8 Steps to Get a New Job by Summer

May 24, 2022 startworknow

8 Steps to Get a New Job by Summer

The days are getting warmer and longer, which means summer is on the way! And if you’re a job seeker who wants to enjoy the season, you need to kick your job search into high gear.

If you’re strategic (and follow the below steps), you might be able to get hired before summer begins. Here are seven things to do!

8 Things That Can Help You Get a New Job by Summer

Mind Over Matter

No matter what time of year you’re searching for a job, attitude is everything! Maintaining a positive attitude throughout your job search can mean all the difference between finding a job you love and spending the summer applying, interviewing, and not getting the role. Even if you’ve been job hunting for a while, it’s important to keep your spirits up.

Customize Your Application

Copying and pasting the same info over and over again will likely land your submission at the bottom of the interview pile. Hiring managers can tell when candidates have put effort into their applications—and when they haven’t.

Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter every time you apply for a role. Does it take more time? Yes. But it’s a better use of your time, as a customized job application is more likely to yield results.

Explain how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for each position. Incorporate keywords from the job description to help your resume get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and demonstrate how you’ll fit into the company culture. Don’t just talk about what you did but how you did it and how the results benefited your employer.

Target Your Search

When it comes to a job search, quality trumps quantity. It might be your goal to apply for 15 jobs a day, but it’s unlikely you’ll find 15 jobs that you’re qualified for and want to do.

You don’t want to waste the hiring manager’s time—or your’s—interviewing for a job that you feel only so-so about. That’s why it’s crucial to read through the job description and see if the position is something that excites or interests you. That way, you’ll know that it’s a position worth applying to.

Grow Your Network

There is no better time to cultivate and grow your network than before summertime. Warm things up by reaching out before travel season starts and letting people know you’re looking for a job. This gives you plenty of time to set up informational interviews and learn more about the companies that might be hiring this summer.

Enhance Your Brand

It’s critical to maintain a professional online presence while you’re job hunting. Because most hiring managers will check out your social media before they schedule you for an interview, make sure your online accounts shine the best possible light on you.

Ensure that your Facebook account is set to private and delete any incriminating, inflammatory, or unflattering posts or pictures. Then, update and polish your Linkedin profile. While you’re at it, consider starting a personal website to complement your applications.

Make the First Move

One often-overlooked way to get a new job is to make the first move. Not every job is publicly posted or searchable. If you want to access the hidden job market, consider cold-calling employers to see what vacancies they are trying to fill.

You’ll have to do a little digging to uncover the right person’s contact information (like the hiring manager), but it could be well worth the effort!

Set up Job Alerts

As the weather warms up, it can be hard to stay inside all day searching for a job. So, don’t! Taking breaks from your job search is healthy and can help you reengage with it when you’re feeling down.

But if the thought of stepping away from the computer worries you, set up job alerts. This way, you can take your job search with you wherever you are and never have to worry that you’ll miss a new posting.

8.Fun in the Sun

It’s always important to be strategic during your job search, but even more so before the summer comes. By taking the time to apply for positions that you really want, you’ll ensure that you won’t have a long, hot summer but that you’ll be happily employed instead.

One more way to get a new job by summer is to join StartWorkNow! Our team of experts does the hard work for you, sifting through remote, flexible, and hybrid job openings to ensure they’re legitimate. All you have to do is apply! Join today and get instant access to our regularly updated database, or take the tour and learn about the benefits of a StartWorkNow membership.

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends.

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction

May 16, 2022 startworknow

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction

Are you considering a career change because you’re not feeling fulfilled in your current role? Perhaps you have a good job that meets your financial needs but leaves you feeling restless and wanting something different.

You might think that finding a company that supports a cause you’re passionate about is the answer. While that signals that the culture may be an excellent fit for you, it doesn’t define your core values for the role. Before taking the plunge into a new position, it would be best to take a step back and consider your core values surrounding your career. After you’ve defined those, you’ll be in a better position to create a dynamic career path that aligns with your fundamental needs to feel fulfilled.

