Social Networking, whats missing

Social Networking, whats missing Im not Einstein and this isnt rocket science but there is more to the equation than just having a social networking strategy. Read on Im on a few LinkedIn e-mail groups (you can find them on Yahoo Groups), one of which is especially active (almost 5,000 members). There are some very interesting conversations about getting the most out of LinkedIn, the idea of having quantity (youve seen those with over 1,000 connections?) vs. quality of relationships, etc. There have been a number of folks from that forum that have signed up on JibberJobber and are using it, and even some that are blogging on the experience (which is fun to watch). After having been on these e-mail lists for the past few weeks Ive been impressed with what LinkedIn (and other social networking sites) has to offer. It is a place to meet new people who possibly have similar business or life interests. You can see their profile which is like a resume on steroids, and see how cool they are (I am not very cool as I have less than 50 contacts ;)). You can see where they went to school, where they work(ed). The idea behind social networking is to allow you, from the leisure of your home office (or anywhere), to meet other people that can be beneficial to your life goals, or vice versa. But you already knew that ?? On this list there are people that are throwing out new ideas about what LinkedIn should be doing like adding pictures to a profile and other things (JibberJobber does that check this out). Ive been involved in software projects for almost 10 years, and Im not naive enough to suggest that LinkedIn is going to be the silver bullet the one-size-fits-all tool for everyone, or even for anyone with similar needs. Social networking tools need to do what theyre best at and integrate with other tools (like LinkedIn + Indeed), as opposed to trying to replace a job board function. That way the social networking tool gives you its best, and the job board or aggregator or whatever does their best, and YOU win. So Im surprised to see some people on the list with a huge emphasis on the social networking but neglecting what Ive found to be so critical, which is the relationship management that JibberJobber provides. I even had a user write me offline, this is a user who understand networking and loves LinkedIn, but is also in a job search his words where dont they get it? Some will, some wont. It doesnt matter. What Ive come to realize is that there is more to the goal than just what social networking provides. JibberJobber is a great complement to any site like Ryze, Ecadamy, LinkedIn, or any off-line networking that you do. Why? JibberJobber allows you to: rank the relationship with each network keep the relationship private for your eyes only log important facts/thoughts for each relationship create action items to remind you to do something store the contact info (I dont see hardly any LinkedIn accounts with contact info) keep the information up to date share your contacts with others at your discretion interface contact information with company information (know 5 people at one company? Put them all in and tie them all together based on the company) interface contact info with the job search (new and improved, hopefully next week youll see something awesome (its in testing right now)) see your network graphically want to see how you know someone? Well, the tree view or diagram view will show you this! Theres more much more. The value of JibberJobber to you does not depend on the number of JibberJobber members (whereas social networking theoretically becomes more valuable as more people join the network). If you dont have an account now I suggest you get one its free. I dont care if you have a job, are the boss, self-employed or whatever. You need a serious tool to manage your relationships. Tuesday night I met a guy that was told hed be promoted to CFO in 3 weeks, and then lost his job. There is no one that cares more about your future than you do, so dont make the same mistake I did dont neglect your career management! Social Networking, whats missing Im not Einstein and this isnt rocket science but there is more to the equation than just having a social networking strategy. Read on Im on a few LinkedIn e-mail groups (you can find them on Yahoo Groups), one of which is especially active (almost 5,000 members). There are some very interesting conversations about getting the most out of LinkedIn, the idea of having quantity (youve seen those with over 1,000 connections?) vs. quality of relationships, etc. There have been a number of folks from that forum that have signed up on JibberJobber and are using it, and even some that are blogging on the experience (which is fun to watch). After having been on these e-mail lists for the past few weeks Ive been impressed with what LinkedIn (and other social networking sites) has to offer. It is a place to meet new people who possibly have similar business or life interests. You can see their profile which is like a resume on steroids, and see how cool they are (I am not very cool as I have less than 50 contacts ;)). You can see where they went to school, where they work(ed). The idea behind social networking is to allow you, from the leisure of your home office (or anywhere), to meet other people that can be beneficial to your life goals, or vice versa. But you already knew that ?? On this list there are people that are throwing out new ideas about what LinkedIn should be doing like adding pictures to a profile and other things (JibberJobber does that check this out). Ive been involved in software projects for almost 10 years, and Im not naive enough to suggest that LinkedIn is going to be the silver bullet the one-size-fits-all tool for everyone, or even for anyone with similar needs. Social networking tools need to do what theyre best at and integrate with other tools (like LinkedIn + Indeed), as opposed to trying to replace a job board function. That way the social networking tool gives you its best, and the job board or aggregator or whatever does their best, and