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9 Tips to Streamline Your Online Job Search

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By Aarthi Arunkumar

Job searching can be tedious. Use your time wisely by focusing on the best strategies. Follow these tips to simplify your online job search.

Trying to find a new job is not always easy. From preparing resumes to writing cover letters and keeping track of the applications, job hunting can be daunting. The best way to take the stress out of your job search is to streamline the process and be prepared.

With these simple tips, getting hold of your dream job will no longer be a far-fetched dream.

1. Be Mindful of Your Time

Searching for a job online can soon become a full-time job if you are not careful. Set aside a couple of hours to actively search for a job and wisely utilize the rest of the time. You can learn something new, get certified, watch career development Ted Talks, or listen to podcasts on personal growth.

Searching with proper keywords is crucial to finding relevant jobs. If you’re using generic words like Writer or Photographer, you will be wasting a lot of time shuffling through the irrelevant jobs. Instead, use proper keywords like Real Estate Photographer or Marketing Copywriter.

Also, you can save time if you use the filter options in the job search websites. For example, add details like your experience level, preference for on-site or remote working, salary estimate, distance from your home, etc., to narrow your search results.

3. Search Niche Job Websites

You can find most job listings on LinkedIn and Indeed job boards, but you can access specialized jobs on niche websites. For instance, if you’re looking for remote or part-time employment, FlexJobs and We Work Remotely have various opportunities worldwide. For NGO and charity jobs, Idealist can be your best bet.

4. Find Connections on LinkedIn

You know how important LinkedIn is for your career growth. So, make sure you actively find connections and follow them. You can learn about the happenings in the industry and find job opportunities through them. Remember, your new connection can be the ticket to your new job.

Spend a considerable time on LinkedIn to build your network. It is imperative if you’re just starting or trying to switch careers.

5. Tailor Your CV

Are you sending the same resume to different employers? If so, it’s time to change that. Hiring managers expect you to customize your resume for each job you apply for. You don’t have to start from scratch, but make sure to tweak your summary and bring attention to the relevant skills and experience.

Before you apply for a job, follow these steps.

  1. Read the job description from end to end
  2. Think of how you can add value to the job.
  3. List down the appropriate experience and skills.
  4. Edit the summary, skills, and experience sections of your resume.
  5. Apply with your customized resume.

It’s a good idea to keep your resume in a standard format like a Word or PDF document to make the edits quickly. You can make a template and keep it handy, or try a customizable template online. If you’re using an infographic resume, it may be time-consuming to edit, plus you’ll need special software and expertise.

6. Learn More About Your Future Employer

Instead of following the spray and pray strategy, where you apply for several jobs and wait for something to work out, spend time researching and shortlisting the companies you strive to work for. Go to each company’s website and browse the About Us page to learn more about its principles and values. Likewise, check out the Social Media pages and get to know the top management.

Researching about your future employers will also give you pointers to add to your cover letter.

7. Write a Killer Cover Letter

It can be time-consuming to write a cover letter for each job you apply for, but when you write one, it will show the employer that you’re highly interested in the position and took the time to market yourself. In addition, a well-written cover letter will give you an edge over the other applicants by urging the recruiter to look at your application more closely.

When you write a cover letter, it is vital that you don’t just repeat the information in your resume. Instead, your cover letter should have details that are not in your resume. You can also add more elements about a particular skill or experience that is only briefly listed in your resume.

Your cover letter is also a place to explain your career gaps and relevant hobbies. Give your address and contact details clearly at the top of the page. Keep your cover letter short, proofread it many times, and ensure it’s error-free.

8. Follow Up With the Hiring Manager

So you’ve found your perfect job and applied for it. You watch over your inbox like a hawk for days and days, but nothing happens. But before you throw in the towel, it is better to send a gentle reminder to your hiring manager. It will show your hiring manager that you’re seriously interested in the opportunity, and your resume will get closer attention.

You can either call your hiring manager or follow up with an email. Wait for at least two weeks before you do a follow-up, and confirm the application deadline before you do so. Usually, hiring managers will need a few days to shortlist the exciting candidates. Keep it professional, brief, and to the point when writing a follow-up email. You don’t have to repeat your entire cover letter. The same goes for the follow-up call too.