Recognizing Core Job Values-

Core values are the critical ideas and codes by which you live your life, both at work and home, and they play a significant role in your overall job satisfaction. When a conflict occurs between your core values and those you’re being asked to assume, it’ll manifest itself in job misery.

Have you ever experienced a feeling of dread when heading to work? Perhaps you get a sense that you won’t ever really be at peak performance? Or, maybe you procrastinate duties often despite knowing that you are jeopardizing your position. It’s time to take a step back and analyze the different ways you can define value in your job.

Work Value Examples-

Understanding your core values creates a filter for decision-making. Generally, they’re divided into the following three categories.

1.Intrinsic Values

Internal rewards that are often intangible fill this category. Do you love to help others learn or enjoy tackling tricky projects with tight deadlines? Those are intrinsic values—the ones that keep you engaged and motivated at work. It could be public recognition for some, while others might not embrace being in the limelight. Do you rejoice at routine or variety in your workday tasks?

Accountants, for example, might thrive in a routine-oriented environment, whereas those who excel at sales are often drawn to changing metrics and challenges.

Of course, those are broad generalizations, but your first step is to define what aspects of work bring you the most internal delight.

Considerations:

Routine tasks or continually changing tasks
A fun working environment or a more formal one
Challenging deadlines or a calm pace
Leadership and advancement potential
Possibility for mentoring others
Opportunities for continuous growth

2.Extrinsic Values

The more tangible aspects of your job define your extrinsic values. Do you love to travel for work, explore new cities, and live out of a hotel frequently? What about team interactions? Do you thrive in a solo role, or are you inspired by collaboration and feel isolated by yourself? Is a paycheck or more time off a higher priority?

Considerations:

Physically active or sedentary roles
Amount of travel
Team-focused or autonomous
Level of income
Title of role
Perks and benefits
Support for causes you’re passionate about

3.Lifestyle Values

Finally, you’ll need to define how your role affects the lifestyle that you’re seeking to build. Would you enjoy living in the city or in a more rural area? Do you seek remote work or in-office work? How about flexibility in your schedule? Would you prefer a hybrid role or a four-day workweek?

Considerations:

Daily and weekly schedules
Work flexibility
Location requirements
Working outdoors
Work-life balance
Socialization
Ranking Your Values

Spend some time brainstorming each variable, then rank them in order of importance within each category. Hopefully, you’ll discover some truths about your ideal job that create insight into your next career move.

Creating a set of core values builds a foundation to communicate and connect. Prevent conflict in your career by filtering out those organizations and positions whose core values don’t match your own. Imagine interviewing with four different companies for a new position. How do you know which company will spark your fire?

Suppose you find a company that mirrors your values on mitigating climate change, for example. However, the role you’re applying for would require you to work remotely Monday through Friday without much team interaction. If you’re someone who thrives on the energy of collaboration and seeks a flexible schedule to balance personal obligations, this isn’t going to be a great fit, regardless of whether they support the same passions you do.

A misalignment of your core values can be a difficult challenge to overcome. That misalignment is what’s behind the desire to run screaming from your desk every afternoon by 3:00 p.m. Knowing your values upfront can spare you this anxiety, furthering your career by filtering out the wrong jobs.

Creating a Values Scorecard

Before exploring career opportunities, create a scorecard to measure potential jobs against. Ranking them in order of importance, you’ll be able to determine quickly if a position that seems appealing meets your basic requirements in a role. Leveraging this list ensures you find your best possible job fit.

Once you’ve created your list, if you discover that it’s time to seek out a more flexible job, StartWorkNow can help! With a massive database of flexible jobs in over 50 categories, you’ll find roles that range from freelance to full-time and just about every remote arrangement you can imagine. Take the tour and discover all of the ways that a StartWorkNow membership can help you find a job that matches your most essential core values.

How to Navigate the Hidden Job Market

May 12, 2022 startworknow

How to Navigate the Hidden Job Market

As a job seeker, your go-to search strategy may be to rely on advertised positions. But there’s an additional route you can explore to identify job openings—and it may be even better at helping you find and land professional opportunities.

