Unveiling the Path to Securing and Thriving in Remote Employment

Image: Freepik

By Micah Norris, king-rom.com 

In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, remote jobs have become more than just a trend; they're a viable career option. Whether you're seeking to embark on a remote job journey or already working remotely, this guide will equip you with essential advice to not only find but also thrive in remote employment.

 Crafting a Standout Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter serve as the first impression you'll make on prospective employers. In these documents, it's crucial to not only showcase your qualifications but also highlight your aptitude for remote work. Include a specific section or bullet points focusing on experiences that demonstrate your capacity for remote employment, such as successfully completing projects from a distance or familiarity with remote work tools. Stress the qualities that make you an excellent remote employee, such as self-discipline, excellent communication skills, and a strong sense of accountability.

Gain Skills With an Online Degree

Pursuing an educational path tailored for remote work elevates your qualifications and makes you more competitive in today's job market. By enrolling in an online degree program, such as one where you can earn a business bachelor degree, you gain both flexibility and a skill set that includes management, financial literacy, and strategic planning. Specializing in fields like IT, marketing, or project management complements these business skills and provides a distinct advantage in securing remote work opportunities.

Search for Remote Work Opportunities

Finding a remote job may require a different approach than traditional job hunting. Start your search by focusing on job boards that specialize in remote positions. You can find remote work in various industries, ranging from tech and marketing to writing and customer service. Just remember to scrutinize each posting carefully to ensure it aligns with your skills and career goals.

Become a Top Remote Job Candidate

Standing out in the remote job market involves more than just having the right educational background and work experience. Commitment to ongoing learning can give you a significant advantage. Free and paid online courses, workshops, and certifications in your field can expand your skill set and add value to your resume.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

Your home office plays a pivotal role in your remote work success. Having a dedicated workspace helps draw boundaries between your professional and personal life. Investing in ergonomic furniture can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being. Additionally, consider the lighting and noise levels to create a space that minimizes distractions and promotes focus.

Equip Yourself With the Right Remote Work Tools

Efficiency in remote work is heavily reliant on the tools you use. From video conferencing software to project management applications, choosing the right tools can improve collaboration and productivity. Time management tools can also be a worthy addition to your arsenal, assisting you in tracking your work and improving your focus.

Try Entrepreneurship

If you're inclined towards starting your own venture, the remote work landscape is fertile ground. Forming an LLC can offer several advantages, such as limited liability and tax benefits. Keep in mind that regulations can differ by state, so it's important to do your research or consult a legal advisor before taking the leap.

Invest In Career Services

Investing in career services can open doors to remote work opportunities, providing the guidance and resources needed to navigate the competitive job market. Visit Amplify Career Services to unlock your full potential. With many years of experience in recruiting and hiring, they have the expertise to help you land your dream job. Don't wait, reach out today and take the next step towards a brighter future!

 In the dynamic world of remote work, your journey begins with crafting a compelling resume and cover letter that accentuates your suitability for remote employment. If you're considering a career change or looking to bolster your skills, going back to school online can open new doors. Don't forget to equip yourself with essential tools and, for the entrepreneurial souls, consider starting your own home-based business. The possibilities in the remote work realm are endless, and with the right guidance, your remote career can flourish.

How Introverts Can Shine as Leaders in the Workplace

By Micah Norris, king-rom.com 

Image via Pexels

Leadership isn’t just for extroverts. Introverts can make outstanding leaders as well if they leverage their unique strengths and build a team that complements their personality traits. If you’re an introvert looking to step up your leadership game, this article is for you. Whether you’re currently a manager or aspire to be one, these Amplify Career Services tips will help you develop a leadership style that works for you (and your team).

The Advantages of Introverted Leadership

One of the most significant benefits of introverted leadership is that introverts tend to think before they act. They’re more likely to carefully consider the situation, gather data, and analyze it from a variety of angles before making a decision.

Introverts are often great listeners, which helps them build strong relationships with their team members. Because they understand the needs and issues of other team members, they’re more likely to lead with empathy. Moreover, introverts are often introspective and self-aware, so they’re capable of recognizing their limitations and taking steps to address them.

Let’s talk about how you can grow in your leadership skills and be someone your team members want to follow:

Assess your leadership strengths and weaknesses.

