How Foreign Language Skills Can Boost Your Career

Have you ever wondered whether being multilingual (speaking more than one language) would give you an advantage over other job seekers? The answer is that it does. Being able to speak a foreign language is becoming one of the most sought-after skills by employers.

Review some of the ways in which knowing a foreign language can boost your career. Also take a look at examples of jobs actively seeking those with foreign language skills, along with tips for showing employers that you have the skills they seek.

Foreign Language Skills Improve Your Employability

Speaking one or more foreign languages can make you more employable. United States-based and international companies need bilingual customer service representatives, account managers, marketing coordinators, and more. The reason for this demand for bilingual employees is simple: businesses want more customers. One of the fastest ways to increase business is to open the doors to consumers who speak other languages.

 Additionally, the demand works both ways. It’s not just American companies wanting to do business in China who need bilingual English-Chinese speakers; Chinese companies wishing to do business in America need the same thing. 

Multilingual Careers in Companies That Serve Customers
Here are some examples of jobs where language skills are an asset:

• Communications/Marketing/Public Relations Specialist
• Finance Director or Analyst
• Brand Specialist
• Product Localization Specialist
• Customer Service Representative
• International Banking Associate
• Flight Attendant
• Sales Representative
• Translator/Interpreter
• Business Liaison Officer
• Recruiter

Foreign Language Skills Are a Valuable Asset 

In 2011, Newcastle University published research demonstrating that those speaking multiple languages have a greater capacity to understand people from a wider variety of backgrounds, and also have a better understanding of themselves. A year later, the University of Chicago noted that learning a foreign language reduces decision bias. In an effort to communicate in a foreign language, your brain begins to appreciate what is different rather treating different as a threat and locking itself into only what feels “normal.”

Those learning to speak a new language appreciate the unique differences that exist between different kinds of people. Additionally, those who can communicate in a foreign language feel less defensive about the idiosyncrasies of their own language and culture. The result is a greater understanding, greater self-awareness, more solutions, and, consequently, greater consensus (greater number of people working in harmony).

In the United States, a wide variety of cultures have been learning how to work together for centuries. Industries requiring more emotional intelligence to understand others—such as marketing, education, and law enforcement—are intentionally looking for those who speak more than one language. It helps their organization become more diverse and more effective at serving a greater number of people from different walks of life.

Multilingual Careers in Organizations That Effect Positive Change
For these jobs, speaking a foreign language is a valuable attribute:

• Journalist/Writer
• Translator/Interpreter
• Law Enforcement Officer
• ESL Teacher/Tutor
• Diplomacy
  • Consular Fellow
  • Embassy Intern
  • Foreign Service Specialist (FSS)
  • Foreign Service Officer (FSO)
• Social Worker

Foreign Languages Boosts Your Other Skills

Returning to the University of Chicago’s study above, scientists noticed that those who had learned foreign languages were more open to more options in problem-solving.  Similar studies have shown that knowing multiple languages helps your brain remain calm and better able to function optimally in chaotic situations.

In 2014, Northwestern University corroborated this evidence with a study of its own. Bilingual subjects were less frazzled by mental noise and were able to solve a wider variety of problems. Since the brain can technically only focus on one task at a time, bilinguals could do in practice what their brain does with language. They could turn the brain off to one language and work in another. Similarly, as more information came into their awareness, they could identify relevant information in an ocean of irrelevant information and remain focused on the task at hand. 

Additionally, switching from one frame of mind to another is simpler with bilinguals since they frequently do this with language. They can do this at will throughout the day with more ease than those subjects who only speak one language. In the Northwestern study, results showed that bilinguals were better at multitasking and mental endurance.

Employers are often tracking these realities, whether or not they’ve read the studies in detail. They are generally more interested in potential hires who speak multiple languages, knowing that those job seekers have conditioned their brains to process more information from a variety of viewpoints, thereby allowing them to make decisions with greater creativity and confidence.

Multilingual Careers in the Service Industry
Here are some career options where language skills are beneficial in the service industry:

• Healthcare 
  • Nurse
  • Paramedic
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Home Care/Hospice Caregiver
• Hospitality
  • Hotel Clerk
  • Concierge
  • Bartender
  • Server
  • Restaurant/Hotel/Resort Manager
  • Tour Guide
• Customer Service Representative
• Translator/Interpreter

How to Incorporate a Foreign Language into Your Job Search

Include Your Foreign Language Skills on Your Resume

Fluency in foreign languages is such a desirable hard skill that it needs to be highlighted on your resume, ideally at the top of your first page in the resume profile. Here’s one way to do this in an opening statement:

“Seasoned and dedicated Teacher with 9 years’ experience teaching K-6 ESL learners within multicultural, socioeconomically-diverse urban school systems. Expert fluency in written and oral Spanish, with growing knowledge of American Sign Language.”

