networking

How to Survive Working From Home When You're an Extrovert

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:00:10 +0000

Working from home can be the perfect fit for introverted professionals. Since introverts tend to recharge best by being alone, and focus best while working solo, telecommuting offers them the best possible work environment for their preferences and abilities.

Then there are the extroverts. Being extroverted means that you recharge best by being social, and you often do your best work when you can bounce ideas off other people. Working from home could potentially make an extrovert lonely, bored, and likely to lie in wait for the postal worker just to have someone to talk to.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Extroverts can happily work from home without cornering door-to-door solicitors to chat. Here are some easy ways you can make working from home work as an extrovert.

1. Get dressed

While one of the big benefits of working from home is the ability to stay in your pajamas all day, it is actually much better for your mental health and productivity to get dressed — and even to look professional. That’s because wearing professional attire helps put you into the right mindset to work, rather than nap, and it also helps to create a boundary between your work life and your home life.

In addition, dressing for work helps you to be prepared to see people, even if you have no specific plans to do so. You're much more likely to enjoy an unplanned (but welcome) conversation with a neighbor who drops by or the teller at the bank if you're dressed for work rather than wearing yoga pants and a stained T-shirt. (See also: 6 Ways to Prepare for Your Work at Home Gig)

2. Schedule work away from home

A great way to scratch the social interaction itch is to plan on working outside of your house at least once or twice a week. This could mean setting up shop at your favorite local coffee house, or even finding a local co-working space to haunt.

The best way to make this work for you is to be consistent about which days you take your work elsewhere. If your local barista knows you're at the coffee shop from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday and Friday, you’re much more likely to start forming bonds with her and other regulars who are there the same days. (See also: 11 Ways Freelancers and Telecommuters Can Make Friends and Network)

3. Join group fitness classes

Having flexible work hours means you have more options for getting your exercise in every day. Joining a group fitness class will give you both the important social outlet that you crave and the opportunity to step away from the computer for an hour each day to break a sweat.

4. Eat lunch away from your computer

It can be very easy to inhale some ramen over your keyboard while working from home, but it’s important to take an actual lunch break away from the computer screen. This offers you a needed break in the middle of the day, which can help you to be more focused when you get back to work after having lunch. A dedicated lunch break also gives you another potential opportunity to socialize, if you're able to make lunch plans with a friend or fellow work-from-home colleague. (See also: The 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Working From Home)

5. Make regular evening plans

Having regular plans to meet friends in the evening can be a lifesaver for extroverts working from home. This will help you define the end of your work day — which can sometimes be tough for remote workers — and give you a truly re-energizing social outlet to look forward to all day.

6. Schedule daily interactions

Most work-from-home jobs require some sort of regular phone calls, group video meetings, or other interactions. If you can, make sure you spread out your work calls so that you have at least one per day, rather than let them all pile up into one particular day of the week.

If the timing of your interactions with co-workers, colleagues, or clients is outside of your control, schedule other types of daily interactions to make sure you're getting the conversations you crave. For instance, you could schedule calls to talk to family members or friends on the days when you have no work calls to make. Just a 10-minute chat can make a huge difference in your sense of well-being.

7. Join (or create) a mastermind group

Mastermind groups bring together peers who work in the same field to network, bounce ideas off each other, and help encourage each other to move forward in their careers. Having a mastermind group meeting to look forward to once a month (or more often) can be a major boon for the work-from-home extrovert, as it not only provides you with the opportunity to talk shop with other professionals in your field, but it can help you grow your career.

8. Volunteer to attend conferences

Going to industry conferences can be a big win-win for extroverts who work from home, since the go-go-go pace of conferences can fit very well with their personalities. It also provides them with the opportunity for advancement when they bring home new information, clients, sales, or skills. As another plus, you can potentially impress your boss with your initiative by seeking out conferences that could help you do your job better or help your company fulfill its mission.

Being an extrovert in a stay-at-home world

Working from home without losing your mind is more of a challenge for extroverts. But making deliberate choices about everything from what you wear, to how you schedule your time, to where you get your remote work done can help you get the social interactions you crave while enjoying the benefits of working from home.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Networking Tips for Introverts

Paul Michael — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:01:10 +0000

Ask most people what an introvert is, and they'll describe someone who's shy, doesn't like being around people, and is very quiet and aloof. Well, that's not always accurate. Some introverts love social gatherings and can be very talkative. However, they tend to find the experience draining and need alone time to get their energy back.

Knowing that, networking can be a daunting and overwhelming experience for most introverts. So, whether you are shy in social situations, or just find the whole experience exhausting, here's what you can do to make networking a success. (See also: The 10 Best High Paying Jobs for Introverts)

1. Know before you go

Anyone who is shy, or has social anxiety, will find the unknown to be the most daunting part of the networking experience. Who's going to be there? What's the place like? Will there be music? Will I have to interact with a lot of people, or play those networking games?

Much of this anxiety can be reduced by researching the event before you step foot in the building. Send emails to the organizers and ask about the setup. If they have held this meeting before, see if you can find pictures and videos of it online. These days, it's easy to find a record of any kind of event like this thanks to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you do your research, you can dull that anxiety down to just some mild jitters. And once you're there, you'll be much more at ease.

2. Consider volunteering at the event

This may seem like the worst kind of advice for an introvert, but as I'm one myself, I can tell you it really works. If you volunteer to actually do something at the event — be it handing out name badges, taking coats, or helping serve food — having something specific to do stops that horrible feeling of being forced to interact with people without having a good reason.

"I can't just go up and talk to that person" becomes "I'll see if that person wants another drink, and maybe we can have a quick chat as well." Plus, if you have a job to do, it's very easy to escape the conversation you're having if it's all getting to be too much. Personally speaking, I was dreading going to San Diego Comic Con to network for my company; then they asked me to staff the booth. I was so busy handing out goodies and answering easy questions that I forgot I was networking at the same time. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

3. Have a prepared opener for introductions

Another way to make the event go smoothly is to know what you're going to say to people before you get face to face. The most important thing to remember with an introduction is that you are not trying to cram everything into a few opening sentences. You simply want an easy way to start the conversation without coming across as either pushy or "used car salesman." Go for something easy to remember, and universal.

Phrases like, "So, what brings you here today?" or, "How often do you come to these networking events?" are good because they're open-ended questions (asking a question with a yes or no answer can be a conversation killer) and they also put the focus on the other person. Let them talk about themselves for a while. Of course, if you're asked the same kind of question, be prepared with a brief sales pitch.

4. Practice your sales pitch

You've been asked the question you were going to ask: "So, what brings you here today?" The last thing you want to do is freeze like a deer in the headlights, or stumble over something that leaves a tepid first impression. You need something short and snappy that gets across who you are, what you do, and most importantly, why you do it.

It should not feel over-rehearsed and robotic. It should not be full of industry jargon, or go on and on about aspects of your industry that only the most die-hard professionals will love. Go for a 20 to 30 second explanation, checking off the most important and memorable aspects of you and your business. Give the other person some meaty facts that they can respond to. Then, practice this with friends and co-workers. Practice a lot. You will want this to feel natural. (See also: 5 Reasons Everybody Needs an Elevator Pitch — Even You!)

5. Bring some moral support

Often the reason networking events can be so off-putting is knowing that you will have to spend hours talking to strangers. You can almost eliminate that part of the challenge by bringing along a friend, relative, or co-worker you trust, and most importantly, with whom you have a great relationship. They will be your emotional crutch for the event, as long as you tell them beforehand that you're relying on them for that. You don't want them wandering off after 10 minutes while you're stuck in a crowd.

Your partner in crime can be there to help you field difficult questions, and if they're more of a people person, they can even introduce you and do some bragging on your behalf. Talking about yourself like you're awesome can sound egotistic. But when someone else does it, you're a star.

