Virtual Escape Room Designer

Love puzzles and immersive experiences? Put your skills to work by designing virtual escape rooms! With the rise of online gaming and remote team building activities, virtual escape rooms are in high demand. Develop engaging storylines, challenging puzzles, and stunning visuals for clients. To start, build a portfolio showcasing your creativity, and then reach out to escape room companies, event planners, or even market your services to individual clients. You can charge a flat rate or hourly fee depending on the project scope.

Drone Photography and Videography

If you have a flair for photography and own a drone, consider offering aerial photography and videography services. Capture breathtaking visuals for real estate listings, weddings, or local business marketing campaigns. To get started, create a website showcasing your work and network within your local community. Pricing can be based on the projects complexity or on an hourly basis, typically ranging from $100 to $500 per hour.

Mobile Pop-up Shop

Do you have an eye for unique items or a passion for handcrafted goods? Turn your talent into a traveling pop-up shop! Utilize a truck, van, or even a trailer to create a mobile store that brings your merchandise to various events and locations. Use social media to promote your shop and coordinate with local events or farmers markets for selling opportunities. Pricing will depend on the products you offer and the costs of operation. Consider curating a collection of vintage clothing, artisanal crafts, or locally sourced gourmet foods. Alternatively, you can focus on a particular niche such as eco friendly products, handmade jewelry, or unique home decor items.

Online Cooking Class Instructor

Turn your culinary skills into a profitable venture by teaching online cooking classes. Share your knowledge of exotic cuisines, healthy meal prep, or dessert making with food enthusiasts from around the world. Start by creating a course outline and marketing it on platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, or social media. You can charge a one-time fee for access to the course or opt for a subscription-based model.

Voice Actor

Lend your voice to a variety of projects, such as audiobooks, commercials, video games, or animation. If you have a unique voice or can perform various accents, voice-over work can be a lucrative side gig. Create a demo reel highlighting your vocal talents, and market yourself on voice-over platforms like Voices.com or Voice123. Payment typically depends on the project size, with some gigs paying as much as $1,000 for a few hours of work.

Customized 3D Printing Services

If you own a 3D printer and have a knack for designing, consider offering customized 3D printing services. Create unique, personalized items such as jewelry, home decor, or novelty gifts. Set up an online store through platforms like Etsy or Shopify, and start showcasing your creations. Pricing will depend on the materials used, design complexity, and production time.

Personal Fitness Bootcamp Instructor

Are you a fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping others achieve their goals? Start your own personal fitness bootcamp! Organize group sessions at local parks or community centers, and provide tailored workouts to suit various fitness levels. Promote your services through social media, flyers, and word of mouth. You can charge per session or offer package deals for multiple classes.

Personalized Pet Services

Combine your love for animals with a profitable side hustle by offering personalized pet services. Think beyond dog walking or pet sitting – consider specialized services such as pet photography, pet massage, or even pet party planning, or Pet Poop Cleanup! Start by creating a website and social media presence to showcase your unique services, and network with local pet owners and businesses. Pricing will depend on the type of service and the time involved.

Eco-friendly Home Cleaning Expert

If you have a knack for cleaning and a passion for the environment, start an eco-friendly home cleaning service. Offer clients a greener alternative by using natural, non-toxic cleaning products and eco-friendly techniques. Create eye catching promotional materials and connect with potential clients via social media, local online groups, or even door to door flyers. You can charge per cleaning session or on an hourly basis.

Online Language Tutor

Do you speak multiple languages? Capitalize on your linguistic skills by offering online language tutoring services. Teach students of all ages and skill levels through video calls, using platforms like Zoom or Skype. Develop lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs and goals. Advertise your services on tutoring websites, social media, or local online communities. You can charge an hourly rate or offer package deals for multiple sessions.

Upcycling and Furniture Restoration

Transform old, unwanted furniture into beautiful, functional pieces by offering upcycling and restoration services. Bring new life to vintage finds by refinishing, painting, or reupholstering them. Create a portfolio of your work and promote your services on social media or online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can charge per project, taking into account the materials, time, and complexity of each piece.