An alternative presentation would be to showcase your foreign language fluency in a bulleted skills list within your resume summary. Careful use of boldface font will help this information to “pop” on the page and grab a hiring manager’s attention:

• Foreign Languages: Bilingual command of Spanish and English, with proven effectiveness communicating with native Spanish speakers both orally and in writing.

If fluency in a foreign language will be a necessary skillset in your new job, you should also provide examples of how you have communicated in the language in the “Professional Experience” section of your resume. The best way to do this is to allude to your skill in a bulleted “key achievement” statement placed immediately after your brief synopsis of your work responsibilities:

• Recruited by supervisor to serve as translator during meetings with German-speaking clients.

Don’t forget to mention your command of a foreign language in your cover letter as well as in your resume. It’s one of the qualifications that will spark a hiring manager’s interest and inspire him or her to give serious consideration to your candidacy.

Target Jobs That Require the Languages You Speak

Search for open positions in which being bilingual is preferred or required. For example, when searching for the kind of position you seek, used advanced search options to add “bilingual” or the foreign language to your search (e.g., “Spanish Bilingual Customer Service Representative”).

Boost Your Language Skills

If your language skills need a boost, these tips from Language Trainers will help you get up to speed

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Tackle New Tech Skills to Survive Working From Home

Since the pandemic wreaked havoc on traditional ways of work, an estimated 25 to 30% of the workforce now works from home. If you’re lucky enough to still have work, you are probably hunkered down in your home or apartment trying to be productive on your own. 

Technology Challenges of Working Remotely

True, living in the technological age has helped allow the transition to working from a home office, saving us commute time and allowing us to be masters of our own schedules. But if this new remote way of working has required tackling new technology, your changeover may come with challenges. 

These are uncertain times, and the uncertainty extends to how to stay connected and relevant without any in-person contact. Like everyone, you are likely coming to grips with the idea that things will not get back to normal any time soon. And even “normal” may have a new twist. Office communications, client meetings, networking events, conferences, and customer interaction may all require a technological component into the foreseeable future. 

Resolve to embrace technology and hone new skills that will help you survive working from home now, and into the future. 

Tech Essentials for Remote Workers

Start with these essentials:  

Navigate New Platforms

Challenges associated with the new work-from-home mandates may require quickly getting up to speed with new communication platforms. In particular, Zoom and Microsoft Teams have replaced in-person meetings for the time being. Additionally, document sharing (via Dropbox, Google Docs, and Confluence, to name some) allows the team to collaboratively edit.  

First, make sure you have the platforms you need to work out of your home. If you don’t have IT help available and have to navigate new programs on your own, investigate free online tutorials. If you need to pick up more complex technology, certificate programs through online learning centers or community colleges may be an option. But before you spend the time and money on any program, carefully read the course descriptions, check out reviews by previous students, and ask colleagues for recommendations.  

The good news is that even veteran employees need to re-educate themselves to stay on top of the changing ways business is conducted in today’s technological world. You will not be alone as you grapple with a technology learning curve. 

To Do: Find out the platforms you will need to stay ahead of the curve. 

For Extra Credit: See if your company will reimburse you for any courses you need to take. 

Stay Connected

Beware of taking the isolation of working from home to an extreme. If a coworker or someone in your professional association reaches out with an invitation for a Zoom happy hour, do your best to accept the offer. Then, dress as you would for an in-person networking event (at least from your waist up).

Make an effort to show up in more than your T-shirt or workout clothes. Women, consider wearing a nice pair of earrings or a scarf around your neck. Men, consider wearing a jacket, or if that’s too formal, a nice sweater. You can even make a statement by choosing an attention-getting background — such as a beach or a mountain vista. 

Just like meeting in a bar in the old, pre-pandemic days, you can stay for one drink (made in your own kitchen) and then — using the chat feature — bow out. But do make an appearance so that others can see your smiling face. The silver lining with networking events is that, aside from being shorter, you won’t have an issue with drinking and driving.  

To Do: Accept all online networking invitations. 

For Extra Credit: Dress up a bit. 

Master Social Media

Besides LinkedIn, do people in your profession post on social media platforms? If you haven’t already, become familiar with the functions and features of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Some of your coworkers may be on TikTok.

Don’t feel that you have to master all social media at once, which may result in spreading yourself too thin trying to keep them each fresh. Create an account affiliated with your professional life on the platform you prefer, then ask your colleagues, clients, and vendors to “friend” you or add you to their network.  