YOU win. So Im surprised to see some people on the list with a huge emphasis on the social networking but neglecting what Ive found to be so critical, which is the relationship management that JibberJobber provides. I even had a user write me offline, this is a user who understand networking and loves LinkedIn, but is also in a job search his words where dont they get it? Some will, some wont. It doesnt matter. What Ive come to realize is that there is more to the goal than just what social networking provides. JibberJobber is a great complement to any site like Ryze, Ecadamy, LinkedIn, or any off-line networking that you do. Why? JibberJobber allows you to: rank the relationship with each network keep the relationship private for your eyes only log important facts/thoughts for each relationship create action items to remind you to do something store the contact info (I dont see hardly any LinkedIn accounts with contact info) keep the information up to date share your contacts with others at your discretion interface contact information with company information (know 5 people at one company? Put them all in and tie them all together based on the company) interface contact info with the job search (new and improved, hopefully next week youll see something awesome (its in testing right now)) see your network graphically want to see how you know someone? Well, the tree view or diagram view will show you this! Theres more much more. The value of JibberJobber to you does not depend on the number of JibberJobber members (whereas social networking theoretically becomes more valuable as more people join the network). If you dont have an account now I suggest you get one its free. I dont care if you have a job, are the boss, self-employed or whatever. You need a serious tool to manage your relationships. Tuesday night I met a guy that was told hed be promoted to CFO in 3 weeks, and then lost his job. There is no one that cares more about your future than you do, so dont make the same mistake I did dont neglect your career management! Social Networking, whats missing Im not Einstein and this isnt rocket science but there is more to the equation than just having a social networking strategy. Read on Im on a few LinkedIn e-mail groups (you can find them on Yahoo Groups), one of which is especially active (almost 5,000 members). There are some very interesting conversations about getting the most out of LinkedIn, the idea of having quantity (youve seen those with over 1,000 connections?) vs. quality of relationships, etc. There have been a number of folks from that forum that have signed up on JibberJobber and are using it, and even some that are blogging on the experience (which is fun to watch). After having been on these e-mail lists for the past few weeks Ive been impressed with what LinkedIn (and other social networking sites) has to offer. It is a place to meet new people who possibly have similar business or life interests. You can see their profile which is like a resume on steroids, and see how cool they are (I am not very cool as I have less than 50 contacts ;)). You can see where they went to school, where they work(ed). The idea behind social networking is to allow you, from the leisure of your home office (or anywhere), to meet other people that can be beneficial to your life goals, or vice versa. But you already knew that ?? On this list there are people that are throwing out new ideas about what LinkedIn should be doing like adding pictures to a profile and other things (JibberJobber does that check this out). Ive been involved in software projects for almost 10 years, and Im not naive enough to suggest that LinkedIn is going to be the silver bullet the one-size-fits-all tool for everyone, or even for anyone with similar needs. Social networking tools need to do what theyre best at and integrate with other tools (like LinkedIn + Indeed), as opposed to trying to replace a job board function. That way the social networking tool gives you its best, and the job board or aggregator or whatever does their best, and YOU win. So Im surprised to see some people on the list with a huge emphasis on the social networking but neglecting what Ive found to be so critical, which is the relationship management that JibberJobber provides. I even had a user write me offline, this is a user who understand networking and loves LinkedIn, but is also in a job search his words where dont they get it? Some will, some wont. It doesnt matter. What Ive come to realize is that there is more to the goal than just what social networking provides. JibberJobber is a great complement to any site like Ryze, Ecadamy, LinkedIn, or any off-line networking that you do. Why? JibberJobber allows you to: rank the relationship with each network keep the relationship private for your eyes only log important facts/thoughts for each relationship create action items to remind you to do something store the contact info (I dont see hardly any LinkedIn accounts with contact info) keep the information up to date share your contacts with others at your discretion interface contact information with company information (know 5 people at one company? Put them all in and tie them all together based on the company) interface contact info with the job search (new and improved, hopefully next week youll see something awesome (its in testing right now)) see your network graphically want to see how you know someone? Well, the tree view or diagram view will show you this! Theres more much more. The value of JibberJobber to you does not depend on the number of JibberJobber members (whereas social networking theoretically becomes more valuable as more people join the network). If you dont have an account now I suggest you get one its free. I dont care if you have a job, are the boss, self-employed or whatever. You need a serious tool to manage your relationships. Tuesday night I met a guy that was told hed be promoted to CFO in 3 weeks, and then lost his job. There is no one that cares more about your future than you do, so dont make the same mistake I did dont neglect your career management!

