A real estate license can help you become a broker, appraiser, and even a lawyer. If you have great people skills and marketability, your opportunities in the real estate sector are endless.

Real Estate Agent Overview

A real estate agent is a licensed professional that arranges residential and commercial real estate transactions. An agent puts buyers and sellers together and acts as their representative and negotiator for the length of the process. Agents are also responsible for admin work.

The day-to-day operations of an agent depend on whether they’re working from home or in an office, but they’ll typically update and manage their own social media page and website. Agents will create promotional material, a marketing and budget plan, and build their client network.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for real estate agents is 4%, and the median pay ranges from $49,040 to $51,220. The amount you make changes significantly depending on your commission rate and the amount of high-cost houses you sell.

What to Expect From a Real Estate Agent Program

To become a real estate agent, you must get a real estate license. The prerequisites involved in getting your license depend on the state you live in, but you’ll typically have to be 18-19, a permanent U.S. resident (with an SSN), and have a high school diploma or GED. 

Next, you need to pass a pre-licensing course. The length of these courses is also reliant on the state you live in. For example, an Illinois online real estate school requires 60 hours, but it also requires participants to take the remaining 15 hours via classroom, webinar, or distance education.

There are several online and in-person real estate course options, but it’s necessary to go to a respected school that’s approved and recognized by your state’s department of regulation. In Illinois, for example, this would be the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR).

After receiving your education, you can apply to take the exam. Again, a passing grade is different in every state, but you can retake the exam several times until you pass.

Before sending off your application, you’ll need to be sponsored by a broker. Take your time finding the right sponsor because they’ll affect your real estate education. Once the broker feels you’re ready to get your license, the broker will sign off on your paperwork.

In less than a week, you should receive a copy of your real estate license. This gives you the ability to sell real estate. You may need to renew your license every couple of years.

Skills Real Estate Agents Have Gained

There are several in-demand real estate agent skills, like the following:

• Hard skills: Networking, business administration, area knowledge, marketing, basic to advanced tech knowledge, negotiation, architecture, real estate law
• Soft skills: Leadership, empathy, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, confidence, a receptive attitude, a positive outlook, ethics, integrity, problem-solving
• Transferable skills: Collaboration, research, communication, adaptability, time management, teaching, patience, active listening, industry experience

Most real estate skills are transferable to other careers. Since several agents work part-time, especially when they start, you can use a number of these skills in your current profession.

Common Industries for Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents specifically work as a buyer’s or seller’s agent. They can work out of a brokerage or out of their own office but must work under a broker. Real estate agents can apply to become a realtor, which indicates a higher level of commitment to selling real estate.

Agents are able to sell residential and commercial real estate, invest in real estate, and become property managers. To branch out into other industries, like appraising, law, or banking, they’ll need to complete more education either in the form of a license or bachelor’s degree.

Common Job Titles for Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are present in a wide variety of jobs. If you have your real estate license, there are several careers you can explore in this industry beyond being an agent.

Residential or Commercial Agent

Residential agents buy and sell homes and condos on behalf of their clients. Commercial agents do the same but with business properties and offices. This position includes a lot of networking, building client relationships, administrative work, and internet know-how.

Residential or Commercial Broker

Like agents, brokers assist with the sale, leasing, and purchase of a property, except they get to work independently or manage other agents. They typically specialize in a property type, like investment properties or medical facilities. You need a broker’s license to operate as a broker.

Property Manager or Investor

Real estate investors often purchase real estate for an income-generating purpose. You don’t need a real estate license to sell property, but it can definitely help you make a profit. Investors can either flip their properties or rent them out and act as property managers or landlords.

Real Estate Appraiser

If real estate agents get their appraiser’s license, they can start appraising properties. Almost all houses under contract or people looking to refinance need an appraiser to determine the market value of the real estate. Appraisers have a more consistent 9-to-5 than real estate agents.

Real Estate Attorney

Real estate agents that pass the bar and become real estate attorneys can legally advise the parties involved in a residential or commercial property transaction. Although the education is extensive, 22 states require an attorney in a real estate transaction, so you’ll always find work.

Is the Real Estate Industry Right for You?

Real estate agents are afforded flexible careers, decent career growth, and a salary without a ceiling. Plus, getting a proper real estate agent education can take less than a month. However, if you want a more stable 9-to-5, you’ll need to explore other opportunities, like appraising or law.