Use social media as a communication tool to stay in touch virtually so that your boss, coworkers, customers, or clients know that you’re engaged in keeping business flowing. Post regular updates on your professional accomplishments for your network to see and send kudos or comment on others’ posts. Keep in mind that social media increases your networking opportunities exponentially. 

To Do: Familiarize yourself with one new social media tool and use it to enhance your online social networking. 

For Extra Credit: Invite colleagues, clients, and vendors to join your network. 

Claim Your Pod

If you are working from home with a spouse who is also working from home and kids who are remotely learning this semester, you may have to re-think your home office situation.

If your home has a Wi-Fi dead zone, or one family member has a larger screen more conducive to Zoom meetings, consider switching workspaces or computers during certain times to keep everyone functioning.

Dens, kitchen nooks, and other spaces may need to be re-purposed so that everyone can feel comfortable as well as connected. Be creative. At the same time, try to give each family member his or her “space” to dream, think, and work. 

To Do: Re-purpose certain areas of your home into mini home offices for each member of your family. 

For Extra Credit: Be generous about allotting each family member his or her own space to work. 

Once you tackle the technology skills to efficiently work from home, you may find that working remotely has its advantages. And, you will have gotten past those hurdles with technology that you may not have mastered if you were still entrenched at the office.  

Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-bestselling author of five books, including 301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions (Sourcebooks 2005), named in the top 10 list of “Best Books for HR Interview Prep,” Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots (Sourcebooks 2008), and Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One) (Skyhorse 2010). She is a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 901 appearances in broadcast, print and online outlets. For more information, visit vickyoliver.com.   

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Best Work Productivity Apps for Your Mobile Device

Work-life balance looks different today than it did 20 years ago. More people than ever want to get things done with a smartphone in their hand, rather than be stuck to a computer. Not only that, but a lot of jobs move at a startling pace, thanks in great deal to the power of computer software. It’s easy, then, to feel left behind in the world of productivity software and mobile devices.

It’s almost as easy to fall into the “groove” of the productivity software though, as it is to fall behind. A little bit of effort on the front end to take stock of your busy day can help you find just the right productivity apps that enable you to work out of the office and still get more done. 

17 Best Work Productivity Apps for Your Mobile Device 

Here is our list of 17 of the best work productivity apps for your mobile device, along with links to free tutorials to help you get started.

1. DropBox

If you lead a life where you tackle projects at odd times of the day or night, using cloud storage such as DropBox can make it easy for you to pass along completed projects from your smartphone. Simply backup your computer work in your DropBox drive, sign in from your smartphone or tablet, and you have access to these docs wherever you can access the Internet from your device.

Attaching documents (Word docs, spreadsheets, presentations, images, and more) from DropBox to an email or text is simple and fast. For those that like to work from the palm of their hand, DropBox (or a cloud storage equivalent) is a must have.

Click here for a free DropBox tutorial.

2. Slack

With the look and feel of Twitter merged with instant messenger, Slack allows a company to virtually connect departments and teams on projects. Especially for those that hire remotely or on flexible schedules, this app can keep you connected easily throughout the day. It effectively eliminates hours of unnecessary meetings and even integrates with other productivity software including (but not limited to): 

• DropBox
• Trello
• Asana
• Gmail
• Outlook
• Salesforce

Click here for a free Slack tutorial. 

3. HelloSign

If your work requires signatures, HelloSign is one of the better (and cheaper options available). You can send and receive documents for legally-binding agreements. If you want to spend money for an entire team of users, there are a number of paid options. But for just yourself, it is free to use and sign. You can also use the app to send reminders or updated contracts and more.

Click here for instructional videos on getting started with HelloSign.

4. Trello

Trello organizes your life through lists and boards. You can create your own lists and boards or use a number of templates available. Signing up is free, and the user interface works similarly to Pinterest and Medium. While most people use this app to organize both their personal and professional lives, some companies use the app to collaborate on projects with employees and freelancers. If you’re a list person, this app is definitely for you.

Click here for a free Trello tutorial. 

5. Google Hangouts

If you do not care for all the bells and whistles on Slack but want to be able to communicate with your team via an instant messenger, Google Hangouts is popular and simple to use. In addition to instant messages, the app allows you free video conferencing and screen sharing for presentations or tutorials. Also, if you do not care to share your personal phone number with clients and contractors, Hangouts integrates with Google Voice where you can create a separate phone number that routes to your cell for free.

Click here for a free Google Hangouts tutorial.