It’s known as the “hidden job market,” and once you understand how to navigate and leverage the hidden job market, you’ll gain an advantage over the competition in your industry.

What Is the Hidden Job Market?

The hidden job market is simply another way of referring to any job opportunity that isn’t posted, listed, or otherwise advertised on job boards, social media, company websites, or other job search forums. “A huge percentage of jobs—especially higher-level jobs—go to people who didn’t stumble upon the job posting on Indeed,” explains Devon Fata, CEO of the web design firm Pixoul.

Employers who rely on the hidden job market aren’t necessarily trying to be secretive about their job openings or keep news of them from qualified candidates; they simply may have one or more reasons why they want to avoid announcing the positions publicly.

For example, hiring managers may initially want to keep their candidate search more targeted, starting with internal candidates before considering a wider pool. Or, some employers may want to avoid the costs of formally advertising the position and recruiting for it, both in terms of money and time spent. Other companies may have legitimate privacy reasons for wanting to keep the job vacancy under the radar screen, such as when they are launching a new initiative that hasn’t been announced yet.

How Can You Find Jobs in the Hidden Job Market?

If a role isn’t publicized, how can you know about it? Fortunately, there are a number of straightforward strategies that you can use to unearth intelligence about jobs that haven’t been advertised.

1.Use Online or Offline Networking

One of the best ways to find out about hidden job market opportunities is through networking, whether using an online platform like LinkedIn or through real-world networking opportunities. For example, while LinkedIn won’t have the hidden market job opportunities listed per se, you can ask around in your network or try to form new connections with people who work at employers of interest to you—and they may become a pipeline to hidden market jobs.

Fata maintains that networking is the essential key to finding hidden market jobs. “Take the time to chat with everyone you come across in your professional life, because you never know when one of them is going to have an opportunity for you,” Fata says.

Scott Hirsch, CTO and cofounder of TalentMarketplace, an AI-powered HR platform for tech companies and candidates, agrees that to find jobs in the hidden job market, you need a solid network, which often starts with connecting to people on LinkedIn, finding a common topic, and building a relationship.

“Pay attention to any updates they may post on their profile or private groups,” Hirsch recommends. “It’s also good to keep an eye on any company or position changes so you can reach out to them and ask if there are any other positions available.”

2.Start With an Internship or Volunteer Position

Another way to keep an ear to the ground and potentially be among the first candidates in the loop for as-yet-unpublished openings at a company where you’d like to work is by starting out as an intern or volunteer.

In an unpaid role or internship, you’ll gain access opportunities to the company’s decision-makers and may be able to learn about hidden job market options. You’ll also have the chance to show a potential hirer the skills that you bring to the table without being interviewed, making you a more desirable candidate if an internal opening arises.

3.Talk to People in Your Company or Industry

Your current company may have hidden market jobs available in different departments that you won’t know about unless you ask around. While this type of networking requires tact and discretion, as a company insider, you’ll have the inner track on these internal opportunities.

Take the time to talk to your peers cross-functionally about what jobs could be coming down the pike. You can take this same approach at an industry level, identifying people or organizations where you might like to work, and then using online or offline networking to connect with them.

“If you are interested in working for a certain company, reach out to peers who work at that company to see if they’ve heard about any open roles,” advises career coach and certified professional resume writer Colleen Paulson.

Once again, LinkedIn can be invaluable in these hidden job market efforts. “If you don’t know anyone who works at the company, start following the company on LinkedIn,” says Paulson. “Learn more about what their goals are and figure out how you can help them to reach their goals.”

She adds that it’s also okay when pursuing hidden job market opportunities to use LinkedIn to reach out to leaders in the organization and let them know that you have done your homework and have ideas on how you can make a difference. “With the Great Resignation, a lot of companies are quietly looking for good talent and if you can make a case for how you can help, you have a strong chance of getting the role that you are looking for,” Paulson concludes.

Find Hidden Jobs

Through networking, internships, volunteering, or a combination of these things, you can tap into the hidden job market and find a position that fits your life.

And whether a job is hidden or not, Start Work Now can help. Take the tour to learn more about the benefits of a Start Work Now membership.