9. Check With Your References

You know how it usually goes: You apply for a job, attend the interview, get the job, and when it comes to reference checks, you scramble to find someone at the last minute. It will save you time and energy if you find at least three references before diving into your job search. It is also wise to call or email them and ask for their permission before doing so.

Your supervisors, managers, and co-workers know you well enough to vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character traits. You can also use your mentors and professors as your reference. However, avoid listing your friends and family members as your reference–it may look unprofessional and hurt your chances of getting the job.

Find the Job You Want

Streamlining your job search with proper planning will make your job search easier and may even help you enjoy the process. You will land your dream job soon enough if you’re confident, prepared, and patient.

By Aarthi Arunkumar

Aarthi Arunkumar is a writer and photographer based in Toronto. Once upon a time, she was a software developer. After trying both corporate and creative jobs, she is now happy to be sitting at the sweet spot between art and technology.

Sourced from MUO

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Study Shows 74 Percent of Introverts Don’t Want Full-Time Remote Work. They Want This Instead

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By Jeff Steen,

Insights from Myers-Briggs indicate that self-described introverts actually want some in-office time. But the bigger lesson is one of inclusivity.

As masks come down and Covid restrictions ease, offices are opening their doors to employees again — for some as an option, others as a requirement. There’s been a lot of ink spent on the pros and cons of these hybrid work policies, much of which touches on three key considerations: safety, productivity, and employee preference.

That last one is a sticky wicket. The convenience of remote work has been a boon for many employees, happy to ditch long commutes and spend more time with kids and family at home. But there’s another piece of the puzzle: The natural inclinations of introverted employees versus extroverts.

At first blush, you’d expect the extroverts to be clamouring for in-office, in-person work. That’s not what Myers-Briggs discovered in a recent study detailed in The Wall Street Journal. In fact, they found something quite different: 82 percent of extroverted workers would prefer a hybrid work model, with 15 percent actually preferring full-time remote work. Self-described introverts, on the other hand — a whopping 74 percent of them — said they wanted to be in the office at least part-time.

CEOs and people leaders who are navigating our new normal should see a lesson here, namely that employee preferences aren’t as black and white as management would like.

As one introverted employee, quoted in the article, noted: “At the end of the day, I want to be home by myself, but it doesn’t mean you can’t crave other people’s company.” Indeed, as Myers-Briggs’s head of thought leadership, John Hackston, noted, the takeaway here is that new work models shouldn’t be all or none — or even as highly regulated as some managers would want. The control should land with employees.

The study is instructive on another level. Beyond the formal in-office/at-home work policies now being drafted and implemented, companies creating culture from the ground up should understand that inclusivity includes those of varying introverted and extroverted tendencies — and that each employee’s comfort level for engagement can be mapped on a scale, not bucketed into either/or categories.

At the end of the work day, culture — in many ways being reborn as companies reconfigure in our ongoing digital transformation — must be organic, not forced. Much as a CEO or leader may want meaningful relationship-building on an ongoing basis (both internally and with outside communities and partners), the way there cannot be forced. The better tack is to model healthy relationship-building at the top, to live the values that champion team members and community, and to share personal vision for growth and engagement.

Forcing introverts to engage in a specific way or extroverts to back off is a no-go. Leave room for those on the social engagement scale to find their own cultural fit as you model inclusivity in whatever working model best fits with your business needs.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images

By Jeff Steen,

Content marketer and author@in_the_write

Sourced from Inc.

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Top tips for creating a productive home office

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By Jerry Balworth

How can we increase productivity with your home office?

Whether you are working from home, or at the office, we can often find ourselves losing focus. Working 9-5 with only one break can feel overwhelming or monotonous. At times like these, we can feel ourselves slowing down. If you are working from home, you may feel that your lack of focus increases. Everyday distractions and having the pleasantries of your home at your fingertips can make focusing difficult.

home office

To increase productivity, we have to first look at our environment. Here are some easy ways to increase productivity at your home office.

