5 Ways to Build Your Network if You Work Remotely - The Muse

5 Ways to Build Your Network if You Work Remotely - The Muse5 Ways to Build Your Network if You Work RemotelyWorking from home can be awesome you have more freedom and flexibility, you dont have to commute, and lets be real- an occasional conference call in your PJs certainly isnt terrible. Ive been working from home for the past three years- and for the most part, I love it. But when youre doing the bulk of your work from an at-home office, your day-to-day routine isnt exactly ripe with opportunities for meeting new people. And no matter who you are- introvert or extrovert, business owner or corporate worker, in the peak of your career or just starting out- thats crucial for your career (and your sanity). If youre a freelancer or remote team member who wants to connect with new people, you have to create those opportunities for yourself. So what, exactly, could you be doing to build your network- and skyrocket your career in the process?1. Look for Opportunities to Offer ValuePeople like people who help them. So if you establish yourself as a person who adds real value, you automatically endear yourself to people. And the best part? You can do all that value-adding from the comfort of your own home.Look for ways to help, to support, or to make valuable connections for people in your network. Notice people on your LinkedIn or industry Facebook group struggling to get design work done for their business? Shoot over a list of your favorite DIY design tools. Know someone whos having trouble hiring a new assistant? Send over a helpful article on how to hire a virtual team. Have two clients you think would work well together? Put them in touch. People like people who help them. So if you establish yourself as a person who adds real value, you automatically endear yourself to people.The key to success with this tip? Be genuine Dont just look to help people in the hopes theyll help you down the line. If you come from a self-serving place, people will pick up on that- and wont want to connect with you. Instead, make a list of people you want to help and, if the opportunity presents itself, jump on it.If you want to take the whole adding value thing to the next level (and reap the rewards), try hosting a lunch and learn at a local co-working spot (which- bonus- is probably full of other people who work remotely). Whether youre a virtual assistant who helps organize peoples businesses, a absatzwirtschaft manager who works remotely for a larger company, or a freelance writer (like me), you have a unique set of skills, talents, and experience that others can benefit from. Lunch and learns give you a chance to help while also showcasing your expertise- which can help turn some of those new connections into new business opportunities.2. Use the Media to Establish Yourself as an Expert (and Drive Connections)Getting your name, company, or project mentioned in the media is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader in your space and drive rele vant connections that can not only increase your social network but also give your career a healthy boost. These days, you can usually contribute your expertise from wherever you are (like your home office)- and use it to develop contacts around the world.Sign up as a source on Help A Reporter Out (HARO) and be on the lookout for opportunities that might be a fit (for example, if youre an expert in a specific field or youve had a particular experience you can speak to). Just make sure to only reach out when you can speak from a place of authority for example, if a writer is putting together a piece on digital nomads building sustainable businesses while traveling the world but you do the bulk of your work from your home office? Probably not a great match.Every time I get mentioned in the media, my LinkedIn gets flooded by people looking to network with me. Its pretty cool, relatively simple, and offers a lot of juice for the squeeze.Kari DePhillipsKari DePhillips, owner of The Conte nt Factory and host of the Workationing podcast, has used HARO to get quoted or featured in Fast Company, NBC News, and Thrive, and found that its done wonders for building her network. Every time I get mentioned in the media, my LinkedIn gets flooded by people looking to network with me, she says. Its pretty cool, relatively simple, and offers a lot of juice for the squeeze. Bottom line? The more you get your name out there, the more people will see it- and the more your network will grow.3. Get Your Slack OnSure, you can leverage traditional networking groups to connect with people. But if you work remotely, one of the best networking tools in your arsenal is one youre probably already using- Slack.Slack is one of the best ways for teams- whether thats an in-house team, a remote team, or a freelancer and client- to communicate and collaborate. But its also a great way for people who work remotely to build their networks, find new and exciting projects, and connect with potenzial n ew colleagues, clients, and friends. Slack has been a great tool for me to meet people in my field and network with them, says Sireesha Narumanchi, blogger and founder of Crowdworknews.com. Having