Conclusion

With so many unique side hustle ideas, there’s something for everyone, Even career office workers like me! Embrace your passions, skills, and creativity to develop a business that suits your lifestyle and interests. Remember, the key to a successful side hustle is commitment, consistency, and a willingness to adapt and learn. So, explore these ideas and take the first step toward building your dream side business today!

The post 11 Unique Side Hustles to Transform Your Spare Time into Cash appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Fear and Uncertainty

Leaving the familiarity of your current job can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure about what awaits you in the future. Here are some common concerns people face when considering quitting:

1. Financial insecurity Leaving a job without another one lined up can be financially risky. Before taking the plunge, evaluate your savings, your monthly expenses, and your ability to support yourself during the job search process.
2. Loss of identity Our jobs often become part of our identity, and quitting can make us feel lost at sea. It’s crucial to remember that you are more than your job and that finding new interests and passions can lead to personal growth.
3. Fear of failure The thought of not finding another job or ending up in a worse position can be paralyzing. However it’s important to weigh the potential risks and rewards, and keep in mind that every new opportunity brings the chance for growth and learning.

Quitting Before Finding a New Job – Pros and Cons

There’s no one size fits all answer to the question, “Should I quit my job before having another one lined up?” Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

1. More time for job searching – Leaving your current job can give you the time and energy to focus on finding a new opportunity that aligns with your goals and values.
2. Improved mental health – We all know about those toxic jobs and coworkers! If your current job is taking a toll on your mental health, quitting may provide much needed relief and the chance to recharge before starting a new chapter in your career.
3. Pursuing passions – Quitting your job can provide the opportunity to explore new interests or passions, such as starting your own business or pursuing further education.

Cons:

1. Financial strain – As mentioned earlier, quitting without another job can lead to financial stress, especially if your job search takes longer than expected.
2. Employment gaps – An extended period without employment can be a red flag to potential employers. Be prepared to explain any gaps during interviews.
3. Loss of benefits – Leaving your job might mean losing health insurance and other benefits. Make sure to consider how this may impact you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to quit your job is personal and depends on your specific circumstances. It’s essential to carefully evaluate your financial situation, mental health, and career goals before making a decision. Remember to,

1. Seek support from friends, family, and professional networks.
2. Consider working with a career coach or therapist to help you navigate this decision.
3. Be honest with yourself about what you want and need from your career.

Asking yourself, “Should I quit my job?” can be an opportunity to reflect on your career path, reassess your priorities, and make a change that aligns with your values and aspirations. Embrace the uncertainty, trust in your abilities, and remember that sometimes, taking a leap of faith can lead to incredible growth and success.

The post Should I Quit My Job? Conquering the Fear appeared first on Career Guide 101.

In today’s competitive job market understanding the art of negotiating your salary is crucial in ensuring you’re adequately compensated for your skills and experience. In this blog post we’ll explore some top salary negotiation tips that will help you confidently advocate for your worth, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Do your research

Before you start any negotiation process, it’s essential to know the industry standards for your role and location. Research the average salaries for similar positions in your area on websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some states like Colorado are requiring job postings to include salary ranges which you can find on these job boards. This information will give you a solid foundation to build your negotiation strategy on, allowing you to determine a fair and realistic salary range that you and your employer can agree on.

Know your worth

Having a clear understanding of your skills, qualifications, and experience is crucial during salary negotiations. Make a list of your unique selling points such as certifications, specialized training, or relevant accomplishments. These factors will help you demonstrate your worth to your employer and justify your salary expectations.

Be patient

One of the most effective salary negotiation tips is being patient. Avoid discussing salary expectations too early in the hiring process as this can come across as overly aggressive. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and expertise during the interview stage. Once the employer has expressed a strong interest in hiring you, you’ll have more leverage to negotiate your salary.

