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    The Guide to Get an Adaptable Job Now

    The Guide to Get an Adaptable Job Now An adaptable job is more important to more people than ever. And though there are many types of adaptable jobs, their overall popularity means plenty of job seekers are searching for and targeting these kinds of roles.

    The Guide to Get an Adaptable Job Now

    An adaptable job is more important to more people than ever. And though there are many types of adaptable jobs, their overall popularity means plenty of job seekers are searching for and targeting these kinds of roles.

     

    But don’t let the competition stop you from pursuing the adaptable job you want and need. There are ways to ensure you’re the top contender for any adaptable job opening.

     

    • How to Find and Land an adaptable Job

    — Update Your Resume

    If it’s been a while since you last updated your resume, now is a great time to spruce it up. Start by adding your “big” accomplishments, like job titles or certifications. Then include some “smaller” accomplishments, like new software programs you’ve mastered or volunteering. Finally, because a resume is short and sweet, delete information that’s no longer relevant (like that summer job from 20 years ago).

     

    With everything updated (and edited!), your resume is ready to go. However, instead of applying with the same resume to every job, use your newly refreshed resume as a template, and tailor it to the company and job posting every time you apply. Do the same for your cover letter to maximize results!

     

    But don’t stop with this one update. Set a reminder to update your resume every six to 12 months to help keep it fresh. This ensures it’s always up to date with your latest wins and accomplishments. After all, you never know when a new opportunity will come your way!

     

    — Revamp Your Social Media

    At least 70% of hiring managers check an applicant’s social media before deciding to interview them. And because your posts are part of your personal brand, you want all of your social media profiles to be as professional as possible.

     

    Comb through your posting history and delete posts that could be controversial—that’s anything from you with a drink in your hand to bad-mouthing your employer. Do the same for your pictures. Alternatively, consider setting all of your social media profiles (except for LinkedIn) to private.

     

    If you’re not into social media, that’s OK. But consider starting (or optimizing) a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn can help you connect with other job seekers, flexible companies you want to work for, and access the hidden job market through networking, mentoring, and informational interviewing.

     

    And though LinkedIn is the best social media platform for professionals, you can also use Twitter, Instagram, and even Facebook to land a flexible job. You can even leverage TikTok in your hunt for a flexible job.

     

    — Plan and Track

    With your application materials spiffed up, you’re almost ready to start your adaptable job search.

     

    Create a job search plan and set 30-, 60-, and 90-day goals to help you stay on track (and keep you accountable). Whether you’re staying in the same field or changing to a more flexible one, setting smaller goals (make three new network connections this week) will help you stay motivated and make progress toward your larger goal of getting a new adaptable job.

     

    With your plan in place, keep track of what you’ve done and what you need to do. This can help you remember where you’ve applied, who you’ve spoken with, and who you need to follow up with.

     

    — Look at Industries and Companies First

    Though you could ask your boss to work more flexibly, if they turn you down, you’re back to square one. And your current career field may not lend itself to the kind of flexible work you want.

     

    If that’s the case, research which fields offer flexible options. Once you’ve identified industries you want to work in or determine your industry has flexible work options, research companies in your target industry to uncover the ones that offer adaptable work.

     

    Researching companies on StartWorkNow is a great way to start. But you can also check job postings and social media to get an idea of which companies are flexible and which are not.

     

    — Practice Interviewing

    No matter how long it’s been since your last interview, you know to prepare for “classic” questions, like “tell me about yourself.” But when it comes to interviewing for an adaptable job, you may need to prepare yourself not only for different types of questions but also new ways to answer them.

     

    Don’t focus your answers solely on your duties. While you should mention what you did, you should also include information about the result. Explaining how you helped your company achieve its goals will help the hiring manager understand why you’re the best person for the role.

     

    — Search Job Boards

    No job search would be complete without checking out job boards. However, when it comes to a flexible job search, you’re better off focusing on smaller, niche job boards (like StartWorkNow).

     

    Though the big-name, large job boards have flexible job postings, you may have a harder time wading through all of them. Some might be scams, and others may not be as flexible as you think they are. Sticking with the niche job boards helps ensure you’re seeing job postings that are truly flexible, as well as legitimate, saving you time—not to mention aggravation!

     

    Bonus Tip!

