting

Stick with the classics and ask your kids to draw you “hand turkeys” where they trace their hands and turn those into turkeys! Give them paper Christmas trees and let them decorate them with fun things like little pom poms, strings, etc. Or, if they are old enough, they can cut out their very own snowflakes by folding paper into small squares, and then making small cuts into the paper. When they unfold it, the paper will have neat designs that make them look like snowflakes!

5) Movie Marathon

Line up some holiday favorites and let your kiddos enjoy a movie marathon! If you have a long day of work ahead of you, a movie marathon can be just the thing to keep your kids entertained so you can work and attend meetings.

If you aren’t a fan of sitting your kids in front of the TV, let them make their own holiday movies! They can spend the day writing scripts and maybe filming the movies if you have a camera they can borrow. At the end of the day you can all watch the movies together, or the kids can perform the skits they created for you.

6) Scavenger Hunt

If you don’t mind putting in a little extra time, creating a scavenger hunt for your kids can be a great way to get them up and moving whether it is indoors or out. You can hide objects for them to find using clues, or you can ask them to find specific things such as a pine cone — whoever collects all the objects first wins! OR, let your kiddos create a scavenger hunt that you have to follow at the end of the day after work.

7) Clean Your Room Show

Even as adults, we’ve all done this: you go to clean out your living space, and you end up spending time messing around with the things you find! Ask your kids to clean their room and put together all the fun things they find. This can be anything from crazy outfits they’ve styled from their closet to toys they forgot existed that have now been rediscovered after cleaning!

8) Play Board Games

Take a break from work, and get your kiddos off their phones and have them play board games or even card games! If you only have one kiddo, don’t worry! There are lots of card games you can teach them to play by themselves, and you can encourage them to play against themselves on board games for fun. If you’re into apps, you can download some board game apps on your phone where players can choose to play against one another or the computer. By extension, you can also encourage your kids to play video games. If it is a single player game, tell them they have to switch every five minutes with the controller — it can be hilarious and fun to watch what each kiddo does with their time (and it can help foster sharing too!).

If you want more ideas, check out this article. How do you keep your kiddos entertained over the holidays while you work? Tell us about it so we can share it with our audience!

 

 

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