Practice your pitch

Negotiating your salary can be nerve wracking, so it’s essential to practice your pitch. Rehearse your talking points and be prepared to answer any questions or objections that may arise. Anticipate potential counteroffers and have a plan to address them confidently.

Keep emotions in check

Salary negotiations are business discussions, and it’s important to remain calm and professional throughout the process. Avoid getting defensive or emotional if your initial request is not met. Instead, use your research and unique selling points to justify your salary expectations rationally and persuasively.

Be flexible

It’s essential to enter salary negotiations with a range in mind, rather than a single fixed number. Be prepared to compromise within your predetermined range if your employer is unable to meet your initial request. Remember, there are other forms of compensation to consider, such as bonuses, stock options, and additional benefits that may help bridge the gap.

Don’t forget about the non monetary benefits

Salary isn’t the only aspect of your compensation package. Consider negotiating for non-monetary benefits, such as flexible work hours, remote work options, additional vacation days, or professional development opportunities. These benefits can greatly impact your overall job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Conclusion

Many times we don’t think of it as such but salary negotiation a learnable skill that can lead to increased job satisfaction and financial security. By conducting thorough research, knowing your worth, practicing your pitch, and staying flexible, you’ll be well equipped to navigate the salary negotiation process with confidence. Remember, advocating for your value is a crucial part of your professional development, and it’s never too late to start honing your negotiation skills.

The post Salary Negotiation Tips – Master the Art of Earning More appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Be professional and respectful

Regardless of your reasons for leaving, it’s important to remain professional and respectful in your resignation letter. Avoid negative comments or criticisms about the company, your colleagues, or your manager.

Give appropriate notice

It’s customary to give at least two weeks notice before your last day of work. This gives your employer time to make arrangements for your departure and to find a replacement if necessary. 

Offer to help with the transition

As mentioned earlier, offering to assist with the transition can help ensure a smooth departure and maintain a positive relationship with your employer. 

Follow up with a thank you note

After you have submitted your resignation letter it’s a good idea to follow up with a thank you note to your manager and colleagues. This will leave a positive impression and show your appreciation for the time you spent at the company.

Prepare for the exit interview

Your employer may ask you to participate in an exit interview. This is an opportunity to provide feedback and offer suggestions for improvement. Keep in mind though that it’s also important to be constructive and professional in your comments.

Tie up loose ends

Before your last day of work, make sure to tie up any loose ends, and complete any outstanding projects. This can help ensure a smooth transition and provide much needed help to those taking the reigns after you are gone.

Keep in touch

If you had a positive experience at the company, consider keeping in touch with your former colleagues and manager. Exchanging phone numbers, email or even connecting on Linkedin can help maintain your professional network and lead to future opportunities.

Resignation Letter Template

Start with a clear and direct statement that you are resigning. Be sure to include the date of your last day of work.

Example “Dear [Manager’s Name], I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title] effective [Date of Last Day of Work].”

Express your appreciation for the opportunity to work for the company.

Example “I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work for [Company Name]. I am grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained during my time here.”

Provide a brief reason for your resignation. You can keep this general, but it’s important to be honest and transparent.

Example “After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue other career opportunities that align more closely with my long-term goals.”

Offer to assist with the transition by completing any outstanding projects or helping to train your replacement.

Example “I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and am willing to complete any outstanding projects or provide training for my replacement during my remaining time here.”

Close with a positive statement and offer to stay in touch.

Example “Thank you again for the support and opportunities provided during my time here. I wish the company continued success in the future. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist in the transition. I look forward to staying in touch.”

Sign off with your name and contact information.

Example “Sincerely, [Your Name]

Email: [Your Email]

Phone: [Your Phone Number]”

The post Resignation Letter How to write one + Template appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Do Your Research

Before asking for a raise, it’s crucial to do your research and gather information about your industry’s standard salary range for your position, location, and experience level. This information will give you a better idea of what you should be earning, to use as a benchmark when negotiating your salary. You can find this information online by searching salary ranges, on job sites like Indeed or by talking to colleagues in similar roles.