6. Google Docs

Instead of attaching a Word document or spreadsheet in an email, share them for free on Google Docs (also known as Google Drive). You can do word processing and many of the same Excel functions on Google Sheets, as well as build slide presentations on Google Slides. It works well for computer, tablet, and smartphone. If your office decides that they don’t care to pay for Microsoft Office anymore, you might get by just on Google Docs alone. All the documents are cloud-based and available for use to anyone that has been given permissions and has an Internet connection.

Click here for a free Google Docs tutorial.

7. YouTube

If you are interested in new software or simply knowing how to fix a problem yourself, there are literally thousands of experts on YouTube making videos to help beginners. From changing your oil to becoming an expert computer coder, YouTube has everything, and as long as you don’t mind the occasional ad, it’s all free from the palm of your hand.

8. Evernote

If you like the idea of Trello, but you work more comfortably using post-it notes and notebooks, then Evernote may be the better solution. Power users of the app swear by it, and are constantly amazed at the developments that allow them to save and organize everything that they need. This app tracks lists, photo reminders, document attachments, voice memos, and even has the ability to read text from an image.

For those that have a fast-paced life and a poor memory, Evernote is your second brain, easy to use, and completely free.

Click here for a free Evernote tutorial.

9. LastPass

Isn’t it nice when your iCloud keychain helps you keep track of your passwords? Or maybe for you it’s Google Chrome? Or maybe it’s both. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of these security password systems could integrate and work together? That’s what LastPass is.

With a single password (or fingerprint), you can keep all your passwords in one place. This includes bank logins, social media, and even your WiFi passwords. You can activate and deactivate devices that you use and want to have access to your LastPass account. There is both a free version, as well as a few paid options for individuals, families, and organizations.

Click here for a free LastPass tutorial.

10. Focus Booster

Do you feel that you waste time? Or, maybe you have an unusually long work day that wouldn’t be so long if you could focus just a little more during the day? If this is true of you, you may already be familiar with the Pomodoro Technique. According to this technique, you should learn to maintain superb focus for blocks of 25 minutes. However, after 25 minutes, you deserve a quick break in order to resume focus. That block of 25 minutes is called the pomodoro. After so many pomodoros, you deserve greater rewards and longer breaks.

Believers in the Pomodoro Technique developed the Focus Booster app that teaches you to access your powers of concentration in blocks of 25 minutes. Those that use the technique and the app find that they accomplish far more in far less time. It helps you keep distractions at bay while also making time for others (or other things) throughout the day. Finally, it also helps you stretch the concentration powers of your brain while also consistently giving it the break it needs to keep going at optimum levels.

Click here for a free Focus Booster tutorial.

11. CamScanner

CamScanner helps you send official-looking PDFs from images on your smartphone or tablet. It seems simple enough, but it happens to be one of the most helpful digital tools for people on the go. Whether you are needing to send identification or income documents to your mortgage lender or signature pages for a time-sensitive contract, all you need to do is snap a picture from the app using your mobile device’s camera. It will instantly convert the image into a professional-looking scanned PDF.

Click here for a quick guide to getting started with CamScanner.

12. Square Appointments

For automatic scheduling, services like Calendly only allow you to set up and manage bookings on a computer. Square Appointments allows you to manage everything from your mobile device. Whether you are booking appointments with clients, consultations, or even onsite trade jobs, the app allows you to set your availability and then let clients and colleagues book times on your calendar that works best for them.

Also, if you already use Square as your merchant provider or point of sale system, Appointments will sync with those apps, as well. However, the service is not free. That being said, for those that provide services and manage a high volume of meetings each week, the convenience is well-worth the cost.

Click here for a free Square Appointments tutorial.

13. Toggl

Do you want to track your hours for various projects but don’t want to feel restricted by the 25-minute pomodoros? Want to work with team members so that you can track their hours? Both are easily accomplished using the Toggl app.

Aside from a simple time tracker, there is an endless supply of features that allow for both auto time tracking and manual tracking. Whether keeping track of hours for a contracted project or simply wanting to boost your own productivity, Toggl tracks everything and gives you regular reports. The free version is itself quite extensive, but there are also paid versions that might work better for your team or company.

Click here for a free Toggl tutorial.

14. IFTTT

IFTTT is the name of the app and also an acronym, If This Then That. For those that love social media, digital tools, mobile devices, and wearables, IFTTT will not let you down. While each user’s needs are different, the app sets off a chain reaction of digital actions that you want it to take. And all you need to do is set up a “recipe” of the first action which triggers the next and then the next. This often includes social media posting, but can also include a wide variety of digital integrations, such as unlocking doors and turning on lights.

Of all the productivity apps in this list, this one is the most intense and best suited for the tech junkie. But be warned. Start slowly with one or two recipes until you get the hang of it. Once you feel comfortable, your life will become wildly more convenient than you thought possible.