a dedicated channel like mycity in Slack and having meetups with people in the same field can create many future career growth opportunities and collaborations. Having a dedicated channel like mycity in Slack and having meetups with people in the same field can create many future career growth opportunities and collaborations.Sireesha NarumanchiSearch for Slack communities that cater to the kind of people you want to add to your network, such as industry- and location-specific groups (for example, the Portland chapter of AIGA, The Professional Association For Design, has a Slack channel for Portland-based designers where they can chat and share local design-related events). Want to build your network with other people who understand the blessing/curse that is being a freelancer? Request to join popular freelance Slack communities, like Workfrom or freelance. The point is, theres a Slack community for everything and everyone (seriously, just do a Google search)- and for those who work remotely, its the perfect way to build a network of like-minded people. And who knows? Those Slack conversations could turn into IRL connections or lead to your next big break.4. Start a PodcastPodcasts are having a serious moment. And theyre good for more than entertaining you during a long drive or a workout- they can be a great way to connect with people in your industry. Ive been able to build an incredible network through my Sales Success Stories Podcast where I bewerbungsgesprch active, quota carrying, individual contributor abverkauf professionals who are either 1- or at least in the top 1%- of performers at their companies, says Scott Ingram, who, in addition to the podcast, works from home in an outside sales role.Hosting someone on a podcast also sets the stage for a deeper, mo re personal connection than youd find at, say, a networking event. Some of these people I might have been able to connect with at an industry event, but in that scenario, Id be lucky to get more than a few minutes with them, says Ingram. The podcast allows me to be proactive and have deep conversations that are often over an hour that just wouldnt have been possible otherwise.The podcast allows me to be proactive and have deep conversations that are often over an hour that just wouldnt have been possible otherwise.Scott IngramNow, granted- starting a podcast is definitely a lot more labor intensive than sending someone a helpful article or joining a Slack community. But if podcasting is something youre genuinely interested in- and if youre willing to put in the work to develop and market your show (because lets be real, who wants to be on a podcast no one listens to?)- it can be an incredibly valuable networking tool. A podcast can give you the opportunity to interview interesting p eople and get your name out there in your industry- which can lead to more opportunities down the road. And because you dont have to be in the same place (or even the same time zone) as your guest, you can manage the entire process from your home office.Interested in exploring podcasting? Read this article about starting a podcast on top of a full-time job and check out this list of podcasting resources and tools to get an idea of what youll need to get started.5. Pursue the Hobbies You LoveThe best networks are built organically- so if you spend time pursuing your hobbies (whether theyre work-related or not), they can help you build the strongest (and most authentic) connections. I play intramural sports throughout the season which allows me to meet new friends not only personally but professionally as well, says India Lott, founder of the web development company Gray Sole Media. It is a great, non-structured way of getting to know people that also happen to have professional caree rs. I play intramural sports throughout the season which allows me to meet new friends not only personally but professionally as well. It is a great, non-structured way of getting to know people that also happen to have professional careers.India LottFor me, making my passions and hobbies a priority has made the experience of working from home less lonely (I can only talk to my dog for so long), and its been a complete gamechanger when it comes to making new connections- many of which have led to new opportunities. For example, one of my serious passions? Meditation. And while I never planned to use meditation as a way to find clients, I ended up meeting someone at a meditation group who works in an industry I write about- and she referred a ton of new business my way. The point is, when you spend time doing what you love, it puts you in touch with other people who love what you love, too- and building a network of like-minded people is not only essential from a social perspective, but it can also boost your career. Its a win-winWorking remotely certainly presents some challenges in terms of connecting with new people. But with a little creativity and effort (and a willingness to think outside of the box), you can build just as strong of a network as you could in a more traditional office setting- or maybe even stronger You can do it (mostly) from the comfort of your own home and yes, on some days, even in your pajamas.