Schedule a Meeting

Instead of asking for a raise in passing or during a hectic workday, schedule a meeting with your manager specifically to discuss your salary. By doing so, you show that you take this matter seriously and give both yourself and your manager the necessary time to prepare and present your case.

Highlight Your Achievements

When asking for a raise, it’s essential to back up your request with specific examples of your contributions and achievements in your role. Use Data! Showcasing your accomplishments and how they have contributed to the company’s success is a compelling argument for why you deserve a raise. Think of and use specific examples of measurable improvements you are responsible for.

Be Confident

Confidence is key when asking for a raise. It’s essential to speak with conviction and present your case confidently. This will show your manager that you are serious and confident in your abilities, and that you believe you deserve a raise. 

Practice Your Pitch

To help build your confidence, practice your pitch beforehand. You can do this by writing down the key points you want to make and practicing them out loud. This can help you refine your argument and feel more comfortable presenting it to your manager.

Discuss Your Future Goals

When asking for a raise, it’s important to demonstrate your commitment to the company’s future success. Discuss your future goals and how they align with the company’s goals. This will show that you are invested in the company’s future and are willing to work hard to achieve its objectives.

Be Open to Feedback

While you may have done your research and feel confident in your argument, it’s important to be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Your manager may have insights or perspectives that you haven’t considered, and it’s essential to listen to them and respond thoughtfully.

Negotiate Other Benefits

If your manager is unable to offer you the salary increase you were hoping for, consider negotiating other benefits. These could include additional vacation days, a flexible work schedule, or professional development opportunities. Be creative and think about what other benefits would be valuable to you.

Follow Up

After your meeting, be sure to follow up with your manager. If they need more time to consider your request, ask when you can expect to hear back. If they need additional information or clarification, be sure to provide it promptly. Following up shows that you are committed to the process and interested in finding a resolution.

Be Gracious

Finally, remember to be gracious, regardless of the outcome. If your manager is unable to offer you a raise, thank them for their time and consideration. Even if you decide to pursue opportunities outside of the company you want to leave on good terms (Be sure to check out our article on Resignation letter how to‘s). You never know when that reference will come in handy on a resume. If they are able to offer you an increase, express your gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue contributing to the company’s success.

In conclusion, asking for a raise can be a nerve-wracking experience, but by following these 10 tips, you can approach the conversation with confidence and increase your chances of success. Remember to do your research, schedule a meeting, highlight your achievements, be confident, practice your pitch, discuss your future goals, be open to feedback

The post Asking for a Raise – 10 Tips for you to use. appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Tailor your resume to each job – Before you start writing your resume, review the job description to identify the key skills and qualifications required for the position. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and achievements that match the job requirements.

Choose an easy to read format – Use a clean and simple format that’s easy to read. Use bullet points and clear headings to make your resume easy to navigate. Also make sure to use either a .docx or pdf format. 

Use keywords – Many employers use applicant tracking systems to scan resumes for relevant keywords. Use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting past the initial screening. Balance this though by not overloading your resume. Further on in the process actual people will be reading this, so don’t include an entire page of keywords. Use them judiciously.

Include a summary statement – Use a summary statement at the top of your resume to highlight your skills and experience. Keep it brief and to the point. No more than 2 paragraphs. Think of your resume as valuable real estate. 

Keep it concise – Keep your resume to two pages or less. Focus on your most relevant experience and achievements and avoid including irrelevant information. If you are applying for a job in an office setting there is no need to include your part time high school gig at McDonalds unless you feel it will help you. On my resumes I generally only show the past 8 years or 4 employers but you may need to show more depending on your experience and the job.

Use action verbs – Start each bullet point with an action verb to highlight your accomplishments. Use words like “managed,” “created,” and “achieved” to showcase your skills and achievements.