Click here for a free IFTTT tutorial.

15. Asana

For the more robust version of an app that combines the collaborative potential of both Trello (lists and boards) and Slack (communication), Asana is a project manager’s best friend. It integrates with nearly all the leading productivity apps and is built for project teams with a wide variety of customizable needs.

If you’ve already been using a few of the productivity apps listed here and still feel less than efficient, getting started with Asana is likely your next step to streamlining your professional life. And best of all, it works perfectly with your smartphone. 

Click here for a free Asana tutorial.

16. Milanote

Here’s one more app that will help your productivity. Milanote is a tool for organizing creative projects into beautiful visual boards. By design, it feels a lot like working on the wall in a creative studio – visual, tactile and sometimes a bit messy – Milanote is a great fit for designers who work in teams remotely.Key Features:

• Write notes & to-do lists, upload images & files and save things you find on the web
• Organize visually using the flexible drag and drop interface.
• Boards by default are a private place to think, but with a single click you can create a shared workspace for collaboration with your team.
• Milanote is filled with hundreds of built-in templates to help you get started with a variety of different projects, from creating a moodboard to writing that perfect creative brief.

Pricing: Free version available with no time limit. PRO version $9.99 per month (monthly and annual plans).

17. Xtensio

Xtensio is a fully-packed project management tool where collaborators can share and edit files simultaneously. It is also a powerful tool for team collaboration where everyone can create and design business contents and documents. It helps increase team’s productivity with its drag-and-drop features and available professional-looking templates.

Pricing: It’s free to try, Basic plan is $8 a month per user, and the Full Access plan is $15 a month per user.

Take Time to Practice 

Many people that are determined to maintain their current workload while getting out of the office are making it work with these powerful productivity apps. Don’t be surprised if you feel confused at first as you try to integrate new technology into your daily routine.

It’s like learning any new skill. Keep practicing and you’ll find that your work goes faster and looks more professional with the help of these productivity apps for your mobile device.

Our step-by-step guide to improving your productivity at work will help you get on the right track.

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14 of The Best Real Work From Home Jobs

Are you looking for a job that will let you work from home or from wherever you happen to be? In today’s world, there are more legitimate jobs that allow you to work remotely than ever before. If you’ve got the right skills, there are plenty of options to consider, including jobs where you’re on a company’s payroll as an employee and gigs where you’re your own boss and you line up clients to work for.

What You Need to Get Started

Some positions require professional certifications and advanced education, while, for others, you simply need excellent communications skills and the equipment necessary to work from a home or another remote location.

A work from home job requires that you have a reliable computer and Internet access. It is ideal to have at least one backup computer or access to a computer you can use in case your primary equipment goes down. In some jobs, the employer may provide a computer and a phone, but this is not very common.

You’ll also need basic computer skills, strong time management skills, and a workspace where you can focus on the job without a lot of distractions.

14 Real Work From Home Jobs

Here are good remote job options to consider, their salary range, a brief job description, what you need to get hired, and where to look for jobs.

1. Customer Service Representative

Income Range: $25,000-$40,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Salary.com)

Compared to most work from home jobs, it is especially important that remote customer service representatives have their office set up in a quiet room. While you don’t need much experience to begin a career, you do need to possess decent phone etiquette and be able to work with a computer.

Most companies hiring remote customer service representatives do require you to have a landline phone and Internet that you can connect to via an Ethernet cable.

To get started: You should note any current or transferrable skills relevant to customer service and tweak your resume to highlight those skills. Here is a list of the top 100 companies hiring remote customer service representatives.

2. Computer Programming

Income Range: $60,000-$100,000+/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & U.S. News and World Report)

Much of today’s infrastructure is sustained by artificial intelligence. These computers must have coding engineers telling them what to do. That is basically what your job is as a computer programmer. Naturally, you need experience to be a professional programmer. While formal training is not required, it can be a great way to learn and make connections in the industry.

To get started: Begin building a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and then search for jobs via websites such as Coding Ninjas, FlexJobs, Stack Overflow, and We Work Remotely. Often, computer programmers work as freelancers through websites such as UpWork. If you lack formal training and a lot of paid experience, it is usually best to use a freelance site or two to help you gather more experience.

3. Website Developer

Income Range: $40,000-$85,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

Developers learn and do many of the same things as programmers, except that they create and manage online tools.

• Some developers are front-end: that is, they are skilled in creating code that looks appealing and is user-friendly for website users.
• Other developers are back-end, meaning that they handle intricate, functional tools that online software might use to interpret, calculate, and otherwise interact with users.