6. A few conversation-starter props can help

If you're one of those people that has trouble keeping the conversation going, why not bring a few props that you can bring out when you start having trouble? A fun business card is perhaps the easiest and most convenient one to bring along. I, myself, have used cards printed on wood, cards that expand to 10 times their original size, and even one that had a joke embedded in a sound chip.

7. Arrange small one-on-one meetings

If you are not good in crowds, avoid them. Sure, there are plenty of big events and meetings around, but you can also arrange to meet people one-on-one for coffee or lunch. Seek out people you want to meet with in online forums and through LinkedIn, which has become one of the best ways for anyone to find and engage with new contacts. Get the conversation started online, then ask to take it into the real world with a meeting. This is also great for easing tensions because you already know a little about each other, and know that you are both interested in talking further. (See also: 7 Social Situations All Introverts Fear)

8. Avoid meeting in person altogether

If all else fails to work for you, you can avoid in-person meetings completely. This isn't ideal — you eventually need to get your face out there and shake hands with people that can help your career. But if you just can't do that right now, use technology to help you out.

There are instant messengers and emails. You can also try a few webinars that allow you to chime in without actually being in the room. You can use Skype and video conferencing to connect with people in your city, or halfway around the world. And guess what? Your smartphone actually allows you to call someone. To be fair, I hate talking on the phone these days as much as everyone else — however, if it saves you from an in-person meeting, especially with a big crowd, it's definitely the lesser of two evils.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Ways Grown-Ups Can Make New Friends Without Going Broke

Paul Michael — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 08:00:31 +0000

When you're a kid, making friends is easy. Walk up to another kid and say "Hey, wanna be my best friend?" and boom … you're inseparable. But as an adult, it's not as simple. Try that and you seem like a weirdo. You can obviously make friends through work, but what about outside of your employer? Cooking classes, bars, and yoga classes are certainly places to meet people who share your interests, but those activities can burn through your budget in no time. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make friends as a grown-up that won't drain your bank account.

1. Use a friend-finder app

There are plenty of dating apps out there, but what if you want to meet people for friendship only? Well, there are apps for that, too. Bumble, for example, is not just a dating app. You can tweak the settings to specifically be matched with people who only want to find a friend. You can have the app show you whatever gender you want, distance, and other factors, and then swipe like you would when looking for dates. Other apps that can facilitate this include Peanut (for moms looking for other moms to connect with), Skout, MeetMe, and even MeetMyDog (a way to meet fellow dog owners).

2. Find local meetings with people who share your interests

No doubt you have some kind of interests or hobbies outside of work (and if you don't, you're working way too hard). The internet has made it possible to find people who love the same things you love, regardless of how unusual or niche your passions may be. A site like MeetUp.com lists hundreds of different social groups in your area, covering everything from mountain biking and veganism, to brewing your own beers, blogging, and cosplaying. Do a search for your interest, check out the group, and attend with an open mind. (See also: 50 Hobbies You Can Start for $0)

3. Become a volunteer

Volunteering is not just a great way to meet people, it's also an excellent way to improve your self-esteem and give back to those in need. There are all kinds of opportunities, including helping out at animal shelters, feeding the homeless, or building homes for low-income families. Or you could join volunteer organization TogetherWise. It's a project that brings people together to bring a smile to foster kids around the country. You can decorate duffel bags and blankets, build bikes and skateboards, and create special birthday boxes. As you work together, you will naturally start talking to people, and maybe make a friend or two. (See also: 18 Free Ways to Be a Better Person)

4. Connect with more people on social media

Are you on Facebook? How about Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or even YouTube? If you aren't, well, you should definitely consider one of these platforms as a way to make friends. And if you already embrace these sites, go big. Look at friends you already have, and see who they're friends with. Start following people who genuinely interest you on Twitter or Instagram. You could find yourself becoming best friends with someone who lives just around the corner … or halfway around the world.

5. Become more active in your neighborhood

Long ago, everyone knew everyone in the neighborhood. These days, people tend to keep to themselves, and modern technology certainly hasn't helped that cause. But it doesn't have to stop you from making an effort to meet the people who live around you. You could start by organizing a neighborhood event, like a community garage sale or a scavenger hunt. Maybe block off your cul-de-sac and have a neighborhood potluck. A communication forum like Nextdoor can really help, as it uses your address to connect you with people who also live in your area. You can also get creative with posting flyers on community boards.

6. Drop hints with your co-workers and family

People know people. Your co-workers and family members have friends of their own. Maybe they know people whom you would get along with. All you have to do is drop a few subtle hints. Tell them that you'd love to get out more, but don't know many people. Ask if they know anyone interested in your hobbies. Lay a foundation so that the wheels start turning, and they realize that their friend knows someone who is just as much into kite-flying or indoor soccer as you are. You don't even have to be subtle. Just say, "Anyone know someone great who I'd get along with?" It never hurts to ask.

7. Hang out in bookstores and libraries

The library is obviously the cheaper option here, but bookstores are also a great place to meet people with bookish interests. If you're really into books about crime, strike up a conversation with someone browsing that section. It can be as simple as, "Can you recommend a good crime thriller?" or "What do you think of this author?" Most libraries and bookstores have a coffee and snack section now, so if you do hit it off, you can find a place to sit and chat. (See also: 7 Modern Reasons to Visit Your Local Library Today)

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Set Career Goals When You Lack Direction

Carrie Kirby — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:30:14 +0000

You're long past the age where people ask you what you want to be when you grow up — but you're still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. Maybe you're in a dead-end job, or maybe you're out of work. You know that you need to make some positive moves, but you just can't figure out what you want in a career.

It's time to block out some time in your calendar to sit down with yourself and make a plan. Here are some things that can help point you in the right direction of your perfect career.

Mark the day when you will quit your job on the calendar

You're about to embark on a journey of self-exploration, and just like a vacation, this journey will have a hard end date. A deadline gives you the urgency you need to figure this all out. Don't feel guilty when you come to work each day knowing that this job has a set ending point. Remember that company loyalty is rarely reciprocated; if it didn't need you anymore, the company would most likely discard you at the drop of a hat.

Don't worry about how long you've been on the job. If you have financial reasons to stay, such as union seniority or a pension vesting, certainly take those into consideration. But do not let yourself be stuck in place out of a feeling of obligation. (See also: 6 Reasons It's Never Too Late for a Career Change)

Look for self-improvement opportunities at work

Before you leave your current job, explore every benefit your employer offers. If they pay for education, take a class. If they allow telecommuting, set up a day a week that you work from home to arrange your work schedule around job interviews if the need arises. If they have a mentorship program, sign up. Take advantage of every resource at your disposal while you still have them. Don't feel guilty about using these resources when you're planning to leave. Of course, you also shouldn't be slacking off or searching for a new job while on company time, either.

Reach out to your network

At work, in your neighborhood, or among college or high school alumni, ask everyone you know and trust about their workplace and their job. What do they love about it? What kind of staff can they never find enough of? What could they imagine you doing there? Can they give you a tour of their workplace?

After college, my husband didn't know what he wanted to do with his art degree. But he met some friends who had a startup video game company, and he started visiting this company after his regular job, offering some of his skills for free and just hanging out. Once he realized how much he liked the work, he ended up pursuing a career as a game artist.

When you ask friends and family for career advice, accept that you will get plenty of unrealistic suggestions. These people may not have researched the jobs they're suggesting, so they might not know, for example, how long it takes to start making money as a hair stylist or how long you have to study to become a veterinarian. Pass up the fluff and push people to share their firsthand knowledge about their own jobs and workplaces.

Assess yourself

Take a career aptitude test. It can help you identify what your skills and preferences are and make suggestions on what careers might be within your skill set. You may even learn about a career you didn't know existed.

Try volunteering

For obvious reasons, a volunteer job is a lot easier to get than a paid job, and the commitment tends to be low. So it can be a good opportunity to try out new roles and to uncover passions you didn't know you had. Through volunteering during the cookie sale with my daughters' Girl Scout troops, for example, I learned that I love inventory management, a career path that I never would have imagined for myself.