Distractions

It goes without saying that a home office will have a considerable increase in distractions. Anything from family life, to your hobbies, can make you lose focus. Having a personal computer close by may result in idle browsing, or extended time looking at social media, decreasing productivity. Family life can also get in the way, usually with the little ones.

One of the easiest courses of action for this is to create a home office, separate from your personal computer or any distractions. This can help separate you from potential distractions and allow you to focus on your work.

Office layout and design

Picture your work office, what is it like? Most offices are kept clean and open, creating an environment that helps motivate employees. It’s no surprise that your surroundings can have a serious effect on your mood. Therefore, it’s so important to keep your office space clean and open. Don’t leave clutter around, and make sure it isn’t too cramped. Having a window and plants help with motivation as well.

You should also consider the furniture you have. Think about how it’s designed, is it ergonomic? You will be sat down most of the day, so having a comfortable chair and mouse is a must. You should also consider details like lighting. Lights can strain eyes or be off putting and distracting. In winter times, you will be using them a lot more, so make sure to find something which fits your office space perfectly.

Breaks

It might seem counterproductive but increasing short breaks may help with productivity and motivation in your home office. Our minds can only work so much until they start to drift. If you feel yourself drifting and losing focus, it might be time to take a short break. Go outside for a quick walk, or briefly check social media, do something to take your mind off things.

Whatever it may be, giving yourself 5 minutes every hour or so can really help lower stress. Taking a break allows the mind to rest and gather its thoughts, letting you tackle your work with renewed energy.

Health and mental wellbeing

If you are a social person, then working from home might not be for you. That being said, some offices may require you to work some days from home. On these days, it may feel difficult to get work done, especially if you are used to the social environment of an office. At times like these, it is important to keep communication up. Keep communicating with your team via Microsoft Teams or whatever communication software you may use. Keeping a dialogue going can help streamline work and make sure you don’t lose motivation from a lack of contact.

Conclusion

Working remotely can be challenging to those who aren’t used to it or enjoy working in an office. It can cause a lack of motivation and negatively affect productivity. By following these tips, you can hopefully see a boost in productivity when working from your home office.

By Jerry Balworth

Sourced from Talk Business

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10 Work From Home Careers You Should Know About

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By Gargi Ghosal

If you’d like to work from home but aren’t sure which careers let you operate remotely, here are some of the best ones you should know about.

Even a couple of years back, work from home seemed like a perk for freelancers—not the rest of us. However, with the steady evolution of technology, more and more jobs can now be executed remotely.

Though you can’t extinguish fires over Slack or repair cars on Zoom, there are a number of remote jobs that you can do. If you’re hoping to work remotely, here’s a look at some work from home careers that are in-demand because they pay salaries comparable to on-site jobs.

1. Blogger or Writer

You no longer need to choose between a profitable career and your love for writing. With most companies striving to develop an online presence in the digital world, writing jobs are in high demand.

If you want to get your foot through the door, starting off with blogs might be a good idea. If you’re persuasive, you can try copywriting, and if you’re well-versed in technology, technical writing might be a good fit. With digital products on the rise, UX (User Experience) writing is a booming field. Your problem-solving skills and technical proficiency can come in handy.

Interestingly, there’s one skill that binds together all successful writers: they must be proficient in the use of technology and in a position to leverage it through and through.

2. Digital Marketing Consultant

A digital marketing consultant develops, implements, and monitors a business’ online marketing strategies. They focus on building marketing initiatives and play a crucial role in understanding a company’s target audience and their behaviour.

Their job is to create a high-converting sales strategy that helps grow your business through strategy, planning, and the efficient use of digital tools and techniques.

3. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant does everything from conducting research, scheduling appointments, to creating presentations. While some positions can focus solely on administrative tasks like invoicing clients and managing calendars, others can require copywriting and social media management skills.

Most virtual assistants work with a number of clients at a time, from a location that fits them the best. In that regard, the career offers flexibility and versatility to job-seekers.

4. Web Search Evaluator

A number of companies hire web search evaluators to give feedback on internet search results. To elaborate, a web search evaluator helps companies assess whether internet search results are accurate, timely, and comprehensive. Mostly popular as a work from home position, web search evaluator roles don’t require a lot of experience.

a person browsing the web

It can be quite a rewarding option for people interested in computer science, research, analytics, and market trends. They rate websites, videos, web pages, maps, and images based on a key performance indicator (KPI) to demonstrate how effectively the rated website or image ranks in internet search results.