7 Ways to Find Hidden Jobs in 2016

7 Ways to Find Hidden Jobs in 20167 Ways to Find Hidden Jobs in 2016Here are seven tips to find hidden jobs during your job search1. Check around at your current place of employment.If you are employed and like your employer, but dont like your specific job, check around to see if other opportunities exist. There might be a new opening that would be of interest to you. To find them, ask around or check with HR. They likely have a list of positions slated for internal hiring.2. Switch up your networking habits.Reaching out only when you are looking for a job can have detrimental effects on your network. Make sure to nurture it and grow it even when you arent job searching. Additionally, push your networking boundaries. Use online platforms and in-person opportunities as well to make connections. You will be surprised at the intel other job seekers have when it comes to hidden jobs. Just make sure to reciprocate the efforts.3. Join professional organizations and networking groups.Profe ssional organizations and networking groups are great ways to connect with new people, companies, and industries. They are also hotbeds when it comes to hidden jobs in niche areas. Use these groups to not only grow your network but to source potential hidden opportunities both locally and nationally.4. Reach out to hiring managers.Although contacting hiring managers can be risky business, it can be highly effective to find hidden jobs if done in a professional and prepared way. Craft a unique cover letter that expresses your interest, perfect your resume, and make sure to include a portfolio or website for reference. While there might not be any current openings, with the right impression, youll be remembered when one opens up.5. Subscribe to alerts.Many employers have the opportunity to subscribe to job or news alerts. Do so By subscribing to these alerts, you will have immediate knowledge of big changes or shifts. While it might not seem significant at the time, an acquisition of office space or increase in job postings likely means they are going to be expanding operations.6. Attend a convention or professional conference.Conference or convention attendance can help you find hidden jobs. Yet another way to make connections and grow your network, these events are also full of professionals from different industries and companies who have insider knowledge. Strike up a conversation, make a connection, and inquire about potential job openings.7. UseSearching for flexible work can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. To find hidden jobs, become a member to have access to mora than 28,000 flexible jobs in more than 50 different job categories.To find hidden jobs, you dont have to play a game of cat and mouse. Change up your method of job searching and focus on making connections in the industry. Word of mouth and specialized platforms such as can open doors to opportunities you didnt know existed.Readers, how do you find hidden jobs? Any tips youd like to share? Tell us in the comment section below

5 Ways to Ask for a Raise When Your Co-Worker Makes More Than You

5 Ways to Ask for a Raise When Your Co-Worker Makes More Than You5 Ways to Ask for a Raise When Your Co-Worker Makes More Than You Talking about money is hard enough. But what if you find out you make mora than your co-worker? Or, worse, what if your co-worker makes more than you ?Even if its frowned upon, talking about salary is legal and allowed. Sharing your salary information can ensure you and your peers are being compensated fairly.The younger you are, the more likely youre to share earnings details. According to a Cashlorette survey , 30 percent of millennials have spoken to co-workers about how much money they make.Regardless of age, asking for money can be uncomfortable if you dont know how to go about it the right way. Heres how to ask for a raise in five steps.Its one thing to find out a manager makes more money than you, but its a different situation when its a peer with the same title and experience. Its time you build your case on why you should make mo re money.Do you have similar responsibilities and workloads? asked Jessica Dalka, creator of Chicago Planner Magazine . For example, if youre both account managers, do you have similarly sized clients? If you both have midsized clients and your co-worker has eight but you only have four, perhaps that might be why they make more.If your co-worker handles more work, has been there longer or has more years experience, youll have to build your case with other information.Dont barge into your supervisors office and demand a raise simply because someone you know earns more than you. Find out if you deserve it by gathering data.You should come prepared with salary data by checkingSalary.comor Glassdoor , said Marielle Smith, a vice president at GoodHire , an employment screening company. You shouldnt use your co-workers bigger salary as a reason why you deserve a raise. This tactic will do little to convince a manager that you offer the same or more value to the company.Talk to other peopl e in your industry that arent at your company. If you find that youve been lowballed compared to your networking peers, dont fret. Itll give you a ballpark estimate on how much to ask for when discussing your raise.Its important to know what your companys track record is when it comes to raises.If youre due for an annual review, you might have a raise coming your way. Youre already going over your performance and job expectations, so if your supervisor believes youre a valuable asset to the company, a raise could be coming without you asking for it.For some jobs, though, you do need to ask for a raise . If you arent set for an annual review anytime soon, a stand-alone meeting might be necessary. But you should still consider planning to have the salary talk at the right time.Jesse Harrison, founder and CEO of Employee Justice Legal Team , has experience asking for a raise, even as a lawyer. And the timing was everything.I waited until after I had made a big break and won a case and the environment was at low stress levels - I even waited for a sunny day, Harrison said. It can be helpful to let the initial anger of earning less than a colleague fade away so you can recognize when the timing is right. A clear head will do wonders for your request.Before your meeting, use your accomplishments to illustrate your point . Showcase the work youve done, the extra responsibilities youve taken on, and how the company has benefited from your employment.If youre having trouble coming up with valid points, you might need to wait a bit to ask for a raise. This way you can start to document a stellar track record.Its good to keep in mind a number. This could be a percentage increase, a dollar figure youd like to hit or a mix of a pay bump and more perks, such as extra vacation days.You might need to negotiate your salary with your supervisor. If thats the case, start with a higher number than you initially wanted. Your boss will either approve, and youll get more money than you expected, or youll haggle until youre both happy.Even if youve prepared for your meeting like its the SATs, youre notlage guaranteed a raise. This could be for many reasons that you might not have a say over. So its important to stay focused on the goal, even if you didnt meet it this time.If your supervisor tells you that a raise isnt in the cards, find out why.If its your performance and workload, you can assure your manager youre ready for the challenge of meeting new goals. This will give you the opportunity to have something to work toward and help set you up for a raise at another time.If your boss says you cant get a raise right now because its not in the budget or your position compensation is maxed out, youre in a different kind of pickle.At this point, if youre doing your best work and still unable to get more money for it, you might want to consider looking for a job where you can earn more money.If youve networked with industry peers and checked out salaries for you r position, youve got a lot more negotiating power when you head into new job interviews. Use your research to your advantage, even if the job youre in right now isnt working out.But dont give up on your current job just yet. If you like your company and your co-workers, keep trying to get the pay you deserve. Chances are they can eventually find a way to compensate you fairly and still fit it in the budget.This article was originally published on Student Loan Hero . It is reprinted with permission.