About the author…

A growth hacker at heart, Jess Perkins helps SaaS companies rapidly scale their inbound leads through lean marketing strategies. She views content marketing and advertising as the perfect concoction of growth and loves to write about her insights and experiences.

The post Jobs You Can Get With a Real Estate Agent License appeared first on Job-Hunt.

How to Effectively Land a Great Job Overseas 

Getting a job in a new country can be more challenging than at home, but finding a career doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are 10 ways to make your international job search easier.

1. Develop an Unstoppable Job Search Strategy

Any goal with a strategy is more likely to succeed, especially when swimming in uncharted waters. You likely don’t know how to search for a job in a new country. How you approach international work can make all the difference in your overall experience and success.

To create an unstoppable strategy, utilize various job search tools, such as:

• Cold-calling or emailing
• Networking (coworkers, supervisors, family, friends, etc.)
• Job sites (for both general and international sites)
• Corporate websites (use company career centers)
• Government sources (trade offices, embassies, agencies, etc.)
• Recruiters (search by geographic location and discipline)
• International job fairs (online and offline)

To narrow down your search with these tools, determine if you want to work for public or private firms in the foreign, international, or domestic space. Corporate culture can (and should) play a big part in your job strategy, so be sure to read employer review sites, like JobSage.

2. Make a List of Jobs You Want to Pursue

Inexperienced job seekers typically don’t focus their search. While this may not be a big problem for domestic jobs, it’s a major issue for international employment. Finding a foreign employer isn’t just about the culture and excitement, it’s also about job titles and requirements.

To give more consideration to what type of job you’re seeking, go back to square one. Ask yourself why you’re interested in an overseas job beyond relocating. Then, review your skills, college courses, degrees, certificates, accomplishments, and volunteer experiences. 

At this point, you should have a profile of the type of jobs you can look for. Be as specific as possible because you’ll want to fill a position that appeals to your strengths.

3. Narrow Your Search to Potential Jobs, Companies, and Countries

Create a spreadsheet and fill it with important information you’ll need to transfer, like job skills, experience, and titles. You’ll need to research your countries of interest to develop an accurate list. From here, you can compare and contrast different opportunities globally.

Keep in mind that the easiest way to get an international job is by working for a domestic company and asking for a transfer. Still, most foreign companies take experienced employees.

4. Develop and/or Acquire Key Job and Language Skills

By now, you should have chosen a country and a preferred job title. Your job title and skill set should be a great match, or you only need a few more skills to be perfect for the role.

Most employers desire cross-cultural adaptability, language fluency, and technical knowledge in their foreign candidates, so focus on refining them if you’re lacking in these areas. At the same time, you should develop more on your current skill set to stand out from the local competition.

Job seekers who are still in school should look at distance education programs. Not only will you get international experience, but you’ll also develop a better understanding of the country.

5. Prepare for International Correspondence

International correspondence can feel pretty intimidating, but you can prepare for it by researching the country’s culture. This research can also help you make a better resume.

For example, U.S. resume templates don’t include photos due to antidiscrimination laws. But if you’re applying in Austria, France, the Middle East, Asia, or Africa, it’s recommended to add a photo. If you don’t, the employer will instantly know you’re unfamiliar with their customs.

Although most countries handle resumes differently, the same cover letter rules apply:

• Address the cover letter to the hiring manager.
• Write an enticing first paragraph explaining why you’re a good fit.
• Explain why your skills and education match the employer’s needs.
• The final section should ask the hiring manager for an interview.

Most foreign countries prefer the curriculum vitae (CV) over the resume, but that isn’t always the case. Look up what each country prefers before sending off resumes to prospective employers.

6. Build Up Your International and Local Networks

Networking is essential for all jobs, but it becomes crucial in an international market. If you already know someone who works in a foreign company, ask them for any job leads, comments on the country’s work culture, and places you can go to develop additional connections.

Take advantage of your entire network because everyone will have their own unique experience. For example, a woman may not feel safe in a country where a man might.

7. Get Ready for Your (Likely Virtual) Interview 

It’s unlikely that your interview will occur in person, so you’ll need to prepare for a phone or video interview, which can be difficult if you’ve never experienced one before.

You’ll have to show enthusiasm on the top half of your body, in your voice, and in your language. Avoid typical interviewing and cultural faux pas. Make sure to dress well for the interview and practice several times before the big day. Ask questions at the end of the call.