Find out if your company offers paid volunteer time during the weekday, or carve out some evening or weekend time for volunteer jobs. (See also: 7 College Courses That Will Boost Your Career)

Make a list of what you're passionate about

If you've already tried the first few steps on this list, you've had the opportunity to explore your interests. Now have a meeting with yourself where you list those things. Rank them. You only have one life. Is it most important to you that you spend it in a career that helps children, or is it more important that you get to use your organizational skills? Once you have a short, well-edited list, post it in a place that forces you to look at it every day.

Look for opportunities to pursue your passions in your current job

Once I had a relatively boring copy editing job, but I really wanted to write. I let this desire be known in my company. I brought it up in performance reviews, and I posted a freelance article I'd published on my cubicle wall. After a few months, when a manager needed someone to write something for the company's internal website, she called upon me. It wasn't the journalistic writing I later progressed to, but it was writing, and the task helped push me to look for a real journalism job, which I soon found. (See also: 12 Ways to Rekindle Passion for Your Job)

Remember that you're more than your job

Look beyond your current job description when you assess what you have to offer. Consider every positive goal and outcome you've contributed to at work, and how you helped achieve them. Keep those successes in mind — whether or not they're part of your official job title — when assessing what abilities you could bring to your next job.

Go back to school

Before you've identified your new career goal, taking a class can help you explore your interests and skills. After you've identified a career goal, taking a class can help you get there. It could be a whole new degree, but it could also be a certification in a software program, a public speaking class, or a professional training program. (See also: 7 College Courses That Will Boost Your Career)

Lay the groundwork for change

Figuring out your passions and how to use them may take time. During that time, work to prepare your landing pad for the leap you will eventually take. Set aside some money each week for an emergency fund, in case you end up quitting your job before you find a new one. Deal with any personal situation that is taking up too much of your time and energy, whether it's an unhealthy relationship or a nagging health problem.

At the same time, don't fall into the trap of believing that conditions must be perfect before you can make your move. Remember that date on the calendar? Work every day toward being prepared when that date comes, but don't push Quitting Day back just because you don't have every single duck in a row.

Invest in yourself

Spend 3 percent of your income on professional development. Attend professional conferences even if your company won't pay for your plane ticket. Read career books. Treat potential mentors to lunch or coffee. Take courses, as mentioned above. All of these activities can help you find or hone those career goals and get you closer to reaching them. (See also: Here's How Spending 3% On You Will Advance Your Career)

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways Job Hunting Has Gotten Better for New Grads

Rachel Slifka — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 09:31:09 +0000

Job hunting is tough for everyone, but it can be especially tricky for recent college graduates. With a fresh education and less experience, new grads often have a hard time finding that first employer who will give them a chance.

But there is good news on the job front for recent college graduates. Gone are the days of sifting through endless help-wanted ads in the newspaper. Job seekers today have a whole new set of resources at their disposal, giving recent college graduates a boost. Here are several ways job hunting has gotten better for new grads.

1. Social media leads to more opportunities

Social media is second nature to young college grads, and that's a good thing, because social media has completely revolutionized the way we look for work. Websites like LinkedIn give you a way to connect with recruiters and other professionals at the click of a button. In addition to building a professional network and looking for job openings, you can ask for recommendations on LinkedIn, providing easy references for hiring managers. Even Facebook and Twitter can lead to opportunities if you are on the lookout.

Many companies have dedicated career social media pages where they post all of their openings and interact with potential candidates. This offers an easy way for grads to engage with potential employers before even applying. (See also: Jumpstart Your Job Search With Instagram)

2. Side hustles provide extra income

Un- or underemployed? Today, you have the benefit of being able to do side gigs to help bridge the financial gap that many recent graduates face.

No matter what your career goals are, a side hustle can be a fantastic way to supplement your income. Pet sitting, lawn care, driving for Uber or Lyft, or freelance writing are just a few options you can explore that don't require any significant financial investment.

By working a side gig, you can create an additional stream of income while you job hunt for your main career. Even when you do land a job with a comfortable salary, you may find that the extra financial benefit of a side hustle is worth keeping. (See also: 14 Best Side Jobs For Fast Cash)

3. Access to free educational resources is easy

Would mastering a new skill help you in your job search? Or refining your current skill set?

You don't necessarily have to go to graduate school or enroll in expensive classes in order to learn something new. Nowadays, you have access to tons of free educational resources through the internet.

Whether it's watching YouTube videos, listening to a podcast, reading a book, or even taking an online class, there have never been more cost-effective opportunities to learn a new skill.

4. There are more networking opportunities than ever

Landing your dream job depends not only on what you know, but also who you know. Any person you meet could be the one to open the door to your next job opportunity, so networking as a recent grad is imperative.

Most networking groups now have some sort of online presence, making it easy to find one that fits your schedule. You can keep tabs on upcoming events through social media channels, LinkedIn, chat groups, and even websites like Meetup.com. Your school may also have resources for you to find networking events in your area.

Many accomplished career professionals know how difficult the job search can be for a recent college graduate. They have all been where you are, and many are happy to help. Technology has made it easy to interact with these people and form a connection. Take advantage of it. (See also: The 10 Best Networking Tips for People Under 40)

5. Social branding can make or break you

Ten years ago, social branding didn't exist. Making a good impression on a potential employer came down solely to a resume and an interview. Now, the internet is your best resource to make a name for yourself. Social branding is an easy way to establish yourself as an accomplished and optimistic professional before you even have any substantial career experience.

Most hiring managers will do a Google search and look you up on social media before you get a call for an interview, much less a job offer. Make sure what they find will leave a good impression. Keep your public or easily accessible social media feeds professional and clean. (See also: 7 Easy Ways to Clean Up Your Image on Social Media)

Building a website is also a smart way to showcase your skills, back story, and resume all in one place. You don't have to spend a fortune or hire a designer to build a website; many services offer hosting and free or low-cost website templates that are easy to maintain. (See also: 8 Surprising Ways a Personal Website Can Improve Your Life)

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This article is from Rachel Slifka of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Restart Your Career With a Returnship

Max Wong — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:30:09 +0000

In 2008, a talent recruiter at Goldman Sachs noticed that the finance industry was ignoring a pool of highly-educated job applicants with years of experience: women who wanted to return to work after rearing children.

To make it easier for these women to return to the workforce, Goldman Sachs created the returnship program (a name that they have now trademarked).

The idea behind the returnship program is simple: The company offers qualified candidates, who have been out of the workforce for at least two years, eight weeks of work at competitive salaries. The returning workers get paid to refresh their skill sets and rebuild their professional networks. At the end of eight weeks, Goldman Sachs gets first choice to hire the top candidates, who have been trained to be optimal Goldman Sachs employees.

Based on the success of Goldman Sachs' program, companies in various business sectors have created their own versions. Also, a number of headhunting and career development companies have sprung up, like iRelaunch and Corps Team, that specialize in staffing returning workers. Returnships are a new avenue for older workers to either rejoin the workforce or jump to another career, and there are some excellent perks to these programs. There are also a few downsides.

Returnship programs look for experienced workers

Unlike standard internships that are optimized for recent college graduates, returnship programs are geared toward retraining workers with established skill sets. They are looking for people who fit a specific niche within an industry. While returnships are as wildly competitive as internships, the competition for jobs is confined to one age cohort. Because returnship recruiters are actively searching for workers with experience-based knowledge, you will not have to compete with the kids these days in these programs. (See also: 6 Things Moms Should Do Before Returning to Work)

You get paid to learn

All industries are constantly evolving. Technology, and even jobs, can become obsolete in a matter of months. Figuring out which skills are important for job re-entry can be daunting. Returnships offer the opportunity to learn the required computer programs, workflow, and culture of a company in an efficient, immersive manner.