How to Be a Productive Remote Worker

May 10, 2022 startworknow

How to Be a Productive Remote Worker

Ask anyone who works from home regularly if they’re more productive than working in an office—the answer is almost always an enthusiastic “YES!” And while that answer may not surprise you, studies show remote workers are generally more productive than those who work in the office.

Whether you’re new to remote work or a seasoned pro, being productive is an essential element of success in any job. But being productive as a remote worker isn’t exactly the same as being a productive worker in general. Here are a few tips to help you out.

How to Be a Productive Remote Worker:

As a remote worker, you can improve your productivity by creating and sticking to a schedule, setting boundaries, and banishing distractions. But there are other things you can do to take your productivity to a whole new level (and impress your boss!).

Pick and Choose-

Every day, you’re probably faced with what seems like a mountain of tasks. And as you look over your daily to-do list, every one of those tasks may look crucial and need to have the top spot on your list.

Even if every task on your list were that urgent, there are only so many hours in the day. And as a remote worker, you won’t have a boss nearby saying “do this first” to help you decide what takes priority. While it may feel like everything is equally important, the reality is that you may need to make some hard choices about what can and can’t wait.

One way to approach this is to ask yourself which task or tasks you can make the most progress on today. Focus on and prioritize those tasks, leaving the others for another day.

Tackle Your Tasks-

Once you know which tasks take priority, you have to figure out how to tackle them. There are several ways to approach your to-do list, and you may have a method that works for you. But if you’re new to remote work, you may discover that what works in an office doesn’t work when you work remotely.

Here are some productivity techniques to test out:

The Pomodoro Technique: use blocks of time (like 25 minutes) to focus on your work, then take a five-minute break before working for another block of time

Eat the frog: start with your hardest task first to get it done and off your plate

Start small: AKA the two-minute rule, start with the smallest or easiest task first to start your day with an accomplishment.

One Task at a Time-

Multitasking can make you feel more productive. When you’re in a meeting while responding to emails and texts, you can check tasks off your list at the same time. There’s nothing more productive than that!

The problem with multitasking, though, is that while you feel more productive, the reality is that it’s probably making you less productive than you realize.

When you’re interrupted at work, you’re more likely to make mistakes. Studies have shown that your brain has trouble switching between tasks no matter how focused you feel, resulting in more errors. Even though intentionally multitasking isn’t the same as being interrupted, it has the same effect on your brain, making it more likely you’ll make mistakes you need to correct later and reducing your overall productivity.

Switch to monotasking to keep your productivity up. Focus on a single task and give it your full attention, reducing the likelihood you have to fix errors later and making you a more productive worker.

Take Breaks-

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: to be a productive remote worker (or any worker), schedule and take regular breaks throughout the day!

Studies suggest that after 75 to 90 minutes, our brains get tired of whatever task we’re working on. When our brains tire, we are less focused on the task, making it more likely we’ll make mistakes.

As a remote worker, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. While you may run to the fridge to refill your water bottle, there’s no one there to chat with for a few moments, meaning you’ll fill up then go straight back to work.

Make it a priority to schedule a 15-minute break for yourself at least every 90 minutes to give your brain a chance to reset, refresh, and relax. Take a walk around the block, do some desk yoga, and yes, social media can count. Whatever it is, make it fun and not work-related.

Take Care of Yourself-

One of the best ways to be a productive remote worker is to be a healthy person. But with all of your professional priorities, sometimes it’s hard to remember to prioritize yourself. With so much competing for first place on your to-do list, you may skimp on sleep, exercise, or eating healthy to squeeze in a little more time to get it all done.

Working a late night here and there or ordering pizza instead of cooking once in a while is OK. But if you find you’re working more and sleeping less more often than not, and pizza is all you ever eat, it’s time to take a step back and take care of yourself.

Keep Production Going-

Being a productive remote worker doesn’t mean plowing through your tasks for eight straight hours. Productivity happens when you plan your tasks thoughtfully, give them your undivided attention, and take care of yourself!