To get started: Consider volunteering or contributing to open-source projects to build your portfolio. Most web developers are freelance, and freelance sites such as UpWork and fiverr allow new developers to begin making a little money while they gain experience. Many of the best web developer jobs are acquired in the same way you would find a computer programming job. The tech industry is always in need of expert coders.

4. Freelance Writing, Blogging, or Editing

 Income Range: $30,000-$75,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

For great writers, there is still a strong market for published books, scripts, etc. But even if you are not a great writer capable of producing a bestseller, your strong writing skills are in high demand in a variety of roles. With the growing world of content marketing, for example, you could write and proofread content for business blogs or marketing pieces.

Career writers are bloggers, editors, journalists, children’s book writers, poets, and more. You are likely to do well if you enjoy writing and have a liberal arts degree from a university.

To get started: You need a portfolio relevant to the industry and type of writing work you desire. For example, a business in the psychology industry often needs writers who are highly knowledgeable in the field and able to communicate complex ideas to novices. Among the best freelance websites for writers are UpWork, FlexJobs, and We Work Remotely.

5. Graphic Designer

 Income Range: $30,000-$60,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

In business branding, graphic design is key. Most people know beautiful when they see it, but it takes a unique touch and expertise to be able to craft the perfect logo, flyer, or ad. While many graphic designers have a formal education, some experts have taught themselves.

You will need a working knowledge of design programs such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. If you have a flair for graphic design but are unfamiliar with Adobe programs, you can complete tutorials for free and even pass certifications.

To get started: you will need a portfolio of visually impressive designs. If you are new to doing graphic design for money, you should consider freelancing your skills for a bit until you are more experienced. Freelance sites such as UpWork and fiverr offer plenty of graphic designer jobs.

6. Medical Billing and Coding

Income Range: $30,000-$65,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics Statistics & All Allied Health Schools)

A key role in the healthcare industries is played by reliable coders, medical assistants who can interpret physicians’ notes for patients and assign the appropriate codes for medical billing. A separate but closely related role is medical billing, where medical assistants use the codes to send to a patient’s insurance company.

Both coders and billers typically work out of their homes. If you begin a career in medical coding and billing, your schedule will be extremely flexible.

To get started:  Getting trained in coding (even if you are a biller) is highly recommended. There are a number of certification and degree programs that will train you in a short time and at a moderate cost. Companies will hire coders and billers as freelancers or as payroll employees.

7. Accounting and Bookkeeping

Income Range: $30,000-$100,000+/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics Statistics)

Many individuals and small business owners can’t keep track of books on their own, and filing taxes on their own is not an option. While accountants are typically certified and college educated, bookkeepers simply need to have a high school degree and be good with numbers.

If you get excited about spreadsheets and find that you can easily understand accounting programs such as QuickBooks, you might try bookkeeping. Many accounting practices hire bookkeepers, and small business owners often outsource their books to someone else.

To get started: you can take tutorials for free on Microsoft and QuickBooks. Many tax-filing businesses (such as H&R Block and Liberty Tax) will hire extra bookkeepers around tax season. Becoming a full accountant is hard work, but it is highly lucrative. A happy medium for many is becoming an enrolled agent (EA). EAs do not have to complete as many certifications/credentials as accountants, but they are fully authorized to file taxes and assist in the event of an audit.

8. Virtual Therapist

 Income Range: $30,000-$100,000+/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & ZipRecruiter)

If you are a mental health professional and licensed therapist, demand is increasing rapidly for virtual therapists. While virtual therapists make slightly less than traditional therapists, your schedule will be more flexible, and you do not have to commute.

To get started: more and more virtual therapy websites (such as TalkSpace) are catering to those looking for virtual therapy. Listing yourself as a virtual therapist on Psychology Today also helps the right patients get in touch with you.

9. Virtual Assistant

 Income Range: $20,000-$60,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

Anyone who is moderately experienced working as an administrative assistant or secretary can easily perform the same tasks virtually. Some virtual assistants negotiate with their employers to make their jobs remote. You would likely be more successful, however, if you worked with an individual or company that is specifically looking for a virtual assistant.

Today, most virtual assistants manage client email and social media accounts. But you could be called upon to assist in a wide variety of clerical tasks, including data entry.

To get started: You don’t need any experience to get started. However, the more experience you have with virtual communication tools and social media, the more valuable you will be to your employers. Most virtual assistants work for owner-operator entrepreneurs or successful freelancers. You should pick a specific industry in order to land the better jobs.  A number of websites help connect employers with virtual assistants, such as Timeetc, Fancy Hands, and UpWork.

10. Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language

 Income Range: $25,000-$80,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

English has become one of the most important languages to know, especially if you live in a developing country. While many people who teach English as a second/foreign language actually travel overseas, you can easily build a large base of students virtually from your home office. The best part is, you don’t need experience teaching if you are already fluent in English and have a college degree.

To get started: There are many websites looking for online teachers. You would need to consider what age or level of English you would prefer to teach to non-native speakers. Some experienced online instructors have been successful at going completely independent, building their own websites and setting their own rates. You will need fast Internet, a computer, and a webcam to interact with your students.

11. Digital Marketing (Google and Facebook Ads)

Income Range: $30,000-$70,000/year (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Indeed)

Digital advertising is growing more powerful and also more confusing for businesses. Both Google and Facebook ads managers are more complicated than ever when it comes to building the ad and targeting the perfect recipients. You could learn the ropes of how these online programs work and deliver powerful ad engagement to small businesses nationwide from your home computer.

To get started: You should get some training in the world of digital marketing and ads managers. While some digital marketers can do both Facebook and Google Ads, most prefer to specialize in one. Google Academy is free, and after completing the basic and advanced courses, you can become officially Google Ads certified. Facebook offers free training and certifications as well.

12. Website and App Testing

Income Range: $25,000-$75,000/year (Glassdoor & ZipRecruiter)

Many companies need people to test the usability of their apps and websites before launch or for ongoing improvement. You do not have to be a computer programmer or website developer in order to be successful as a tester.

Unless you are experienced at software coding, it is difficult to make a lot of money. But if you know how to navigate a website and use a smartphone, you can start making a little money on the side testing websites and completing surveys. Some of these gigs are app-based, and it’s a quick and easy way to earn some extra money.

 To get started: You might check out a handful of websites looking for testers: UserTesting, Userbrain, and TryMyUI. If you are an experienced software coder, you can make quite a bit of money testing websites and apps full-time via a freelance website such as UpWork.

13. Telemedicine

Income Range: $65,000-$200,000+ (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & Payscale.com)

Technology is saving medical practices and insurance companies millions of dollars. That’s why they are looking for qualified medical professionals to assist with formal health assessments and a more streamlined way to prescribe medicine.

You do, of course, need to be a credentialed physician or nurse in order to advance in telemedicine. But if you have the expertise and no longer wish to leave your home, you can do quite well virtually.

To get started: many telehealth practices are actively seeking your expertise. You can search  “telemedicine” on job boards (such as this one on ZipRecruiter). Also check telemedical services that hire directly. DoctorOnDemand, for example, has opportunities for employee and independent contractor physicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. While Teladoc has opportunities to practice telemedicine via phone or video. If you are more entrepreneurially minded, you can launch your own telemedicine practice.

14. Translator

 Income Range: $35,000-$100,000+ (US Bureau of Labor Statistics & ZipRecruiter)

It seems that there are far more translation jobs than there are available translators. Any bilingual or trained linguist can do it. Translation needs include verbal translation, but most often translators are creating written translations of an original piece of writing or audio file or proofreading others’ translations.

Many people who teach English as a second language (but also know the native language of their students) supplement their income with translation work. Military veterans who formerly did linguistics in third world languages can do translation full-time for decent pay.

To get started: make sure that your resume highlights your language abilities. Look for translation companies that are hiring translators, such as Google or Global Link Translations Ltd.

More Remote Job Options

If you’re looking for work that doesn’t require a high level of skills, check out these easy work from home computer jobs.

Is travel in your plans? With some remote jobs, you may be able to take your work with you when you travel. Here’s a selection of excellent job opportunities for travelers.

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Basic Computer Skills Every Worker Needs

When we talk about computer skills in a professional context, we’re usually talking about job-specific skills, e.g. Python for data scientists or Salesforce for sellers. But before you get to the advanced stuff, you need to build a foundation.

Without basic computer skills, you may find it hard to move on to the more complicated software and tools that will help you advance in your career. In fact, there are some skills that are so essential for modern working life, you need them even if your job takes place entirely outside of an office environment.

If you’re having trouble starting or growing your career, ask yourself if you need to brush up on some of these basics. (Then, dive into these free ways to improve your computer skills.)

10 Basic Computer Skills Every Worker Needs Now

1. Email

Don’t laugh – knowing how to use email in your personal life is not the same thing as knowing how to use it professionally. To get the most out of your email, you need to be able to:

• Stay organized. Use folders and rules to keep your inbox tidy and your deliverables clear – and delete the junk.
• Stay focused. Disable your alerts and check your email only once or twice a day. Choose a time when you’ll have a few minutes to file messages appropriately and plan responses.
• Stay appropriate for work. Using your personal email for professional purposes like job searching? Now’s not the time for the cute, silly, or NSFW handle. Keep it clean and intuitive – like firstname.lastname@gmail.com.