    Here’s one more tip to help you get an adaptable job now: sign up for StartWorkNow. Our extensive database is updated every day with the latest and greatest in remote, adaptable, and hybrid jobs. And since it’s hand-screened by our team of trained pros, you’re sure to have a safe, scam-free job search. Not to mention the time you’ll save compared to searching elsewhere.

     

     

     

    Are You Eligible to Work in the United States?

    Are You Eligible to Work in the United States? When it comes to working in the United States, it can be tricky to know whether you’re legally authorized to work in the U.S. and determine your work eligibility.

    Are You Eligible to Work in the United States?

    When it comes to working in the United States, it can be tricky to know whether you’re legally authorized to work in the U.S. and determine your work eligibility.

     

    To help clarify the matter, StartWorkNow has compiled some top-line advice from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so that you can better determine whether you’re authorized to work in the United States. There are four main classifications that, if you match their eligibility criteria, may suggest that you can legally work in the U.S.

     

    U.S. Work Eligibility Classifications for Non-U.S. Citizens-

    1. Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Worker

    If you don’t plan to permanently immigrate to the United States and apply for U.S. citizenship, but instead want to maintain your current citizenship while working for a specific employer, then you may be able to work on a temporary basis in the country as what USCIS defines as a “temporary (nonimmigrant) worker.” Achieving this status first requires having a prospective U.S. employer file a petition with USCIS on your behalf.

     

    There are 22 different nonimmigrant classifications for temporary workers listed on the USCIS website, which you can review here. The site also provides details on spouses and children who are seeking dependent nonimmigrant classification.

     

    1. Permanent (Immigrant) Worker

    If your long-term goal involves living and working permanently in the United States and immigrating to the country based on your job skills, then you’ll want to learn about how to seek “permanent (immigrant) worker” status, which involves obtaining an immigrant visa based on your employment.

     

    According to USCIS, around 140,000 immigrant visas are made available annually for non-U.S. citizens, their spouses, and their children. Qualifying for this classification requires you to be equipped with the right blend of work experience, education, and skills.

     

    There are five distinct categories of employment-based immigrant visa preferences, which you can see here. Two of these categories—Second Preference EB-2 and Third Preference EB-3—require labor certification, which means you will already need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer, who will be considered your sponsor for the visa.

     

    1. Students/Exchange Visitors

    Another possibility to gain eligibility to work in the United States is if you are a student or exchange visitor who wants to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies in the country. There are two nonimmigrant student categories—the “F” category for academic students and the “M” category for vocational students—listed on the USCIS website, which you can learn more about here.

     

    Exchange visitors may be eligible for a different category, designated as the “J” category. This visa program is specifically for people who are participating in an educational or cultural exchange program.

     

    1. Temporary Visitors for Business

    Finally, if your plan is simply to visit the United States for business purposes, you can explore the option of obtaining a “temporary visitor for business” visa. The eligibility and application process for this classification is less involved than seeking permanent immigrant worker status, and you may be able to qualify with no visa under the Visa Waiver Program.

     

    If you do need a visa, then you can apply as a B-1 Temporary Business Visitor. This would help you be able to, for example, attend a business conference, negotiate a contract, or consult with business associates in the U.S.

     

    • Know Your Status

    Any of the four main classifications above can, if you meet their criteria, allow you the ability to work legally in the United States.

     

    That said, it’s important to remember that according to the USCIS, how long you are authorized to work in the country depends on what type of immigration status you’re granted and your ability to comply with the conditions of the employment authorization you’ve received. Any violation of the terms or conditions of your authorization to work in the U.S. could jeopardize your ability to work or stay in the country.

     

    Whether or not you’re eligible for work in the United States, StartWorkNow can help you land a job that meets your needs! Take the tour to learn more about all of the benefits of a StartWorkNow membership.

    Job Search Tools and Apps to Keep Your Search on Track

    Job Search Tools and Apps to Keep Your Search on Track Are you feeling overwhelmed with your job search? There are so many things to do and so many resources to use, and it can be tough to keep track of it all. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten online tools to help you stay organized and focused during your job search. As a bonus, many of them are free! Check them out below.

    Job Search Tools and Apps to Keep Your Search on Track

    Are you feeling overwhelmed with your job search? There are so many things to do and so many resources to use, and it can be tough to keep track of it all. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ten online tools to help you stay organized and focused during your job search. As a bonus, many of them are free! Check them out below.