Vitalik Buterins Resume The Etherman

Vitalik Buterins Resume The EthermanVitalik Buterins Resume The EthermanThe start of 2019 is proving to be a gloomy time for us blockchain cypto enthusiasts. The market is going down FUD is everywhere.But worry no more as Etherman, our very own Vitalik Buterin is here to save us. So together, let us shine in the glory of the one and only Etherman and keep HODLing onFrom founding Ethereum to saving the world from a rogue asteroid, look at what Etherman - Vitalik Buterin has done. Check out his resume. You will be amazed winkResume of Vitalik Etherman Buterin

The Basics of Sample Resume College Student

The Basics of Sample Resume College Student Type of Sample Resume College Student Put the Education section of your resume at the very top of your resume so that its the very first thing the employer sees. Also consent the mature to accept a good look at the accomplishments, skills and experience you havent circled. Your interviewer is going to want to know that youre willing and equipped to deal with any weaknesses.Cover letters are an essential part of a work application. The resumes for college students should be shown in a well written format with the suitable use of words and grammar. If you are aware of what the requirements are for the job which you want to know more about and you meet them, then you may boost your resumes capacity to have the recruiters attention by highlighting one or two, or some of them and how theyll assist you to perform better on the job in your objective statement. Employing a CNA license its possible to acquire work in a number of configurations . Advice and samples make it simple for resume first timers to adhere to a format to make an effective document. The Most Popular Sample Resume College Student It is crucial to tailor the college admissions resume to the particular program, just as it must be tailored when applying for a certain job. The level of your freshman recruiting application depends upon regulations faculty which you attend. At this time you can better the strength of your college student resume and boost your odds of being hired. While its important to make the fruchtwein of them, you might think that its tough to find one suited especially for athletes. Therefore, the sample educational resume is provided simply as an educational model that is designed to help you recognize the critical elements of a resume. A in depth education section is the meat of a university student resume, so be sure you dont brush over it. Because you will probably have minimum expert experience, dont hesitate to fill your education section with a plethora of information. The most essential part of an internship resume is making sure the abilities and experience you do have, although you could be very early in your career, are excellent for the job which you need to do. Not only must you to be great at teaching one-on-one, but you also need to deal with conflict among students and even teachers. Volunteering for social causes or within a research lab can also give you with real-world skills that employers value. Most grad programs require some kind of private statement, which is where youll receive the very best opportunity to inform the school why your experiences and interests make you the very best candidate for the program. Most students hit a wall when it regards the expert experience section since they just dont have relevant work experience. Employers wish to know precisely what you did or learned so they know what you need to offer as an employee. Remember that your resume is your very f irst line of defense with respect to touchdown your ideal job. You might also Sample resumes. Top Sample Resume College Student Choices Therefore, its not a great notion to take an internship as a simple thing. Your name ought to be the largest heading on the webpage. If youre a high schooler that has been accepted to a college already, you may also state your colleges name and the date you will start attending. If possible, have someone from your campus career office, or maybe an alumnus in the specialty that you want to know more about, have a look at your resume to make sure you have included as much pertinent information as possible. Laurens resume is unique because its a classic case of an actors resume. Your own personal awareness of style may be a huge portion of that. Read below for suggestions on how to compose a strong college resume. Our Military resume sample can help you make a profitable tool so that you may get inch foot at the door. While a lot of the infor mation on your resume should begin with a left-margin, its proper to begin some information with a right-margin to created a balanced appearance. Just remember to double-check whether adding social media to your particular resume is ideal for the job The right format has to be there along with the style of writing.

