After completing my degree during last summer as well as finishing a great internship with a popular, local newspaper, I graduated with a BA in English at the end of August 09′.
I also was on the honor roll five times out of my four years, was the Vice President and a member of my college’s chapter for the International English Honors Society, and have great references.
However,I can’t get a dang job! It’s been about 8 months, and all I have for that is two lousy temp jobs working as a debt collector, and customer service rep, as well as publishing 18 articles online for freelance work.
I’ve been submitting my resume all over to jobs I feel I am qualified for and am lucky to even get a response. No one will even interview me! Out of the 40+ jobs I applied to, I’ve had two interviews. I keep being told that they need ‘More Experience.’ But…no one will give me a chance.
Any tips for a recent grad who loves to write, tutor has experience in journalism/ and some editing?
I am a beginning freelance writer and putting together my resume. So far I have included objective, education and regular employment experience (including jobs that have to do with what subjects I write about). I also have a section to include my skills (what formats I’m famiilar with and what technology I am competent in)
I am not sure what else to include, especially since I am just starting out as a published writer. I only have a short list of published work – a few poems in a literary journal, an online blog and a few online articles. Should I include those in a section of the resume, and if so what should it be called?
I do not have much to put on a resume apart from things I have written for school. I do have one article I wrote for a local horse magazine and that is about it.
What are some good online places to look for work? Any tips?
Where can I find a LEGITIMATE, NO MONEY, work from home kind of job.
No adsense, or pay per clicks
NO MONEY DOWN
consistent work
Full or Part time
I have 3 kids and 2 are still under 4. I am looking for a job that will allow me to work from home. I am NOT interested in Mary Kay, Avon, or anything that requires me to keep obtaining new customers. Pretty much I would like to work for a company that allows me to work out of my home on my computer. I have an extensive resume with a sales, and administrative assistant backround. Is there anywhere I can go to apply for a telecommute job? I have tried monster and all those other places but haven’t had much luck other than a research assistant…(which required I be incorporated and that costs 4-500 dollars.)
ANY INFORMATION WILL HELP!!!
NO SURVEYS EITHER PLEASE just a place where I can submit my resume…or consistent work!!
I’m a stay-at-home mom looking to start an editing business online. Because I’ve been out of the work force so long (over 2 years now), employers won’t give me the time of day because that gap in my resume makes me look out of practice.
That said, I’d like to start freelance editing online, but I don’t even know where to begin regarding tax and legal issues. I already have a name that I’d like to use for my business – I googled it and came up with no matches for it. Aside from that, I’m lost. Has anyone successfully started an online business, or, more specifically, an editing business?
My long-term goal is to use my freelance editing business to gain the experience I need to re-enter the work force when my daughters start school, so any advice in getting the ball rolling would be greatly appreciated!
Ideally, I’d like to freelance for journals, magazines, publishing houses. I have an English degree and I’m going to do some non-prof work to build my resume.
I want to take a class, though. I know this is a competitive field. Anyone have experience with the Publishing Training Company’s online course? Appreciate all recommendations and advice.
I have spent the last 10 years telecommuting from home as a medical editor/transcriptionist. I would like to get out of the house now and look for work in a medical environment (office, hospital, etc.) as a secretary/receptionist. I have an excellent background in medical terminology/pharmacology and very good computer skills , but I don’t necessarily have much experience in office skills.
I bought several current textbooks and CDs that teach medical office skills, such as filing insurance claims, scheduling, coding, etc. (These are textbooks that are used by colleges for the medical office specialist program.) I did these courses thoroughly and feel I have a good understanding of the processes involved.
What I’m wondering is if there is some way I can include these on my resume? I feel as if I know just as much as if I had actually taken these courses in school, and I feel they are crucial to at least getting my foot in the door for an interview. Any suggestions? Thanks.
When applying for freelance (1 time) jobs on Craigslist, do I send my entire resume—or keep my introduction short and sweet with my work attached as jpegs??
(I am working on an online portfolio, but it is not ready yet.)
I want to get into freelance proofreading (seeing as how it’s one of the few things I seem to have a knack for) but I’m having a bit of trouble finding jobs in my community.
I want to look online for freelance offers that don’t require too much in the way of education (I’m still a sophomore in high school). However, most ask to see a resume of credentials, diplomas, etc. Is there anywhere I can look that will simply accept proofreaders without this? (I realize that if they do, they may not off pay. This is fine with me because I’d like to build a reputation in the freelance world before moving on up to companies or publishers that pay.)
This is to apply for a second job, part time, where the entire hiring process is conducted online and via telephone, (the work involves telecommuting).The cover letter is giving me the most trouble, in most cases I don’t even know the name of the person doing the hiring until they contact me in response to my resume, who do I address it to? What can I do to make my personality evident, to make it original, and yet still be professional?