Although returnship compensation varies wildly, companies like Goldman Sachs pay a competitive wage, even during training, in order to recruit top talent. By the way, returnship compensation is a good method of separating the companies that are just exploiting workers for cheap labor from companies that are seriously recruiting older workers. Companies don't pay top dollar for people to do busywork. The best returnship programs want their graduates to have a running start at their new jobs. (See also: 10 Companies With the Highest Paid Interns)

Networking is easier at the office

It's much easier to get a job if you have regular face-to-face contact with the people who do the hiring. Returnships give workers the opportunity to interface with their possible future boss, and it's also easier to network with people in your industry, outside of your company, if you already have a job. Returnships are a great way to quickly build up a network of business contacts.

Even the best programs can be exploitive

High achievers, especially high achieving women, often fall prey to impostor syndrome, the psychological phenomenon where competent individuals second-guess their abilities and question their accomplishments. Returnship programs inadvertently feed on self-esteem and self-confidence issues.

The Goldman Sachs returnship program accepts 19 out of every 1,000 applicants, making entry to the program more competitive than admission to most universities. Obviously, anyone who is accepted into the program, whether or not they get hired at the end of the eight weeks, is already functioning at the top level of their game.

If you have the confidence to apply to a top-tier returnship program, you may not actually need the experience to get hired at that company. Has an internal recruiter told you that a returnship is your only avenue toward getting hired? If not, you might be second-guessing your abilities.

A returnship can hurt your job prospects

Due to their competitive nature, most returnships will not result in a permanent position. While a returnship can freshen up a stale resume, it's important to approach a returnship as one part of a bigger job search. Don't let a temporary returnship divert your attention from other leads that could result in a job elsewhere.

A temp job might be just as effective and more convenient

Temp jobs allow workers to test drive the culture of companies before they apply for a permanent position. Like returnships, a temp job can give you an immersive experience with a company. And, like a returnship, temp jobs pay you for your work. What temping gives you is flexibility. If you hate your returnship, you will have to tough it out until the bitter end of the program to maintain social and professional connections. If you hate your temp job, you can just quit without any interpersonal weirdness.

Labels can help or hurt you

My best friend just successfully engineered a full-time, paid position at her favorite charity. Because she has a special needs kid, she had been a stay-at-home mom for 18 years before re-entering the workforce. Although her charity has paid internship positions, my BFF decided that she would work for free as a volunteer instead. In her mind, the word "intern" implies training, while the word "volunteer" is open to interpretation.

Since highly trained professionals often volunteer their expertise to charities, she thought the title "Volunteer" would look better on her resume. As it turns out, she did not have to write a resume, because the charity hired her based on her work performance alone.

Create your own returnship if you don't like the existing program

My best friend approached her job search strategically. Volunteering for her favorite charity, although unpaid, gave her more benefits than the internship program. For example, she was able to set her own hours that worked with the rest of her family's schedule, while the interns are beholden to the program supervisor for scheduling and work assignments.

As a volunteer, no one bothered to check her resume for work experience. Since she was efficient and competent with every task she was given, everyone assumed that she had worked in a related field and gave her plum assignments. She purposefully volunteered for the two departments that appeared to be the most short-handed so she could maximize her face time with two separate department heads.

Fewer than 90 days after she started volunteering, the charity created a full-time, interdepartmental position for her with salary and benefits. Not only had she successfully tailor-made a returnship for herself, she also managed to segue seamlessly into a job that had been designed around her skill set. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

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This article is from Max Wong of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Land More Freelance Clients in a Snap

Paul Michael — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 09:30:10 +0000

You've got a freelance business. Maybe you already have a few clients, or you're looking for your very first ones. Either way, you need successful strategies to add more customers to your roster. Diversification is key when you are freelancing, so use the following tips to expand your client base and build a more solid foundation.

1. Take advantage of social media

It's free, it's popular, and it's a quick and easy way to reach millions of people. If you don't already have them, set up business pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and if it's applicable, Pinterest. Then start pushing out content.

Retweet articles about your industry and comment on them. Publish links to articles you have written. Get your work samples photographed and uploaded, and make sure you use plenty of hashtags so that people can find you easily. Check out the social media sites of businesses you would like to do work for, and leave comments leading back to your pages. The more you post, ideally several times a day, the more chance you have that people will find you.

2. Attend networking events regularly

Depending on your location, you should be able to find regular networking events that you can attend to promote yourself. Websites like Meetup, Eventful, and even Facebook Events make it easier than ever to find something close to you that will be filled with the kind of people you want to meet. Be prepared with business cards, but don't jump right into your elevator pitch. Just mingle, get to know the people there, and when the conversation turns to the inevitable "So what do you do?" question, that's when you can promote yourself.

Don't be too pushy, keep it light, but make sure you leave a great impression and a way to be contacted. Even better, ask for their information and hit them up a few days later with a follow up. (See also: 11 Ways Freelancers and Telecommuters Can Make Friends and Network)

3. Speak at a conference

If you don't have a problem with public speaking, you should consider speaking at a conference. There are many different organizations and venues to explore, and it is fantastic exposure for you and your business. Speaking at TED is tough, but the local TEDx events are much easier to get into. They are well organized, extremely popular, and the TEDx talks get almost as much coverage as the bigger TED presentations. They are filmed and distributed via the TED website and app.

If that's not to your liking, find local (or national) conferences that are industry specific. For example, if you're in the design and advertising industry, HOW Design Conference, South by Southwest, and Advertising Week offer excellent opportunities to put you in the spotlight and reach new clients. (See also: How to Make Public Speaking Less Terrifying)

4. Do some spec work for a client you really want

Picture the ideal client list on your website. Who's on it? Who are you most proud of? Now, create something for that client that's better than anything you've seen out there. If it's an ad campaign, flesh it out. If it's a logo design, show it across a range of applications. If it's a website design, make it functional. Spec work like this can often lead to real work for that same client.

Now, it's important to note that this is work you will do to prove your abilities, and was not asked for by the client. This is more of a, "Hey, look over here, I'm really good," kind of deal. If a client approaches you asking for free work, that's another story. You should consider this carefully. Reach out to other professionals and ask them if it led to paid work. If not, they may simply be exploiting your talents. (See also: 8 Ways Freelancers Can Make Sure They Get Paid on Time)

5. Become friendly with freelancers in your field

While freelancers are often in competition with each other for the same business, they also know that it's important to have good contacts. For a start, freelancers with impressive client rosters can put you in touch with people who could provide regular work. Then, there's the case of overflow, or last-minute unavailability. If a freelancer has bitten off more than they can chew, you could become a lifeline.

How do you meet these fellow freelancers? Well, at the same places you'd meet clients: networking events, online forums, and group chats on Facebook. Be polite, ask for advice, and tell them you are looking for work. Sow these seeds now, and harvest the rewards later.

6. Check in daily at job boards

There are plenty of them out there now, including Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Plus, LinkedIn has a jobs section, and you can also create a Google alert for freelance jobs in your industry. Be wary of jobs that pay very little (such as postings on Fiverr, for example), as these are more like one-off projects that will rarely lead to anything substantial. Don't be afraid to pitch on multiple projects at the same time. The chances are, your success rate in the beginning will be low, so you'll want to improve your odds of landing a gig.

7. Consider an ad campaign on Google or Facebook

If you have the funds available, a well-written text ad targeted at the right demographic could bring in some great prospects for you. With both Google ads and Facebook campaigns, you dictate the amount of money you want to spend over a set period of time, and fine-tune the target audience so that the clients you're interested in landing will see the ads.

You will want copy that is search engine optimized, so if you are not savvy with SEO, find a copywriter to help you. You will obviously need to make sure that your website is completely finished, and you should also consider a unique landing page. This is first page that the potential client will see, and is a good opportunity to hit them with a bulleted list of your services and easy contact information. (See also: 8 Surprising Ways a Personal Website Can Improve Your Life)

8. Partner with an agency

Sometimes, the easiest and most convenient way to get new clients is to work with agencies that have already done the hard work. They have access to a wealth of accounts, and if you work directly for them, you can make the agency your own client and work on a diverse array of projects.