How To Go From Full-Time Uni To Full-Time Work

How To Go From Full-Time Uni To Full-Time Work Getting Down To Business How To Go From Full-Time Uni To Full-Time WorkPosted January 6, 2014, by Julia Watters So youve finished up your studies and are looking at venturing into the big wide world of full-time employment. As you try on the power suits that your proud mother bought you for Christmas and imagine what your business cards will look like, there is one thing you need to know. Full-time work is tough. Now Im not trying to put you off. After all, work definitely has its rewards and the financials are a big part of that. But as you trade in your mi goreng noodles for something a little more wholesome, there is one other thing you will soon be economising on sleep. I dont think I have ever slept as much as I did in my university years. I worked to support myself during that time as well, so it welchesnt just study and sleep, but the latter was definitely in abundance. Its no surprise then that getting used to an early risin g schedule five days a week was the hardest adjustment. And as Dolly Parton warbled, workin 9 to 5 can drive you crazy if you let it So how can you hang onto that corporate ladder without microsleeping on the job and losing your grip? Here are my top tips on how to make it to the oasis that is Friday afternoon in one piece. 1. Routine can be mean While it might seem like getting up at the same time every day would train your body to be a well-oiled machine, its not always the case. Particularly if that alarm clock is set at an especially brutal time. And while its good to get into a routine and make sure you get a good nights sleep, it can also be good to mix things up and throw in the occasional midweek catch-up with friends. That way you wont be putting too much pressure on cramming all your fun into the weekend, youll be able to strike a nice work/life balance and the week wont seem so long. 2. Coffee is not breakfast A day at the office (whether your office is within four walls or the outdoors) can take plenty of unexpected turns. These turns can sometimes get in the way of any lunch activity, so its a good idea to fill up on good quality fuel at the start of the day. Coffee, especially the milky variety, can seem like a meal in itself but when you get pulled into a three-hour meeting at 11am, youre going to wish youd chased that caffeine hit with a ham and cheese toastie. 3. Leftovers are your friend Even if you actually get a break to scoff down some office nosh, this doesnt necessarily mean youll have enough time to venture out for said nosh. Bringing your own lunch to work not only saves you some sweet coin, but it means that you wont be having a vending machine lunch if your window of opportunity is only the size of a peephole. 4. Blow off some steam While letting off a bit of verbal steam in the office can get you into trouble, letting off a bit of exercise steam before/after work can just as quickly save you. Especially those of you who are about t o take up office work for the first time, consider yourself warned. You wont realise how much incidental exercise you used to get in your student days as you traipsed around campus until youre sitting stationary for most of it, eating at your desk and celebrating weekly workplace birthdays with cake. Get into a good habit of fitting exercise around work early and reduce your stress levels (and waistline) by getting to the gym or walking to work at least a few times a week. 5. You still need to do your homework Just because youre no longer sitting exams doesnt mean that you can stop learning. To succeed in business, you need to remain ahead of the pack and that means ongoing professional development. Seek out industry leaders and follow their blogs, attend networking events, subscribe to industry journals and never, ever pass on the opportunity to brush up on your skills through courses that will keep advancing your skill set. If you keep that up, soon enough youll be the industry l eader who people are following. By now you may be thinking that life after study is just endless drudgery, but dont worry because it really isnt. There are plenty of perks to the full-time work lifestyle and by following these hot tips, youll appreciate them all the more. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchescommunity support worker coursework experience melbournework experience placesfun work experience ideasuni tips and tricks CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJulia WattersRelated ArticlesBrowse moreBossHabits7 Things Your Boss Hates About YouIf your e striving for success at your workplace, being a pain in your bosss neck wont help you out too much. Here are 7 things you could be doing that is driving them up the wall.BossValuable Lessons I Learned From The Worst Boss I Ever HadLooking back on her brush with the boss from hell, Josie reflects on what she learned from the experience.WORKFORCE TRENDSDistance education comes closerWith the growth of technologies such as high-speed Internet, web seminars and social media, and with millions of web-literate users, education is now mobile and a whole lot more accessible.