I am beginning to start freelancing as a Computer Graphics Artist (Animation, 3D Modeling). I wanted to know if there were any reference material such as books, websites, and etc. that has some information on how to get started? I must emphasize I require information that is concise and doesn’t speak in broad generalizations.
How to create invoices/contracts?
How to advertise and market services?
Since many companies I would be working with are long distance what are the methods of payment?
Currently I have my portfolio online. Also capable of placing artwork on CD and VHS cassette if needed. In addition to applying for employment at some places, I have registered and/or posted my resume on many job sites. I am looking to get started as soon as possible.
Does anyone know what corporations/companies might be looking for Techincal Writers, Software Support, etc. to telecommute? Or any good telecommute sites to post a resume?
I am looking only for salaried positions or positions that have an hourly rate.
Thanks for the help. And please don’t post any survey type sites. I don’t want to have to report anyone. Thanks a bunch.
My background is in designing/writing course curriculum. I’ve also written sections and chapters for software manuals. And wrote cybe security and anti-terrorism policies and procedures for an IT dept. within a large electric company.
I put my skype ID in my resume on translatorscafe.com (freelance translator and buyers community) where everyone can view it. When I was online in Skype, this guy asked me if I am available working (proofreading and correcting the translation already there).
I asked where he found my name and skype ID, and vaguely he said his colleagues found me in the site. After I have finish my task and send the correction file to him, he just said thank you. I asked him if he pay me the payment by Paypal (I already stated I only accept Paypal in the resume). He said he has no paypal account, and just Wester Union which need minimum earning. I dont have guarantee for future job, so I asked to pay in Paypal. Then, he said “You are living in US? sorry to keep you awake at night”, and I said “No problem”, then he tried to go somewhere saying “Need to get meal, ciao!”. He lives in China, and is there anything I can do for this..? Any advices are welcome. Thank you..
Squa … I think you can forget about getting paid for THAT job. In the future, though, you might see if there’s a way that you can require a deposit in advance, perhaps. You should also make sure your clients have a PayPal account BEFORE getting more involved. There may also be a way to rate people positively for paying promptly as required, or a way to rate them poorly if they don’t keep to the original agreement.
I live in Austin doing freelance work. I wanted to look for a job with benefits and a salary but I want to look online because I just want to submit my resume online. Craigslist is not working. Oh and I have a BS in Advertising and have experience in the promotional marketing field.
I am a graphic designer, in the field for 5 years, and my job is done 100% on the computer. I currently have a full time job which requires me to drive an hour to and from work and with the price of gas I can hardly afford it. I know for sure I can find a job telecommuting, a.k.a. working from home. I just don’t know where to start. My resume and portfolio are ready to go. Does anyone have this type of job? Advice on how to find one?
A question about how to submit my application for this job?
There is a job that I want to apply for. It is for a freelance writing position. All applications must be submitted online. Included, they want: your resume, a piece of sample writing, and a list of other columns you’d be interested in writing for (since I’m applying to write for a particular column).
Normally I would just send the email with my resume and my writing sample as attachments. But, it says “Attachments might not be considered.” I am completely confused! How am I supposed to send in my stuff? Just copy and paste it into the email? That doesn’t make any sense!
Does anybody have any advice? I do not want to mess the opportunity up just because of bad etiquette. This is a company I really want to write for. Help!
Is there another section on the website you’re applying at that is reserved for your resume and sample writing? Can you call the company, (anonymously if that makes you feel more comfortable) and ask HR to explain in detail what that comment means? That sounds very confusing to me too. Hope this helps!
Besides checking out if an employer is legitimate, there are other issues that you need to take into consideration in order to make a clear cut decision about the company you want to work for when applying for a work from home job. Yes, it is exciting to find a true job that employs people to work from a home office, but there are other considerations you need to take into consideration before jumping at the first job you see, just to be on the safe side. Just because a company is a legitimate work from home employer doesn’t mean it’s necessarily fair. Before you’re hired for your dream work from home job, make sure you cover the following bases, so you really know what you’re getting into:
1. Wages and Hours:
As a non-exempt (i.e. non-essential, non-salaried employee) you should be entitled to overtime benefits if you actually work over 40 hours in a week. Ask how employee hours and breaks are monitored – and if everything is on an “honor system” – ask how the honor system works in an employee’s favor. Your employer may require you to sign an agreement acknowledging that you are not permitted to work overtime without prior written approval and require you employees to clock in and out using e-mail or the telephone – this protects you both. Find out what the company’s policy is, if possible.
2. Accommodations for Disabilities:
Telecommuting is considered a reasonable accommodation in most cases if you have a disability – but what if you need to take incremental breaks – such as five minutes every hour? Explain any accommodation you may need that goes beyond the basics of telecommuting, such as any special monitor, keyboard, software, or time limitations.
