Freelance work What you need to know

Freelance work What you need to know by Amber Rolfe Thinking of going freelance?Whether you’re looking for a job with flexible working hours, you want something with more variety, or you’re just really interested in pursuing a passion you haven’t been able to utilise in your current role â€" freelancing is a great way to break out of the 9-5 and go it alone.To give you and insight of what freelancing is all about, here are a few things you should know:What is freelance work? Freelance work is a type of self-employment that is carried out on a flexible basis, and provided to a variety of different businesses.Freelancers could work on big or small projects, both short-term and long-term â€" depending on what suits their skills, availability, and the employer’s needs.Typical tasks could include anything from building a website or designing a logo, to writing a weekly blog post or shooting and editing a video.How does freelancing work?Usually, employers will get the ball rolling by posting a job or project o n a freelance website.This allows freelancers to contact them, explaining the reasons their skills and abilities make them suitable for this particular role â€" also stating how much they’d charge.The employer is then able to choose from a number of proposals to find the best fit, discuss next steps, and come to a mutual agreement on how and when the work will be done. After it’s completed to the required standard, payment will be made.  What jobs can I do freelance? Almost every service an employer needs can be outsourced to a freelancer.However, there are certain fields and industries where freelance work is particularly common. These include:Graphic designMarketing, media PRFinancial support (e.g. bookkeeping)Writing, editing proofreadingFashionPhotographyVideographyData entryProgrammingFive self-employed jobs you could be doing right now  What are the benefits of working freelance? There are many benefits of becoming a freelancer. These include:It’s quick and easy to get startedYou can choose the work you want to doYou can choose when you want to workIt’s affordableThe work is variedBecause of these perks, it’s a particularly common choice amongst students or recent graduates, those who have lost their jobs, working parents, or people trying to pursue a particular passion or career path that they can’t easily find in regular role.Is self-employment right for me?How much do freelancers get paid? Freelancers are typically paid hourly, or at a fixed rate.They’ll usually set their rates themselves â€" which will depend on the type of service they’re offering, the value of the product, how qualified/experienced they are, and how long the project will take to complete.Pay can often be negotiated if necessary, and will vary from job to job.  What do I need to become a freelancer? Although freelance work has many perks, it’s not for everyone.Aside from a high level of self-motivation (see also: objectivity), you’ll also need to be extremely a daptable, personable, and a great communicator. Specific skills and knowledge within the industry you’re offering work in is also vital â€" as most freelancers are up against a high level of competition.Employers looking to hire freelancers will usually expect to see examples of their work, meaning an extensive portfolio that shows off your expertise and skills is essential.Qualifications may be preferred, but this will depend entirely on your line of work, and the employer’s needs.How to be your own boss  Where can I find freelance work? Freelance work can be found on a range of job sites, including reed.co.uk.However, there are also a number of websites dedicated solely to freelancers and the businesses and individuals looking to hire them.Freesy, Upwork, Freelancer, and Peopleperhour are just a few sites you could choose from.What is Freesy?Freesy is an online platform designed for freelancers to showcase their profile, explore opportunities, and connect directly with compani es looking for talent.They take care of payments, so youll always get paid on time, every time.And, because they dont charge any fees to freelancers (and only charge employers 5%), you know youll be getting the amount you deserve.Find out more about FreesyHow to start freelancing Here are some of our top tips to help you get started as a freelancer:Choose a craft that’s in demand. Not only should you find something you enjoy (and are good at), you should also do your research to make sure your skill is marketable.Build a reputable brand. Even though you’re going it alone, you still have to sell yourself as a brand â€" meaning an impressive online presence (e.g. through blogs and social media) is key.Put together a portfolio. Employers are primarily concerned with your previous experience â€" so choose your jobs wisely to gain the best reputation, even if it means working for free when you first start out.Pitch properly. Similar to job applications, employers don’t like it when you don’t tailor your proposal to their job. Focus on how your skills could meet their needs, and you’re far more likely to impress.Ready to start freelancing? View all available jobs now    Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Flexible working Self-employment What job suits me?