It’s essential to know your strengths and weaknesses to become an effective leader. Take time to evaluate your capabilities, including your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making style. You can also get feedback from your colleagues to help you understand your blind spots.

After identifying your strengths, lean into and leverage them to lead your team with impact. Develop a plan to address your weaknesses through training and/or mentorship. Remember that no one is perfect, and working on improving yourself will make you a leader people want to follow!

Build a proactive team.

One critical step to becoming a successful leader is understanding how to create a strong team. As an introvert, you probably prefer working with a small group of close-knit individuals. You can optimize this trait by building a team that complements your strengths and weaknesses. Hire employees who can compensate for your weaknesses and challenge you to grow further!

Once you have a team in place, establish a clear vision and objective. Encourage collaboration and communication among your team, and set clear expectations for performance.

Prepare for your project kickoff meetings.

A project kickoff meeting is a fantastic opportunity to establish trust with your team and generate excitement about an upcoming project. You want to go into your kickoff meetings well-prepared (click to learn more). Create an agenda outlining the topics you plan to cover, and ask for input from team members on additional items to include.

It’s important to define at least one specific problem to address throughout the project. And you’ll need to envision your desired outcome and choose the appropriate employees for each role.

Be the worker you want others to be.

As a leader, the best way to motivate your team is to lead by example. As an introvert, you may not be the most outgoing person, but you can still demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to your team’s success.

Be reliable, demonstrate sound decision-making, and prioritize clear communication. Show your team that you value their input, build trust by following through on your commitments, and be willing to invest your time and effort into projects.

Wrapping Up

Introverts can make outstanding leaders by leaning into their natural strengths and finding ways to enhance their weaknesses. Building a proactive team, preparing for meetings, and leading by example will help you develop a leadership style that works for you and inspires your colleagues.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most charming person in the room. Embrace your natural tendencies, and take steps to become a powerful, influential leader in the modern work environment!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about my career services? Visit AmplifyCareerServices.com today!

5 Proven Ways to Overcome Feelings of Work-From-Home Burnout

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By Micah Norris, King ROM

It’s no secret that the popularity of working from home is on the rise. Studies suggest that 32% of the workforce in Canada works from the comfort of their house or apartment. Though a lot of people find the work-from-home lifestyle more productive and more conducive to a better work-life balance, many others struggle with burnout. According to Talent Canada, a recent survey found that 80% of employees who are currently working from home are experiencing burnout. The article further suggests this might be in part due to the fact employees report that they’re working longer hours, making it more difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

If you’re feeling exhausted at the end of each day and struggling to focus on your work (and your mental health), you’re not alone, and you shouldn’t simply accept those feelings of exhaustion. Here are a few tips from Amplify Career Services to help you overcome and prevent work-from-home burnout once and for all.

1. Keep an Organized Workspace

One of the biggest struggles people face when working from home is keeping their workspace organized. When you’re working from your kitchen table or using your laptop on the couch, the temptation to let clutter build up is very real. Redfin points out this is one of a few issues that can contribute negativity to your household. 

Instead, do what you can to reduce clutter in your workspace. Get rid of things that make you feel stressed or add to those feelings of burnout, and get into the habit of cleaning up at the end of your workday. When you’re not distracted by clutter, you’re better able to focus on your work without feeling overwhelmed or stressed by your environment.

2. Take Breaks Often

When you’re responsible for managing your schedule, taking breaks is the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, working for a solid eight hours without stepping away from your desk is a surefire way to increase your risk of burnout. Take breaks throughout the day. Schedule a 15-minute mid-morning break and grab a cup of coffee or tea to help you stay energized. Better yet, The Guardian recommends a virtual tea break with your workmates. It’s a time not only to decompress, but also to bond. 

It can also help to get out into fresh air for a bit. Take a short walking break in the afternoon to help you regain your focus and keep your muscles from getting stiff. As long as you give yourself permission to relax for a few minutes throughout your shift, you’ll help your mind overcome burnout. 