Quantify your achievements – Use numbers, statistics, and KPIs to highlight your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying you “increased sales,” say you “increased sales by 30% YoY.” Be prepared to talk to these points in the interview as they will likely ask you about them.

Proofread and edit – Proofread your resume carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend or colleague to review it as well. Use a text editor or Grammarly to review it for mistakes. The biggest red flag for an interviewer are obsvioud spelling mistakes. (yes that was intentional to illustrate the point)

Use a professional email address – Use a professional email address on your resume. Avoid using a personal email address that’s unprofessional. This should be obvious but I still see emails on resumes like – “hotblondegirl97@yahoo.com“. Email accounts are free! Create a simple easy one with just your name i.e. “firstname.lastname@gmail.com” and include numbers if needed but never use nicknames or try to be cute.

Include relevant extracurricular activities – Include only relevant extracurricular activities, such as volunteering or leadership roles, to showcase your skills and interests. 

Keep your formatting consistent – One of the most important resume writing tips is making sure your formatting is consistent throughout your resume. This includes using the same font, font size, and bullet points throughout. Use a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a font size between 10-12 points for consistency. 

Also use plenty of white space in your resume to make it easy to read and navigate. Avoid cramming too much information onto the page. The more you write the more they will skim. 

Don’t include personal information – Do not include personal information such as your age, marital status, or race. This information is not relevant to your qualifications for the job.

Use industry-specific language – Use industry-specific language and terminology to show that you are knowledgeable about the field. Please make sure you are using terminology accurately. Do a quick google check even on terms you feel you know well since you could be wrong.

Consider including a skills section – If you have relevant skills that don’t fit neatly into your work experience section, consider creating a separate skills section.

Keep your resume up-to-date – Keep your resume up-to-date with your latest work experience and accomplishments. Update it regularly to ensure that it’s always ready to send out.

Follow up: After submitting your resume, follow up with the employer to show your interest in the position. This can be a simple email or phone call to check on the status of your application.

In conclusion, crafting a winning resume requires careful attention to detail and a focus on highlighting your relevant skills and achievements. By following these resume writing tips, you can create a compelling resume that will help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

The post Resume Writing Tips 16 Tips from Professionals appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Take a deep breath and stay calm:

Losing your job can be horrendously stressful, but try not to panic. Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you. This happens to people every day and you WILL find another job. 

   Take a day or two to completely unwind. Watch TV, Read a book, exercise or take a short trip somewhere if you have the means. Also take time to assess where you are in life, your career, family, and where you’d like to be. It’s hard to see getting laid off as an opportunity, but use the opportunity to evaluate yourself. Where do you want to be in 5 to 10 years? Are you happy in your current occupation? Use this time to make sure you’re happy with where you are going.

File Unemployment

You will need to research how/when to file for unemployment in your location. Each state has specific laws and procedures that you need to become familiar with.

   Depending on your state you may want to wait until your severance runs out before filing for unemployment. It is a fixed term benefit usually lasting around 90 days so get what you can out of your old job first. Some states have a longer approval process and give you the choice of when to start collecting. If that is the case for you it’s probably a good idea to get it started earlier in case there are delays. 

Read your severance package carefully and don’t do anything that will jeopardize it.

Don’t sign a no-compete. (If you live in California, absolutely do not sign it.) If they make you sign anything to get the severance, read it carefully.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profiles:

Make sure to include your latest job experience, updated education etc. research resume tips, and make sure to tailor each submission to the specific job you are applying to. 

   One small detail I always do is copying my resume and changing the file name to reflect the company I am applying to. For example Brian’s Resume for Company Name.pdf gives a nod towards your attention to detail.

Also make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and professional. Having a professional photo and background along with all of your skills listed can be an amazing help in a job search. Check out our list of LinkedIn tips for more ways to make yourself stand out.

Use your Network

Reach out to your contacts, and let them know you’re looking for a new job. You can post on LinkedIn to inform them of your status and availability. Reach out to former co-workers and bosses. Attend job fairs and industry events in your area. You never know who might be able to help you.