8. Always Send a Thank-You Email or Phone Call

It’s essential to send a thank-you email or phone call at the end of the interview, but you should also follow up on any job leads of interest. When you do, you stay in an employer’s mind.

Here are some best practices for follow-ups:

• Send the follow-up a few hours after the interview
• Show enthusiasm about the position
• Don’t address them in a casual way
• Reiterate the position you’re interviewing for
• Never overexplain or suck up
• Share a memorable moment from the interview
• Check your spelling (for emails)

While you should sound assertive in your follow-ups, try not to come across as too aggressive.

9. Consider Getting a Bachelor’s/Graduate Degree

Foreign employers tend to look at bachelor’s degrees as more valuable than U.S. employers if you can believe it. At the same time, foreign employers are more likely to ask for a graduate degree since they have a pool of other candidates with degrees who already fit in the culture.

You typically have to go that extra mile to impress international companies, so you may need to get a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD to work in a similar job title, field, or industry overseas.

10. Decide Whether You Want to Move Abroad

Thanks to our fully connected world, most of us don’t have to leave home to get an international job. However, if you want to live and work abroad, you’ll need to plan well in advance. You also need to tell your potential employers that you’re willing to move in the next three months.

After you move, make sure you keep a lifeline back home if your move doesn’t work out. Having a guaranteed place to stay if you return will make the move feel less risky and scary.

Expand Your Career Opportunities Through Foreign Employment

While preparing for an international job transfer or a foreign career takes a lot of time and effort, you’ll benefit from multiple job opportunities, career growth, and a new experience. Prior research puts you in the best position to find an employer that checks all your boxes.

About the author…

A growth hacker at heart, Jess Perkins helps SaaS companies rapidly scale their inbound leads through lean marketing strategies. She views content marketing and advertising as the perfect concoction of growth and loves to write about her insights and experiences.

The post 10 Job Search Tips for International Job Seekers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

However, you don’t have to work with patients directly to exist in this thriving field. A healthcare management job may be exactly what you’re looking for if you’re a more business-minded, introverted person who prefers to improve patient care rather than the patients themselves.

Healthcare Management Professional Overview

Healthcare managers (or administrators) take care of the business side of healthcare. Their duties include scheduling, budgeting, and finding ways to improve client care. Healthcare managers need impressive communication and organizational skills to thrive in their careers.

Healthcare administrators spend most of their time coordinating and managing healthcare services in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They are similar to an HR staff member and may handle payroll tasks, such as administering paychecks, but that isn’t common.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare managers make approximately $104,280 per year, or $50.13 per hour, and have a job outlook of 32%, which is much higher than average. 

What to Expect From a Healthcare Management Program

To become a healthcare management professional, you have to take health and human services courses at an accredited university or college. Most students have to get a four-year bachelor’s degree in healthcare management, but there are fast-track courses you can take.

Most healthcare management programs will cover the following topics:

• Healthcare Marketing
• Managed Care
• Quality Improvements in Healthcare
• Healthcare Laws and Ethics
• Project Management
• International Healthcare

Although a degree in healthcare management will put you in a good position in the field, you can get a health service, nursing, liberal arts, or business degree instead. Some universities or colleges won’t have a bachelor’s program in health management, but they will have a master’s.

To be more hireable, you should consider a project management certificate from a reputable college. These certificates typically take less than a year to achieve. Keep in mind that additional certification isn’t required in most cases, but it can show your commitment to the role.

Certain jobs will require a master’s degree, ranging from one to two years on top of the four-year program. However, most employers will promote you if you have relevant industry experience.

Skills Healthcare Management Majors Have Gained

There are several in-demand healthcare management skills, like the following:

• Hard skills: Budgeting, business administration, scheduling, staff management, basic patient care, marketing, project management, and basic to advanced tech knowledge
• Soft skills: Stress management, leadership, empathy, a strong work ethic, humility, attention to detail, confidence, a positive outlook, and a receptive attitude
• Transferable skills: Research, collaboration, public speaking, communication, problem-solving, planning, critical thinking, time management, adaptability, and industry experience

Healthcare managers learn several hard, soft, and transferable skills that are necessary for health management and other medical fields. Some healthcare managers can transition into project managers, HR, or accounting roles provided they become certified accountants.