Advertising, marketing, design, and PR are some of the industries that cannot survive without freelancers. There are also agencies looking for freelance writers and bloggers, photographers, artists, and even carpenters and security guards. Do a search for agencies in your line of work, and don't limit yourself to local firms only. Many writers and designers have clients halfway around the world.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 New Year's Goals Every Freelancer Should Make

Kentin Waits — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:00:07 +0000

It’s part of the magic of the season — each new year is a chance for a new beginning. For those of us who freelance, this time of year is particularly important. It’s a moment to reflect on what’s going right in our businesses, what needs improvement, and what goals should shape the next 12 months. In short, it’s time to plan for the care and feeding of our self-made careers. With that in mind, here are eight New Year’s goals every freelancer should make.

1. Build your brand

No matter how small the enterprise, branding matters. If you haven’t established a brand for your freelance business, resolve to do it this year. Remember, a brand is more than a logo and tagline; it’s also the experience clients have with you.

If you’ve already established a brand, apply it consistently and flawlessly online, in all printed material, and in person. Remember, the goal is to make sure clients keep your business top-of-mind and recommend your services without hesitation.

2. Update your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn has established itself as the social networking hub for all things employment-related. Its network connects professionals in nearly every field imaginable — and many of them are in desperate need of freelance help. If your LinkedIn profile is out of date, sloppy, or incomplete, it reflects poorly on you and your business. Update it ASAP. (See also: 7 Things You Should Never Do on LinkedIn)

3. Learn a new skill

Regardless of what field you’re in, markets never stand still. Changing technologies, new tools, and shifting tastes all demand that freelancers adapt or die. Stay competitive by sharpening your current skills; stay engaged by learning new ones. (See also: 10 Things All Successful Freelancers Do)

4. Expand your network

Freelancing can be isolating, especially for those who work from home. A strong network of colleagues will keep you engaged socially and plugged into new professional opportunities. Devote an hour or two each week to expanding your network through social media, blogs, and industry events. (See also: 11 Ways Freelancers and Telecommuters Can Make Friends and Network)

5. Ditch toxic clients

Take a critical look at your project list for the past couple of years. Are there clients who consistently paid late? Had endless demands and unreasonable deadlines? They’re likely costing your more money than they bring in. Free yourself by phasing out chaotic professional relationships. But be diplomatic; bad clients often employ good people and you never know where those folks may land.

6. Bump up your rates

For many freelancers, it’s tempting keep rates low to draw in more business. But over time, this loss-leader strategy can do more harm than good. Not only does it keep you at a financial disadvantage, it implies your services aren’t as professional or in-demand as your competitors’.

Assess what price the market can bear and adjust your rates accordingly. Communicate the increase clearly in writing and give your clients at least 60–90 days notice.

7. Make time for downtime

When you work for yourself, the boundary that separates your personal and professional world can get a little fuzzy. This year, establish (and stick to!) a more formalized schedule — one that allows for real downtime and breaks from client calls, email, and paperwork.

8. Save for retirement

Without access to employee-sponsored retirement programs, freelancers must take the lead on saving for the future. Roth, traditional, and SEP (Simplified Employee Pension) IRAs each have distinct benefits and limitations. Choose the one that works best for you and make regular contributions — starting now. (See also: A Simple Guide to Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed)

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Fun and Unexpected Ways to Get Out of a Business Rut

Elaine Pofeldt — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 08:30:08 +0000

Even the most innovative entrepreneurs feel "stuck" sometimes when solving business problems. Many small business owners who need some outside inspiration go to business events and mingle with other entrepreneurs, but that can backfire when you're feeling uncreative. Between all of the networking and hyperactive pitching, it's possible to leave feeling drained instead of inspired.

So what do you do if you feel like you've fallen into a creative rut in your business? Sometimes, turning to unconventional sources of inspiration can help. Here are five ways to regain your creative mojo.

1. Attend an event outside of your industry

When your schedule is packed, it can be hard to break away from the day-to-day to attend a conference or trade show, let alone one outside of your field. But spending time with people in other industries can be a good way to immerse yourself in new ideas you aren't likely to hear about from colleagues in your own field.

At least once a year, and preferably two or three, make time to attend an event for professionals in a field outside of your own. If you're in a traditional brick-and-mortar industry like real estate, head to an event for pros involved in artificial intelligence or automation. Run your own accounting business or a small law office? Pop into a trade show where you can immerse yourself in the latest fancy foods, tech gadgets, or fitness trends. The list of possibilities is endless, so pick one that seems interesting to you personally. The event doesn't have to be more than an hour to expose you to new ideas.

By paying attention to how people in other fields are solving problems and challenges in front of them — or solving problems for their customers — you'll get some fresh ideas on how to move your business forward. You may also meet some new potential clients you wouldn't ordinarily encounter. (See also: 11 Ways Freelancers and Telecommuters Can Make Friends and Network)

2. Immerse yourself in the arts

Reconnecting with your imagination by enjoying art, music, or theater can be a fantastic way to spark new solutions to your most vexing business problems — or help you come up with new products. One business owner told me that playing piano and visiting art galleries gave him inspiration when designing technology involved in streaming music, for instance. My hairstylist recently told me he gets his creative juices flowing sculpting and cooking.

3. Learn a new discipline

It's tempting when you feel "stuck" in your business to hunker down at your desk, but that can be counterproductive and tiring. Reboot your brain by doing a guided meditation (perhaps using an app like Headspace), trying a new yoga class, or signing up for a martial arts class. All of these activities will push you out of familiar patterns of thinking.

Ideally, pick an activity that requires so much focus and concentration you can't think about anything else. For me, hot yoga does the trick. I sometimes wonder whether I should take the time out of my day to drive to the studio, given how long my to-do list is, but after I've spent an hour in a 100-degree room doing downward dogs, my mind is completely clear. Often, I find that the answers to work-related challenges pop into my head on my ride home from the yoga studio — or I realize that a problem that was worrying me isn't as big of a deal as I thought and simply cross it off my "list."

4. Go back to school

Even if you don't have time to sit in a classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to take self-paced classes these days through online platforms such as edX and Coursera. Instead of taking the practical approach and taking a business course, consider studying a subject that interests you outside of your business. edX, for instance, offers classes such as the History of Chinese Architecture, Making Government Work in Hard Places, and The Science of Happiness. Studying almost any new subject will bring fresh ideas into your mind — and by extension, into your business. (See also: 10 Classes That Can Pay for Themselves)

5. Reconnect with your childhood

If there are kids in your life — whether they are your own or those of a friend who would appreciate some free baby-sitting — spend a couple of hours playing with them. Go to a park and let them dictate what you play, or bring over some crafts supplies or materials for a science experiment and put them in charge. Experiencing how they think, experiment, and solve problems will get you out of the "adult" mindset of doing everything efficiently and aiming for results. The more you can connect with the childlike side of yourself, the more willing you'll be to try new, possibly messy, approaches at work. That's a good recipe for getting unstuck.

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This article is from Elaine Pofeldt of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Keep Your Job Hunt From Busting Your Budget

Tim Lemke — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 08:30:16 +0000

Searching for a new job can be a stressful ordeal. There is always a feeling that you could be doing more to make yourself attractive to employers: more networking, more updates to your LinkedIn profile, more classes to boost your skills. This desire to do more, however, sometimes comes with an urge to spend money on products and services that you may not need.

Are you throwing away money during your job search? Here are a handful of things that may not be worth spending money on in your quest for new employment. (See also: Don't Forget About These 7 Job Hunting Expenses)

Resume writers

There are many people who offer advice on how to craft your resume to help you land a job. This can be a useful service, but keep in mind that there's also plenty of free advice out there.