    Tools to Organize Your Job Search-

    When you’re applying to many jobs, it can be tough to keep track of all the applications you’ve sent out, let alone the deadlines and when you should be following up. To maximize success, you need to get organized. This way, you’ll ensure you’re not missing any opportunities and you’re following up with the right person in a timely fashion.

     

    Building a solid plan and following up with recruiters is often the key to finding a job. But it can be challenging to keep track of everything you’ve submitted and follow up within a reasonable amount of time with the correct person.

     

    Essentially, a job seeker manages a large project with several variables. You might soon discover that you need a more robust project management tool. While most project management tools are created with teams in mind, the good news is they are easily scaled to your needs and often offer free subscriptions for solo users.

    — Google Sheets: Sometimes, all you need is a spreadsheet to keep things flowing. Google Sheets is a simple option that appeals to many for its familiarity. And you won’t need to rely on an internet connection when you want to take a moment to organize your submissions or follow-ups required for the next day.

     

    — Airtable: For a more user-friendly interface, use an online tool like Airtable to keep you on track. So much more than a spreadsheet generator, Airtable can also help you manage your resume variations, along with the keywords each is targeted for. And the best part? It’s free for individual users.

     

    — Trello: Beloved by Kanban users worldwide, Trello makes it easy to manage your workflows in a more pleasant visual style. It’s especially appealing for those that shy away from spreadsheets. Trello is free for individual users.

     

    — Asana: Asana is a fantastic tool that helps manage everything in one place. Integrating with over 200 apps, you’ll find some of them especially relevant for your job search tasks. For example, you can turn an email into a task, add contacts directly from your Gmail account, create lists, and manage your time all in one place.

     

    — monday.com: monday.com is another favorite among job seekers. The integrations allow you to automate many of your tasks. For example, you can automatically create a contact when an email is received, ensuring you never lose track of who you need to communicate with and when it needs to happen.

     

    — Focus 10: If you’re a fan of the Pomodoro time management technique, there are several similar options out there. Focus 10 keeps things simple and free with timer and break intervals.

     

    — My Hours: This simple app will track how much time you spend on different activities throughout the day, which helps you keep an eye on exactly where your limited hours are spent during your search. Rather than get sucked down the rabbit hole of social media or networking, allot a set amount of time to browse social media or network, and then hold yourself accountable for it.

     

    — focus booster: For more robust time-tracking, consider focus booster, which allows you to categorize your time to manage your expectations better. Look back and adjust where you might need to create more focus or allow more time for a particular task.

     

    — Todoist: Popular among freelancers, Todoist is an easy way to organize and prioritize your tasks for the day. Managing your job search can be overwhelming, but with Todoist, it’s easy to create plans for home management…and delegate them too! How much would you love an easy way to create a grocery list and then send it off to your partner to pick up on their way home?

     

    Tools for Networking-

    Networking is where relationships are built and opportunities are found. One of the most valuable tools job seekers have is creating connections. Seek out your alumni associations, previous coworkers, and organizations you’ve volunteered with.

     

    — LinkedIn: It should go without saying, schedule time daily for LinkedIn. Beware though, as with any social media, it can be a time-suck if you’re not intentional. Did you know that 87% of recruiters use LinkedIn daily? Regularly update your content to ensure that your connections stay strong. Use LinkedIn to its maximum potential by completely filling out your profile section. Utilize the posting feature to write articles and share insights within your field. Join groups related to your industry. Target companies and follow their members.

     

    — Lusha: This extension will pull up contact information from LinkedIn with the push of a button. No more wasting time hunting down contact information for follow-up emails. Although the monthly fee is a little hefty for individual users, you might decide it’s a good investment for a few months.

     

    — Shapr: After you create your profile, you’ll be matched with local professionals that share similar interests. You can choose to connect or pass for now. With 15 a day sent for your review, you’ll grow your network in minutes a day! After you have a few interactions, you can schedule a coffee chat or lunch to cement your new connection.

     

    Create Calm in Your Job Search-

    One of the reasons that job searches can seem overwhelming is the lack of a clear plan that many approach it with. Initially, it may seem like your task is solely to submit your resume to applicable jobs. In reality, though, a job search involves so many more steps than that. Finding a few tools that fit your workflow and personality might be the key to having a less stressful job search.