What Do You Know About Our Company Ace This Interview Question!

What Do You Know About Our Company Ace This Interview Question! Tell me, what do you know about our company? If you can answer that interview question, you will set yourself apart from most other candidates. It’s one of my favorites. It helps me understand how a person prepares, or doesn’t prepare, to meet new people and new challenges. Are they proactive or reactive?Are You a Curious Person?The question also gives me insight into whether or not mycandidate is a curious person. I value curiosity because it’s a critical element of both learning and adaptability.Since change is the not-so-new normal, the abilities to learn and adapt are almost always critically important in the positions I fill.Gain Competitive AdvantageHere’s the kicker. Hardly anyone can answer the question â€" not even people interviewing for six-figure jobs. Most candidates don’t prepare for interviews by learning about the company.I always want to ask, “So, you want to work for a company you know nothing about?” But I don’t. It might damage our rapport. Good in terviewers establish rapport with candidates. Maybe I will ask in the last interview I do before I retire.Although my list of things I want to do in that interview is already pretty longAll the slackers open anopportunity for you to establish yourself as a proactive, go-getter by learning a little about the company before your interview.Five Ways to Research CompaniesDo this:1. Review the companys website, including reading the News section.2. If the company is public, skim the most recent annual report/10-K for interesting information.3. Google the News about them.4. Check them out on YouTube.5. Talk with people you know who work there or in the same industry.Take note of what makes you curious about the business. Then, when your interviewers ask you if you have any questions, youll sound like a rocket surgeon! Well, you know what I mean.Company research is low hanging fruit. Pick it.Hire HelpIf youre too busy to try to stand out in your interview, then why are you going go to Upwo rkand hire a researcher.You Might Also LikeNo-Brainer Job Interview Prep with GlassdoorInterviews â€" When Your Boss is Your Reason for Leaving Your JobImage: CanvaUpdated April 2019 2013 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Interviews â€" Preparation (7 Posts)

3 Steps to Walking Into Your Interview with Confidence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

3 Steps to Walking Into Your Interview with Confidence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Confidence is the number one factor to having a successful interview. If you walk into an interview feeling good about yourself, it will exude from every pore. The one thing you cannot fake is passion. I am going to give you three steps to take starting 45 minutes before an interview. Step 3 may sound a little crazy, but stick with me. Step 1 Arrive 45 minutes early for your interview and find a quiet place. This could be just sitting in your car. It could be sitting in the lobby of the company where you are interviewing. It could be a bathroom stall. Bathroom stalls have multiple purposes in life! I want you to sit quietly with your eyes closed and go back in your mind to a very happy experience. This could be a great vacation, a winning moment in a game, getting your acceptance letter to college, college graduation, accepting an award at work… Sit there for a full 10 minutes and soak up those good feelings. Do you feel the confidence growing? Step 2 If you have a close friend who is willing to help, call them and ask them for a pep talk. If not, give yourself a pep talk. Do not do this in your head. I want you to say out loud that you are good, no… you are damn good, no… you are damn *^%$ good! You can customize this to how you would say it, but I want you to hear the words. Do this for ten minutes. Yes, if you are in a crowded area like a busy street, some people might think you are crazy for talking to yourself. Well, I talk to myself all of the time! I am one of the most interesting people I know! Do you feel the confidence growing? You are now 15 minutes from your interview. We are ready for step 3. Step 3 Step 3 is based on the premise your body shapes who you are. Amy Cuddy was a TED Talk presenter and in her video Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are, she explains that, when you take on powerful and winning body shapes, it will increase testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain. You will feel more confident. For this activity, you will probably need to go into a bathroom stall. Stick your hands up like Usain Bolt when he won the 100 meter dash at the Olympics. Keep them up for two minutes and soak in that winning feeling. If you still do not believe me, read her paper, Power Posing. Yes, I know this sounds crazy but it does work! Follow these three steps to feel more confident walking into your next interview. Marc Miller â€" Career Pivot Check out my book Repurpose Your Career â€" A Practical Guide for Baby Boomers Do not forget to follow me on Twitter or FaceBook

How To Write A Killer Cover Letter + Example + Free Template

How To Write A Killer Cover Letter + Example + Free Template How To Write A Killer Cover Letter + Example + Free Template This post has been originally published on Oct 26, 2016 and has been extensively revised and updated on April 23, 2018.We all know how important is it to have a top-class resume to deliver to your prospective employer or company recruitment officer, but many job seekers tend to forget how crucial it is to back up your resume with a solid cover letter. A killer cover letter will also help you stand out from the crowd when employers are sorting through their list of prospectives. Many people also make the huge mistake of keeping a generic cover letter on file and sending it to multiple employers without a second thought. Big mistake!It would come as no surprise to find most people have sent out the same cover letter to prospective employers at one point or another. This is especially true if you have been looking for work or trying to change career for some time. We all tend to get a bit weary of the constant application process over time.Harsh as it may sound, the reality is that n eglecting your cover letter can lose you that job, no matter how good your resume is. Many people think that your resume showing your skills, qualifications and work experience should be enough. Sadly this isnt true.Make sure you have an exceptional cover letter to back up your resume and you will be sure to stand out from all the other candidates. Employers have to wade through hundreds of applications to sort out their shortlist. Take your chance to show how perfect you are for the role and make it impossible for them to ignore you.How to make writing your cover letter easierIf you are not a natural born writer, or even if you are, crafting a killer cover letter can seem hellishly difficult to achieve. Many people make the job more complicated than it actually is, so let’s take a look at how to simplify your cover letter writing. Basically, a good cover letter needs to get across three important things:You have the necessary skills to fit the job at handYou have strong commun ication skillsYou will seamlessly fit in with their teamSo how exactly do you convey these three points in your one page cover letter?Start out strong and to the point. You need to grab the readers attention, so anything wishy-washy or too vague will be very boring to read and will see your letter consigned to the bin in the first 15 seconds of reading. The first sentences of your letter are the most valuable. Dont beat around the bush here â€" launch straight into why you are perfect for the job.Here is an example of an attention grabbing introduction:“You are looking for a person who can communicate extremely well on all levels, someone who is self-assured and confident, and can be trusted to work independently or cooperatively within a team. I believe I am the person you need.”Once you have your reader hooked, you can then move on to convincing them that your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the role.Mirror the language of the job descriptionMost businesses will ha ve their own company language and this is usually reflected in the chosen wording of their job advertisements. You can use this to your advantage by mirroring the language used in the advertisement as much as possible to show how your skills match perfectly with with their needs. For example, if you previously worked as a content writer for a company, but this firm calls it copywriting, then you should also call it copywriting. You are more likely to get noticed if you already speak the same language as the company does!Remember to inject some personalityYour killer cover letter serves the purpose of demonstrating why you are a good fit for the job in hand, but you dont want to come across as some sort of unfeeling robot. Employers hire people on a combination of both their skills and their personality. They like to hire people that they can get along with and be able to work well with others. By making your letter conversational in tone and not overly formal, you can demonstrate th at you are friendly and approachable. This will add a good feeling to your cover letter that will make it shine.PRO TIP:Never use a generic “To Whom it May Concern” salutation. If you know the hiring manager’s name, you may use Mr or Ms first and last name. If you are unsure, you can address it to the department hiring manager or the job title hiring manager.Debi Douma-Herren HR Consultant Career Strategist LinkedInThe key to a killer cover letter is making the employer want to meet you. Steer-clear of those classically overused catchphrases that recruiters see over again in generic cover letters and you should easily stand out from the crowd. Try to avoid phrases like: “I am passionate about”, “I am a team-player”, and “I am a fast learner.” Believe me, these phrases litter most cover letters and are so overused that employers can go cold at the sight of them.If you see a job that is worth applying for, always thoughtfully tailor your cover letter to suit the l anguage being used. Avoid boring the reader to death, and inject a bit of your personality to get yourself noticed in a sea of cover letter mediocrity.   You can do it!Why do we need a cover letter?While you think that adding a cover letter to your resume is an extra time-consuming task, you may wonder if you can get away with just sending your resume without one. However, in most cases, especially when you are applying for a job in a competitive industry, a good cover letter will greatly help to boost your chances of getting through to the interview stage.Done correctly, your cover letter will help to highlight your most valuable skills and experience for the job in hand, and can make all the difference between making it to the yes pile for short-listing for interview, or being rejected.Your cover letter is a great opportunity to deliver key information to the employer without them having to search your resume for it.What should I include?What you should make sure to include in you r cover letter is your previous experience that directly relates to the job that you are applying for. This instantly shows the employer that they have a candidate that can hit the ground running.Remember to keep your cover letter short and sweet. You dont want to overload the employer with too much information, especially if it repeats what they will find in your resume. Three to five paragraphs is sufficient, but make sure each paragraph is targeted to a different aspect of your application.Go through the job description and search for key words and phrases. This is what the employer is looking for in a candidate, so you should make your cover letter answer their requests. If they want a candidate with sales experience, tell them in your cover letter that you have sales experience. What to avoid with your cover letterA well written cover letter can have a very positive influence on an employer â€" but dont forget that the opposite is also true! A poorly constructed cover letter isnt going to win you any friends, so keep it on point and relevant.Avoid making your cover letter too long. An employer can be very put off when they see a very lengthy cover letter with huge blocks of text for them to wade through. Cut any unnecessary waffle. Your cover letter is not the place to tell an employer that you are the president of the narrow-gage model railway society, or captain of you basketball team. Keep everything you include in your letter relevant for the job on offer.An Example of a Cover LetterHere we have prepared an example of a cover to give you an idea about how to write your letter. You can use this example to guide your writing, or you could choose to use the free cover letter template that is all ready for you to edit with your own information (see below).Cover letter applying for the post of a Magazine Subscriptions Manager.Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your EmailDateName Title Organization Address City, State, Zi p CodeDear Mr./Ms. Last Name:I am applying for the role of Magazine Subscriptions Manager as advertised by your company. My resume is attached for your review. With my previous related experience as a Subscriptions Administrator for XYZ Magazine, and my exemplary work ethic, I would appreciate your consideration for this management role. My skills are an ideal match for this position.My related experience:Responsible for managing the subscriptions database, solving customer payment and delivery issues, dealing with customer queries directly via telephone and email, following customer care procedures in accordance with departmental and company policies. Assisting with hiring, training, and management of junior staff and interns. Coordinating and collating statistics and sales reports. Experience in the supervision of staff as an active line manager.I also possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work well as part of a team.I appreciate your taking the time to revi ew my resume and experience. Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,Your SignatureCover Letter TemplateTo save you a lot of time with your cover letter preparation, we have created a well-balanced Cover Letter Template for you to use. This template has been created in MS Word and is completely customizable. Simply download and edit our professionally designed Cover Letter Template with your own personal information.Download template (.docx)Remember to tailor the text in your template to reflect why you should be selected for this job interview.Need a matching resume design? Get the free Champagne Wine resume template here.Proofreading your Cover LetterOn a final note, take extra care to thoroughly proofread and edit your cover letter. Look for easy to miss typos and grammatical errors that can make your letter look sloppy. Wherever possible, get at least two other friends or family members to look over your cover letter for any minor mistakes that you may have missed.If you don t have anyone free that can look over your cover letter for you, then check out Grammarly .Grammarly can be your second pair of eyes when you need to make sure your cover letter is absolutely perfect. It scans your text for common and complex grammatical mistakes, then offers accurate, context-specific suggestions to further help improve your text where necessary. previous article Elegant Resume Template Freebie | Crisp and Clean next article Bright Sky | Free Creative Resume Template you might also likeTen Quick Tips to Nail The Cover Letter Format

7 Benefits of Non-bidding Platforms for Freelancers CareerMetis.com