5. Captioner

As captioners, your job is to transcribe pre-recorded audio, video, and live television programs. You must be able to type accurately as well as quickly to become a captioner.

While some of your work involves transcribing parts, captioning involves specialized transcription and is perfect for individuals who’d like a work from home career that’s not entirely mainstream. Also called steno captioners, captioners use stenotype machines and phonetic keyboards for accuracy.

6. Web Developer

Web developer roles used to be on-site roles, not long ago. However, with the popularity of digital nomads and remote roles, web developer positions are now suited best for a work from home career. As a web developer or a programmer, your job is to create software and applications by writing code, debugging it, and deploying it.

You employ one or more programming languages to build a product or service, or specific parts of it. While web developers operate in agile teams, everyone has specific tasks they are assigned to.

7. Social Media Manager

With almost all companies now having dedicated social media accounts, social media managers are in demand. Companies hire them to maintain their accounts or develop a complete social media strategy involving everything from social media campaigns to brand voice development.

If you’re creative, have fresh ideas, and are great with new tools and digital mediums, social media management could be a good fit. You’ll be responsible for increasing engagement, social media traffic, and building brand recognition. Many social media managers work for a number of companies, as the position is flexible and remote.

8. Online Educator

The role of an online educator is identical to traditional teachers in developing curriculums, monitoring student performance, and providing instruction on specific subjects and specializations. The key difference lies in the medium in which the educators operate.

Perfect for anyone with a teaching degree or specialization in core competency, online educators teach students via online platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.

9. Graphic Designer

As most companies are trying to increase their digital presence, the demand for good graphic designers in computer systems designs and related services is on the rise.

RELATED: The Top Free Graphic Design Tools You Can’t Live Without

Almost all graphic design jobs are going remote, thus giving designers the flexibility to work from a place of their choice. You can also create and sell templates, be a design consultant for a number of companies, or design fonts, pre-made logo packages, and printable items.

10. Product Reviewer

a woman reviewing products

You can make a decent living, and that too from home—reviewing products that you use. So, you must begin by picking a niche and registering yourself in a site that provides product review gigs. You have to come up with ideas for new products, review products, provide opinions on advertising campaigns, and more.

Companies also hire product reviewers to review products that are in the testing phase. They ship you the products and pay you an amount that’s mutually agreed upon in return for real user feedback.

Work From Home Careers Are Fast Becoming the Norm

Work from home careers are only expected to rise as they are being preferred by employees and employers alike. They increase productivity, decrease stress, and allow a better work-life balance for employees, while they increase revenues and decrease costs for employers.

The jobs listed above are only some popular work from home careers that are gaining traction. You must choose the one that best fits your skill sets, relevant experience, and interest areas.

By Gargi Ghosal

Gargi is a writer, storyteller and researcher. She specializes in writing compelling content pieces on all things Internet for clients across countries and industries. She’s a Literature Post-Graduate with a Diploma in Editing & Publishing. Outside work, she hosts TEDx shows and Literature festivals. In an ideal world, she’s always a minute away from heading off to the mountains.

More From Gargi Ghosal

Sourced from MUO

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7 Tips For Team Productivity During Social Turmoil

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By John Hall

If you haven’t noticed, the United States is a nation divided. With so much tension in society today, it’s only natural that your team will experience a dip in productivity.

As a leader, you can help your team regain its mojo and focus on the positive. Taking care of your employees should be your highest priority, but keeping your business running optimally will be a welcome and needed side effect.

To help your team stay motivated, use these leadership tips to spur productivity during these days of social turmoil:

1. Organize Team Activities

Teammates can lift each other up even during the most difficult times. Americans spend more time at work than almost anywhere else, so building strong bonds can help co-workers maintain productivity even amid social discord.

Seek out opportunities for your team members to interact. Start a book club to get co-workers of all persuasions talking to—not past—each other. Dan Rather’s What Unites Us or Arthur C. Brooks’ Love Your Enemies are bridge-building choices.