Good Resume Writing

Good Resume WritingWriting on resume is an art that must be perfected if you are going to get a good job. There are certain factors that one must consider while writing on resume.Your first objective is to stand out in the crowd. There is no better way to do that than by having a great resume. If you have not realized it yet, there are some professional resume writers who can give you a great resume to prepare for a prospective employer and some of them are available online.Resumes contain essential information regarding your work history and educational background. It is important to use specific keywords while writing your resume. The objective of resume writing is to ensure that a candidate's employment history and educational background are clearly stated.It is vital to highlight your unique skills, education and work experience. These are the most essential elements for getting a job. Many people make the mistake of not listing their past works. It is important to state what are the job responsibilities you performed for the employers.Exceptional efforts should be highlighted by including a few sentences about them. Moreover, keep your resume as short as possible because a lengthy resume will only end up in rejection.Resume writing may involve discussing your current job responsibilities with an employer. In addition, you should always take time to write your opinions about the present status of your current or former employer. Resume writing is also good for employers who are planning to promote a new employee.Provide your contact information such as your name, address, job number, e-mail and phone number so that the employer can contact you by phone or e-mail. Also include any other relevant information like the type of job you are currently working and a personal statement that can define your current situation. Resume writing is also useful for people who wish to apply for more than one job at the same time.Apart from providing the employer with accura te information, you can make use of good quality resume for various purposes. You can use it as a work guide or learning tool for later, for example, an interview. Since a resume is the first written communication between you and the employer, you should be careful while writing your resume.

Your Next Career Move is in the Cards

Your Next Career Move is in the Cards January is pitch month â€" the month most writers receive all kinds of ideas for posts or articles from a wide variety of sources.   This one was nearly irresistible: Subject: Candace, want to review a Psychic Coach (whos also a Professor hit Songwriter)? You bet I do. Toronto, Canada-based Ralph Hammelman is the founder of My Psychic Coach and a second-generation tarot reader (also a Cancer, if you’re into astrology.)  He previously co-wrote the daily horoscope in  24 Hours  (with a circulation of 500,000), and has a certificate in Feng Shui. Ralph calls himself an energy reader, by the way â€" he personally dislikes the psychic label, but uses it to optimize his web presence. (It’s what people who want his services search for.) He’s been doing readings for 30 years. Ralph’s mother also had the gift and read Tarot cards for many years, and Ralph started his career as a young boy, sneaking into his mother’s room to practice with her cards. In case you’re not familiar with the Tarot deck, it consists of 78 cards, each with its own divination meaning. The cards date back to the Renaissance. Ralph takes calls from people who want help making decisions about their lives and uses Tarot cards to help him “read the energy around options you might be considering.” He estimates that 20 â€" 30 percent of calls are about career issues. He says he doesn’t make predictions; he helps clients understand what kind of energy surrounds each one of several possible paths so they can make informed choices. He offered a free reading for me and the chance to honestly review my experience. (Readings cost $99 for 30 minutes.) I classified myself to Ralph as “an open-minded skeptic.” I am fascinated by the idea that some people have access to more information than others â€" however they access it but I am also a Midwesterner with both feet firmly on the ground.   Like many of you, I suspect that most phone psychics are charlatans. I asked Ralph why he didn’t just use the personal gifts he has in abundance (he’s warm, charming, and a great listener) to become a conventional life coach. Why subject himself to the questionable reputation that psychics have? Why limit your coaching to believers and forego coaching non-believing achievers? Ralph says that using his gift allows him to get answers quicker, and that saves his clients money. He doesn’t want someone to be dependent on him for every answer; his approach is to help them define what success means to them so they can send the universe a clear message about what they want and need. That’s why he asks clients to come to the call with a concise question and two or three possible options he can focus on. When Ralph’s PR person pitched me, she wrote: “At MyPsychicCoach.com, we believe the true measure of a psychics ability is how theyve manifested their own goals. Our owner (Ralph) earned a Gold Record for songwriting (in 2013) and is an award-winning Professor at George Brown College (see his Wikipedia page).” It’s certainly a compelling argument; it nullifies the old joke that the psychic “should have seen that coming.” Ralph believes in the Law of Attraction, a New Age philosophy based on the ideas that people and their thoughts are made from pure energy, and that a process of like energy attracting like energy exists through which a person can improve their health, wealth, and personal relationships. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, consider what coaches have used for years to help athletes, performers, and people in therapy to help them overcome fears or prepare for a performance: visualization. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Visualize a great outcome. Run the course in your mind before you run it in the race. In this case, Ralph is just helping you visualize with a little help from the universe and the cards. Learn about my reading with Ralph in my next post.