3. Celebrate Success

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re not working as hard as you can. Though it might seem like you’re slacking off by wearing pajamas during your shift, you’re still being productive and deserve to celebrate your success when you achieve it. Once you complete a task that you’ve been struggling with or meet a new milestone with your job, celebrate! Reward yourself with a favorite treat or chat with a close coworker about your personal victory just as you would in a breakroom at an office. These little celebrations can motivate you to keep working harder without succumbing to burnout.

4. Find a New Job/Career

If you’re unhappy with your current job or career, then there’s a very strong possibility that you’ll experience burnout sooner rather than later. So, think about what you really want to do — and then set out to achieve that goal! If it’s been a little while since you’ve updated your resume or interviewed for a new position, then this experience can seem rather intimidating. Work with a company like Amplify Career Services that can help polish your resume, spruce up your cover letter, and coach you through those interviews so you’ll land that new position.

5. Take Your Weekends

Everyone deserves to take time off, but when you’re working from home, you’re always close to the office. This makes it tempting to try to work on tasks that you missed or didn’t have time to finish on the weekend. While doing this once in a while isn’t terrible, working on your days off frequently will leave you feeling burnt out and exhausted. 

Instead, prioritize your weekends. If you have a home office, close the door on Friday evening and only open it again on Monday morning. Give yourself permission to do things that you enjoy on your days off and avoid thinking about work until you’re back on the clock.

Working from home should leave you feeling refreshed and help you avoid burnout rather than cause it. If you’re dealing with feelings of work-related exhaustion and lack of motivation, try these tips for yourself. After a few days of following them closely, you’ll start to see an improvement in your ability to focus on your work.

How to Find and Keep a Remote Job During the Pandemic

By Katie Conroy, Advicemine.com

Photo via Pexels

Millions of people lost work during the pandemic. While it may be hard to get an office job right now, there are still plenty of open opportunities online! Building a work-from-home career is a fantastic way to get back on your feet and earn some income. Whether you’re looking for remote employment or you’re interested in launching your own online business, the following tips and resources should prove useful.

Are you looking for remote employment? A great resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile will help you stand out from other candidates and land more interviews. Contact Amplify Career Services to find out how we can help!

Top Tips for Finding Remote Work During an Economic Crisis

Many people are looking for work right now. As you get out there and start applying for remote jobs, make sure you can stand out from your job-seeking competitors!

• Amplify Career Services can help you look great in front of hiring managers by optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile.

• You’ll have the best shot at finding work in certain industries that are thriving during the pandemic.

• Even if you have a few basic tech skills, you may be able to get a job in image editing, branding, website design, or digital marketing. 

• Before committing to a company, make sure it’s the right fit for you. Try asking around your professional network—you might find some connections at the company.

How to Start Your Own Remote Business

You could also try opening your own business to address new customer and market needs that emerged during the pandemic.

• For example, you could launch an online store, sell your services as a freelancer, sell handmade goods, or launch a subscription box.

• Try to come up with a business idea that aligns with your existing budget. You don’t need to spend much to launch a business.

• Just remember to register your business and consider forming an LLC to protect your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.

Tips for Thriving in Your Remote Role

Working remotely can be exciting at first, but maintaining a work-from-home lifestyle takes a lot of effort. Make a plan to avoid loneliness, stay productive, and maintain effective communication with team members.

• Make sure you’re cut out for working from home. Great remote employees share some common traits.

• Establish communication and collaboration strategies to keep your team members working together as efficiently as possible.

• Right from the beginning, set some work-life boundaries so you can avoid burnout.

• Remember that remote work can get lonely, so you may want to find new avenues for socialization.

While it's true that the pandemic has taken many jobs away from hard-working people, we're all lucky to have the online opportunities that exist today. Finding remote work has never been easier! Whether you start your own business or find a fulfilling role at an online company, shifting to a work-from-home career will help you thrive during the pandemic.

4 Ways People With Disabilities Can Find Career Success

By Patrick Young, AbleUSA

Image via Pexels

Major advancements in technology over the past few years have been game-changers for people with disabilities. Beyond specialized tools, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and the internet have combined to create a connected world that lets everyone communicate and work from anywhere.

This connectivity has opened an array of business education and lucrative employment options to you, regardless of your impairment. To take advantage of all the opportunities available, there are four aspects of professional life that you should be aware of to advance your career successfully.

Want to create a powerful first impression and gain a competitive advantage in your job search? Give your resume a boost by working with Amplify Career Services!

1. Apps, Office Tools, and Websites
New apps are being developed to help with day-to-day tasks for people with visual and hearing impairments. Similarly, The Newsstand notes a recent study found that incorporating a smartphone app helped people with intellectual disabilities complete tasks, and it may be the best job aid for young people and adults who seek to live and work independently.

New office tools like dictation software, online software program access, and cloud-based file storage help break down disability-related barriers to work. You can access corporate records and software over the internet without ever going into the office. Even personal signatures can be completed online electronically, helping you complete job applications and employment forms with ease. 

Create profiles on online sites and job boards and connect with other professionals to avoid missing out on networking opportunities and apply for posted jobs. Ask a career counselor for help setting up a strong profile that highlights your best attributes.

2. Training
If you didn't get a chance to finish your degree or if you need to brush up on business skills, you don't need to go into a classroom to get an education anymore. Colleges and universities offer online learning in a variety of degree programs, from business management to information technology. Career development programs can be completed over the internet in a few years and at your own pace.

Of course, online learning opportunities don’t end with formal education. There are podcasts, blogs and vlogs galore to help hone your skills and spur ideas that will help you along in your career.

 3. Best Jobs and Top Companies
Many jobs can be done from anywhere, regardless of disabilities, and more companies are starting to realize that. In the medical field, careers in transcription, office administration, and counseling can be done virtually. IT jobs in tech support and call center operations are available. Accounting and finance positions are perfect for people who can handle confidential materials for clients. Sales and marketing positions have always been mobile and can be done from virtually anywhere.

IveTriedThat notes many well-known companies offer legitimate remote work that is perfect for disabled people. Freelance careers in website design and maintenance, writing, graphic design, advertising, and many other creative fields allow you to set your own hours and manage your finances to fit your strengths and work abilities on any given day.

 4. Home-Based Business Opportunities
If you can't find a company that fits, consider starting a home-based business. Running a small business allows you to focus on your strongest skills and removes any barriers a company or business put in your way. Open a digital storefront to sell handmade goods or promote your personal service on social media platforms. There may be special government grants and special financing available to you. Being your own boss allows you to create a flexible schedule around your needs, giving you freedom that helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

If you can stay aware of the office and mobile tools, business training, and career opportunities available, your disability shouldn't stop you from achieving professional success now and in the future.

How can I determine if a company is the right place for me?

I was recently asked how to determine if a company will be the right fit for you. It’s a great question, and one that isn’t always easy to answer perfectly. Here are my thoughts:

Let the internet work for you (with a grain of salt): Sites/apps like Glassdoor, Comparably, and Indeed are full of employer reviews. These can be enlightening but it’s worth noting you should use your judgment; we all know disgruntled folks who take to the internet at the smallest slight. My advice is to look at the themes - are all the negative reviews saying the same kind of thing? Are the negative reviews clustered around one part of the business (for example, field sales when you’d be working in engineering)? Do the positive reviews go into detail?

Let the internet work for you, part two: Google the company. Search Google News for recent articles. If the company is a startup, investigate sites like Crunchbase to check in on their funding status. Do they have a lot of runway or are they running out of money? Are they on the verge of an IPO? Who are their investors? These things may or may not matter to you, but they’re worth noting.

Ask around: Use your network! Search LinkedIn to see if you have connections at the company. Maybe you don’t, but you have second-degree connections you can speak with. Don’t be afraid to ask a first-degree connection to match you with someone in their network. Perhaps you can find a former employee who did a role similar to the one you’re going for; they may be happy to answer questions about their experience. If you’re serious about a job, ask your recruiter or hiring manager to set up conversations with employees to help you learn more. A lot of people are happy to talk with prospective new coworkers!

Listen: Remember that an interview isn’t just for the company to assess you; it’s also a chance for YOU to assess THEM. Again, pay attention to themes. Something that’s important to me is a job where everyone enjoys working with each other, so I listen for statements like, “I love working with this team,” or “The people are what keep me excited to come to work every day” — or the absence of those statements. A friend once interviewed somewhere that referred to the culture as a “pressure cooker” and instantly knew it was not a match. There’s a quote that says, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them,” and I think that applies to companies as well. Ask your honest questions, and really listen to what they are - and are not - saying when they answer.

Use a checklist: I’m a list-maker, so I like to make a list of my deal-breakers and nice-to-haves. Really think about what you’ve liked in past jobs (and what you’ve hated). Think about what would really, really thrill you to find in your next role or company. Throw it all on paper then go through and pick out which are absolute requirements. Note which you could go without in the right circumstances. Your list won’t give you the answers, but gives you a starting point on what you need to find out. Use this to measure companies against as you interview.

Trust your gut: At a certain point, you have to trust yourself. Sometimes, a job might seem great on paper but you’re just not excited. You don’t gel with the people, you don’t like the tech stack, or you don’t care for the product. That’s okay! Sometimes circumstances mandate that we take whatever job we can get, but if you have the luxury of time, it’s perfectly fine to hold out for the right fit.

Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash

What the heck is an applicant tracking system?!

Recently, a potential client mentioned that she was feeling lost when it comes to applicant tracking systems. I hear that frequently, and since we’re moving our way through the new year (#newyearnewjob), it seemed like a good time to demystify the ATS.

What is an applicant tracking system (ATS), anyway?
According to Wikipedia (I know, I know - not a real source of truth), “an applicant tracking system is a software application that enables the electronic handling of recruitment and hiring needs.” To break it down further, an ATS is a software (typically web- and mobile-based these days) that a company can use to post jobs, collect applicants, and move applicants through the entire hiring process. An ATS does a lot of things, but it’s commonly known for its use as an automatic resume screener, which brings me to my next point.

Do all companies use an ATS to screen out resumes?
No. In fact, I personally have never worked for a company that did so. Some very large companies may, on occasion, rely on the ATS in this way, but even then it’s not a given. Friends who have worked for well-known, extremely large tech companies have said they personally reviewed every resume themselves, without relying on ATS matching.

Is there just one ATS?
Recruiters out there may get a chuckle out of this, because goodness knows we are inundated with applicant tracking systems. We’ve all used multiple systems, and most of us have feelings on the ones we like and dislike. Not all ATSs even have the ability to weed out candidates based on keywords. Of course, as a candidate, you may not know the intricacies of whichever system a company is using.

If not all companies have the ATS do the work, do keywords matter?
Yes! On the off chance a company is using their ATS to screen out resumes based on keywords, it’s imperative you have the right information displayed on your resume. That aside, there are a few other reasons to be mindful of keywords. For one thing, recruiters scan for them, too! Imagine you’re a recruiter filling a role for which someone needs experience coding in Java. For whatever reason, no other coding language will suffice. You receive a resume that shows great past experience, but no actual coding language is listed. A good recruiter with all the time in the world may reach out to clarify, but time isn’t unlimited. When a recruiter scans a resume for just a few seconds, your listing those relevant keywords will make it much easier for them to see you’re a fit. Also, what people often forget is that once you apply, you’re in the system forever. Maybe you aren’t a fit for the job to which you’ve just applied, but in a few months or a year, or even years down the line, they might be looking for someone with your skill set. Most applicant tracking systems allow recruiters to search keywords and pull up past applicants, to whom they can then reach out about new opportunities.

Should I type all the keywords from the job posting into my resume in white font so the system picks it up?
No. Just don’t. While it may not be obvious on the resume document itself, if/when the ATS parses out your information, it could show up. It’s not a good look.

Can a resume writer run my resume through an ATS to test how well it will do?
Because there is no single ATS and they don’t all work the same, this can be tricky. Sites like Jobscan allow you to input your resume and a particular job posting to see if there’s a match. For those who prefer a less technical method, you can print out the job posting and highlight the main keywords (anything that’s fundamental to the job, listed multiple times, or included as a requirement) and then find those keywords on your resume. If they’re not there, look for places to (truthfully) slot them in.

There is a lot of talk about “beating the ATS” and “getting past the bots,” but what’s most important is representing your skills truthfully, accurately, and in the most compelling way possible. A professional resume expert can help you determine what to include and how to present yourself as an excellent candidate for the job.