If you’re ready to join the ranks of productive remote workers, StartWorkNow is here to help. From our extensive database of legitimate, remote, flexible, and hybrid jobs to career coaches (and more!), a StartWorkNow membership can power your job search. Take the tour and learn more.

Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

May 8, 2022 startworknow

Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

Are you preparing for a job interview? Impressing hiring managers takes more than outstanding credentials. Your resume and credentials got you to this point. Now, the recruiters are trying to gauge if you’ll be an excellent fit for the team. To ensure you make the best impact possible, there are a few etiquette tips you should know and follow.

From shaking the interviewer’s hand to sending a thank-you note, following these simple guidelines can make a big impression on your potential employer. If your interview is virtual, the majority of these tips still apply, as well as a few other considerations we’ll touch on.

So, read on to learn more about the do’s and don’ts of job interviewing etiquette. You’ll be glad you did!

Create a Fantastic First Impression on Job Interview-

Be On Time

Being late is a job interview faux pas, so do everything you can to arrive on schedule. As a best practice, plan to arrive at the area early and wait. You can pass the time at a nearby coffee shop or stroll around to work off jitters. If a circumstance beyond your control makes keeping the appointment time impossible, notify the potential employer immediately. Offer a sincere apology and a brief explanation before asking if the meeting can be rescheduled.

Also, being early is essential, but anything more than 10 or 15 minutes is probably too early. Another employee will have to ensure you’re comfortable and don’t need anything for an extended time.

Be Respectful of Everyone

Be nice to everyone, regardless of position. Make “please” and “thank you” staples of your vocabulary. Look for ways to be helpful, such as holding a door open. When you’re nervous or running through interview scenarios in your head, you may zone out. Make a conscious effort to be present in the moment for every interaction.

Never underestimate the power of the receptionist or admin assistant to make or break your interview success. If you’re rude to them, even if it’s unintentional, and they mention it to the recruiter, your chances sink. After all, no one wants someone that’s not a team player in their office.

Dress Professionally

Consider the dress code at the company and dress to impress. Even if you’re interviewing in a more casual environment, wear appropriate attire. Do a little research and look at their website or LinkedIn profile. Often, they’ll have photos of employees that indicate the dress code. When in doubt, dress up rather than down. It may feel uncomfortable to wear a suit if you’re used to casual business attire, but it’s better to overdress than underdress.

Also, consider your industry and previous work experience when choosing what you will wear. For example, engineers need more durable pant fabrics that can stand up to the rigors of manufacturing or construction sites where fashion is not a goal. On the other hand, accountants should stick with “power suits” and polished shoes.

Bring Multiple Copies of Everything

It’s a good idea to have a copy of your resume, references, and any other essential documents with you during the interview. You might think it’s unnecessary, but things can go wrong, so be sure to have copies of everything.

Don’t Talk Negatively About Former Employers

Resist the urge to talk negatively about your previous employers or colleagues when describing your experience. Your potential new boss may see you as overly critical, which can put them off. It’s best to say that it wasn’t a great fit, or the role wasn’t what you anticipated it to be.

If you got laid off or fired, ensure that you give a professional explanation. Perhaps you were frequently late. You can reframe it as a learning experience—you’re setting yourself up for success by seeking a role closer to home without the hassle of a commute.

Body Language Matters

People are likely to remember how you carry yourself. Ensure that you’re leaving them the best possible impression. Stand up when the interviewer enters the room and offer a hand for a firm handshake. Keep your body posture open—don’t cross your arms or put them behind your head.

Ensure you’re making eye contact, as that communicates confidence. Are you dealing with multiple interviewers? When asked a question, start looking at the person who asked it. Then, briefly make eye contact with others before returning your gaze to the original asker while finishing your answer.

Don’t Fidget

Fidgeting signals that you’re not confident, so don’t rub an itch on your face or scratch parts of your body during an interview. Practice sitting still in front of the mirror if you tend to be restless when nervous. If need be, bring your hands to your lap and hold them to keep them from touching your face or hair.