If your office has some outdoor space, get a firepit and hold socially distanced cocoa breaks. Your workers will head back to their desks with rosy cheeks and a happier demeanour.

2. Offer Spontaneous Encouragement

One of a manager’s chief responsibilities is keeping their team members motivated. Always be on the lookout for employees who need a little encouragement to get through the day. At the tail end of 2020, that list of people is probably a lot longer than it was last year.

Scripted encouragement doesn’t do much good because it lacks sincerity. The encouragement you provide should be authentic, specific and spontaneous.

Beginning each morning with an office-wide “Thanks for all you do” email will sound rote. Stopping by an individual’s desk to praise the proposal they made during yesterday’s check-in will sound genuinely appreciative. Surprising employees—in a good way—will give them the boost they need to push through the rest of their day.

3. Encourage Time Off

When the world feels like it’s collapsing around them, your employees will occasionally need a break. A day or two to focus on themselves can make all the difference. Don’t just tolerate your team members taking time off; encourage it.

If you notice an employee has been nose-to-the-grindstone non-stop, ask when they plan to take some time to decompress. If you can afford it, declare a team- or companywide Refresh Day. Getting a much-needed reprieve will allow employees to clock back in re-energized and ready to hit the ground running.

4. Enable Remote Work

Many companies experimented with remote work when Covid-19 struck. Consider maintaining it as an option long after the crisis passes. Not only does working at home gives employees peace of mind, but recent research has shown that their productivity doesn’t suffer—and may even improve.

Communication is key to making remote work effective. Project management tools can ensure that all employees know which tasks they need to complete to keep work moving along. Messaging platforms can help prevent project bottlenecks by getting team members quick answers.

5. Set Small, Attainable Goals

There’s a time for BHAGS (big, hairy, audacious goals), but these days of Covid-19 stress and social unease probably aren’t it. Looking too far into the future can be stressful and cause your team’s productivity to plummet.

Instead, set smaller, short-term goals that are easier to reach. Accomplishing these goals will provide the morale boost your team needs to maintain productivity.

Perhaps your marketing team sets a goal to increase marketing-qualified leads by 50% by the end of the quarter. With all the other things on their minds, this challenge may seem overwhelming. Increasing social media exposure by X posts per day or getting X webinar sign-ups per week are more manageable objectives that can move the team toward the same end goal.

6. Promote Healthy Habits

Productive workers practice self-care. During times of social turmoil, though, your employees may find it harder to take care of themselves. Sitting in front of the TV with a plate of nachos may seem more comforting than going for that post-work run.

Do your part to promote your employees’ well-being in the workplace and after hours. Provide healthy drinks and snacks in the break room, and bring in some soul-soothing greenery. Offer discounts on home exercise equipment or online yoga courses to encourage fitness at home. When your employees are healthy and well-rested, their productivity will naturally rise.

Finally, trying to stay productive at work while simultaneously managing a mental health crisis is a recipe for disaster. If a team member is experiencing mental health issues—not uncommon during these fraught times—offer counseling. Achieving a healthier headspace will help employees better focus when they’re on the clock.

7. Celebrate the Victories

Whether it’s a small work goal or a personal achievement, take the time to acknowledge every victory. Few things are as motivating—and uniting—as celebrating a win with the entire team. Feed off each other’s energy and use the motivation to move on to your next task.

In such uncertain and fractious times, it’s important to shine a spotlight on the positive things. Use an employee engagement tool like 15Five to encourage team members to recognize their co-workers’ contributions. Hold Friday afternoon shout-out sessions to highlight the week’s wins. Get everyone involved, and they’ll support each other toward that next milestone.

Leading a team through social turmoil will never be easy. However, taking these steps can keep your team motivated to continue working through the uncertainty that surrounds them.

Feature Image Credit: Young business professionals working on business project in office. Getty

By John Hall

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

John Hall is the co-founder and president of Calendar, a scheduling and time management app. He’s also the strategic adviser for Relevance, a company that helps brands differentiate themselves and lead their industry online. You can book him as a keynote speaker here and you can check out his best-selling book “Top of Mind.” Sign up for Calendar here.

Sourced from Forbes

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