How to Use Snapchat Even If You Are Just Getting Started (VIDEO)

How to Use Snapchat Even If You Are Just Getting Started (VIDEO) Ill be honest. Snapchat really is a little tricky to figure out to begin with. It almost felt like a secret society and I was on the outside. It took me a couple of weeks and some frustration to actually figure out how to use Snapchat. I can usually pick things up fairly quickly so this was pretty annoying. Finally, someone who knew Snapchat showed me on their phone and walked me through it. I was finally able to figure it out and its totally easy. You can do it too! How To Use Snapchat You are not too old for Snapchat. Its quickly growing and becoming one of the top social media sites. It is definitely something to look into if you are considering creating a brand for your business or for creating a brand for yourself to get hired and stand out.  This quick overview will make it easier for you to get started and figure out how to use Snapchat. The Basics What you are going to do first is open up the app. At the top there is this little ghost. That is what is going to bring you to your profile settings. At the top right there is a little flower/circle and that is where all of your user settings are like your name and your username. This is where you can decide who can send you snaps and who can view your story. In the beginning this was private until I  was ready to make it public. Add Friends Then, you can add your friends and see who has added you. If you go to the left, the little button on the bottom left will bring you to your friends list. These are the people that you follow. You have to go back to the picture and the bottom right of the picture to find the  people you follow are and to see your story. This is where you can see recent updates from other people that you are following. This is where I spend most of my time. Snapchat makes your pictures go away after 24 hours which is nice. It makes it feel like not everything has to be perfect and you can be more casual. Take Pictures and Videos Then, you can take a  picture. You can click the button and take a picture or you can hold your finger down  and take a video. Once you have taken the picture, click on the right arrow and that will save it to your story. This is how you publish your picture. To follow someone, the easiest way is to just go to search, and type in the username. You can follow us at @classycareer. You can also follow us by taking a screenshot of the below photo and going to add friends and add by snapcode. Thats about it. Its just getting in there and playing around and figuring it out as you go! In the future, Ill be sharing more about how you can brand yourself and your company on Snapchat.

Using Summary Resumes Examples

Using Summary Resumes ExamplesSummary resumes examples are created with care to enhance the attractiveness of the business listing. It is a strategy for an application form that acts as a summary of what an individual can expect from a specific company. A summary resume is often used for an applicant to help the company understand the basic requirements of the particular person, and create a very good impression to get the appropriate consideration.The typical person can expect a copy of the summary resume, which would often be included in an application, to only go over a few basic details. It is usually set up like a glossary. This short description describes the main points of the offer and any bonuses or additional information that might be available to them.This type of letter has been used in different companies for many years. It provides a clear outline of what they offer the person applying for employment. By listing down only the information that is needed, it can aid the a pplication process. Not using this type of letter can leave a candidate with incomplete information about the job offer.It is important to consider the information that is included on the applicant's list when creating a summary resume. This is often considered by the applicant as a first impression. Therefore, it is wise to explain the points of the job offer in as little information as possible.When writing an example for the summary resume, it is important to be careful to describe the applicant's qualifications in the correct manner. Using the incorrect information could make it difficult for the employer to locate this information when it comes time to interview the person. Asking for proof of the applicant's education and experience will also help the company create a well-rounded application package.When writing an example, it is also wise to follow the style used by the person who is writing the letter. This can allow for the person to have a better understanding of what wil l be written and why. Companies who do not use the proper format may receive rejections or simply confuse the person who is applying for the position.The order of information should also be considered when writing an example. The employer will often want to know what the position does, who the applicant works with, and how the applicant is integrated into the company. This information can be found in the next paragraph of the letter.The summary should also provide the applicant with a sense of what is expected of them. Once a company has received a summary resume, they will begin to review each candidate. This can help create a more qualified workforce for the company to hire.