2. Collaboration Apps

If you haven’t had an office job for a while, you might be surprised to discover that email is no longer the only – or at some companies, the principle – choice for work communications. Collaboration apps like Slack combine the interoffice memo functionality of email with the immediacy of instant messaging. You may find that most of your watercooler chatter and casual collaboration takes place over a messaging system like this. Meanwhile, workflow management apps like Asana and Trello have crept out of software development and into the workplace in other industries. This roundup provides a good overview of some of the most common collaboration tools, as well as other productivity apps that might make your workflow easier.

3. Word Processing

Most offices around the world use either Microsoft Office or G Suite for their enterprise applications, including word processing software. (No seriously: according to Statista, the two providers combined have 93.2% global market share.)

But just because you’re probably using one or the other (or both), doesn’t mean that you know all the tips and tricks – or even how to get your formatting to go back to normal after an inadvertent keyboard lean moves your margins to the center of the page.

If it’s been a while since you really looked at the options in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, it might be time for a refresher. Both Microsoft and Google offer tutorials: Word for Windows TrainingHow to Use Google Docs

4. Basic Google Skills

And speaking of Google, do you know what the world’s most popular search engine is showing employers about your work history – and personal life? Even if you don’t use a computer for work, it’s a good idea to Google yourself when you’re applying for jobs.

Chances are that the hiring manager will do the same. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 66% of employers say that they use search engines to research candidates, while 70% review candidates’ social media profiles. Post something that makes you appear unprofessional – pictures of you partying, for example, or rants about a former employer – and you could find your resume moved to the “no” pile.

But Google-proofing your online reputation isn’t the only reason to start searching. Google and other search engines can help you find out more information on the employer, as well. Check Google News for recent stories about the company and its officers, and run Google searches on the names of anyone who’ll be interviewing you.

You might find out that you have more in common with your potential boss than you knew – or you might find some deal breakers that change your mind about interviewing.

5. Social Media

Your social media use can work against you during a job search in some surprising ways. While those party photos are an obviously bad idea, the solution isn’t to become completely invisible online. (Not that you’re likely to achieve that unless you just bought your first computer yesterday.)

The aforementioned CareerBuilder survey showed that employers are even more likely to look up candidates on social media than they are to look for them via search engine.

And if they can’t find you on social, they might think twice before extending an offer – 20% say that they expect candidates to have an online presence. Need help curating your social profiles? This primer will tell you how to get the right sort of attention online.

6. Spreadsheets

If you use spreadsheets for work, chances are that you’re using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. The two products have a lot in common – as well as a few key differences. (In short: Excel offers more storage and a formula for just about everything, while Google Sheets makes it easier to collaborate with others and a low, low price point of zero dollars.)

Want to improve your spreadsheet skills? Get help from Microsoft 365 Training, the G Suite Learning Center, or one of HubSpot’s resources.

7. Presentation Software

Employers want solid public speaking skills, but just knowing how to deliver a speech won’t be enough to hold your coworkers’ and clients’ attention.

Facility with presentation software can make the difference between a riveting presentation and an awkward yawn fest. Microsoft PowerPoint dominates this space with some competition from Apple Keynote, Prezi, Google Slides, etc.

Learn one of these, and you’ll learn enough basics to transition to whatever presentation software your future employer prefers. PowerPoint for Windows TrainingKeynote Support

8. Video Meeting Software

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic led to a boom in video meeting software downloads. But even when COVID-19 is behind us, it’s likely that video meetings – and job interviews! – are here to stay.

Certainly, today’s office worker needs to be able to navigate a Zoom or GoToMeeting. To avoid looking like the clueless coworker in every Zoom-themed commercial, learn more about video meetings and interviews here.

9. Security Best Practices

Surveys show that over half of computer users choose the same password for multiple accounts. You don’t need to be a security pro to know why that’s bad. But that’s not the only security mistake most of us are making.

Even if you never use your computer for work-related purposes, it pays to bone up on security basics. Why? Because ID theft can cause big problems during the background check phase of the job interview process. Keep your information secure and save yourself some headaches.

10. Touch Typing

If you’ve made it this far hunting and pecking, you might be tempted to give touch typing a pass. But there are plenty of good reasons to learn to type, even later in your career. (Just for starters: you’ll save yourself loads of time and appear more professional when you type in front of coworkers, for example, in a meeting environment.)

Best of all, there are loads of excellent free touch-typing programs online, so you can learn at your own speed and on your own time.

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