3. Taxes and Expenses:
Learn the law regarding telecommuting and taxes. If the you live in a state different than where the employer is located, find out what taxes the employer is required (or is not permitted) to withhold, and whether or the employer reimburses you for expenses. If you get fired of laid-off, will you be eligible for unemployment benefits in the employer’s state, your state, or both?
4. Confidential Information and Privacy:
To improve productivity, your employer may give telecommuting employees broad access to private information using your personal computer. If your computer is struck by a virus, will you be held accountable for this? How will the company make sure that your information will be kept secure and you will not be held liable for any outside security breach? In addition, your employer may want to visit your home from time to time to make sure that your home office is professional and you are not misusing the equipment they have given you – so it is important to get a copy of this policy and know exactly what a site visit entails and if you are comfortable with it.
If you’re unsure of any part of the job description or expectations of an employer you’re considering accepting a work from home job from, ask for a copy of their telecommuting agreement.
Telecommuting agreements normally include the following:
• a statement that telecommuting is allowed in the discretion of the employer
• the telecommuter’s commitment to devote working time to work
• a description of the employee’s work schedule and location
• the right of the employer to make reasonable visits to inspect the home work
location for safety or information security issues
• an acknowledgment of the employee’s responsibility for ensuring a safe work
environment and reporting any work-related injuries
• an acknowledgment that all work product belongs to the employer, and the right
of the employer to monitor use of company equipment used in the home
About the Author
Melissa Brewer is the author of the Little White Ebook of Homeshoring Jobs, the complete guide to work from home call center employment available at LittleWhiteEbook.com
. She has worked as a freelance writer for the past 9 years and currently resides in Washington, DC, three miles from the Obama White House.
Resume Writing – How To List Self Employment On Your Resume
Being self-employed comes with many challenges determining your niche, finding clients, having adequate insurance, hiring additional help, etc.
To succeed as a freelancer, contractor or a new business owner, you have to have determination, passion and patience, much of the same characteristics you need to successfully hunt for a new job. So why is self-employment on a resume a concern for your potential employer?
Listing self-employment on your resume when looking for full-time job can raise questions for your potential employer. They will ask questions such as:
1.Were self-employed because you were in between jobs, or because you wanted to start your own business rather than work for a corporation?
2.Are you still working on your own, as a freelancer or a consultant? If so, do you intent to continue this work in addition to your full time job?
3.Is your self-employment presenting a conflict of interest for the company?
4.Are you working as a freelancer or a contractor on part-time basis, and never intend to have this replace full-time employment?
5.Does your long-term career goal include owning your own business?
All of these questions are valid from your potential employer’s point of view. Companies do not want to hire you, train you and provide you with benefits only to have you quit after a year to start your own business.
This is the main reason previous or current self-employment raises red flags for the hiring organizations. The best way to address any self-employment on your resume is to highlight the positives of working as a freelancer or managing your own business. It is important that your resume includes employment history that is honest and relevant to your career goals.
If you pick up a freelance project infrequently and do not intend to make this a full time career, you can omit any such experience from your resume. The only time you would list occasional freelance work on your resume is if it allows you to fill any gaps in your professional experience.
If you have worked as a contractor for a period longer than three months, or if you have ever owned your own business, it is important that you indicate that on your resume. Highlight those attributes of the job experience that qualify you as a perfect candidate for the job that you are seeking.
Your job responsibilities should be listed in the same way as they are for any other full-time job you’ve held; focus on those responsibilities which best meet your career objective and quantify your achievements when possible.
Exemplify your self-starter attitude under the Qualifications section of your resume. Make sure to list any employability skills you have acquired or strengthened while you were self employed.
As a final indication of your commitment to the job you are seeking. Make sure that your cover letter or email addresses anticipated concerns of your potential employer. Make references to anything on your resume that may raise questions.
If you still own your own business, but are looking for full-time work, for example, make sure to let your employer know what your long-term professional goals are and how you intend to balance your roles at both businesses.
Don’t apologize for being self-employed. Your resume and cover letter should present you as a credible and passionate professional. Focus on the positive experiences and skills you have acquired as a freelancer, and make sure to let the employer know how these will benefit the company if you are their chosen candidate.
A question about how to submit this application by email?
There is a job that I want to apply for. It is for a freelance writing position. All applications must be submitted online. Included, they want: your resume, a piece of sample writing, and a list of other columns you’d be interested in writing for (since I’m applying to write for a particular column).
Normally I would just send the email with my resume and my writing sample as attachments. But, it says “Attachments might not be considered.” I am completely confused! How am I supposed to send in my stuff? Just copy and paste it into the email? That doesn’t make any sense!
Does anybody have any advice? I do not want to mess the opportunity up just because of bad etiquette. This is a company I really want to write for. Help!
If they don’t consider attachments then you have no choice but to paste it into the body of your email.
Diary of a Debut Author: How to Become a Freelance Writer #1
A question about how to submit my application for this job?
There is a job that I want to apply for. It is for a freelance writing position. All applications must be submitted online. Included, they want: your resume, a piece of sample writing, and a list of other columns you’d be interested in writing for (since I’m applying to write for a particular column).
Normally I would just send the email with my resume and my writing sample as attachments. But, it says “Attachments might not be considered.” I am completely confused! How am I supposed to send in my stuff? Just copy and paste it into the email? That doesn’t make any sense!
Does anybody have any advice? I do not want to mess the opportunity up just because of bad etiquette. This is a company I really want to write for. Help!
Who knows?
I wonder about links?
They may not be looking for attachments when they get the messages
I presume they are probably picture files of your writing samples
Are you able to turn the attachments into images able to be seen as to not being skipped over maybe?
Hopefully my post bumps your question up more for somebody with experience to the question :p
In article we provide information about the type of resume that is most suitable for your situation.
Chronological Format
Chronological is preferred by most employers because it clearly demonstrates your work history and professional growth. The chronological format focuses on the chronology of your work history by highlighting dates of employment, places of employment, and job titles. This format directly ties responsibilities and accomplishments to companies and time frames. This is usually the preferred format if you are applying for a similar or more advanced position in the same field.
Use this format if you:
Want to highlight stability, consistency, growth, and development in your career.
Are looking for a similar or more senior position within the same industry.
Have job titles that are impressive stepping stones and your most recent position is the one most likely to impress prospective employers.
Advantages
Enables an employer to determine, at a glance, where and when you’ve worked and what you accomplished at each job.
Is the most common and widely accepted format.
Provides the employer with a clear sense of your career progress.
Disadvantages
Limited work experience and employment gaps are obvious.
Could reveal a history of changing jobs frequently.
Could reveal if you were in the same job too long or have held the same type of job too long.
Does not highlight skills and accomplishments as much as it highlights work history.
Functional Format
If you are changing careers, or have gaps or other inconsistencies in your work history, a functional resume is recommended. The functional format emphasizes your skills, capabilities, and accomplishments, and de-emphasizes your job titles, employers, and dates of employment. The functional format allows you to prioritize your experience and accomplishments according to their impact and significance, rather than chronology.
Use this format if you:
Have changed jobs frequently in the past few years.
Have gaps in your employment history.
Have limited work experience in your job target.
Are changing careers.
Gained significant experience outside your career path.
Advantages
Highlights accomplishments, skills, and experience most relevant to your career objective.
Takes focus off gaps or inconsistencies in your work history.
Draws from a range of paid and non-paid experiences.
Disadvantages
Experience is not directly tied to specific job titles and dates of employment which can lead employers to suspect you’re trying to hide something.
Does not emphasize promotions and career growth.
Makes it difficult for hiring managers to tell exactly what the candidate did in each job.
Combined Format
To highlight specific skills, abilities or accomplishments, you could choose a combined format, which adds sections for the areas you would like to emphasize at the top of your resume. The combined format includes the traditional Experience section of a chronological resume as well as the skills and accomplishments sections of a functional resume. This format is the most flexible, allowing you to highlight those sections of your resume that are most relevant to your career objective. This is an increasingly popular format for resumes.
Use this format if you:
Are a senior-level professional or executive and have significant accomplishments.
Want to highlight your relevant abilities during a career transition.
Are targeting your resume to fit specific job requirements while displaying the continuity of your career history.
Want to emphasize skills and abilities you have not used in recent jobs.
Have been freelancing, consulting, or performing temporary work.
Advantages
Highlights your primary skills and accomplishments at the top of your resume.
Format can be arranged to emphasize either skills and abilities or work history, whichever is most appropriate for your career objective.
Groups qualifications into categories that relate directly to your career objective.
Disadvantages
Resume could become longer than necessary and may lose the employer’s interest.
Resume may contain redundant information or lack focus.
About the Author
Amit has over 10 years of career advisory, organisational psychology, business management and finance experience/education. He is the Managing Consultant at Sandbox Advisors, a career, job search and HR consulting firm.
Can anyone help – I’m looking for a good part time job or a way to supplement income from home.?
I’m looking for good sites for finding part time work or supplement at-home work. Currently, I’m an editor, so anything along the lines of that – proofing, helping with resumes, small freelance writing gigs, etc.
Also, I used to paint. So good sites for finding labor jobs like that.
Thanks!
If you are an accomplished typist – word processor and have recently visited your local city college or university librarian, you can apply as a “certified” graduate typist, earning between $1.50 to $2.00 per page for a master or doctoral thesis. The librarian will provide you with a sample of the typing template (i.e., margin settings, font selection, page set up, etc.) in order to complete these projects. An average weekend income is about $300-$400 for two days work.