7 Benefits of Non-bidding Platforms for Freelancers Every year, the share of full-time freelancers on the market is growing. In 2014 17% of the American workforce were freelancers, in 2019 it has increased to 28%.Just imagine, every 4th employed person in the USA prefers freelancing over an office job.Instead of building expensive new offices, companies would rather pay attention to the places where they can find the best freelancers. The chances of accidentally meeting a professional on the street or among friends are pretty low. Therefore, freelance platforms are the best place for the freelancer and client to find each other. eval5 years ago, the most common places to find a job for freelancers were bidding platforms. With the development of the gig economy, new alternatives have appeared â€" non-bidding freelance platforms. But before listing all the benefits of the last one, let’s look at the key differences between them.Bidding platforms VS Non-bidding platformsa) Registration procedureevalOn the bidding platforms, freelancers register on the website, pass a proficiency test and verification process, after which they can bid for the orders.Getting an account on the non-bidding platforms takes more time and has a more complicated system. Candidates register on the website, pass a language test, have a live interview with the team and after that, they have to pass a proficiency test. In addition, some platforms like Lemon.io contact previous employers to ensure the candidate is trustworthy.b) Searching for contractorsAfter a client places an order with all the necessary details, the process of searching for the perfect contractor starts. On bidding platforms, freelancers name their prices on their own. It may vary sharply from one person to another. The pole of candidates can be a hundred freelancers, half of which, most probably, are either beginners or do not have the required skills.On the non-bidding platforms, the permanent support team searches for the contractor manually, checking if they have the r ight experience and skills. Also, they contact the candidate to make sure that he or she is available to work on the order.c) Selecting the freelancerNow, out of hundreds of candidates, each with different skills, backgrounds, and prices, the client has to choose only one by reviewing all the profiles. This process is quite stressful and time-consuming for them. Clients have to make sure that the chosen candidate is professional and reliable. Making the wrong choice at this stage increases the chance to fall into a scam.On the non-bidding platforms, once the team has found the perfect candidate, they assign this freelancer to the order. If for some reason the client is not satisfied with the team’s choice, another option will be proposed immediately. Fortunately, this is rarely necessary.d) Future communicationevalOnce the freelancer is assigned, the bidding platform has done its job. Usually, it serves more like a base for future interactions between the client and the contractor . In case of any misunderstandings, do not expect much help from the support team. In addition, they charge a fee for their services from both clients and freelancers.As for non-bidding platforms, their support is more like an independent moderator between the client and the freelancer. If any problems occur, the team helps to solve it.e) General differencesevalBidding platforms have existed on the market much longer than non-bidding ones. That is why such giants as Upwork and Freelancer include thousands of profiles of specialists in different spheres.However, this makes the process of searching for a project more complicated due to concurrency. You can find more information about Upwork alternatives and their strong and weak sides here. evalOn the contrary, the non-bidding platforms usually have a specialization: Lemon.io is for software and web development, ClearVoice is for content marketing, Toptal is for software development, design, finance experts, 99Designs is for graphic a nd web design and nDash is for content writing. On the one hand, this increases the general skill requirements for registering on the platforms. On the other hand, that allows raising the salaries for freelancers, which increases their motivation too.Despite all the differences, these two types of platforms have both weak and strong sides. Whether you are just a beginner or an experienced freelancer, searching for new alternatives, this article will be helpful.The BENEFITS of Non-Bidding Platforms1) Regular workThe main benefit for you as a freelancer is that you don’t have to sell yourself to every new client. Once you pass all the tests to register on the platform, you no longer need to spend hours searching for the new projects as the platform provides you with work regularly.2) Guarantee of the paymentAnother important point is that you don’t have to stress out if the client doesn’t pay you. If you did your work, you’ll get the money from the platform anyway. They respec t your work and they don’t want to lose a professional.3) Assistance with difficult clientsIn case of a misunderstanding with the client, you don’t have to waste any time on further negotiations. Your job is to finish the order on time and according to the requirements. The rest becomes the platform’s problem.4) Direct communication with the clientAfter you are assigned to the order, all the interactions take place directly with the client, which makes non-bidding platforms much safer and trustworthy. Nobody is checking or controlling the content of the messages you send to each other. Moreover, you can choose the most convenient way to interact. If it is a long term project, you can communicate on any platform which will be the most convenient for both you and the client.5) Getting loyal clientsVery often, clients are filling so comfortable to work with the specific freelancer, that they are ready to pay a buy-out fee to the platform to hire this person as the in-house employ ee. In case it happened to you, you can get a job offer with a much higher salary than any platform can propose to