     

    How to Find a Job After Graduation

    How to Find a Job After Graduation Congratulations on your shiny new degree! You’re onto the next phase of your life! It’s equal parts thrilling and intimidating to leave behind four years of extracurricular activities, studying, and homework to venture into the world of job interviews, office schedules, and adulting. But you can land your first post-graduation job quickly and efficiently with the right amount of dedication and planning.

    How to Find a Job After Graduation

    Congratulations on your shiny new degree! You’re onto the next phase of your life!

     

    It’s equal parts thrilling and intimidating to leave behind four years of extracurricular activities, studying, and homework to venture into the world of job interviews, office schedules, and adulting. But you can land your first post-graduation job quickly and efficiently with the right amount of dedication and planning.

    Tips for Your Post-Graduation Job Search:
    1. Define Your Job Goals

    Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up, and that’s OK. It’s common for new grads to have multiple, if slightly vague, career ideas. But the more you narrow your career ideas down, the more targeted and ultimately successful your job search will be.

     

    As you search for jobs, also conduct career research. Job descriptions can give you an idea of what different roles in different fields entail. For even more information, the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is probably one of the most comprehensive databases of detailed job information.

    1. How Do You Want to Work?

    There’s more to a job than what you do. You also need to know how you want to do it.

     

    Do you want to work in an office every day with set hours? Or, would you rather have a flexible schedule and work from anywhere? Do you possess an entrepreneurial spirit and want to choose your own clients and workload as a freelancer?

     

    These days, you’ve got a lot of options, so make sure you understand the pros and cons of each, then connect with the career path that has whatever you’re looking for.

    1. Focus on Companies, Not Jobs

    Once you have a solid idea of what you want to do and how you want to do it, shift your focus from searching for jobs to researching companies you might want to work for.

     

    While having a job you like is essential, the company you work for plays a considerable role in how you feel about the job. Understanding the company’s culture before you apply ensures you’re not wasting your time interviewing someplace you won’t be happy.

     

    And while you’ll learn more about the company during the interview process, eliminating companies you have zero interest in working for makes your search more efficient, saving you precious time in the long run.

    1. Customize Your Resume

    Your resume is a way to tell your professional life story. It summarizes your skills and experience in one or two pages. As a new grad, you may not think you have much to offer an employer. But as you think about summer jobs you had or volunteer work you performed, you may find you have a lot of transferable and soft skills that employers are looking for.

     

    However, using the same resume for every job is a rookie mistake. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen candidates quickly and efficiently. These bots look for keywords throughout your resume to see how well you match the position.

     

    While you don’t want to stuff your resume full of meaningless keywords, you do want to tailor your resume for the position. So, start with your resume, then make sure you rewrite using keywords from the job posting to help demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the position.

    1. Get Social

    Connect with the company you’re interested in working with on social media. Follow its profiles and “like” recent updates. It can be a great way to network and get your foot in the door.

     

    Plus, more companies are leaning into social media for recruiting and hiring, so having a professional profile and using it is likely to help your chances of landing a job!

     

    The Next Big Step

    The post-graduation job hunt can easily seem like an intimidating task. But you’ll learn valuable experience and gain new job searching skills with each passing day. This is the most exciting moment of your career because the entire journey is laid out in front of you.

     

    No matter how long ago you graduated, START WORK NOW can help you connect with a flexible, remote, or hybrid job.

    Tech-Job Search Advice That Doesn’t Go Out of Style

    Tech-Job Search Advice That Doesn’t Go Out of Style

    In many ways, the job search has changed. People no longer check the want ads in the Sunday paper or have an objective on their resume. These days, people post their work history on LinkedIn or a personal website and upload their qualifications to multiple employers in a snap.

     

    But in some ways, searching for a job is the same as it ever was. We recently spoke with the career coaching team at StartWorkNow and asked them for the job search advice that doesn’t go out of style. Here’s what they said.

     

    Tech-Job Search Advice That Never Go Out of Style-

    1. Cover Letters Are Still a Thing

    With few exceptions, you should include a cover letter with your application. But don’t use the same cover letter every time! Take the time to customize your cover letter (and resume) to explain why you’re applying to that specific role at that specific company. Recruiters can tell when all you’re changing is the name of the position and company.

