How to Ask for a Flexible Work Schedule

It can be a challenge to balance our personal life with our work responsibilities. We often have personal issues which arise that require us to be available during traditional business hours.

Maybe you need to be home to care for a child when she’s sick or after school, accompany aging parents to doctor’s appointments, carry out community service projects or even to pursue a hobby. Because of these other commitments and responsibilities, many workers would like to ask their employer for a more flexible work schedule.

You need to be very careful about how you approach your employer, or you can send the wrong message about your commitment to the job. However, many employers are willing to negotiate a schedule with a highly valued employee. That’s especially the case when it’s easy for you to work from home and still get your job done.

Here are some tips to improve your chances of negotiating an accommodation for a flexible schedule from your employer.

Tips for Asking for a Flexible Work Schedule

Before for you ask for a schedule change, lay the foundation for making yourself indispensable. The more important you are to the organization, the better your chances of success.

Make sure you choose a time to make your request when you have demonstrated a strong commitment to your work and are operating at a high level of productivity. If your manager know you can be counted on to get the job done, he or she is more likely to agree to a flexible schedule or, at least, to try it.

Be prepared to furnish a strong rationale for revising your schedule. If your employer believes that you have a compelling reason for flexibility, then they might be more sympathetic to your request.

Consult your employee manual to determine whether there are any guidelines for accommodating staff with personal concerns. If your organization advertises itself as an employer that affords work life balance, then your chances of success will be greater.

Who to Ask

Start the process with your immediate supervisor even though you may need to secure approval at higher levels. Most likely, your boss will have the final say over whether a flexible schedule will make sense in your case, so make sure your supervisor is an ally early on in the process. Know the rhythms of your boss’s moods and avoid times of stress as you consider when to meet.

What to Say

Prepare a message that emphasizes your intention to maintain your current level of responsibility (unless you are looking to transition to a part-time job).

For example, you could say “I would like to explore the possibility of redistributing my hours while carrying out all my current responsibilities with the same dedication as in the past.”

Make a Plan

Devise a plan for how you will get the job done within the new framework which you are proposing. Emphasize how you will make up for any time when you would not be present on the job. Your plan might include working certain hours at home or coming to the office outside the traditional workday.

• I would plan to come into the office at 7:00 am so I can leave at 3:30 pm to pick up my daughter.
• I could work in the office while my children are in school and the remainder of my hours during the evening and weekend.
• I will work uninterrupted on my writing projects at home from 8:00 to 10:00 pm each night.
• I could work a split shift and come in at 8 am, with a 2 hour break from noon – 2 pm, then work until 6:30 pm.

Tailor your plan so it fits both your circumstances and the needs of your workplace.

Be Clear About What You Want

Make it clear whether you are requesting a temporary change to address a transitory situation or a more permanent restructuring of your schedule.

For example, you might need to cover child care while your son is in half day kindergarten or spend more time with a parent who is dying. If so, you can reassure your employer of your intention to resume your former schedule once those needs have been addressed.

Prepare for Objections

Anticipate any objections that your employer might have to your proposal and be prepared to present a solution.

For example, an employer might be concerned that it would be difficult to supervise you during some of your proposed flex hours. So you might respond “I will provide a summary of the tasks I have completed during those hours and copy you in on any communications.”

If necessary, assure your manager that you have all the equipment and technology you need to be as productive at home as you are in the office.

If you’re turned down at first, don’t issue any ultimatums unless you are prepared to leave your job. Instead, ask about trying a flexible schedule on a temporary basis.

Ask for a Trial

If there is resistance to your plan, propose a defined, trial period for both parties to evaluate the viability of your plan. You might say “I can understand your concerns with my proposal, could we try out the new schedule for a month and then evaluate whether it makes sense to continue it?”

Know Your Bottom Line

Be prepared to negotiate and accept a partial accommodation if that is feasible. For example, maybe you can work your traditional schedule by arranging childcare after school on Tuesday and Thursday but modify your hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Work From Home Request Email Examples

The following are examples of email messages sent to a manager asking to be able to work some or all hours remotely.

• Request to Work Remotely
• Request to Work Some Hours From Home
• Request to Work From Home During the Summer
• Request to Work Remotely Due to Relocation

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How to Have a Successful First Day at Work

First impressions tend to stick. If you’re starting a new job, it’s wise to put your best foot forward so that you form a trusting connection with your manager and co-workers early on.

Remember that lots of eyes are usually on the new person. Here are tips for landing a solid first impression on your first day of work, and getting your new job off to a great start.

9 Tips for Your First Day at a New Job

1. Dress for your workplace

Choose an outfit that’s carefully calibrated to match the formality level you’ve observed during your interviews. When in doubt, wear an outfit similar to the ones you wore to the interviews. Opt for more formal, not less. There will be plenty of time to dress more casually later on. If you’re not sure what to wear, check with human resources (HR) or your manager.

2. Arrive on time (that means early)

Generally, your new boss or human resources contact will let you know when to arrive at the office for your first day, along with where to go. You may need to tackle paperwork before you can get started. Sometimes, your first day (or longer) will be spent on orientation.

Plan to arrive early, since being late on your first day is not a good idea. Be sure to bring all paperwork as requested. Also bring a pen and notebook so you can take notes as you sit in on meetings and gather information from HR. It’ll make you look prepared, which wins you extra first impression points.

3. Ask for a tour

Usually, your manager or an HR representative will show you around the workplace. But you can still ask a friendly co-worker if they have time to give you a quick tour of the essential areas. There’s nothing more awkward than not knowing where the bathroom is. 

It’s also helpful to ask about meeting room locations, the cafeteria, and the kitchen if there is one.

Get yourself situated early on so you can feel confident going about your day.

4. Be ready to introduce yourself

As much as possible, introduce yourself to people. If you’re standing near someone by the coffee maker or in the hallway, feel free to smile and say, “Hi, today’s my first day! My name is Janice, and I’ll be working with the marketing team. What do you work on?”

Make eye contact and smile when you shake hands with new co-workers. It’s best to have a confident, upbeat attitude. Jot down people’s names, job titles, responsibilities, and any other remarkable details about them. People appreciate it when you remember them.

You’ll want to embrace the most outgoing parts of your personality. Introverts, follow these strategies when you start a new job.

5. Have an intro ready

As you meet people one-on-one, at a team-wide meeting, or a welcome lunch, you may be expected to say a few words about yourself. It can help to prepare beforehand. You probably won’t need to give a formal speech unless you’re at management or executive level, but it’s best not to fumble your way through your elevator pitch about yourself.

Talk about your work background and share a few personal details. Wrap up by saying how excited you are to work at the new company.

Here’s an example: “Hi, everyone. So great to meet you! Just a little bit of information about me, for those who didn’t sit in on interviews. I worked at ABC Company for the past five years. And prior to that, I was with XYZ company. In both roles, I was responsible for project managing big product launches. I live in Saratoga, with a big dog (ask me for pictures later!) and my family. I’m really thrilled to be joining the team here, and I can’t wait to get to know you all!”

6. Keep your focus on work

Throughout your first few days, your cell phone should stay silent. Avoid personal calls, and stay away from your personal email or recreational online browsing. It’s important to be attentive and focused on work. Use your break or lunch hour for texting, emailing, and browsing.

Sometimes that can be hard on the first day or two—you might not actually have work to do. See if you can spend time browsing the company’s website. Ask if there are any meetings you can sit in on or simple projects you can start.

Remember your workplace manners and keep it professional, especially when you’re starting a job and aren’t familiar with the company

culture.

7. Keep your workspace neat

Keep your area clean, especially on your first few days. Eat outside of the office or in the designated kitchen area, not at your desk. Hang up your coat neatly on a rack or on your chair. Don’t bring tons of outside stuff.

You may want to spend some time gathering necessary supplies and organizing them neatly at your desk. However, don’t worry about excessive decorating on the first day. You can do that gradually as you get more comfortable in the space.

8. Hold off on sharing game-changing ideas

You may find it tempting in these early days to suggest ways the company could operate better. Ideas are good, but sharing improvement strategies in the early days, or acting like a know-it-all, can be off-putting. 

There are likely many structures and behind-the-scenes dynamics that you don’t know about. Instead of making suggestions, consider asking why things are done the way they are. You can always share your suggestions when you’re more settled. It’s typically best to wait for at least a couple of weeks before sharing ideas about how to do things differently.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to share your value with your new employer as you become comfortable in your new role.

9. End the day on a positive note

Don’t be the first to leave the office, unless your manager dismisses you directly. Take advantage of quiet moments at the end of your day to write down impressions, questions, ideas for projects, and more. You may also want to take a few minutes to organize your work for the next day, so you can get off to a good start.

As you head out of work, say goodbye (and thank you) to the people you met that day.

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How to Dress for a Zoom Job Interview

With more companies conducting job interviews over Zoom and other video platforms, choosing an outfit has become a whole new ballgame. What looks good in person may look like a sloppy nightmare in video calls. Job seekers are learning how to style themselves from scratch.

Joseph Rosenfeld is a personal stylist and corporate image consultant who has seen his clients struggle over what to wear in the digital atmosphere.

“It’s not just about how you want your clothes to show up on Zoom, although that is a part of it,” Rosenfeld said. “It’s more of a story about your overall presence. Visuals are really important. That’s the prism through which everyone is going to receive your communication. On Zoom, you have just a little bit of real estate to do it.”

10 Tips for What to Wear to a Video Job Interview

Rosenfeld shared tips on how to look stylish and maximize your Zoom “real estate” during a job interview. 

1. Groom, groom, groom.

Grooming is a major part of personal style, and it’s a great way to display your professionalism during a job interview. You may not have the best haircut during COVID-19, understandably, but you should be able to style your hair as neatly as possible, said Rosenfeld. If you wear makeup, put on a little more than usual so that the contrast shows through the fuzziness of your webcam feed.

“Keep a clean face,” said Rosenfeld. “I think it’s fair and important to say that any gender identity should maintain good grooming standards. Make yourself look bright for the camera so that when you’re seen by people, you leave them with a good impression.” 

2. Background matters a lot.

Your background is just as important as your outfit, and the two go hand-in-hand, according to Rosenfeld. Your Zoom window shows only a small frame, so everything stands out. Keep your background tidy.

“Background has never been a part of personal style as it is now,” said Rosenfeld. “Now that you’re broadcasting from the comforts of home, it is important to set up your background properly so that it’s a proper representation of your professionalism.”

You can use the composition to your advantage and create an interesting, conversation-worthy background, as long as it’s not distracting.

“If you play a musical instrument, why not have one out so people can see? It makes sense that you should be surrounding yourself with elements of the best of you,” said Rosenfeld. “They’ll see that you’re an interesting, multi-faceted person.” 

Your background color and lighting will dictate what you should wear. (See numbers 3 and 4 below.)

3. Think about color and contrast. 

During a job interview, you want to stand out in all the right ways. Rosenfeld said that a great place to start is by matching the color of your eyes.

“If you can repeat that on your body, whether it is a top, a blouse, a shirt, an appropriate piece of knitwear, it can be pieces—that’s a wonderful opportunity to amplify the authenticity of a person,” said Rosenfeld. “Eyes to me are always the window of the soul.”

Skin coloring, makeup, hair, outfit, accessories, and background should all be working together in medium contrast, according to Rosenfeld.

For example, a woman with light hair and white skin may want to avoid white walls, or else she’ll blend into the background. However, she’ll also want to avoid too much contrast—such as black walls and black sweaters against a white background—or the effect might be “bobble-head syndrome,” where the head almost looks as if it’s floating in space. Someone with darker skin already has the advantage of contrast against a white wall. 

4. Set up good lighting.

Unless you’re interviewing for a cinematographer position, your hiring manager probably doesn’t expect you to have perfect lighting during your Zoom call. However, there’s no point in dressing your best if you don’t have decent lighting.

“It’s important to have the lighting situation in the room be correct so that when you’re wearing colors, they show up as boldly or vividly as you may want,” said Rosenfeld.

Play around with the lighting in your shot. Make sure the sun isn’t blinding—and bear in mind, this will change depending on the interview’s time of day. Bring in some lamps for warmer tones. Close drapes or throw blankets over your lamps to reel in the bright lights. Be crafty. Your hiring manager doesn’t need to know how much duct tape you used to tone down your fluorescents.

5. Avoid busy patterns.

Unfortunately, video call feeds are fuzzy sometimes thanks to buffering issues. Busy patterns are not advised.

“You may be known as a zany person, but it’s better to actually tone it down and consider wearing something solid or wearing a pattern in a very controlled way,” said Rosenfeld. “You want people to focus on you and not feel as if they have to turn off their camera because they’re dizzy.”

6. Your outfit should be a “culture fit.”

You want to look as if you fit into the company culture, according to Rosenfeld. That doesn’t always mean wearing a suit and tie, and it certainly doesn’t mean dressing down. It means taking cues from the company culture and dressing just a bit fancier.

“Talk to people at the company. Look at the company’s website. Understand what the values of this company are, and ask yourself, ‘How do I visually align with those values?’ Then, amp it up.”

Rosenfeld pointed to Apple as an example. The brand’s overall style is minimalist—so an interviewee at the company might opt for an elegant and sleek outfit while avoiding tons of embellishments.

“You’re courting the people you’re interviewing with,” said Rosenfeld. “If you’re working for a small startup or a tech giant and they don’t have a dress code, that doesn’t mean you’re going to wear a tank top to a job interview. You’ve got to be able to come up with something that says okay, I get this culture.”

7. Pick a few favorites.

If all goes well, you will likely be called for more than one interview. Pick a few of your favorite outfits in order to feel confident and present. 

“Choose a special one,” said Rosenfeld. “Why not take out your favorite shirts or dresses in order to bring your good energy? Have a selection of your faves.”

8. Framing matters.

When framing your shot, make sure your head and the top half of your chest are totally inside the frame. Sit up straight, and center yourself in the shot.

“The framing is about letting people remember what your presence is like in person. Don’t look too slouchy or chill or laid back just because you’re at home. It’s important to let people see you’re taking it seriously,” said Rosenfeld.

For an added bonus, accessorize.

“A lady, for example, can tie a scarf around her neck, which will bring more focus and attention to her face,” said Rosenfeld. “It will make her feel confident and secure in her presence so that she leaves people with that impression. She’s comfortable, confident, focused. You’re focused on her.”

9. Wear pants.

You want to feel professional, focused, and confident. So, wear pants, even if the employer can’t see them, said Rosenfeld.

“It is still really part of your presence,” said Rosenfeld. “And I’m not trying to say, ‘Oh put on heels or dress shoes.’ I’m not suggesting that we take it too far. But I do think that it is important to send the right message to yourself, which then sends the right message to other people. Wear pants, 100%.”

10. Test beforehand, always.

Always run a quick test before you enter a job interview. That means taking a selfie or seeing how you look through your computer webcam. 

“You should be doing this before every call,” said Rosenfeld. “Go stand against that background and take a selfie. Honor what that looks like. If it looks wrong, you can always change outfits. That’s the advantage of being at home.” 

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The Best Google Tools for Job Seekers

There is an almost overwhelming number of job search sites, tools, and apps you can use to job search, but you don’t have to use any of them to get hired.

If you’re interested in a streamlined, back-to-basics job search, almost all you need is Google. Google has free tools and resources to help you with every step of the job search process and beyond.

Google Tools for Job Searching

You’ll be able to use Google to do everything you need to start a job search, write resumes and cover letters, send professional email messages, find job listings, apply for jobs,track your applications, and get ready to interview.

Here’s a recap of the free Google resources you can use to streamline your job search:

• Gmail: Email Account
• Google Drive: Documents and Spreadsheets
• Google Docs: Resumes and Cover Letters/ Information for Completing Job Applications
• Google Sheets: Job Application Tracker
• Google for Jobs: Access to Job Listings
• Google Search: Information About Companies for Interviews 

Gmail

It’s important to have a professional email account to use for job searching. Gmail is one of the best known and easiest to use free email accounts available. You’ll need a Google account (which you’ll also need for some of the other tools). Once you set up your Google account, you can use it to sign into Gmail.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of Gmail:

Gmail Help: Tips and Tricks
These tips will help you learn how to read, organize, find, and send email messages. 

How to Use Gmail: Get Started With Your New Gmail Account
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your Gmail account.

Google Drive

You’ll need your Google account to access Google Drive. Google Drive provides access to Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, and more. You’ll be able to create a resume using Google Docs and store a copy of it and the rest of your job search material on Drive for free. Your documents can be opened from any computer or from your smartphone for easy editing. You get a combined 15 GB of free storage space on Drive and Gmail, and if you need more, you can purchase it.

Here’s how to get started:

• How to Use Google Drive
  Store your files securely and open or edit them from any device using Google Drive.

Google Docs

Resumes and Cover Letters

One of the most important components of a successful job search is your resume. Google Docs can be used to create a resume (and you can use a free template to get started), write a cover letter, and download copies as PDFs or Word documents when you need them to apply for jobs. 

Writing a Resume and Cover Letter

Create a Resume and Cover Letter with Google Docs
This free Coursera project will show you how to create your own resume and cover letter from start to finish. In a video that plays in a split-screen with your work area, you’ll be walked through the process of creating your documents.

Google Docs Resume and Cover Letter Templates
Google Docs offers free resume and cover letter templates that job seekers can use as a starting point to create their own documents.

Google Template Gallery
Browse a selection of Google Docs resumes and business letter templates to use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

Downloading and Emailing Your Resume and Letters

Employers may request a PDF or Microsoft Word version of your resume and cover letter. If they do, here’s how to convert your documents. Also, review tips for sending a Google Doc file when you’re applying for jobs via email.

• How to a Convert a Google Doc to PDF
• Converting Google Docs to Microsoft Word
• How to Email a Google Doc 

Job Applications

Do you want to make applying for jobs a little easier? Create a Google Doc file with all the information you need to fill out an application (work history, education, certifications, etc.). You’ll be able to copy and paste from your document into the job application when you apply online. It will save time when you’re typing and filling in the details of your employment history.

Tracking Your Employment History

Here’s a list of the information you’ll need to have ready when you apply for jobs: 

• Information Needed to Complete a Job Application

Google Sheets

Tracking Job Applications

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet program you can use to track your job applications. You can start from scratch and create your own spreadsheet, or use The Muse’s free application tracker to get a headstart on the process.

• Google Sheets Job Application Tracker
  

Google for Jobs

Find Job Listings

One of the easiest ways to find job listings is to search Google for the type of job you’re interested in. You’ll get a list of available positions in your location at the top of the search results page. If you’re interested in a job in another location, add that to your search query. For example: “customer service representative Huntington NY.”

Here are some simple ways to use Google to find available jobs:

Jobs on Google Search
This site collects job postings from across the web so you can more easily connect to your next job.

Best Job Search Websites
A job website is one of the best and most efficient ways to search for and apply to dozens of opportunities. Here are 10 of them you can use to find job listings fast.

Google Search

Get Ready to Interview

One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to learn as much as possible about a company. Search Google by company name to learn as much as possible about the companies you are interviewing with. In addition to reviewing “All Results,” click the “News” tab at the top of the page to find out the latest information on a prospective employer.

You can also access free online resources to help practice for your upcoming interviews. Here are some resources that will help you prepare to make the best impression:

• Free Interview Practice Tools
• Top 10 Interview Questions and Example Answers
• Tips for Acing a Video Interview

Note: Stressed about interviewing? Check out these tips to quickly improve your interview skills.

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Free Interview Practice Tools

When you start a job search, it’s a good idea to get ready to interview—even before you’ve been selected to meet with a company. A successful interview will be essential for you to lock in a job offer, and this is your chance to impress the interviewer enough to get a second interview or even an offer.

Taking some time to prepare will help you avoid interview stress, especially if you’re asked to interview on short notice. Having interview clothes ready to wear, your technology in order for phone and video interviews, an idea of how you’ll respond to questions, and some questions ready to ask the interviewer, will help make the experience easier.

Practice Answering Interview Questions

One of the best ways to practice for an interview is to spend some time reviewing (and answering) frequently asked interview questions. You’ll be more comfortable responding when you know what you’re going to say.

Free Online Interview Practice Tools

There are free online tools that you can use to help practice answering questions. Here’s a selection of free interview practice tools to try:

LinkedIn Interview Prep
If you’re a LinkedIn member, the site’s interview preparation tools will help you ace the most common interview questions. You can practice and record your answers and get instant feedback. There are also sample answers and tips for giving the best response.

Free Virtual Interview Preparation
If you’re a student or make under $40,000 a year, you can sign up for a free mock interview. You’ll get live feedback on your interviewing skills. 

Candorful: Transitioning Military
Candorful offers free interview coaching to veterans, transitioning military personnel, and military spouses. Get started by scheduling a call to set up a personalized coaching plan.

Glassdoor Company Interview Questions
You can get a heads up on the competition by learning about the questions that the company you’re interviewing with typically asks. In addition, you can get examples of questions for the job you’re applying for by using Glassdoor’s interview questions tool.

Pramp
Pramp users can sign up for free to practice live interviews with peers. The site is geared toward programming and tech interviews. Interview coaching and mock interviews from experts at leading companies are available for a fee.

AssessmentDay Free Practice Video Interview Zone
If you want to know what you look like on camera, you can record and playback your answers to interview questions.

Zoom Practice Meeting
There’s more to successful interviewing than answering questions. It’s always a good idea to test your computer settings, make sure your background is appropriate, and your appearance is professional. Sign in to Zoom’s practice meeting for a trial run to ensure everything is set.

Tip: If you’re a college student or graduate, check with your career services office. Many offer access to interview preparation tools, as well as personal assistance.

Tips to Prepare for an Interview

Job Interview Questions, Answers and Tips to Prepare
Review this list of common job interview questions, with examples of the best answers about you, your experience and qualifications, your goals, the new job, salary, and what you have to offer the employer.

Job Interview Tips That Will Help You Get Hired
The key to successful interviewing is to show the interviewer how you’re a match for the job and the company. These quick tips will help you nail the interview and showcase the skills and experience that make you the ideal candidate for the company’s next new employee.

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4 Quick Tips To Improve Your Interview Skills

Job interviews are an opportunity for employers to assess the candidate pool and find the best available talent for their company. They are also an opportunity to put your best foot forward, evaluate prospective employers, and find a job you love.

How do you stand out in the interview process? What can you do to take your interview skills to the next level? Are there mistakes you should avoid when interviewing? Below are four tips to quickly improve your interview skills. 

1. Harness the Power of Storytelling

You do not have to be award-winning showrunner Shonda Rhimes to harness the power of storytelling during your next interview. Leveraging storytelling during the interview process is a simple yet impactful opportunity to not only make your interview answers more memorable but also increase your chances of receiving a job offer in the saturated job market.

 Consider creating a bank of a half-dozen stories you can tactically weave throughout your interview. I advise my interview coaching clients to craft stories that encapsulate their career wins as well as the major challenges they have faced in the workplace. Doing so ensures you have enough stories prepared to handle nearly any interview question thrown your way.

 2. Connect Your Answers Back to the Company and Position

One of the biggest mistakes I see interviewees making is not tying their responses and stories back to the company and position. Each time you answer a question, highlight how it relates to your prospective employer. This helps the interviewer envision what it will be like working with you.

Additionally, describe how your answer specifically relates to the position you are interviewing for. This is particularly important if you are making a career transition, as your transferable skills need to be salient and clear. Further, call attention to how your experience is unique compared to other interviewees.

 3. Inject Your Secret Sauce Into Your Interview Answers

Remember your interview is more than just an opportunity to describe how you are qualified for the role. Again, your interview is about underscoring how you are uniquely qualified compared to other interviewees. In other words, your interview is an opportunity to set yourself apart from the crowd.

 With this in mind, you want to inject your fabulousness into each interview answer. I encourage my interview clients to create a ‘fabulousness phrasebook’ with high-impact phrases they can weave throughout their interviews. This makes it simple to effectively incorporate their secret sauce into their interview answers.

 4. Be Mindful of Your Interview Presence and Answer Delivery

Finally, there is more to your interview than merely the content. You also need to be mindful of how you deliver your interview answers. Practice speaking clearly while maintaining appropriate eye contact. Additionally, be mindful of your non-verbal communication and body language.

 Furthermore, practice taking pauses and breathing between your sentences. This allows your interviewer to absorb what you are saying, take adequate notes on your interview answers, and interject with any questions that may arise. This also helps you come off as calm and confident.

 Know that improving your interview skills takes time. Be patient with yourself as you work to refine your interview presence. You’ve got this!

 Guest Author Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES is the founder, career coach, and interview coach behind CaffeinatedKyle.com. His goal is simple – to help people find jobs they LOVE. He is an official member of the invitation-only Forbes Coaches Council as well as a member of the Gay Coaches Alliance.

 

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How Find Start-Up Money for Your Freelance Career

You’ve heard the advice, ad nauseam: if you want to turn freelancing into a career, you need to have three to six months of expenses saved up, plus start-up costs, before you take the leap. That sounds practical, but how are you, a normal working person—not a lottery winner or a trust-fund baby—supposed to make that happen?

 By using the smarts that will make you a success once you’re a full-time freelancer, you can find the funding you need. It’s all a matter of rearranging finances and your schedule to reflect your new No. 1 priority: being your own boss and making your freelance dreams come true.

5 Ways to Find Money to Start a Freelance Career

 Here’s where to start looking for the money:

1. Cut Expenses

If you’ve never made a basic household budget, now’s the time to start. Budgeting is not most people’s idea of a good time, but if you want to save money without feeling deprived, the first thing to do is to figure out where your money is going right now, and then make the cuts that will sting the least.

 For example, when I went freelance, my husband and I went over our expenses and realized that we could save over $100 a month by cutting cable and going with streaming services. Although I went into the switch feeling a bit nervous about how I’d keep up with my stories (I know, I know), the end result was that we continued watching the same shows as always, with relative ease—and the cost savings we achieved with that a few other fairly easy choices meant that I could buy myself a bit more time to see if freelancing was the right decision for me.

Bottom line: don’t assume that being frugal has to hurt. If you look honestly at your expenditures, you’ll probably see a few places where you can make some fairly painless cuts.

 2. Make More Money

 You could look for an extra part-time job, but if your day job is like most, you won’t have time to juggle both and be effective in either. My best advice for someone who’s looking for extra money to fund a transition to freelance is to start that switch right now, and make a gradual move to full-time, freelance work.

 By picking up a few gigs here and there, you can determine whether the freelance lifestyle is right for you, as well as figuring out which types of clients and jobs suit you best. And because you won’t be committing to another regular job, there’s less chance that you’ll get in trouble with your full-time employer while you bank money.

3. Use a Windfall

 Did you get a tax refund, or a settlement, or money for an event or milestone? Consider using it as a nest egg to finance your new venture. You can always make a plan to pay yourself back over time, if it feels wrong to burn through an unusual influx of cash by switching to freelance.

4. Get a Loan

 There’s a reason this one appears far down on the list: if you’re going freelance, and not starting a business with demonstrable cash flow and the potential for a market analysis, you’re probably not going to convince a bank to give you a small business loan. Nor would I necessarily recommend that you hit up friends and family for money, especially before you’re sure you’ll make enough to pay them back in a timely fashion. But if you have other sources of financing, and a growing client base, and need a little extra to make the leap, a small personal loan can get you there that much faster.

Important:  Just be sure to spell out terms in writing and to fulfill your promises to your benefactor. You don’t want there to be any confusion about who’s paying whom, and how much, and when.

 5. Use Your Severance Pay

 If you’re considering freelance in part because you’ve been laid off or otherwise lost your job, severance can be a great way to finance the next phase in your career. Just be sure that you read the fine print in your severance policy so that you’ll understand exactly how much money you can expect to receive, after taxes, and for how long, and whether healthcare benefits and other perks will be included in your package.

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How to Become a Successful Freelancer

Are you interested in becoming a freelancer? Freelancing isn’t all working in your pajamas and cashing client checks. If you want to escape the rat race for good, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for both good times and bad.

Back your passion with the right preparation, and you’ll never have to go back to working under those buzzing fluorescent lights ever again. Here’s what you need to get started.

10 Things You Need to Start Working as a Freelancer

1. An Idea

What do you have to sell that others want to buy? Even if you don’t produce widgets, or specialize in a single service, it’s a good idea to clarify this point before you get started. Think about what differentiates your business from your competitors. It’s perfectly fine for your answer to evolve over time—and it will—but you need to start out with this question in mind.

2. A Plan

If you’re not pitching your business to investors, you might not need a formal business plan. But you do need some goals, if only to be able to assess whether you’re moving in the right direction. A little preparation before you hang out your shingle will save you time and trouble down the road.

3. A Pricing System

Freelance rates vary widely by industry, geographic area, skillset, and experience. There’s no set formula for determining yours, but a few things to keep in mind are:

• Your rate of pay for the same work at your day job. If you were full-time and salaried, don’t forget to add in the value of benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement.
• Whether you want to bill hourly or by the project. (This will likely change from gig to gig.)
• Your absolute drop-dead dollar amount. Do not pitch this number, of course, but keep it in mind. You might accept lower pay when you’re starting out and building experience, but you’ll want to develop an idea of how low is too low, so that you don’t keep taking jobs that don’t pay enough. There’s no quicker way to become an ex-freelancer than by consistently pricing too low.

4. Savings

Most experts recommend that everyone sock away three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. If you’re starting a business, you also need to add in startup costs and money for unexpected expenses, e.g,. replacing a laptop.

For most working people, that can seem like a prohibitively large amount of money. Before you give in and give up on your freelance dreams, think big. There are plenty of ways to raise money, without borrowing against your 401(k) or putting everything on a credit card. (Note: do not do either of these things.) The best is probably starting your freelance career while you still have a day job and banking the money you make to take a leap.

5. A Client Base

The need for money in the bank is just one reason why it’s a good idea to start freelancing on a small scale while you have a day job; another is that you’ll have an opportunity to build up a roster of clients before you go out on your own.

Having two or three solid clients before you get started means that you have a measure of security, right from day one, because you’ll know, roughly, when you’ll be paid. Plus, you’ll have time to work out any kinks in the client-freelancer relationship while you still have a job to fall back on if things don’t work out.

6. A Way to Handle Money

You don’t necessarily need an accountant, but you do need a way to keep track of expenses and invoices, and a means of tracking and paying estimated quarterly taxes.

When you work for someone else, they provide the equipment, from computers to desks to software. When you’re on your own, well, it’s up to you. The upside is that you can set up your work environment in a way that meets your needs, not those of an employer—and you can write off your purchases.

Important: Save your receipts and be sure to note which why each expense qualifies as a write-off as you file them.

8. Discipline

Many people go into freelancing assuming that the best part about it will be flexibility, only to discover that clients get tetchy if they routinely can’t get a hold of you during normal business hours, and that it’s almost impossible to put in 40 or 50 hours a week if you get up at noon. (Almost impossible: night owls might prefer a later schedule, and if they’re willing to work at night, and have amenable clients, that’s OK.)

Just remember that while your clients can’t ask you, for example, to be available for a total of 15 hours a week, but demand instant access whenever they decide those 15 hours should occur, you will need to be accessible. It’s a fact of modern working life that everyone is in a hurry, all the time. If you’re not available, you won’t get—or keep—the gig.

9. Persistence

Even the most successful and blissfully happy freelancers have dark days, especially in the beginning. Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself wondering whether you’ve made a mistake. If you and the freelance life are a good fit for one another, things will work out. Either way, a bit of self-reflection is any career-minded person’s friend.

10. A Willingness to Reassess

Finally, it’s a good idea to reassess your goals periodically to make sure that freelancing is still providing what you need. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you won’t know if you’re on the right path.

Tip: Sometimes, freelancing might not be the best option for this stage of your career. Here are 5 reasons not be become a freelancer, and the pros and cons of freelancing.

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5 Back-to-Basics Job Search Tips

Looking for a job right now? If so, you’re probably getting plenty of advice. From old friends and colleagues to experts on social media, there are plenty of folks out there who want to guide your search.

The problem is that even well-intentioned insights can be less than helpful if they don’t apply to your situation or goals. Further, you only have so much time to devote to a job search—without cloning yourself, you can’t possibly do everything everyone says you “should” be doing to get hired.

If this is your situation right now, take heart and tune out the noise. Going back to basics will help you get your job search back on track.

1. Assess Your Needs and Plan a Strategy

Are you looking for your dream job—or are you just trying to keep the lights on? Both things can be true, by the way, but before you start searching in earnest, it’s important to have a firm grasp of your short- and long-term goals.

To do that, you need to assess your needs. If you’re like many Americans, you don’t have much in the way of an emergency fund. So, if you’re job searching while unemployed, your top priority might be to find a way to make money, fast. Consider part-time jobs, freelance work, or temp jobs to pay the bills while you conduct your search.

Once you’ve determined your goals and filled those short-term needs, you can settle in for the long haul—and it’s important to accept that it might be a long haul. Surveys show that it can take several months to find a job. It’s not just you: this really is a long, tricky, time-consuming process. Plan to do a little each day, whether it’s pruning your resume, looking for job listings, or keeping in touch with networking contacts.

And don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. Job searching can be stressful, and it’s essential to incorporate self-care in your process.

2. Build a Resume You Can Tweak for Any Job

When was the last time you updated your resume? If it’s been over a year—or you’re actively job searching—it’s time for an edit. Make sure your resume is highlighting your most relevant experience and cut anything that’s outdated, including old jobs that no longer relate to your current career goals and lines like “references upon request.”

Starting from scratch? Use one of the many free resume templates available online to create a basic document, which you can then customize for each opportunity. And do customize it—a targeted resume is essential for a successful job search. Remember that hiring managers want to interview candidates who are interested in that specific job, not just any job.

3. Match Your Qualifications to the Job Description

Get out of the habit of skimming job postings. Instead, dig into the details provided to learn which of your qualifications will be most impressive to the hiring team. Look for keywords related to the skills, abilities, and experience required and then match your qualifications to the job in your resume, cover letter, and interviews.

4. Create a Targeted Cover Letter

In an era when job seekers in many industries have multiple social media profiles, online resumes, and portfolios, it might seem strange to labor over a cover letter. Doesn’t a cover letter just restate what your other documents, profiles, and sites already reveal?

Well, yes and no. It’s true that a hiring manager could probably figure out from your (well-organized, targeted) resume that you’re the perfect candidate for the job. But given that recruiters typically spend seconds reviewing a resume, there’s a good chance that they’d miss how awesome you are.

A targeted cover letter gives you a chance to tell that story yourself. Again, templates are your friend here, but you’ll need to customize your letter for each opportunity. Remember that even when job titles are similar, employers’ requirements will be different, even if subtly so.

5. Find Job Leads Quickly

When you’re looking for a job, time is of the essence. You simply don’t have hours to waste searching in the wrong places or talking to the wrong people. To maximize your job hunting time, look for job leads:

• On job search sites. Use the best job search sites, best job search engines, and niche sites to find job listings that are right for you. Search by keyword and location and sign up for email alerts based on your focus.
• Through social media. Social media can help you find job listings, build your professional network, and create a personal brand. It’s also an easy way to let your contacts know that you’re searching for work.
• Through friends and colleagues. Networking remains one of the best ways to find a job, with some experts estimating that as many as 85% of jobs are filled via referral. Best of all, networking can support other methods of finding job leads. For example, if you find a job listing that looks promising on LinkedIn, you might remember that you have a contact at the employer and ask them to put in the good word.
• At your college career services office. Many colleges offer free job search assistance to alumni for life. So even if you graduated long ago, it’s worth reaching out to your college career services office to see if they can hook you up with leads, resume help, interview coaching, and more.
• Via informational interviews. Via LinkedIn or your professional network, connect with hiring managers at employers where you’d love to work. Set up informational interviews to learn more about the company culture, potential job opportunities, and employee requirements. Note: These meetings typically do not lead directly to job openings, so don’t plan on targeting roles during your first conversations. However, they are a chance to build a relationship with folks on the inside and get an idea of how to present yourself as an ideal candidate.
• Through professional associations. Join industry groups and associations and gain a built-in support network of people in your field. Get advice from people who really understand your career and stay in the loop on emerging trends, opportunities, and resources.

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What to Do When You Lose Your Job

One of the worst things that can happen from a career perspective is to lose your job. That’s especially true when it’s unexpected and not your fault. On the flip side, one of the best things that can happen from a career perspective is to lose your job, even when it doesn’t feel like anything remotely positive at the moment.

Even though it hurt at the time, for me, unexpectedly losing my job gave me the push I needed to move my career down a different path. I might not have done it that soon, or at all, without the impetus I got from hearing that I had lost my job.

It’s emotional and traumatic to be laid off, and even worse to be fired. You’re out of work, you’re out of a paycheck, and you will lose the bond you have with your co-workers because it won’t ever really be the same again even though you’ll promise to stay in touch. It’s painful.

Give yourself some time to mourn a bit, especially if you loved your job. It’s a loss, and giving yourself some time and space to grieve will help. Then you need to get practical and get over it. The quicker you get a job search up and running, the faster you’ll be thinking about your new job instead of the one you lost. Here’s what to do next.

What To Do When You Lose Your Job

File for unemployment.

If you lose your job through no fault of your own, you should be eligible for unemployment. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible even if you were fired. Here’s what you need to know about filing for unemployment.

Check on health insurance options.

Check with your manager or your Human Resources department on options for continuing health insurance coverage or investigate options for getting a new policy to cover you while you’re out of work.

Figure out what to do with your retirement plan.

What happens to your retirement plan varies on the type of plan you have. Here’s information on what happens to your pension plan and what happens to a 401(k) when you leave your job.

Work on a personal budget.

Your unemployment check is going to be less than your paycheck, so think about how you can save some money. It’s also going to last for a much shorter time because many states have cut back the number of weeks of unemployment they provide.

Sign up for 30 Days to a New Job.

If finances are an issue, and they are for many unemployed workers, you are going to need to hustle a bit. Get the 30 Days to a New Job program online. It will help you stay motivated and keep your job search on track.

Google yourself.

Search for your name on Google to see what potential employers are going to view when they check you out. Make sure everything that comes up in the search results is appropriate. The “grandma rule” applies here. You don’t want hiring managers or recruiters to see anything that you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.

Clean up your social media accounts.

Your social media pages are probably going to be on the list of what shows up when you search for yourself. Be sure that all your posts are fit for the public to see. If not, clean them up and adjust your privacy settings. On the flip side, it’s important to have a solid social presence for many jobs, so be sure you’re making the best impression.

Revamp your resume.

Before you start applying for jobs, take the time to update your resume. Your resume is going to be read by the applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use as well as by hiring managers. Be sure to include your most relevant skills and match your qualifications to the job. That will give you the best shot at getting selected for an interview.

Update your LinkedIn profile.

If you’re applying for professional positions, you’re going to be checked out on LinkedIn. Update your LinkedIn profile, making sure all the information matches what is on your resume. Here are simple steps for making a better LinkedIn profile.

Connect with your network.

This is a good time to connect with your network. Use LinkedIn, your college alumni network, and your professional and personal networks to help your job search. Ask your connections to let you know if they come across jobs that would be a good fit.

Get references.

While you’re connecting with your network, consider who would be good to use for a reference. That’s especially important if you were fired. Line up a few references now, so they can expect a call when you start interviewing. Here’s who and how to ask for an employment reference.

Check job listings.

Now that you’ve got many of the pieces of the job search puzzle in place, start checking out job listings and applying for jobs. Use job search engines like Indeed.com to get job postings from many different online sources with just a few clicks.

Focus your job search.

Use the advanced search options to focus on job listings that are a match for your interests and skills, and in a location where you want to work. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that aren’t a good fit. This is a competitive job market, and if you’re not qualified you aren’t going to be considered.

Write targeted cover letters.

Don’t skimp when it comes to your job applications. Your cover letters need to make a compelling case as to why you should be hired. Use your cover letters to show the reader, at a glance, why you are the best-qualified person for the job. Here are tips for writing a cover letter that will get read.

Find out what you’re worth.

You’re most likely going to be asked about salary when you interview. Your salary history is important, and so are your salary expectations. Do you have a minimum amount that you need to get by? What should be you be earning?

Use salary reports, like those offered by PayScale.com, so you don’t sell yourself short if an employer is looking to hire cheap. Be prepared to negotiate salary, so you can ensure what you agree to is fair.

Get an interview outfit (or two) ready.

Expect to have at least a couple of interviews for every job you apply for. Some may be on the phone or via video. Others will be on-site, so be prepared to dress appropriately for the job and company you’re interviewing with. Here’s how to choose an interview outfit that’s a good match, and what to wear for a Zoom interview.

Practice interviewing.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice, practice again, and then practice some more. Review the most common interview questions employers ask, so you’re prepared to answer.

Check out these tips for how to rehearse at home, and for how to prepare for a job interview so you make the best impression. Be prepared for a virtual interview – many employers are moving the hiring process online. Also be prepared to answer interview questions about why you left your job.

Say thank you and follow up.

Manners matter. In fact, they can make a difference in whether you get a second interview or even a job offer. Take the time to follow up and thank your interviewers. Here are sample thank you notes and email messages you can tailor to fit your own circumstances.

Don’t get discouraged.

You are probably going to not hear back from more employers than you expected. Unfortunately, many companies don’t bother to notify applicants who weren’t selected. The interview process may be much longer than you anticipated.

You may be asked to interview three or four, or even more times, before a hiring decision is made. Expect this to take a while, and try not to feel down if you don’t get hired right away. It’s not you – the employer is looking for the candidate who is the best fit. It’s better, even though it may not feel that way, not to get hired than to have a job that doesn’t work out.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Finally, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Friends and family will be glad to assist, but they can’t if they don’t know that you need assistance.

Whether you need a loan, a ride, a babysitter, someone to proofread your job application materials, or an outfit to borrow to wear to an interview, don’t hesitate to ask.

Related Articles: How to Handle Getting Fired | Warning Signs That You Could Lose Your Job

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How to Find the Best Boss

Working for the right boss (or the wrong one) can make a huge difference in how you feel about your job and the company you’re working for. One of the keys to job satisfaction is the quality of the relationship between employees and their supervisors, and one of the most important career decisions that you’ll ever make is selecting your next boss. And, yes, you do get to choose. Not being comfortable with the team you’d be working on and your prospective coworkers is an acceptable reason for declining a job offer.

The boss is the person who’s typically making the hiring decision, but you don’t have to accept a job offer if you feel the chemistry between you and the person you would be working for doesn’t feel right. If you have one of the best bosses to work for, your job will be much easier. Working for a bad boss can make a job a nightmare.

Note: Even though you are the one getting hired, you’re also interviewing the company and your potential boss.

It’s important to make sure that you’ll be working for someone with the right skills to enable you to be successful on the job. It’s also important to be sure that your personality meshes—rather than clashes—with your prospective manager’s personality.

Here are tips for checking out the person who might be your next manager, how to assess whether the person is a good match for what you’re seeking in a boss, and what to do if you’re not sure it’s the best fit.

Tips for Checking Out a Prospective Boss

Candidates are often not thorough enough in assessing their prospective supervisor, since they are preoccupied with making a strong case for being hired during the interview process. By taking the following steps prior to accepting an offer, you can increase your due diligence and improve the odds that your next boss will be a good one.

Make a List

In advance of your interviews, reflect on your work history. Identify the type of supervisors under whom you have thrived, and those who have made life difficult for you. Develop a list of specific qualities that you would like to see (and avoid) in your next boss. Review the list before interviews so that you can keep these criteria in mind as you go through the interview process. Knowing what you’re looking for can make the assessment process easier.

Assess How Your Future Boss Measures Up

Most individuals look for a boss who is approachable, provides feedback in a constructive manner, recognizes accomplishments, gives credit to employees, provides direction but doesn’t micromanage, is open to input from staff, and supports the career advancement and professional development of their employees.

Keep your eyes and ears open during the interview process for any indicators on whether your prospective boss can measure up in these areas. Also, be aware of anything that may indicate a red flag and a potentially difficult boss.

Meet With Employees If Possible

Many prospective employers will provide an opportunity to meet with employees who either report to your prospective boss or are familiar with their style.

If opportunities to meet with other staff aren’t offered during the interview process, you might ask to meet with other potential colleagues after you receive a job offer. During these lunches or interviews, ask questions that can help you gain some insight regarding how your boss is perceived.

Questions to Ask

You can learn a great deal about your prospective supervisor by asking questions like:

• How would you describe their management style?
• What are some of their strong qualities as a leader?
• What is it like to work for him?
• Are there any challenges you’ve had working with your manager?
• How much flexibility do you have in your role?
• How frequently do you meet with them?
• What opportunities are there for professional development?

Check Social Media

Check out the person’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and any other social media pages you can find. Someone’s public persona can at least give you a hint at what they might be like to work for.

Read Employer Reviews

Even though you might not find direct evidence supporting what type of boss a person might be, reading reviews can provide insight into an organization and the people who work at it.

Here are some sites where you can read company reviews from current and former employees:

• CareerBliss Company Reviews
• Comparably Company Ratings
• Indeed Company Reviews
• Glassdoor Company Reviews

Tip: You can also research salaries to learn what you can expect to be paid while you’re checking out the company.

Check With Your LinkedIn Connections

Look through your LinkedIn contacts to determine if any of your immediate or second-level contacts have worked at the company. If so, you might ask them some discreet questions about your prospective supervisor and his or her style.

This should be done in the spirit of due diligence without revealing any misgivings or concerns you may have about your potential supervisor unless the contact is a well-trusted friend. You don’t want anything remotely construed as negative getting back to the person who may become your new manager.

Ask for One More Meeting

You may still have concerns after you’ve done your due diligence and learned as much as you can about the person who might be your next boss. Once a job offer has been tendered, it is appropriate to ask for an additional meeting with your prospective supervisor if you’re still not sure.

During the meeting, you can inquire about expectations for performance and how it would be measured, frequency of meetings, resources for professional development, your new employer’s position on supporting career advancement over time, and any other concerns which may have emerged during the process of interviewing for the position.

The Bottom Line

Taking the time to carefully evaluate your new boss prior to accepting a job offer can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises once you are on the job. Remember, you don’t have to accept a job offer immediately. You can ask for more time to consider the offer before you accept or decline.

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