you, so you can no longer depend on anyone. However, if you prefer to keep working as a freelancer on different projects, nobody can force you to accept the offer. Also, not all the platforms The DRAWBACKS of Non-Bidding Platforms1) Time-consuming vetting processAs the platform wants to assure that they will work only with professionals, every freelancer has to pass a multi-layered vetting procedure to prove their skills. Only the best of the best pass all the tests, which include checking your skills, previous places of work, communication skills, and even a live interview with you. In addition, you are not going to earn money from the first day as the onboarding process will take some time too.2) Inability to negotiate the ratesFor those of you who like to be more proactive and more firmly in control of your sales process, non-bidding marketplaces may seem to be less fun. You cannot win the jackpot and get an easy job to do at a very high price.When you shouldn’t choose bidding platforms?No doubt, bidding platforms have their benefits too, but most of them are just one side of the medal.Compared with non-bidding platforms, this is a faster way to get started in freelancing. However, if you look at the long-term perspective, you might spend more time looking for a gig than doing the actual work.evalYou’ll find your client even if you do not have a rich portfolio, as the number of orders placed in the high season is tremendous. However, you can get scammed too! Most of them are looking for victims on bidding freelance platforms as they are easier to trick. Even if you think that your client has a perfect profile, it could just be a scammer.There is a big variety of orders of all kinds, which can require almost any skill. On another side,some clients, once you’ve done the work for them just ghost you and never send the payment. They can also claim that you’ve done a bad job. Unfortunately, the platform may not protect your interests.In addition, you’ll have to pay commissions. For example, once you have earned the first 500 dollars with a new client on Upwork, the platform takes 20% of your earnings.ConclusionBidding platforms were the only alternative on the market for far too long. However, they do not completely satisfy the freelancer’s needs.Security, professionalism, and reliability are the main principles for the non-bidding platforms. Here, freelancers’ work is respected and highly valued. Here, clients can trust their businesses to professionals, who care about their reputation and success.Therefore, if you want to start a career as a freelancer, or you’re searching for new job alternatives, don’t waste your skills, nerves and time on unreliable companies and make the right choice.

7 Tactics that Trump Searching the Job Boards

7 Tactics that Trump Searching the Job Boards You already know how to search the job boards, but what else are you doing to land a job? The most productive and effective job search happens when you cover all the bases. Companies track how and where new hires come from, often referred to as sources of hire. Based on studies that assess the most effective sources of hire, there are at least seven other activities you can and should be doing that will get you in the right pipeline. Actively participating in these activities can give your job search the extra boost it needs. 1. In-Person Networking Referrals are the number one source of external hiring. The only way to get referred for a job is through networking. The problem is that most of us don’t like doing it. What if I told you that you don’t have to go to large group meetings where you don’t know anyone or reach out cold to people you don’t know. All you have to do is talk to people you know (a lot or a little), in a one-on-one meeting. Start doing this every single day. Make a list of everyone you know â€" everyone. Then reach out systematically to each of them to arrange an in-person meeting. As you meet with people always ask “who else would you recommend I speak with to learn more about X?” You’ll acquire new names to reach out to which keeps your networking going. 2. Online Networking Companies are starting to place more emphasis on online communities. As a relatively new format, this provides a less congested form of networking with company insiders. Meeting new people can be challenging, but here’s what you need to know. People who are online want to network and expand their connectionsâ€"that’s why they are there. Find communities online where you have something in common with the members. It could be your college, geographic location, previous employers, or recreational interests. 3. Recruiters Direct sourcing is on the rise. This happens when internal and external recruiters begin searching for people based on desired skills and backgrounds. External or third-party recruiters don’t work directly for the company. They work independently and with many different companies. Often, they specialize in certain industries, types of jobs, or geographic locations. The company pays recruiters when a candidate is hired. Therefore, recruiters are really matchmakers for the company. Search for recruiters on LinkedIn or ask colleagues if they can recommend any recruiters. It is in your best interest to foster relationships with third-party recruiters who specialize in filling the types of roles you are interested in. 4. Targeting Potential Employers Instead of chasing job postings, identify companies you would like to work for. You