     

    What’s more, as Denise Ingledue-Lopez points out, cover letters are an opportunity to explain why the hiring manager should hire you over other candidates. “Cover letters complement your resume and are an opportunity for you to showcase your personality and why you’re applying for this role at this company.”

     

    She continues, “It also highlights your communication skills and gives you the chance to address anything you think might stand in your way of getting the job, like a gap in your resume or changing careers.”

     

    1. Prioritize Your Tasks

    There’s so much to do during a job search: update your resume, track and log where you’ve applied and who you need to follow up with, and growing your network.

    It can be overwhelming.

    To help you stay organized, you need a plan. Specifically, a job search action plan. Outlining your goals at 30, 60, and 90 days can help you break down those goals into smaller, more manageable steps. These smaller tasks can help you prioritize what you have to, what you’ve done, and keep track of your wins!

     

    1. Time Management Skills

    Speaking of prioritizing your tasks, another piece of job search advice that never goes out of style is time management.

     

    “Having a game plan and setting priorities keeps your job search focused,” says Tracy Capozzoli. And this game plan will keep you from falling down a social media procrastination rabbit hole and help you identify when you’re spending too much time on job search activities that aren’t working.

     

    1. Network

    While technology has made searching for jobs easier and more accessible, it’s also made it more competitive. When you’ve got hundreds or even thousands of people applying for one job, you need to find a way to set your application apart from the rest of the pack.

     

    Some people may resort to tricks or stunts, but often, a better choice is using your network. Your contact may know someone who has an opening that’s perfect for you or can connect you with someone who has some advice about your job search.

     

    The same technology that’s made your job search efficient can also be used in networking. From LinkedIn to virtual job fairs and other events, networking is a valuable tool that can take your job search to the next level.

     

    1. Multigenerational Communication

    It doesn’t matter if you work 100% remote, 100% in-person, or somewhere in between. You may have as many as five generations in your workplace! And even if that doesn’t describe where you work, professional courtesy and respect never go out of style!

     

    “Written communication always has and always will be important in the workplace,” says Heather Starr. “When you’re working with someone from another generation, it’s important to keep things professional and courteous. Make sure your communications are crisp and clear, and consider avoiding abbreviations and emojis that work in a casual context but not a professional one.”

     

    1. Send a Thank-You Note

    Saying “thank you” never goes out of style, even when you’re job searching.

     

    “The concept of sending thank-you notes after an interview has not changed,” notes Ingledue-Lopez. “Not only is it courteous, it helps keep your name in the recruiter’s mind. It could also be the deciding factor on who gets the job and who doesn’t.”

     

    1. Keep It Simple

    There are tons of beautiful resume templates that you can choose from. And the best choice is…none of them! Use a simple resume format to ensure the ATS can read it correctly.

     

    Skip the columns and graphics. These often confuse the ATS and make it less likely your resume will get a high rank. Stick with plain fonts that are easy for an ATS and human to read. Not sure what resume format is best for you? Here’s a guide to help you figure it out!

     

    1. Manage Your Personal Brand

    You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and in the age of social media and viral moments, that’s never been more true—especially when it comes to your job search.

     

    Your first impression starts seconds after your application is submitted. Hiring managers often research candidates on social media to vet them, and if your personal brand has any red flags, you may not get the job.

     

    Take some time before your job search to do a little tidying up. Delete posts that may paint you in a negative light, and consider untagging yourself from photos. Or, set your current profiles to private!

     

    Not Quite the Same

    Not only is this job search advice always in style, it’s perfect for every generation of job seekers. You’ll use these timeless bits of wisdom from the day you search for your first job until you retire!

    The survey found that 12% more millennials have discussed salary with coworkers than Generation X. Specifically, only 35% of Gen Xers have talked about salary, while almost 53% of millennials did.

     

    Millennials were also more willing to negotiate their salary or ask for a raise. While approximately one-quarter of Gen Xers (24%) said they felt more empowered and tried to negotiate salary, 43% of millennials felt the same way.

     

    It looks like this is one place where things are changing!

     

    The More Things Change…

    If there’s one way to sum up job searching in the 21st century, it could be “some things change, and some things stay the same.” And when it comes to these 10 bits of expert advice, some aspects of your job search are as classic, retro, and timeless as ever!