Common Industries for Healthcare Management Majors

Healthcare administrators typically find jobs in an outpatient or hospital setting. Clinics and doctor’s offices allow managers to explore broader disciplines, from HR to budgeting. On the other hand, hospitals and larger practices offer more in terms of growth.

Administrators that want to take a more personal approach to management may prefer to work in residential care or nursing facilities, as you’re required to maintain a relationship with your patients. Healthcare admins may also work for insurance companies or the government.

Common Job Titles for Healthcare Management Majors

Most healthcare managers stay in their field and are unlikely to seek employment elsewhere. However, the roles a healthcare manager takes are varied and welcome a lot of growth.

Health Information Manager

Health information managers are responsible for accurately and efficiently inputting data. In this role, employees must understand specific treatments, billing codes, coding, and software.

Whether they work in a small facility or supervise teams of employees, their job is to oversee and manage all things pertaining to a facility’s profits and losses. For this reason, you may be required to get a CPA license.

Healthcare Administrator/Manager

It’s common to see healthcare administrators and managers be used interchangeably, as we did in this article, but some employers still consider both professions different in subtle ways.

An administrator works with the daily operations of the faculty, such as HR and staffing issues. A manager is responsible for the operation of the facility and focuses on the business side (accounting, policies, facility management issues).

Hospital Administrator

A hospital administrator has similar duties as the healthcare administrator, except they work in a hospital setting. They may take on more responsibilities and typically make more money.

Besides the typical administrator duties, hospital administrators will interview doctors, secure funding for the institution, schedule staff, and take a more active approach to improve patient care.

Pharmaceutical Product Manager

A pharmaceutical product manager deals directly with pharmaceuticals and equipment. They’re in charge of researching, creating, and marketing products that serve their patients’ needs.

Pharmaceutical product managers need to understand medical codes to market their products effectively. They also need a science, business, and data analysis background, meaning a bachelor of science or management is preferred.

Hospital CFO

A hospital chief financial officer (CFO) ensures the hospital runs as efficiently as possible. CFOs must be forward-thinking, result-oriented, and understand finance and management. 

To become a CFO, you need a bachelor’s degree, a CPA certification, and years of experience. In larger facilities, CFOs may coordinate or supervise staff, but they’re mostly responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of financial statements.

Is Healthcare Management Right for You?

A career in healthcare management is perfect for people who want to enter the healthcare industry but don’t want to be on the front lines, like a doctor, nurse, or surgeon. However, managers can work in nursing homes or care facilities if they prefer to speak with patients.

About the author…

A growth hacker at heart, Jess Perkins helps SaaS companies rapidly scale their inbound leads through lean marketing strategies. She views content marketing and advertising as the perfect concoction of growth and loves to write about her insights and experiences.

More Career Paths:

• Great Jobs and Career Fields for Business Majors
• Great Jobs for Communications Majors
• Great Jobs and Career Fields for English Majors
• Great Jobs and Career Fields for Psychology Majors
• Great Careers for All Myers-Briggs Personality Types
• Jobs You Can Get With a Real Estate Agent License

The post Job Opportunities for Healthcare Administration and Management Majors appeared first on Job-Hunt.

These negative experiences are frustrating and can greatly impact one’s job search attitude, motivation, and confidence going forward. But by creating a plan to overcome any potential setbacks, job seekers can reduce stress, remain confident, and in time, accomplish their goals.

It starts with a positive attitude, says Paul Carver, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and President of Pluvian Consulting LLC, where he coaches business professionals and individuals to understand their talents, grow their strengths, and reach their goals and dreams.

“Envision success to create success,” says Carver. “Yes, there will be setbacks. You won’t get an offer for every interview. How you choose to respond defines your future success. Writing off a failed interview as ‘that job wasn’t really right for me anyway’ helps you maintain confidence for the next interview.”

Carver continued: “When you have a positive attitude, you know there is a job out there waiting for you to find it.”

Here are some scenarios all job seekers encounter—followed by how to develop a plan to overcome defeat:

3 Scenarios All Job Seekers Encounter

1. You Applied for a Job but Didn’t Hear Back

Did you take the time to tailor your resume to the specific job, or did you just send in a one-size-fits-all general resume, hoping to hear back? The more closely you align your resume with the requirements outlined in the job description/job posting, the more closely your resume will match what an applicant tracking system is looking for. A slight change in how you write your resume or apply for jobs can make a major impact.

2. You Interviewed but Didn’t Hear Back

Interviewing is hard. But don’t be hard on yourself after what you may deem a poor interview.

“It’s more likely you didn’t get the job because another candidate made a better impression on that particular day,” says Carver. “Tomorrow is a new day. Arise again and choose to be positive, success is near.”

And between now and the next interview, conduct a mock interview with a friend, family member, or colleague. Practice answering tough questions, and do so wearing that business suit just like you would in an interview. To succeed in an interview, prepare for the interview well in advance.

3. You Were Passed Over for a Promotion

It’s tough when a colleague gets hired over you. But look at this as an opportunity.

What skills or experiences do you need to add to become more attractive the next time a promotion opens up? What training, education, or on-the-job experience did your coworker have that may have led to them getting hired over you?

Now that this person has moved on, ask to assume more duties and responsibilities and work harder than ever before. Ask your manager for a review and how you can fill in skills or experience gaps and understand areas where you can improve. And if needed, take a class or complete related training.

In addition, Carver provides the below tips and thoughts on how to overcome job search defeat.

4 Tips to Overcome Job Search Defeat

1. Create a Vision Board

Establish your goals. Include the markers of success you set for yourself. Maybe there’s a certain salary or title or work schedule you want. Write it down. Maybe the greater purpose of the work is most important to you. Write it down. Whatever your goals are, they need to be actively considered and sought to give them the greatest chance to be achieved.

With a vision board, you’ll look at your vision of the next job before you go to sleep and as soon as you wake up. Your mind will be conditioned to focus on accomplishing your goals.

“You are motivating yourself,” says Carver. “As you confront failure, your vision will remind you why you are doing what you’re doing. The success you seek makes the failure tolerable.”

More: How to Prepare for a Job Search

2. Prepare and Practice

Interviews are not the same as a conversation with someone in line at Starbucks. You need your own agenda.

What three points are you going to make about yourself? What connections do you have to the industry, company, or interviewer that can help you stand out? How will you answer questions about gaps in your resume?

Research, research, research before you interview. And practice your presentation and body language with a colleague, in front of a mirror, and by recording the mock interview. Watch it and improve. Then, walk into that interview confident and with a smile because you know you did everything you can to stand out.

3. Analyze Failures and Learn Something You Can Apply Next Time

If you’ve had failures in the above areas, the next interview is a chance to review the failure so you can perform better the next time. “Confronting failure presents the greatest chance to prevail,” says Carver.

4. It Happens to Everyone, It’ll Happen Again, and It’s Not Personal

“I don’t know anyone who has gotten every job she ever sought. That puts you in exceptionally good company, so stop feeling sorry for yourself and get off the couch,” says Carver.

Learn from the past. Turn the negatives into a positive. And soon you will go from managing a job search to negotiating a job offer.

Written by: Matt Krumrie

The post How to Overcome Job Search Defeat appeared first on Job-Hunt.

But simply signing up isn’t going to land you a job. Your profile needs to stand out to entice recruiters and hiring managers. Make yours a memorable LinkedIn profile with the tips below!

Here are five informative and appealing strategies to create a memorable LinkedIn profile:

1. Include a Photo

Eyes naturally gravitate toward a picture. Providing one gives viewers a visual to attach to the information they read, which makes you more memorable.

Choose a good-quality headshot in which you convey professionalism and friendliness—qualities that welcome potential employers to pursue further action.

2. Craft a Powerful Headline

Don’t waste prime real estate with the default “Job Title at Company X.”

“Use the space after your name to tell the LinkedIn world what you do, what your impact will be, or what you are passionate about,” says business and life strategist Erica McCurdy.

“Leave the employment section to tell the story of your work history. You have one opportunity to make an impression on your potential employer—give them a reason to look further.”

3. Add Some Pizzazz

While a LinkedIn profile should include your educational and professional qualifications, don’t simply treat it as a carbon copy of your resume.

Instead, use your LinkedIn profile to paint a vivid picture of who you are and what you bring to the table. Career coach Cheryl E. Palmer, owner of Call to Career, suggests these attention-grabbers:

• Incorporate multimedia: You can upload audio files, as well as video and PowerPoint presentations, that illustrate your expertise. For example, you can show growth in sales by including a chart that shows a spike in sales over time. Including multimedia on your profile will add more life to it and give potential employers a more comprehensive view of you as a candidate.

• Add examples of your work: Providing great blog posts can be an excellent way of demonstrating your expertise. You can upload posts along with pictures that illustrate the theme of your posts. Then, you can add keywords so that your posts can be found.

• Include links to outside profiles or portfolios: LinkedIn allows you to not only list your published works, but also to link to them on the web. Showing that you have been published gives your profile greater credibility.

4. Include Testimonials

Just as you might read customer reviews before making a purchase, potential employers turn to input from others before investing in a candidate.

Put the information at their fingertips by including recommendations from previous supervisors, colleagues, and clients attesting to your abilities.

5. Complete the Entire Profile

Finally, take heed of this advice from Karen Taylor Roane, founder of New Destiny Marketing, in order to be a stand out both literally and figuratively: “Work on your profile until you reach LinkedIn ‘all-star’ status by filling everything that LinkedIn suggests you fill out (see this rating on the righthand side of your profile page). This is another way to help you come up higher in the search ranking.”

And including that extra bit of information—whether talking about your volunteer work or listing membership in a college sorority—may be just the edge that keeps a viewer around a little longer and lands you an interview.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post 5 Tips for a Memorable LinkedIn Profile appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you are looking to eliminate work distractions, here are eight tips that can put you on the right track to eliminate work distractions:

1. Change Your Physical Layout

A desk that faces a door or hallway lends itself to looking up when someone passes by and then striking up a conversation so as not to appear rude. Alter your setup to avoid eye contact, perhaps by turning the desk around or using cabinets to obscure a direct view.

If you work from home, organize your workspace in a way that will help you enhance your focus and maximize your productivity.

2. Pick a New Environment

When chatty coworkers hinder your focus, take refuge in a quiet conference room.

If your company allows flexwork, consider remote work when you have a project demanding full attention. However, while working from home enables greater control over your environment, it also comes with its own distractions.

To successfully deal with distractions while working from home, set realistic expectations for yourself and establish boundaries with members of your household, as well as with friends and neighbors.

3. Tell Others When to Come Back

“If you want to reduce the risk of interruption, post a sign that requests you not be interrupted until a specific time,” suggests Bary C. Sherman, CEO of PEPworldwide-USA. “A ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign does not work because it does not give enough information for someone to make a business decision on whether to interrupt or not.”

If you’re working remotely, clearly communicate your availability to your clients and colleagues. You can do this by establishing workday routines or by creating a shared calendar, for example.

4. Schedule a Brief Meeting

Always getting interrupted by the same person? Set up a time when the two of you can have a focused discussion. Mutually agree to hold off all but the most urgent matters until then.

5. Respect the Golden Rule

“If the person you need to talk to is head-down typing away at his keyboard, then go away and give him the time to finish. Most things can wait a few minutes or even hours,” Sherman says. “People tend to treat you as you demonstrate you wish to be treated. Do not interrupt others, and they will not interrupt you.”

6. Control Technology

Simply put, open only what is needed at the moment. If Facebook has nothing to do with your job, stay off of it to avoid the “I’ll just look for a second” temptation.

Schedule points during the day in which to check email and respond. Others will get to know your routine and not expect an immediate answer. (If it makes you feel better, create an auto-response detailing when you’ll reply.)

7. Limit Distracting Thoughts

“If you think it, ink it,” says Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro. She notes that people have a “fear of forgetfulness” that often compels them to act on whatever idea comes into their head before they lose it. Instead, quickly jot down thoughts to deal with later, and get back to the task at hand.

8. Take a Scheduled Break

Finally, remember that people are not robots. Allot some guilt-free time to socialize, move around, and recharge. Looking forward to a planned break can keep you from “searching” for a distraction!

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post How to Eliminate Work Distractions: 8 Tips appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Before signing on the dotted line, however, be certain that the excitement you feel today will continue down the line by pondering these five important issues about accepting a job offer.

Here are five things to consider before accepting a job offer:

1. Compensation

Starting salary not only affects how much you take home today but also how much you stand to make in the future, since raises often represent a percentage increase. Know the “going rate” in your industry and region for your position. If your offer seems lacking, consider negotiating.

Be equally thoughtful about benefits. As noted by Roy Cohen, author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide: Success Secrets of a Career Coach, “When you accept a job and have not thoroughly reviewed the benefits package, you may be surprised to discover that you pay a higher deductible, the medical plan does not cover your existing doctors, or your vacation time has been slashed. Any or all of these items will offset an increase in salary if you end up paying for medical expenses out of pocket or you lose company-paid time off.”

2. Workplace Culture and Values

A large part of your day will be spent in this environment, so be sure it’s one that suits both your style and ethics. Examine the company’s web page, especially the “About Us” section and any blog posts. Search social media. Read reviews posted by former employees. And definitely take advantage of any opportunities to tour the office and talk to employees. If you catch yourself saying “this place sounds like me,” chances are you’ve found somewhere you can thrive.

More: How to Choose Between Job Offers

3. Stability

Also in your detective work, explore the issue of job stability. “Accepting a great job offer with a bump in title, benefits, and salary will end up a disappointment if the job has a history of high turnover or the company is teetering on layoffs,” Cohen says.

4. Support

Being the “new kid” in the office can be a bit nerve-racking. What have you been told about how you’ll be brought up to speed? Are there designated people to show you the ropes and answer questions? Has any mention been made of orientation programs or job-specific instruction? A company that shows interest in getting you off on the right foot will likely continue to provide resources for you to perform well throughout your tenure.

“Many people accept jobs only to find out there isn’t sufficient training and that they are set up to fail,” says Porschia Parker, founder of Fly High Coaching. “You don’t want to accept a position that is very specific, detailed, or high stress without being 100% sure you can perform.”

Similarly, think about whether the employer has structures in place to support future career goals. If moving up the ladder is part of the long-term picture, is there anywhere to go? Learn about this company’s position on internal promotions, continuing education, and leadership development.

5. Reality

Finally, compare the actual position to your individual needs and goals. Is the opportunity to work for a big-name employer far from your house worth the lengthy, daily commute? Are the hours in line with your desire for work-life balance? Is your gut telling you something about your potential new boss that you shouldn’t ignore? Only you can answer such questions, so be sure you’re approaching the situation with eyes wide open rather than through rose-colored glasses.

If the terms of the job offer don’t match your expectations, here’s how to politely decline a job offer.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post 5 Things to Consider Before Accepting a Job Offer appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Here are four signs you’ve found a great flexible company:

1. The Company Has Been Recognized for Its Flexibility

Start with FlexJobs’ searchable Guide to Best Companies for Remote, Part-Time, and Flexible Jobs. Employers listed have a history of offering part-time, remote, freelance, and flexible working options.

And a Google search on “Best Places to Work” also can yield fruitful results, such as the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Read the winners’ blurbs; flexibility often plays a part in creating the happy, engaging environments that land companies on these lists.

2. Flexibility Is Mentioned on The Company’s Website

“More and more companies are specifically highlighting flexible work options in their recruiting materials and on their websites because they know it’s an important factor that prospective workers consider,” says Cali Williams Yost, CEO and founder of Flex+Strategy Group | Work+Life Fit, Inc.

She cautions, however, to pay attention to where on the website the reference to flexible work is found, as this can provide a clue as to whether or not it’s a sounds-good perk or truly part of the culture. “For example, if it’s listed under ‘benefits’ I’d do some more sleuthing,” Yost says. “However, if it’s mentioned in a section describing ‘About Us’ or ‘Who We Are,’ that’s a signal that flexibility is just the way [they] work.”

3. Employees Confirm the Flexibility

Present and former employees can provide insight as to the extent of an employer’s flexibility. Dig around your network and on LinkedIn for possible contacts. (Glassdoor also has some firsthand reviews that can be helpful.)

Ask employees what they know about the company’s stance on flexwork based on their own experience. Even if they themselves hold a traditional in-office position, they can answer telling questions, such as how often they deal with remote coworkers, whether remote work seems limited to certain departments or positions, and what the watercooler word is on how management feels about alternate schedules.

4. Interviewers Bring Up the Subject of Flexibility

Lastly, consider an interviewer who broaches the topic without prompt to be a good sign. This action typically signals that flexible arrangements are engrained in the company culture and should be discussed from the start. It also can indicate that this employer realizes the importance of flexibility when trying to attract candidates.

Use the lead to learn more by posing follow-up questions, such as “On a given day, how, when, and where are people working?” or, “What supports are in place to keep telecommuters and in-office staff connected?” Prioritize listening over negotiating at this point—you’ll have plenty of time to work out individual arrangements with this great flexible company after getting to know each other better!

If you looking for flexibility in your work schedule, check out FlexJobs for remote and flexible schedule jobs, as well as this list of companies offering a 4 day work week.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post 4 Signs a Company Embraces Flexible Work appeared first on Job-Hunt.

To get started, take a look at this primer on freelancing for supplemental income:

What Do Freelancers Do?

Pick any industry, and chances are freelance opportunities exist. While you might choose to perform the same type of work you do for your regular job, freelancing can also be a great opportunity to explore other interests.

Some of the top fields for freelance job listings include computer & IT, administrative, accounting & finance, customer service, software development, medical & health, project management, analyst, writing, and education & training.

How Freelancers Differ From Regular Employees

Freelancers and employees may do similar tasks for a company, but key differences exist between the two.

A freelancer is a provider of specific services for a negotiated rate and time period. Typically, both sides sign a contract spelling out details of the arrangement. After the work has been performed, more contractual agreements may be made, or either side may choose to discontinue the working relationship. To learn more, read How Do Freelancers Get Paid? A Guide to Rates, Invoices and More.

Yet, while a freelancer isn’t an employee, don’t for a moment think that Uncle Sam doesn’t want his due share of what you earn. Freelancers are responsible for paying their own taxes; employers will not withhold the appropriate amount before issuing a paycheck. Failure to make estimated tax payments each quarter could result in a hefty penalty for a freelancing newbie come filing time.

Freelancers are also responsible for their own health insurance, retirement plans, accounting, invoicing, marketing, and dealing with clients. To help you navigate these obstacles, among others, it might be a good idea to connect with a freelance mentor.

How to Find Freelance Jobs

Prospective freelancers spend much of their time (at least at first) seeking work. For instance, writers may query various publications with ideas for articles they’d like to write. A freelance web designer might contact area businesses to see if any have a need for help with their sites.

Building relationships and providing quality work makes securing future “gigs” easier through repeat business, word-of-mouth, and stellar recommendations.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post How to Start Freelancing and Make Supplemental Income appeared first on Job-Hunt.

For those looking to expand their professional circle, establishing online relationships can contribute greatly to their overall efforts.

Try these three strategies for increasing your online network:

1. Start With LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become the go-to site for career-related networking. Be sure you’re taking full advantage of all it has to offer. Let LinkedIn automatically make the “easy” connections by sending invites to everyone in your address book. Then, take heed of its periodic suggestions of other members you might know based on your information.

You could be reminded of a former colleague or a college sorority sister who would make a great addition. And if you have a specific person you’d like to meet, LinkedIn can sort through your network for “shared connections” who might be able to assist with an introduction.

2. Try Chats and Groups

Want to meet new people in your field? Join social media groups and chats dedicated to your area of interest. For some ideas on LinkedIn, go to “interests,” and then select “groups” from the drop-down menu. Twitter hosts chats on various professional topics. Look for a hashtag with “chat” in it, or check out the master list.

But don’t just sign up and be a fly on the wall. Get your name out there by posting, commenting, and sharing. You never know who might be impressed with your knowledge or perspective. Likewise, take note of members you find fascinating and ask them to join your online network.

3. Combine Online and Traditional Networking

“Job seekers can expand their online network by starting offline!” says HR professional and resume writer Tiffani Murray of Personality on a Page.

“When you meet people at networking events, conferences, training courses, or other professional events, ask them if they are on LinkedIn. Many times you can connect right at that moment. Or, if you get a business card, make it a practice to add the people you’ve met to your online networks once you are back to your computer. Modify the standard invite to remind them where you met them.”

Another way to merge the two is using online technology to find offline connections in your geographical region.

Check out Meetup to discover groups in your area getting together over a shared interest, such as entrepreneurship for women or nonfiction writing. Take a look at VolunteerMatch.org to be a part of charitable activities in your community and meet others with the same passions. Then, come full circle in your networking efforts by bringing all of your new acquaintances into your online network.

Remember, networking isn’t about connecting with someone once and expecting miracles. Rather, successful relationships involve building trust over time so that both parties develop a genuine interest in helping out one another.

Written by: Beth Braccio Hering

The post Online Networking Tips to Make Great Connections appeared first on Job-Hunt.