want to learn all you can about the company and its culture to find a good match with your values. It sounds difficult, but when you start pursuing a company you are already interested in, it is much easier for you to stay motivated to meet people who work there. This strategy will help you identify hidden jobs, the ones that aren’t posted. If you don’t have an inside connection, you will probably never see or hear about the opening. Keep in mind: good hiring managers are always looking for their next great hire. Start building your list by looking at “best company” lists or top employers in your city. You can also ask your network to recommend employers that are likely to hire for the roles you are interested in. 5. Volunteering If you are unemployed and hanging out on your couch, a job isn’t going to land on your doorstep. By getting out of the house and doing something with other people, you are more likely to hear about opportunities. Volunteering makes you feel useful and valued, which goes a long way when you are unemployed or underappreciated at work. Volunteer to do something that matters to you. Ideally, you will volunteer using work-related skills, but if not, don’t worry. You will meet new people and begin to increase the number of people who know about you and what you are looking for. 6. Online Visibility Human resource professionals and hiring managers are searching for talent online, sometimes proactively and other times due to your submitting a resume. You control what they find. Consider the search results where recruiters and hiring managers find your online resume. Search for your name using a search engine like Google or Bing. You want everything on the first page to be about you and positive. If you are having difficulty, consider a tool like Brandyourself.com, which helps improve how your name ranks in search results. 7. Speaking, Consulting, Writing Proactive job seekers aren’t afraid of the limelight. One of the best ways for people to learn about you is to see you in action! Speaking, consulting, or writing provide great exposure and highlight your marketable skills. The more people who know about your talent, the better. Often, companies hire speakers to become consultants and sometimes snatch up consultants as employees. Remember, seeing is believing. Give future potential employers the chance to discover you! Check out professional associations or your university for speaking opportunities. If you have a skill that’s in demand, look for opportunities to consult on the side. Last but not least, if writing is a strength, create your own blog, either on the LinkedIn platform or using a blogging tool like WordPress. Newsletters, trade magazines, even your local newspaper are always looking for guest contributors. I’m compensated by the  University of Phoenix  for this blog. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

How to Write a Resume When You Have Been Out of Work

How to Write a Resume When You Have Been Out of WorkMany people wonder how to write a resume when you have been out of work for a long time. When you are having financial difficulties, there are certain aspects of your resume that you should stay away from since this will only complicate things further.Being financially difficult is definitely a determining factor for your employer. This means that you cannot change your resume after your financial situation has changed. When you need to leave a job you need to be sure that you will be able to continue earning income after you have left the job.There are two types of resumes, those that deal with your current financial situation and those that deal with your past financial situation. You will have a hard time selling yourself if you do not provide an update on your current financial situation. If you have a job and it is now difficult for you to continue to work and keep up with bills, this is a clear indication that you will need to create a new resume.If you had previous employment in another country or state, it will not hurt to include this information. However, if you had a foreign or state-side position you will want to include your country of origin or location in your letter of recommendation. Some people are unaware that they can take this step.The information on your previous employment is helpful in many ways. It helps to show employers that you have experience and knowledge which make you desirable. When you are applying for a position that you already have, employers may take a second look at your resume.You will find that when employers see your previous work they may see what other applicants are not telling them. They are more likely to remember an applicant who has had experience than an applicant who is only familiar with the local area. You may find that you get hired before you have been given an interview if you include information about previous employment.The best way to discuss your rece nt job is to have a personal reference. It is very important that you give your references a date when you last saw them. If you have been out of work for a long time, it is best to have a friend or family member to tell your references about your employment history.The word 'experience' is most often used when discussing past employment. While employers like to hear about experiences they are less likely to be interested in an applicant that has never worked before. It is always best to emphasize how you are able to add a lot of value to an employer.