Before spending a significant amount of money on a resume consultant, do a search of some well-regarded business and career publications to see if they've written extensively on this topic. There are also countless examples online of well-crafted, effective resumes that are easy to replicate.

Additionally, it's easy to turn to knowledgeable friends and family for feedback before deciding to pay for outside help. A resume consultant may be useful if you really don't feel confident crafting a resume yourself, but most people are able to get by without one. (See also: Great Ways to Improve Your Resume Today)

Costly networking meals

When you are networking, you may feel it necessary to treat a contact to an expensive meal in order to make a good impression. But this is rarely necessary. People are busy, and generally have no desire to set aside an entire lunch hour or evening just to hear you pitch yourself.

If someone is willing to help you in your job search, they will be fine meeting over a cup of coffee or even just an in-person chat in their office. Remember that your work history and accomplishments are what matter most in your job search, not your ability to pick up the check for a steak dinner. If you feel the need to make a grand gesture to thank someone for their help, do it after you've landed the job.

Expensive clothes

If you are interviewing to be the CEO, it makes sense to spend some bucks to look right for the job. Most job applicants, however, don't need to spend $3,000 for a custom Italian suit.

Sure, you'll want to have appropriate dress clothes and shoes that make you look like a professional. But there's no need to go overboard. Also keep in mind that many employers allow for casual dress. In those situations, you may be able to save money by skipping the suit altogether and wearing tailored, well-fitting clothing. If you don't already have these in your closet, you can buy them for less than $100.

Premium job search engines

Many job boards and career networking sites offer paid services that promise enhanced job listings and the ability to be labeled as a "featured" applicant. These services can come with some bells and whistles that might help you in your job search, but they are not cheap. LinkedIn Premium, for example, starts at $25 per month. These services can't guarantee you'll get a job, and aren't a replacement for having good qualifications and networking.

Costly technology

You may be tempted to go out and get a new computer or smartphone to help you with your job search. Perhaps you think a costly piece of software will enhance your chances of landing a position.

In reality, it's rarely necessary to upgrade your technology just to search for jobs. Sure, a reliable computer will help, along with a phone so companies can reach you. But there are many technological solutions that don't cost a dime, including free online software that can help you easily set up a professional website. Besides, the most important component to getting a new job is the most low-tech one there is: you. Your skills, qualifications, and experience are what matter most.

Travel for jobs you don't want

I'm a firm believer that interviewing for a job can be beneficial, even if it's for a job you aren't crazy about. But if you have to incur significant expense to show up, it's probably not worth it. There's no need to hop on a plane and book a hotel for a job that does not interest you, unless you have a strong indication that it could lead to a more attractive opportunity. Even train fare and parking may be a waste of money if you really don't have an interest in the job.

Education or certifications you don't need

It is true that you should never stop learning, and it's never a bad idea to enhance and expand your skill set to give your career a boost. But you need to be thoughtful in what you pursue.

Why spend thousands of dollars for an associate degree in accounting when your background is in engineering? Why spend thousands more to be trained in Adobe Creative Suite if you have no real interest in graphic design? Remember, there are many professional "certifications" that are not worth the paper they are written on. Taking some classes or gaining skills can boost your career, but only when they can truly help you, and only when these efforts are properly aligned with your goals and strengths. (See also: Are Online Certifications Worth the Price?)

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This article is from Tim Lemke of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Job Hunting With a Long Employment Gap

Carrie Kirby — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 08:31:09 +0000

Looking for a job after taking time off, either by choice or circumstance? You're not alone. In the recovery years since the Great Recession, career gaps have been stubbornly common. While an employment gap can make finding a new job trickier, there's no need to panic. Experts say there are plenty of ways to get your foot in the door.

Network

It's always important to tap your social and professional connections when job hunting, but even more so if you are facing the headwind of getting back into the workforce after an absence. If you find your network has shrunk in recent years, make new connections by joining a professional organization or meetup in your area and attending local events. Volunteer work is also a great way of expanding your professional skills and network. A job recommendation from the right connection can help answer an employer's questions about your dedication and capabilities before they even get asked.

Go back to school

One of the big worries employers have about people who haven't worked in awhile is that their skills will be out of date. Getting a graduate degree, taking a certification course, or even just attending a continuing education class in your field can quell those concerns. This activity also shows that you're serious about returning to work and not just fooling around. Best of all, attending some kind of training gives you a recent activity to list on your resume, pushing the work gap lower on the page.

Look for a "returnship"

Some companies, including Goldman Sachs and Sara Lee, have offered these short-term jobs as a springboard for returning workers getting back into their careers. If you can't find a returnship, consider an ordinary internship, especially if you want to change or shift your career role. Yes, it could be humbling to compete against college grads and possibly work for no pay, but it's a lot better than doing nothing and letting the gap widen.

Write your resume carefully

One of the first images a potential employer sees of you likely comes via your resume, so it's important to use this as a tool to stop the door from being slammed in your face. (See also: 10 Resume Mistakes That Will Hurt Your Job Search)

Don't be super specific on dates

If your employment gap is a matter of months, not years, there's no need call attention to it by using the month that you started and ended each job. Say you started at XYZ Corp in June of 2012 and were laid off in August of 2015: Just list it as "XYZ Corp. 2012–2015."

This is not being dishonest with the hirer; you can disclose the gap if it comes up in the interview. But it could save your resume from being discarded before you get the chance to have that interview.

Include temporary jobs

So you made lattes or answered phones when your job as a graphic designer ended. You may want to include these gigs on your resume rather than leave a gaping hole. And expect the subject to come up in the interview as well. "Regression" in job responsibility and pay is not taken lightly by employers, but it's still better than a gap.

Self-employment counts

If you did freelance or contract work in between jobs, you could cover that period with a heading that conveys this. If you have a company name, list the company as the employer. The fine line here is to avoid misleading the hirer, or to appear to be engaging in puffery. Give yourself credit for achievements in self employment, but don't try to make it seem like more than it was.

Just list the gap

If your gap was more than a few months, and you weren't working a temp job or working for yourself, you're still going to have to address the gap. You don't want to jump right from a job that ended in 2015 to the present with no explanation.

That doesn't mean you have to title it "unemployed" and leave it at that. You could title it with a substantial volunteer position you held during that time, or any training courses you attended.

Another idea is to describe what you were doing, without going into unnecessary detail about anything that's not relevant to your job search. If you spent your employment gap caring for children or other family members, or recovering from an injury or illness, simply leave it at that.

Look beyond the resume

While the resume will be just the facts, the other information you provide to your potential employer can offer context.

The cover letter

The great thing about this document is that you're not tied to a chronological format like with a resume. The cover letter is your sales pitch, so start with why you're excited about this specific opportunity, and sell your skills and achievements. Then, take a line or two to explain your career lapse. Keep it upbeat and forward-looking, and never apologize.

The interview

If you're lucky enough to land an interview, expect to address the career gap. Recruiters and managers give the following tips for dealing with employment gaps in an interview: Be prepared with a list of talking points about the gap. Don't act surprised or defensive when it's brought up. Be honest, even if you were fired. Dishonesty is a big red flag. And whatever you do, don't dwell on negativity.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Networking Tips for the Recently Unemployed

Paul Michael — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 08:31:07 +0000

Through no fault of your own, you find yourself unemployed. After the immediate shock, how do you start to look for work and connect with people who can get you back into the nine-to-five? Here's some much-needed advice.

1. First, take a breath

Before you go diving into social events, sending out mass emails, and making panicked phone calls, you need to take a little time to regroup. Losing a job is a traumatic experience, and you need to give yourself time to decompress, regroup, and reevaluate.

We're not talking about two worry-free weeks vacationing on a beach in Cancun. This is more about not jumping into the stress and fatigue of a job hunt immediately after the stress and fatigue of a job loss. Do anything but networking for the first few days, whether it's spending a week at home tidying up or hanging out with family, heading to the mountains for a weekend, or visiting relatives in another state.