If you’re offered water, always accept it, as it will give you something to do with your hands. It’s also a great way to buy some time while considering your answers. Just ensure that you’re not nervously playing with it.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone and Limit Distractions

Show your interviewer that there’s nothing more important to you than what is going on in this room. Turn off and put away your cell phone and avoid checking the clock or your watch. Try to resist gazing out the window or letting your mind wander.

Don’t Overshare

No matter how friendly the interviewer seems, remember that the two of you just met. During your interview preparation, rehearse an elevator speech that answers the initial “tell me a little about yourself” question. Avoid personal life details, controversial topics, and complaints about past employers. Employers want upbeat applicants who know what shouldn’t be discussed (and what could even be illegal for employers to know).

Do Your Research

Don’t waste time with questions quickly answered by looking through the website. Instead, spend time researching the company. You should already be able to express why the mission statement appeals to you.

If you know ahead of time who you’re interviewing with, spend some time looking them up on LinkedIn so you can get a feel for their background. You should be able to ask a few well-thought-out questions, such as:

What is the company culture like?
What kind of personality do you think is most successful here?
What is a typical career path for team members in this role?
What do you love about working here?
Can you tell me more about a typical day/week in the position?
What are some of the projects that I would be working on?

Rehearse Answers to Common Questions

“Tell me about your previous role.” shouldn’t send you into a tailspin of nerves. Review frequently asked interview questions and be prepared with rehearsed answers. Consider having an outline rather than memorizing word-for-word answers.

Having bullet points ensures that you’re not thrown off if the question is worded a little differently. Also, if you’ve memorized a response, you might struggle if you veer off a couple of words. Instead, have bullet points and practice covering them all concisely in a conversational manner.

Say Thank You and Follow Up

End your meeting on a cordial note by thanking your interviewer for the opportunity. Politely confirm or ask for details about the next steps in the process. As soon as you are out of the office, sit for five minutes and write down the names of your interviewers and any specific details you discussed. When you get home, continue to show your appreciation (and knowledge of business etiquette). Sending an email to say thank you should be a standard protocol.

Keep to your word if you said you’d send references or pass along an interesting article. If asked to check back on a specific day, do so. Don’t overwhelm the interviewer with extra calls. Doing what was agreed upon shows commitment and trustworthiness.

Virtual Interview Considerations-

If you find yourself with a virtual interview, many of the same rules apply. Present yourself as well-researched and confident, be polite, and follow up. There are a few special considerations, however.

Check Your Connectivity and Software

Conduct a few trial runs to ensure that your Wi-Fi is sufficient to handle to interview. If you haven’t been using Zoom lately, brush up on your skills beforehand to ensure you know how to join the meeting. Enlist a family or friend to help you.

Pay attention to your background and ensure that you’re in a bright, well-lit area. Find a space that is quiet and free of distractions. Avoid jingly bracelets and don’t assume that you only need to dress from the waist up. That’s a myth about remote work. Put yourself together as if you were meeting in person, selecting your attire for a video meeting with care. Recruiters notice that you’re taking the interview seriously.

Practice, Practice, Practice

As a last note, if you’re not comfortable with Zoom, spend some time practicing. It can be unnerving at first to see yourself on camera. If you’re by yourself, record some video of yourself giving common answers to questions and then review it.

Ace the Interview

In the end, the recruiter is looking for the best fit for the role. You may be nervous or anxious about what might happen during an interview, but if you follow these simple etiquette tips, then you should be one of the top contenders!

One of the best ways to build confidence for your interview is by practicing. Did you know that our expert coaches offer mock interviews? During your session, your coach will ask questions, provide feedback, and offer tips to improve your performance.

Along with access to our massive database of flexible jobs, StartWorkNow members get steeply discounted rates to our expert career coaching services. Find out all the ways being a StartWorkNow member can help supercharge your job search.

Let your friends and family know that we are searching for work at home customer service agents!

Officer Jobs

8 Steps to Get a New Job by Summer

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction

Know Your Core Values for Job Satisfaction

How to Navigate the Hidden Job Market

How to Navigate the Hidden Job Market

How to Be a Productive Remote Worker

How to Be a Productive Remote Worker

Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

Job Interview Etiquette & Manners Everyone Should Follow

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