Put a Winning Business Strategy in Place for 2013

Put a Winning geschftlicher umgang Strategy in Place for 2013Put a Winning Business Strategy in Place for 2013Put a Winning Business Strategy in Place for 2013 MatusonAre you ready to start the year with a strong geschftliches miteinander strategyright out of the gate?Heres what successful small business owners are doing to create business successin 2013 and beyond.AccessTalent viaRecruitingCEO Andrew Schrage of Denver-based Money Crasherswill be sharpening his recruiting skillsthis year, given the availability of talent.With unemployment rates currently at a high rate, Ive found an overabundance of candidates whenever I need to hire additional staff.More importantly, says Schrage, Employee turnover costshave a significant effect on my business, so its important for me to prevent this whenever possible.Building Business SuccessTom Kulzer, CEO Founder of AWeber Communications,Inc., is preparing for business success by increasing collaboration and planning for additional growth.Kulzer is changing the bro layout to encourage easier team cooperation, networking and speed of development. Visitors to his office are advised to look both ways before crossing, as workstations will be on wheels, allowing teams to form more organically.We are growing our CO-OP program to have a more formal employee training process for students that join our team, notes Kulzer. We are also increasing the number of CO-OP students we accept annually.Similarly, Chris Seman, President of Cincinnati-based Caring Transitions, believes that continued business success will require staying current with his industry by encouraging the staff to get their professional certifications.Investing in our current staff is seen as having the highest ROI of all the activities we can engage in for 2013, as we can more effectively continue our focus on our franchisees profit and revenue goals, says Seman.Create Measurable ResultsCall him crazy, but Robert Hennessy CEO of NYC-based Dashlocker, plans on doing l ots more laundry this year.Dashlocker provides lockergistics to busy New Yorkers so they can live a cleaner and more stress-free life. His company offers fully automated dry cleaning and laundromat services by using secure storage lockers for delivery.Hennesseys business strategy for the coming year includes less micro-management and encouraging focus at every opportunity.Ive hired employees to fill specific roles, and now that the team is fully assembled, it makes sense to ensure that everyone is working hard on their role, not someone elses. Ive slowly transitioned people out of all non-essential cross training so that my operations team doesnt have any impact on the sales team, and vice versa, states Hennessey.He adds, On a few occasions, Ive had an employee ask why theyre being asked to do less and my response is, Youre not being asked to do less, youre being asked to just do as much in fewer areas.Hennessey has noted that this approach will continue to improve his ability to me asure results, since employees are more focused on their own roles.By laying out a clear set of expectations and focusing on results instead of process, hes able to back away from the day-to-day responsibilities of his employees and work on bigger picture items and longer-term business strategies.Recruit Top Sales PeopleThe Duggan Sisters, producers of Lifestinks deodorant,and other natural products, are working frantically to make a personenname for themselves. This year they are vowing to do things differently by investing in the help they need to take their rightful place in the retail aisles.We resolve this year to hire sales people,an office manager,one additional artisan/technician, and God willing, a publicist, so we dont miss important deadlines, says co-founder Mary Duggan.The sisters will start by hiring sales representatives nationwide to carry their pioneering products forward.Increased sales performance will result in a more valuable company and will help them garner th e small business financingrequired to achieve the business success they envision.Compete with the Big Guys for TalentMike Oeth is CEO and Cofounder of OnSIP,a NYC-based company that provides Internet-based communication services to over 15,000 small and medium-size businesses.For 2013, Oeth is working diligently to recruit and hire IT skills among such Goliaths as Google and Facebook.We know we have to grow and foster a team of exceptional software engineering talent.Oeth goes on to say, In a recent executive call, we discussed our success in college recruiting, wherein we fortunately garnered four of our five tops prospects, all who will begin work in 2013. However, recruitment is not where human resources planning ends.He adds that, In the New Year, we also pledge to do more employee development. We understand that not fostering employee developmentcan lead to attrition. We need to do a better job in that department come the New Year.CEO and small-business owner of Rochester, NY a dvertising agency, Dixon Schwabl, Lauren Dixon, is committed to continuing to value Dixon Schwabl employees and fostering a creative and fun work culture.Dixons New Years beschluss listening and valuing those who work for you, and fostering a company culturethat enables employees to excel.Dixon believes that, All businesses, small and large, should make this a resolution in the New Year. Employees will be happier, be more productive at work and ultimately make the business more profitable.Heres to your business success and a great year 2013 Matuson Consulting LLC. All rights reserved.Author BioRoberta Chinsky Matuson, who is known globally as The Talent Maximizer, is the President of Matuson Consultingand author of the forthcoming, The Magnetic Workplace (Nicholas Brealey, 2013), as well asSelecting for Success The Complete Guide to Hiring Top Talent, and Suddenly in Charge Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around, a Washington Post Top-5 Leadership pick. Sign up to receive a complimentary subscription to Robertas monthly newsletter, Talent Maximizer.

5 Tax Deduction Tips for Job Seekers

5 Tax Deduction Tips for Job Seekers5 Tax Deduction Tips for Job Seekers5 Tax Deduction Tips for Job SeekersShow of hands Whos looking forward to doing their income taxes?For those of you who didnt run away screaming, here are five rules to follow when youre deducting job search expenses on your 2010 federal tax return(1)You must itemize your deductions, using Schedule A and filing Form 1040.That means your expenses must be lumped in with the other deductions that are itemized, such as interest on the mortgage of your primary home, property taxes, state and local income or sales taxes, and charitable deductions. Also, the total of your Schedule A deductions must exceed a certain amount depending on your filing status. For instance, if your filing status is single or married filing separately, that amount is $5,700. If youre married filing jointly or a qualified widower, its $11,400. Head of household? $8,400.(2)You can only deduct expenses that exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income .But if you were employed at any time during 2010 and had on-the-job expenses that were not reimbursed by your employer, they can be added to your job search expenses.Example Your adjusted gross income for 2010 was $60,000. Two percent of that is $1,200. If your job search expenses amounted to $1,000 and your unreimbursed work expenses were $500, you have $1,500 in expenses. Subtract the $1,200 from that, and you can deduct $300. Use Form 2106 and report that amount on Line 21 of Schedule A.(3)You can only deduct expenses if youre looking for a job similar to the one you have.In other words, if youre a firefighter but want a job as a bartender, youre out of luck.(4)You cant take a deduction if youre looking for a job for the first time.That would apply, for example, to a new graduate seeking his or her first entry-level job. You also cant take a deduction if there was a substantial break between the ending of your last job and the time you start to look for a new one. Theres no clea r definition of substantial break, but roughly translated If youre unemployed, dont travel the world for three months before you start looking for a new job. Start looking right away(5)You cant deduct everything.You can deduct expenses for the followingMembership fees for your account. (You can contacts Customer Support team via chat, phone or email for a detailed statement of what you spent with us last year.)Resume preparation (e.g., printing, copying, having it rewritten by a professional)Mailing expensesParking fees, tolls, public transit fares, and mileage (50 cents a mile) to and from bewerbungsinterviews and networking meetingsLodging if, for example, you had to stay overnight before a scheduled job interview out of your local areaPhone and fax charges (document how many minutes you spent talking with prospective employers and other contacts who led you to job possibilities).But you cannot deduct meals and entertainment expenses. Bummer, I know, but look at it this way Youd b e eating no matter what youd be doing, so this isnt an out of the ordinary expense. And entertainment fees are optional, no matter how you look at it.Disclaimer Im not a tax specialist, but this information comes from the IRS web site and personal experience. If you want more information, read the IRS publication Six Tax Benefits for Job Seekers, and the more comprehensive IRS Publication 529.Here are links to other IRS forms and publications that can help youForm 2106 Form 2106 instructions Schedule A What other tax tips do you have for job seekers? Tell us below in a comment.

How to Land Your First Executive Job

How to Land Your First Executive Job How to Land Your First Executive Job Theyre common scenarios Michelle has served in a management or director role and wants to move up in her company. John maintains several career goals, one of which is to be an executive by age 40.So they start a job search, reach out to an executive resume writer, or start applying for jobs with the goal of taking that next step and landing that executive role.But just because Michelle or John feels they are ready to make that leap doesnt mean employers are going to feel the same way. In fact, moving to an executive role through the standard job search process is one of the most difficult transitions todays job seekers face. I tell people to take a long, honest look at your track record, says Kurt Rakos, founder and partner at SkyWater Search Partners, an executive recruiting firm. Do you have any professional management or senior leadership experience? If you dont, Im sorry but youre unlikely to convince a hir ing manager to take a chance on you. In any job search, remember to put yourself in the hiring managers shoes. ExecutivespromotedfromwithinRakos continued The hiring manager is juggling a whole lot more than one open position and a stack of resumes. If theyre great managers, theyre equally focused on nurturing and retaining their current high performers, building bench strength, and rewarding internal superstars with the big promotions. Want to know one of the quickest ways to undermine all of that effort? Pass over your proven, internal talent in favor of an unknown, outside hire.Dave Arnold is President of Arnold Partners, an independent CFO search firm for technology companies. Arnold focuses on CFO and Board searches. It is notlage the resume that is going to make the big difference for an executive job search, says Arnold. It is having the right mentor who will champion you into the executive suite coupled with demonstrated skills to perform at the executive level. This is a co mbination of technical know-how and executive presence. Arnold asks every CFO he meets how they got their first CFO role. About 80% are battlefield promotions, he said, meaning they were not previously in the executive chair.Their CFO leaves the company and either championed the person to the CEO/Board or the CEO/Board saw this person in action and trusted them enough to put them in the seat, said Arnold. Usually they had to earn it after a temporary stint. Getting your first C-suite role through a recruiter or applying on your own is almost fruitless it generally needs to be done through your network of trusted people of influence.So, where does that leave you if youre a high potential candidate who really wants that next big promotion? How to createexecutiveopportunitiesConsider these seven tips and strategies Find a way to gain that experience Look for opportunities with your current employer. If actual executive positions are few and far between, ask for opportunities to take on formal leadership roles on significant projects, says Rakos. Seek management training Ask your employer for management training and leadership mentoring. If none of those are realistic options where you are, start looking for employers who might hire you into a paid management training program that offers opportunities for promotions into leadership or executive positions, suggests Rakos.Serve on a non-profit motherboard One of my best pieces of advice is to seek a significant role in a volunteer organization, said John Crossman, CEO of Crossman Company, a commercial real estate company serving the southeast United States. It will teach you important skills and cause you to be seen as a leader. It could be a charity or a trade association. Organizations always need help and you can leverage success there to be seen as an executive. Find a mentor Mentors arent just for recent college grads or entry-level job seekers. Many C-level executives still have strong mentoring relationships with colleagues who can motivate and challenge, and be a voice for one throughout their career. They can provide direction and connections. Develop relationships with recruiting firms Executive recruiters are in the business of finding the right candidate for the employer that hired them, not finding a job for an executive. That doesnt mean you shouldnt reach out to an executive recruiting firm and submit a resume or seek out a meeting. If you do get contacted, share your goals with the executive recruiter. They will be up front with what you need to do to get noticed. You might not be a fit now, but by taking the necessary steps now, you can continue down the right path of landing your first executive job once the right skill sets or experiences are developed. Become a consultant Prove your expertise and ability to influence by becoming a consultant. Use those measurable results to show how you can impact a department, team, or product launch, or how, as a consultant, you were abl e to drive change, save money, or solve a problem for an organization as you strive to obtain your executive role. Network, network, network It sounds trite but its true, says Rakos. Rev up your network, he says. Keep talking to employers your own and others. Ask what theyll need to see from you in order to put you in that role youre pursuing. Focus, honest self-evaluation, and hard work always pay off.The Jobscan article How Executives Find Jobs suggested Schedule phone calls, lunches, and outings with past associates to catch up and learn whats happening with the leadership at various companies. Attend industry conferences, conventions, and meetups. Get facetime with as many people as possible.Optimize your LinkedIn profile and cultivate your network to expand your reach and opportunities. ExecutiveresumewritingtipsDespite these challenges, job seekers will always pursue career advancement opportunities, including executive roles. That often starts with writing and/or updating a resume.When writing an executive resume, be sure the resume highlights these areas, says Crossman Numbers and results Emphasize initiatives you have taken that have saved time, increased revenue or improved processes clearly state the outcomes of those efforts in dollars, numbers, and time.Strategic decision-making Stress your involvement in strategic decision-making and give examples of the ideas you contributed to that had positive results, even if you were just part of a team.Leadership successes Demonstrate your leadership abilities by pointing to direct reports that have been promoted or the lack of turnover on your team.Ability to influence Clearly communicate your ability to influence groups who do not report to you with sound business acumen and advice.Communication/speaking skills Highlight strong verbal and written communication skills, focusing on any areas where you reported results to C-level executives, a board, or key decision makers. This relates to the ability to i nfluence, but seeking out opportunities to be a guest speaker or keynote speaker at industry events or conferences is a great way to influence, while showcasing (and improving) communication skills. It is also can boost your status within an industry and others will take note. Want to know if your executive resume is a match for your next executive role? Use Jobscan to optimize your resume and boost your executive interview chances.Executive resume and job search mistakes to avoidThese factors can derail ones desire to move into an executive role, says Arnold Career stagnation, lack of promotion, not having clear accomplishments outlined.Not having a clear and accurate sense of self by either overstating your accomplishments or underplaying them.Lack of the right education. That master of business administration you did online is not the same as a full-time Wharton MBA, says Arnold. Resume typos or errors. Additional executivejobsearcharticles byMattKrumrieThe best executive resumes according to executive recruitersHow to find a headhunter and other executive recruiting mythsMatt Krumrieis a professional resume writer, and owner ofResumesbymatt.com. He has 15 years of executive resume writing experience and specializes in helping talented professionals take the next step in their career.