2. Get your ducks in a row before talking to anyone

Now, you're ready to get back in the game. Before you make a call or send an email, you have to be prepared. Is your resume up to date? Do you have a personal website that hosts samples of your most recent work? Do you have all the files needed from the office? If not, you may be able to ask human resources to send you whatever you need; after a layoff, some companies are happy to help employees with the transition (if you're fired, it's a different story).

Make sure you also know exactly what you'll say to people. How will you explain being out of work? Why were you let go? Do you even want to bring it up? Some employers may see a layoff as part of life, others may think you were expendable for a reason. You want to have your answers rehearsed, and never play the victim. Don't go jumping into calls unprepared; you only get one chance to make a first impression.

3. Start with people you know well

It may seem like stating the obvious, but when anyone is laid off, they are not always thinking clearly. Often, the first thing people do is to start applying for jobs, and that's all well and good. But your own network of friends, colleagues, and even relatives may have just what you need to get ahead.

So, call or email (calling is better) your top prospects. These are people you know well, you share a great relationship with, and potentially have leads for you. If they aren't directly connected to the industry you work in, they could very well know someone who is. And a lot of the time, these kinds of connections lead to job openings that have not even been posted on the employment sites yet.

4. Use sites like LinkedIn to connect with new contacts

LinkedIn is a great way to make new contacts through your existing networks of colleagues and friends. And if you really don't have any kind of connection with anyone, you can still ask to be linked to them. People like to build their networks, and it's usually easy enough to connect and send a message. Don't be shy about telling people your current situation and what you are looking for. If they're not hiring, they may know someone who is. You can also use other social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to let people know you're searching for work.

5. Attend local networking events

In almost every city, you will find opportunities to meet up with people who are in your industry. You can start by looking at a site such as Meetup, which gives you access to hundreds of different groups that meet regularly in your area. This is not just for people who like football or book clubs. The vast range of subjects to choose from makes it easy to hone in on your field, and talk to people who may have opportunities for you.

6. Join online forums and industry-related sites

Online forums are a great way to get advice. If you do an online search for your industry of choice, you should find a few active forums quickly. Also, a site like Reddit has sub-pages (subreddits) on thousands of careers. Join that subreddit, and start commenting and posting as soon as you can. You may quickly connect with someone who knows of a job opening.

7. Do not be afraid to take a break

This is crucial. You can suffer from networking burnout if you go all-in, trying to contact as many people as you can in the first week of your job search. Attending events, making calls, crafting resumes, writing emails, and chatting in forums is a lot of work. And it can also cause you to become incredibly deflated and discouraged when you get very little response in return.

The truth is, in almost every industry, you are up against some stiff competition. It can take months to get a great lead that turns into a job interview and offer of employment. So, when you start to feel the pressure, take a day off. Do something that lets you decompress a little. Finding work is a job in and of itself, and you should give yourself the downtime you need to stay healthy and optimistic.

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How to Ask for Your Old Job Back After Leaving

Paul Michael — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 08:30:08 +0000

Every day, people dream of quitting their jobs to move on to greener pastures. And then, that glorious day happens: You get a new job offer and start planning your "I quit" speech. But for some reason, things don't work out with the new gig. The company folded soon after you started, or maybe the new job just wasn't a good fit. Suddenly, you need to go back to your old job. What do you do now?

First, assess the damage

How did you quit? Was it a polite and respectful resignation letter, with a send-off party and tearful goodbyes? Well, no worries — in this case you probably won't have much trouble getting your foot back in the door. If you were a great employee, you are a known quantity and need less time to get up to speed; in fact, you're actually a superb candidate.

However, not everyone leaves on such good terms. If you quit in spectacular, dramatic fashion, you've got a problem. Still, even burned bridges can be repaired. Take stock of how you left, what you did, and what impression your former employer has of you. Then you can figure out the steps you need to take to get back in their good graces.

Contact current employees that you know

You will know at least a handful of people who still work at the company you quit. Hopefully, you have a great relationship with them. Now is the time to reach out and see exactly what kind of ground you stand on.

First and foremost, find out if your old job is even available anymore. It's highly likely the position was filled, but maybe your former colleagues can let you know if there are other suitable positions open.

Probe them to also see how management, and the hiring manager in particular, feels about you. Has your name come up a lot in conversation, in a positive or negative way? Are you missed? Would they secretly kill to have you back, or were they glad to see the back of you? The answers to these questions will help you in your approach to your old boss. You don't want to be tone deaf when first approaching him or her about a job.

Lay the groundwork — carefully

It takes baby steps to get back in the door. You cannot assume that you will be welcomed back with open arms to a ticker-tape parade. Even if you left on the very best terms, you still have to be humble about your approach. And if you parted ways on bad terms, even more so.

Start by making a call (not sending an email) to the person responsible for the position you're interested in. Do not go to the human resources department: If you attempt to get the job through the usual channels, you will be doing yourself a disservice. Remember, you have history with this company, and you know people. Human resources is primarily there to protect the company, and they will not be looking to rehire someone who quit. They can get involved once you have gained momentum, and have senior people in the company ready to go to bat for you.

Get ready to eat a whole lot of crow

It's time to kiss your pride goodbye and approach this as you would a partner with whom you've had a falling out — even if you left on good terms. If you are looking to get your exact same position back, tell the hiring manager that you made a mistake in leaving. You loved your job and you will do whatever it takes to get back in the door. You miss your work colleagues. You miss the food in the cafeteria. You miss Hawaiian shirt Fridays. And be genuine: If you fake this, it will be glaringly obvious.

Make sure you can explain why you left

You still may be asked "If the job was so great, why did you leave in the first place?" That can really stump you if you're not prepared. Here, you will have to be a little economical with the truth, or downplay some of the reasons.

For instance, many people leave because of a bad relationship between a boss or coworker. If that boss or coworker is still around, how does that play out? You can explain there were some misunderstandings that got out of hand, or that you had differences that you have worked through and resolved. You can be completely honest if it was something out of your control that didn't work out, like moving to a different state. Just make sure you can allay any fears the hiring manager may have about your return. If they suspect that you could up and leave again, or that you'll cause trouble, you won't get back in.

Be open to getting less for the same role

If you're looking to get your exact same job back, you're in no position to make any kind of demands, and the employer knows this. It's possible that your old company will take you back with the same benefits and salary that you had before, but there's absolutely no guarantee. They know you need this job, and they can play that to their advantage.

Now, some companies will have a benefits policy that they have to stick to. For example, if you return within 12 calendar months of leaving, all of your former benefits, including vacation days, sick days, personal days, 401(k) match, and employee discounts will be reinstated. So, if you left the company after 10 years of service, and come back within the year, it could just be a continuation of those 10 years. But not all companies do this.

Chances are, if you left with four weeks of vacation per year, you'll be coming back with the standard two weeks. And your salary could be cut to whatever the going market rate is for that position. After years at the company with raises and promotions, you may have left earning more than most people in your position earned. Expect that to be ironed out in your return.

Overall, making a return to an old job is very doable. Just be prepared to turn up the charm, make a whole lot of apologies, and start on a lower rung of the ladder than the one on which you left. Good luck.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How I Made $400 in 10 Days by Selling an Online Course I Created

Annie Mueller — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 08:31:06 +0000

I've been a freelance writer for over 13 years. Recently, I decided to create something I wish I'd had when I first started out: a course on prolific nonfiction writing called Write More Words, Faster. In the first 10 days of offering the course, with minimal marketing, I made almost $400. Here's what I did, and some tips on how you can do the same (or better!).

1. Figure out the topic

Something that's helped me turn writing from a hobby into a career is my ability to write fast. When I started freelancing, I was churning out five to 10 articles a day for content mills. I wouldn't recommend reading any of those articles — if they're even still around — and I didn't love writing them. But I did learn how to quickly assess the content, organize material, write solid main points, and bring it all together with transitions. Doing so quickly was key to keeping up with my writing schedule.