   Additionally, if you are able, try to connect with all of your existing coworkers either through Linkedin or phone exchange so you can keep in touch with, and expand your network. These connections could prove invaluable later on in the form of opportunities, references and more.

Consider additional training or education:

If you’re looking to switch industries or upgrade your skills, consider taking additional training or education. This can help you stand out to potential employers. There are several ways you can continue your education while you are laid off. Here are some suggestions:

• Online courses: There are many online courses available that can help you learn new skills and improve your knowledge. Many of these courses are free or have low costs, and you can learn at your own pace. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses in a wide variety of subjects.

• Community college courses: Community colleges often offer affordable courses that can help you learn new skills or even work towards a degree. You can check with your local community college to see what courses they offer and what financial aid may be available.

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships allow you to learn a trade or skill through hands-on training and classroom instruction. Many apprenticeships offer paid work and can lead to certification or licensure in a particular field.

• Volunteer work: Volunteering can provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience in a particular field. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.

• Professional development workshops: Many organizations offer workshops or seminars that can help you improve your skills or learn about new technologies or practices in your industry.

Take care of yourself:

Losing your job can be emotionally and physically draining. Make sure to take care of yourself by exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep.

Remember, being laid off is not a reflection of your worth as a person or professional. Stay positive and keep searching for new opportunities.

Create a routine

Establish a daily routine to provide structure and purpose to your day. This can include setting goals, creating a job search plan, and scheduling time for self-care activities.

The post How to deal with getting laid off appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Optimize your profile picture and headline

Your profile picture and headline are the first things people will see when they visit your LinkedIn profile, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Use a professional headshot for your profile picture and avoid using selfies or casual photos. Your headline should be clear and concise, highlighting your skills and experience.

Customize your URL

Customizing your LinkedIn URL is a quick and easy way to make your profile look more professional. By default, LinkedIn will assign a URL to your profile that includes random numbers and letters. You can customize this URL to include your first and last name, making it easier for others to find you on the platform.

Write a strong summary

Your LinkedIn summary should provide an overview of your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition and differentiate yourself from other professionals in your industry. Use bullet points and short paragraphs to make it easy to read.

Highlight your experience

List your work experience on your LinkedIn profile, including your job titles, responsibilities, and achievements. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of salespeople,” say “Managed a team of 10 salespeople and increased sales by 20% in the first quarter.”

Add skills

Adding relevant skills to your LinkedIn profile can help you get noticed by recruiters and other professionals. Be sure to include skills that are relevant to your industry and job function. You can also ask colleagues and managers to endorse your skills to help validate your expertise.

Get recommendations

Recommendations from colleagues, managers, and other professionals can help demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers. Reach out to people you’ve worked with in the past and ask them to provide a recommendation for your work. Be sure to reciprocate by providing recommendations for others as well.

Engage with others

Engaging with other professionals on LinkedIn is a great way to build relationships and increase your visibility on the platform. Like and comment on posts from other professionals in your industry, join groups related to your interests, and share relevant content to help establish yourself as a thought leader.

Keep your profile up to date

Keeping your LinkedIn profile up to date is essential to maintaining your professional brand. Update your profile with your latest experience, skills, and accomplishments, and be sure to add new connections as you make them.

Use keywords

Using keywords in your LinkedIn profile can help you get found by recruiters and other professionals searching for people with your skills and experience. Be sure to include keywords related to your industry and job function throughout your profile.

Be active on the platform

Being active on the platform is key to getting the most out of LinkedIn. Share updates and articles related to your industry, participate in conversations, and engage with other professionals on the platform. The more active you are, the more likely you are to get noticed by potential employers and other professionals in your industry.

Consider LinkedIn Premium

LinkedIn Premium is a paid subscription service that provides additional features and benefits, such as the ability to see who has viewed your profile, access to more advanced search filters, and the ability to send messages to people you’re not connected with. Consider whether LinkedIn Premium is right for you based on your professional goals and budget.

In conclusion, optimizing your LinkedIn profile is a crucial step in building your professional brand and expanding your network. By following these 11 essential tips, you can showcase your skills and experience, build relationships with other professionals, and increase your visibility on the platform.

Remember to keep your profile up to date, engage with others, and be active on the platform to make the most out of LinkedIn. With these tips, you can take your professional brand to the next level and open up new opportunities for your career. Also don’t forget to connect with me!

The post 11 LinkedIn Tips to improve your profile. appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Business Analyst

Summary

Business analysts work with organizations to help them identify and solve business problems. They do this by analyzing business processes, gathering and documenting requirements, and recommending solutions that address these problems. This role has the potential to lead to further roles in Product or Project management. Salaries range from $60k – $120k annually.

Let’s say a retail company wants to launch a new product. The analyst may conduct market research to determine whether there is sufficient consumer demand as well as industry trends. They would then help the product development team define the product’s features and specifications, create a project plan, and estimate the budget and timeline for the project.

The analyst may also work with the marketing team to create a go-to-market strategy for the new product line. This might include identifying target customers, developing a pricing strategy, and creating a marketing campaign.

Skills Needed

Business analysts should have a good understanding of many different tools and what they do. Here are some specific tools you should learn about if you are interested in pursuing a career as a business analyst.

• JIRA is good for managing a project, breaking it into chunks or tasks and keeping the appropriate personnel accountable for completing them. 
• Confluence is good for collaborative documentation with teams.
• Lucidchart is used to map out processes and workflows in a visual manner.
• Excel/Google Sheets skills are also fantastic skills that can help you break into this field.

CRM Administrator 

Summary

A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system is a software application that helps organizations manage interactions with customers and prospects. A CRM system typically includes features to help manage customer information, such as contact details, past interactions, as well as tools for tracking sales leads, managing marketing campaigns, and analyzing customer data.

A good explanation to help illustrate exactly what a CRM is to think about how other types of relationships could be managed for example how do you make your significant other stay in love with you? What if you had a bad memory? You could keep a written record about the events and facts that could help you to romance your partner. What is her favorite color? When is her birthday? When is her mothers’ birthday? What wine does she like? Etc . . .You could call this written record a Relationship Management book. What if you wanted to apply a similar record keeping book but for your customers? That is a CRM. 

There are tons of different CRM systems that are used by businesses but Salesforce, Dynamics CRM and Monday.com are some of the most well known.

Skills Needed

Each CRM has its own interface, training and quirks, and lots of companies hire administrators to maintain these systems. Administrators are responsible for 

• Customizing and configuring the system to meet the needs of the business it supports.
• Managing User Access and Security
• Creating and managing reports and dashboards
• Training and support
• Updates

The great thing about these skills are that they are relatively easy to learn and no code is required! 

Medical Credentialing Specialist

Summary

Medical Credentialing Specialists are responsible for verifying and assessing the qualifications as well as professional credentials of healthcare providers like surgeons, doctors, nurses, etc. It involves verifying a provider’s education, training, licenses, and experience, as well as checking professional references and conducting background checks. 

Skills Needed

• Attention to detail
• Time Management
• Communication skills
• Microsoft Office 

There are also multiple certification opportunities in medical credentialing to help you stand out in interviews. NAMSS is a good website you can use to check for these.

SEO Specialist

Search Engine Optimization and Marketing is the process of increasing the visibility of a website or App on search engines. There are many factors that go into SEO but a few of the basics include:

• Conducting keyword research: Identifying the keywords and phrases that people search for when looking for your products, service, or website and strategically using them throughout your website’s content.
• Website Optimization: Site structure (link structure), page titles, descriptions, videos and images all need to be optimized to yield higher search rankings. Making titles clear and concise, adding alternate text to images and uploading them into compression programs to reduce file size and increase site speed are all methods to do this
• Build high-quality backlinks: Earn links from other reputable websites to boost your website’s authority and improve search engine rankings. This is done through various methods including contacting other websites and asking for a link
• Utilize social media: Use social media to promote your website and content.
• Using web analytics tools like Ahrefs to monitor your website’s traffic and performance, and make adjustments as needed. 

   There are numerous SEO blogs you can visit to learn more about the craft, https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ and https://moz.com/blog are 2 of my favorites.

These are just a few of the many high paying work from home opportunities available in the market place. Soon we will be publishing a guide that goes into greater detail on how you can go about scoring these gigs. From resume prep to negotiation we will help you get the best offer you can.

The post 4 High paying work from home Jobs appeared first on Career Guide 101.

Here is a small sample of traditional jobs I was able to locate on various job boards that are open to High School graduates.

1. Air Traffic Controller – Air traffic controllers are responsible for guiding aircraft safely from takeoff to landing. The job requires intense training, but no college degree is required and The median annual salary for air traffic controllers is around $124,540.
2. Commercial Pilot – Commercial pilots fly aircraft for airlines, cargo companies, and other aviation businesses. A commercial pilot’s license is required in addition to flight training. The median annual salary for commercial pilots is around $86,080.
3. Construction Manager – Construction managers oversee construction projects, including planning, budgeting, and supervising workers. Many construction managers start as laborers and work their way up to management positions. The median annual salary for construction managers is around $97,180.
4. Elevator Installer and Repairer – Elevator installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lifts. The job requires on-the-job training and a high school diploma or equivalent. The median annual salary for elevator installers and repairers is around $84,990.
5. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator – Nuclear power reactor operators manage and control the operations of nuclear reactors. The job requires intensive training, but no college degree is required. The median annual salary for nuclear power reactor operators is around $100,350.
6. Real Estate Broker – Real estate brokers help people buy and sell properties. They need to pass a licensing exam, but they do not need a college degree. The median annual salary for real estate brokers is around $60,370.
7. Sales Representative – Sales representatives sell products and services to businesses and consumers. The job requires strong communication and sales skills, but no college degree is required. The median annual salary for sales representatives is around $63,420.
8. CRM Administrator – CRM administration is a fast growing field with demand strongly outpacing supply. Additionally skills in almost any industry are transferable since almost everyone uses a CRM these days. Salaries average from $80,00 up.
9. Developer – Web, Software, Apps, development is everywhere today as is the demand for skilled professionals to build and maintain these applications. There is definitely a learning curve to becoming a developer, but the time commitment is not anywhere near seeking a degree, and the skills pay well with annual salaries around $120,000 +.

   This list is not meant to be exhaustive. There are 1,000s of these jobs available. Try filtering on Indeed and Linkedin during your searches to look for education. And remember just because a job says a degree is required, doesn’t mean it always is. Employers rarely ever ask for it other than in job ads so fill out that application!

Freelance Work

   Freelance and contract work are also great opportunities to get higher paying work without the need to show off specific education related credentials. You can even leverage skills gained as a freelancer to work your way into a “College Role” at a company. For example at a company I used to work at, a college degree was required for all director and above level employees. This created an income/career ceiling for most of us. However, 1 new hire came on board as a contractor with a very specific, in-demand skill set that was in short supply in our geographical area. He was eventually hired on at a director level to keep him from leaving. 

   Freelance is also a great way to have flexibility with your schedule and work situation. There are tons of these freelance opportunities on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. Use them to your advantage. Experience is king, not education! 

   Also do not be afraid to network. Go to industry events, meetups, conferences etc. Get your name out there and let others know about you. I have had a ridiculous amount of success getting jobs and contracts from my network, and i really only started doing this a few years ago. 

   Bottom line, do not be discouraged if you don’t have a College degree. Almost all jobs these days value skills and experience more than that and will give you a chance. So throw your hat in the ring. Perfect your resume, and start your search in earnest.

The post 9 high paying jobs that don’t require a College Degree appeared first on Career Guide 101.