3 Mood-boosting Steps for Beating The Monday Blues - CareerMetis.com

3 Mood-boosting Steps for Beating The ‘Monday Blues’ Photo Credit- http://cherylanneskolnicki.com/mantra-for-busy-women/After a beautiful weekend filled with food, wine and plenty of naps, there’s no crueller sound than your 7am alarm come Monday morning.As the reality of another week of nine-to-five office life hits you like a ton of bricks, a good litre or two of coffee is the only thing that gets you out the door and on your way to work.But whilst we’re all prone to the odd case of the ‘Monday blues’, if your lacklustre mood carries right through till Friday lunchtime, then you’ve got a much more serious problem on your hands.Stopping work-related stress in its tracksevalevalFeeling down in the dumps anytime someone so much as mentions work is a clear sign that you’re in desperate need of a career shakeup.Ignore those kinds of flashing warning lights and you could find your mental health and wellbeing starts to suffer.With work-related depression, stress and anxiety becoming a major issue for employees and employers acro ss the UK â€" 488,000 cases were reported between 2015/16 â€" it’s a risk you can’t afford to take.So instead of writing off those ‘Monday blues‘ as every office worker’s rite of passage, focus on giving yourself a boost and making your job satisfaction a priority.Here are three tips that’ll help you do exactly that.1. Dress the PartWe get it, when you’re dreading work it’s tempting to sacrifice valuable grooming time and hit snooze as much as possible.But rolling out of bed and trudging into the office looking a little worse for wear isn’t doing your attitude any good.evalEmbrace the concept of power dressing and give your work wardrobe a makeover. Put together a few killer ensembles guaranteed to have you feeling invincible even on your worst days, and then there’ll be no sartorial effort required come Monday morning.2. Get MotivatedIf your job isn’t doing it for you, motivate yourself to get out of bed and making the most of every day.Sign up to a distance l earning course and as well as giving your CV a boost It’s time to take control of your life! Start by making a few smaller changes to improve your situation. For example, if it’s a difficult colleague or overly busy workload that’s getting you down then speak to your boss. Explain what’s going on and see what help they can offer.But remember it’s never worth putting your mental health or wellbeing at risk for a job, no matter how well it pays or how convenient it is.If you’re totally bored or unhappy with the direction your career path is going, then don’t just settle. Send out CVs, shoot for a promotion or head back to uni and give something else a go instead. A change of scene and pace will do you the world of good.Have you got any other top tips for beating the ‘Monday blues’?Leave a comment and let us know.

Getting Hired When You Dont Have a College Degree

Getting Hired When You Dont Have a College Degree When I was in high school I assumed everyone went to college. My brothers were both away at Ivy League schools at the time and just about all of my friends were busy prepping for the SATs and visiting college campuses. But one good friend at the time told me he didnt think he was going to go to college and I was shocked. I managed to convince him to go which in retrospect was not a great idea because he hated the experience and left after his second year.I thought he should go because he was so smart. Not your typical straight A student smart, but street smart. He used his wit, charm, and good looks to talk his way out of anything and he was always able to stand up for himself, no matter what cards he was dealt. To me, it just seemed like college was a logical place for him to refine these skills and figure out how to apply what he knew to the real world. A few years after he left school he earned his real estate license and went on to become a successful agent and later start his ow n agency. Hes great at what he does because he knows what will sell, he sizes up people quickly, and hes a great negotiatorpeople want to do business with him not because of his education, but because of his experience.I have another friend who I met in my early 20s who was exceptionally smart in the traditional sense. Hes very well read with a rich vocabulary and an incredible imagination. He could have a conversation about just about anything from history to sports to music to literature and wow you with what he knows. He just never chose to learn what he knows through an institute of higher education. I caught up with him recently and now middle-aged and currently unemployed, he has decided to go back to school to earn a degree because he cant seem to get past the job boards without one. His classes are way too easy for him and knowing him the way I do, he is probably bored by them already.Both scenarios beg the question What does a college degree have to do with intelligence or the ability to do a job well and why are many employers listing it as a hiring requirement?I recently sat in on a recruiter panel where a recruiter from a Fortune 500 company admitted to adding a Bachelors degree to the list of job requirements on job postings because it made it easier to screen out candidates. There was no discussion around the relevancy of the degree in predicting success in the job; just that the requirement made it easier to sort candidates in a competitive job market. I know that this recruiter is not alone in this practice which presents a challenge for job seekers who lack a college degree.I meet many job seekers who are very concerned with the fact that they lack a four-year degree. Many often express regret, guilt, and even shame over not having one. They seem to have bought into the idea that without the degree, they either arent qualified for the position or dont stand a chance at landing it. This is not necessarily the case. The real issue is that they a re dealing with a gatekeeper who has put up an obstacle that they cant get past. But the solution isnt to give up or decide that the gatekeeper must be right; the solution is to go around the gatekeeper and find another door for entry.I often write about the fact that most people get their jobs through their network.   And when there is an obstacle in the way of   your search, your network becomes even more crucial. So if a lack of a college degree is the obstacle, getting the degree isnt necessarily the most efficient way around the obstacle. Here are a few things to consider.Rather than trying to get past a job board with a structured set of requirements, try to find an insider at the company who can advocate for you and let the decision maker know all you have to offer. Try every possible angle; talk to friends and family, reach out to colleagues and people you know through affinity groups, and search your contacts on LinkedIn and Facebook to find an in at the company. Once there is someone advocating for your candidacy and singing your praises, your academic credentials rarely become an important factor in granting an interview.If you have any college credits, list the university and area of study on your resume to show you have some college experience. If you have more than one year of college, you may want to list the number of credits you have as well.If you have licenses, certifications, or training classes that are relevant to your target audience, list them on the resume to show your dedication to continuing to gain knowledge in your area of expertise.When interviewing, showcase stories that prove you have been successful in your previous rolesmaybe its a story about being the top sales person, the accountant who reaped the greatest savings for the company, the HR manager with the best time-to-hire metrics, or the self-made CEO who led the company from being in the red to multimillion-dollar profits. Your recent professional accomplishments generally have more relevancy than educational accomplishments achieved decades ago.During an interview, ask if there are any concerns about your candidacy to see if the hiring manager brings up your education. If they do, discuss how you have performed as well as or even better than your colleagues with a degree. Maybe you trained colleagues who had more formal education than you on a particular product or were selected to lead a   project over your teammates despite not having a degree. Prove how your lack of a degree was not an impediment to doing your job well.I learned a long time ago that education is not necessarily correlated with success in a job. I have read the success stories of corporate icons such as Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Richard Branson, Barry Diller, and Mark Zuckerberg, all who never graduated from college. If you have been struggling with your search and believe that your lack of a degree is creating a roadblock, try going down a different path to find the right contact s who can help you land your next gig.

Content break! - When I Grow Up

Content break! - When I Grow Up My babys chillin, so why shouldnt I? ?? Summer is here, my re-launch is in the final stretch, and I need to take a blogging break so that my head wont explode. But while Im gone, you can still get new episodes of my Grown-Up Gigs podcast on 8/6 and 8/20 (and catch up on my past interviews here) snag one of my last  one-on-one coaching spots for the year.  Ill be raising my prices which I switch on over to my new site on September 1st, but if you snag a November spot now by  putting down a deposit  Ill be happy to honor the  current price thats  on  my site. Theres only 2 spots available and then Ill be booked til January! make sure youre on my VIP List so you can get notified about the free webinar Im hosting on September 16th to celebrate my relaunch. Its gonna be helpful  and fun thats just the way I roll. catch up on the blog archives by clicking here if you dont know what you wanna do when you grow up, here if you know what you wanna do but now how to get it, and here if youre doing what you love but need/want to kick it up a notch. work your way through one of my CreativeLive courses, Create Your Dream Career or Ditch Your Day Job. Ill  see ya around these parts when its Grown Up Gigs time (every other Thursday) and webinar announcement time (late August)! Hope you give yourself a break this month, too. I know you deserve it!