It seems that most people who want to write have to do so in the edges of their schedule. Even full-time writers such as myself have to be quick and focused; we have families and responsibilities, and we like to sleep sometimes, too. So, I decided to focus my course on prolific nonfiction writing.

The take-away

Your course material should grow out of a skill, or set of skills, that you already possess. The most obvious starting point is what you currently do for a living; however, don't stop there. Look at your hobbies, side interests, and particular strengths, as well. Try combining two of these elements for a course that's more unique and valuable. (See also: How to Sell Yourself to Potential Employers)

2. Develop a course outline

Developing a course outline was the easiest part for me, because (as anyone who's taken my course will tell you) I am obsessed with outlines. They make my writing workflow easier and thus, more prolific. (See also: Achieve More With Goal Sequencing)

I like 30-day courses — something I can work on every day for a month is long enough to feel substantial, but short enough to feel doable. I divided my course into four units, then divided each unit into seven lessons. I added a course introduction and a big, wrap-it-all-up course conclusion to hit that 30-day target.

I used a spreadsheet to start organizing my thoughts for the course outline. First, I created a column with the titles of every post I'd already written about writing. Then, I created a column for each unit. Lastly, I started brainstorming lessons for each unit, and decided which of my already-written posts I could use for each lesson.

The take-away

If you don't love planning and outlining as much as I do, you may not like this step! But seriously, take the time to do it. The more detailed your outline, the easier it will be to create the course content. If you're already writing regularly about something, build a course from what you have; you can add more material as needed to round it out.

3. Create a sales and delivery plan

How you deliver your content will affect what your content needs to look like. So before you start creating, choose how you'll deliver it.

I had a few requirements for a delivery system:

Something I was already familiar with.
Something that would work with PayPal.
Something that could be automated.

MailChimp met my requirements, and I didn't have a lot of time to shop around. (I gave myself a deadline to course launch — and then went around announcing it — so I had a little less than a month.) Decision made.

My sales plan was very basic:

Set up a landing page.
Put a PayPal button at the bottom.
Automate adding all PayPal purchasers to a specifically created mailing list in MailChimp.

I decided to give purchasers an option of three price points. All but one subscriber paid the lowest price point for the course. I've since simplified the pricing.

The take-away

Your sales and delivery systems do not have to be complex, nor do they have to be perfect. You can spend more time tweaking and automating after you've launched, marketed, and received feedback.

4. Create your course content

Course content was the most time-consuming step. Using a detailed outline, and using content I'd already written, made the process faster. As I finished writing a lesson, or a batch of lessons, I would edit and schedule them in MailChimp.

The take-away

Trying to create a perfect course of any kind will keep you from ever creating a course at all. Your skill is valuable, and you can ask for feedback to learn how to improve your content and your delivery. You can always get better; but you can't improve something that doesn't exist.

Remember, too, that your course can be the length you choose. You can create a 10-lesson course, a one-week course, or a one-hour course.

5. Market to the right crowd

The more time you give yourself to market your course, the more effective it will be. I, however, did minimal marketing, and didn't start it until 10 days before I the course launch date.

Here's what I did:

Created a couple of rudimentary promo graphics for Twitter and Facebook.
Paid for two short ad runs on both Facebook and Twitter, keeping it under $20 for each.
Shared a post about my course on LinkedIn.
Posted about my course on Twitter.
Posted about my course on Facebook.

I don't have a huge follower count on Twitter (around 1,200 people); they're mostly bloggers, writers, and folks with shared interests (such as productivity). You know who's interested in prolific writing? Bloggers, writers, and productivity people. Cool, huh?

All of my course subscribers came through Twitter, which I found very interesting. I know a lot of people on Facebook, but they're mostly personal connections: friends, family, extended family, neighbors, etc.

My minimal marketing showed me that my personal network, while lovely and supportive, was not interested in prolific writing courses. In my peer and professional network, however, my course content was a match for their interests. That's targeted marketing.

The take-away

No matter what kind of marketing you do, find the right crowd. A connection doesn't guarantee an interest. Think about the interests that overlap with the skill you'll teach. You can do low-cost ads on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using keywords and filters to target people whose interests align with your course. You can also ask people in your networks to share with others they know who might be interested.

My results

I developed the course idea in early June and set the launch date for July 1. I first mentioned it on Twitter on June 19, and got my first two subscribers within two days. I ran ads on Twitter and Facebook for the last week of June. All my remaining first-run subscribers bought the course in that last week, netting me just under $400 within 10 days.

Of course, I spent more than 10 days putting the course together, and I'll continue to spend more time improving it.

Still, I'm happy with the results. It was scary to commit and launch something, but so far, the feedback has been positive. The first-run students have already helped me improve the course (we changed the mailing schedule, for example, after a quick poll showed that 80 percent of the students preferred to receive lessons two days apart rather than daily).

The take-away

Create a course by collecting the insights you already have for a skill you're already using. The content is right there, in your head! It takes work to create a course, but the initial return can be quick and significant. And you can continue to market and sell your course as long as the skill is relevant. The more you market, the more subscribers you can gain. By creating a course now, you're establishing a potential source of income for a long time.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Are Online Certifications Worth the Price?

Christa Avampato — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 08:30:05 +0000

Online certifications are available on a number of platforms. They tell you they can help you get ahead in your current job, change careers, or start your own business. They claim to save you time from traditional schooling and connect you to other like-minded people who will help your career skyrocket.

But can they actually do any of this? You're right to be skeptical. Here's how to figure out when these online certifications matter, and when they don't. (See also: 7 Certifications That Add Big Money to Your Salary)

If you want to get ahead in your current company

If you like your job and the company you work for, and you're hoping to move up into a new role at this company, you have the perfect scenario to do some research before you decide whether or not to pay for a certification. Have a conversation with your boss about your career path, and ask if he or she thinks a certification would make a difference.

Don't feel comfortable asking your boss this kind of question? That's understandable — I've had bosses like that! There are other ways to find out if a certification matters. Find people at your company who have a role that you'd like, and take them to coffee. Ask about their education and training so you can figure out if a certification could help.

If you have a knowledgeable and helpful Human Resources department, talk to your HR representative. Tell them about your ideal career path and see if the certification would make a difference from their perspective. If it does and you're willing to do the work, they may even have some professional development funds that they could provide to offset the cost.

If you want to change careers

This takes a bit more work on your part, but it's completely doable. Social media to the rescue! Do a search on LinkedIn or Twitter to find people who work at companies and in roles that interest you. Look at their training and experience to see if they mention a certification. Then, introduce yourself to them online and see if they'd be willing to chat with you about their experience.

I've done this a number of times, and people are often very quick to offer up their perspectives. I've also had people reach out to me for this kind of chat, and I have always been happy to help.

A second option is to get involved: Join LinkedIn Groups, go to conferences and events, and subscribe to newsletters related to your new career interest. This is a great way to make connections, get advice, and ask questions. Curiosity gets rewarded, so always seek to learn what's worked for other people by asking them about their experiences.

You could also investigate a range of different job postings in the field that interests you. Is a certification listed as a requirement or a preferred qualification? Don't be shy about reaching out to those companies to find someone willing to share the company's perspective on the value of certifications. They are looking for qualified applicants, and your interest in them could yield not only information on certifications, but valuable contacts in your new field.

Another strategy is to reach out to a recruiter in that field, and ask them whether certifications make a difference as they are looking for applicants in the field for a variety of companies.

The certifications that really matter

I was recently speaking to a project management recruiter. She mentioned to me that while many companies used to want all project managers to be certified, now it's less of a concern. Project management software has gotten so sophisticated that it now does much of the work that used to be manual.

This discovery taught me that it really is worth the time to dig in and do your research before putting the time, effort, and money into a certification. Only take the plunge if it's necessary, and if you're fully committed to the path the certification opens for you.

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This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: