No Finish Line

No Finish LineNo Finish LineA marathon runner determines training and running 26 miles to be easier than the job search, where she cant control the finish line, if there is one.Marc Cenedella wrote a piece a few weeks ago comparing the search process with running a marathon (Its a marathon, not a sprint, Nov. 8, 2010). As a veteran marathon runner (Ive run 24 worldwide), I have some thoughts.The search process is a terrifically challenging endeavor - it takes time, commitment, hard work and a bit of luck. But thats about as close as I can come to a positive correlation with running marathons.Heres my take I started to train for my first marathon to rechannel my energy following a breakup. I joined a running team, dusted off my running shoes and headed out the door. I also told everyone, friend and foe, of my goal - to finish a marathon - knowing the pressure would make me finish. Then, I enlisted a friend to throw me a party afterward, as an added incentive to make sure I finished the race. Through the long, hot summer, logging in some 20-mile runs in the humidity, I welches determined to have a successful finish. When race day came, I did, and it set me on my path to becoming an international marathon runner. At the end of the race, I felt immortal. My confidence was in the stratosphere for months afterward. (I also managed to meet a new boyfriend, became engaged and married the following year.)Now for the job search In August 2007, my job as a senior portfolio manager was eliminated when my company merged with another. The whack to my self-confidence was obvious, but being determined, I dusted off my high heels, donned my navy blue interviewing suit and immediately got out there talking to and meeting with prospective employers. I hired a career coach and a personal marketer to get me in front of hiring managers. I joined networking groups and helped orchestrate training programs and exercises designed to make all of us better as we continued to hunt for jobs.While taking all the right steps, my timing was terrible We were in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, and there was zero demand in the finance industry for someone with my skills. Despite a rigorous interviewing schedule, tons of networking and volunteer activities to help others (including job seekers), there were no offers. Sometimes after several rounds of interviews, the company would inform me they had simply decided not to fill the position. (Someday I want to write about how companies should be more responsible when dealing with candidates. But, thats a story reserved for another time.)What Ive come to discover is that in running marathons, where I have control over the outcome, nothing can stop me Ive run marathons in heat, snow, sleet and pouring rain with blisters, pulled muscles and a host of other impediments that only fellow runners can appreciate.The job search is different. My resume is solid, I have impressive skills, I play well with others and I have a record of delivering results. But, I control only one side of the equation. The company controls the other. I sometimes invoke the analogy of an invisible hand moving the finish line further back, so that just when Im about to burst through the tape, I find I have several hundred more yards to go.Case in point Recently, I had 10 interviews with a company, and the decision came down to two finalists, and I was one. Unfortunately, they selected the other candidate, and used voice mail to communicate their decision. Gee, I feel that finish line moving back a few more yardsI believe in the Chinese saying that with crisis comes opportunity. I have embarked on another career during this process, consulting with financial services companies, particularly in the alternative assets (hedge funds and private equity) space. While it has not yet replaced my former senior executive position, the work is satisfying and something I enjoy doing, since it uses skills I have but did not get to use as much in my previous jobs. I also have begun to focus on smaller companies, where there is a need for an experienced executive to help guide a company through rough shoals. It feels good to be productive, respected and professionally wanted.I also believe that while the search process is challenging on every level, and at times seems insurmountable, there are things within our control. Being prepared, being professional, working hard to get meetings is part of it. I also believe daily exercise is a vital component. I get up early, get in an hour of some kind of exercise, and then hit the phone and the computer. Is that finish line getting a bit closer? Only time will tell.

4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promoted

4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promoted4 characteristics of leaders who get hired and promotedImagine if you had the opportunity to sit down with a senior executive and get the real, straight up truth about what it takes to stand out as a leader in todays highly competitive workforce.Thats exactly what I got when I interviewed Oracle executive John nachhall about the most common characteristics of people in his organization who contribute the most value. Hall was mora than happy to divulge the four characteristics shared by those he is most likely to hire into or promote within the organization he has led to become the worlds most profitable software training business.1. Adults only need applyIf youre brilliant but high maintenance, that wont impress Hall.I like to hire people who are smart but they have to work well with a team, he explains. I call it adult behavior. They dont have time or tolerance for office dramatics. Explains Hall, We still have disputes and di scussions but at the end of day, I want a team that supports me and supports the business one hundred percent. Working well as a team is critically important.2. Dont tell me everythings greatYes men and women with rose colored glasses firmly in place need not apply, either, according to Hall. The other thing that were really keen on, he explains, is being data-centric. I dont need somebody to say, Things are going well. I want them to say, Hey, things are 6.7% better than last year or Theyre at negative 6.7%. Hall adds, Speaking in those terms provides a tremendous amount of credibility when youre talking to senior executives and other people in your industry. So get into the practice of presenting your thoughts with clearly defined facts rather than fuzzy generalizations.3. Take the baton and go for the finish lineA key to success and being valued in Halls organization and most others is being results-oriented. At Oracle we have very specific objectives around revenue, margin, ma rket share, customer satisfaction, and quality, Hall says.He takes care to clearly define and communicate goals, and then relies on team-members to drive toward those results with little handholding along the way. Ive had success with describing the finish line in extremely clear, data-centric terms. I tend to hire great people and make sure they know the objectives.Not clear what constitutes success in your role? Ask your manager to clarify your objectives, so you can measure and report your progress against clearly defined targets.4. Set the integrity bar highThe final thing thats table stakes for me is high integrity, Hall says. He sets a high bar for integrity in his approach to things like customer service and how his own employees are treated. When I surround myself with a team thats got high integrity, he explains, its easy to maintain that standard.Want to be valued by the leaders in your own organization? John Hall would encourage you to work well with your team, be data-ce ntric, results-oriented, and operate with integrity. These are the characteristics I always look for when hiring or promoting somebody, he concluded.This article originally appeared on BeLeaderly.com.

How to Format a List of Professional References

How to Format a List of Professional ReferencesHow to Format a List of Professional ReferencesDo you have a list of references ready to provide to prospective employers? If not, you should line up references who can speak to your credentials and qualifications for a job, so youre prepared when youre asked for them. During the job application process, you will most likely be asked for references who can attest to your qualification for the job. Typically, this request either occurs when you initially submit your job application, or later in the application process, when the hiring manager is close to making the decision about which candidate will get the job. The employer will typically specify how many references to include on your list, as well as what contact information you need to provide for each reference. You will need to format your list of professional references either to include with your application materials, or else to email to the hiring manager later on in the hiring process. The employer will typically advise you on how and when to provide references. As with all communication with a potential employer, from cover letters to thank you notes, your list of references should be formatted professionally, easy to read and understand, and free of any typos or errors. What to Include on a Reference List When you provide a list of professional references to an employer, you should include your name at the top of the page. Then list your references, including their name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space in between each reference. If its not clear from your resume, you may also wish to include information about your relationship with the reference. For instance, you could write Reference Name welches my supervisor while I was an accountant at Smith Enterprises, or Reference Name is my current employer. The list should include at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are appl ying for. See more information on who to ask for a reference and how to make the request. When youre emailing a reference list to an employer, name the file so its easy to identify and easy for the hiring manager to keep track of. For example JaneApplicantReferences.docx. Example of Professional References Format Heres how to format a list of professional references for employment or business purposes. References Example (Text Version) References for Janet DolanJohn KillenyHuman Resources DirectorAllston Industries52 Milton StreetAllston, MA 12435john.killenyallstonindustries.com(555) 123-4567Janet SmithleyManagerMcGregor Company1001 Route 20, Suite 210Arlington, CA 55112jsmithleymcgregor.com(555) 123-4567Janet Smithley was my supervisor at McGregor Company.Samantha GreeningMarketing DirectorSamson Enterprises108 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 11111sgreeningsamson.com(555) 123-4567Samantha Greening was my colleague at Samson Enterprises. Expand A Few Tips Regarding References Choos ing who to ask for a reference is an important step in your application process. Depending on the job youre applying for, you will want to tailor who you place on your reference list. When possible, utilize references with connections to the company to which you are applying. Its also helpful to use references who can attest to your qualifications for the particular job youre applying to. Its great if you can list people who have worked with you in a similar context to the position as well. When you ask someone to give you a reference, its always a good idea to give them an opportunity to decline. While most people are happy to help colleagues out with references and recommendations, there may be personal circumstances preventing them from doing so at a particular time. Remember that there are circumstances as well when you might want to submit a character or personal reference (as opposed to a professional reference) who might be better able to speak to your abilities to do the job youre applying to. This is especially true when you have limited work experience, or are branching into a new field. Before You Submit Your References Listing your references on the page isnt your last step in this process. If you havent already, ask permission from each of your references. Its important to only submit people who have agreed to serve as a reference. Even if all of your references are happy to be on your list, its a good idea to provide a heads-up that someone may be reaching out to ask about you. This is a great opportunity to share some information about the job youre applying for, provide some key points that youd like them to emphasize, and generally remind them about your skills and accomplishments, especially if its been a while since you worked together. Once youve done all that, review the list of references one final time to make sure there are no typos and that all contact information is correct and up-to-date. Here are some helpful proofreading tips f or job seekers.

10 Things About You HR Really Does Not Want to Know

10 Things About You HR Really Does Not Want to Know10 Things About You HR Really Does Not Want to KnowDepending on your Human Resources office and your relationship with your HR staff, there may be things about you that you should never tell HR. While many employees cherish the assistance of their HRgruppe, others believe that HR is bedrngnis your friend. Your average employee, however, doesnt understand the precarious balancing act thats required when you work in HR. Nor do they understand how HR has to think to successfully serve the company as well as the managers and the other employees. This lack of understanding can add up to a deep distrust of HR. Sometimes, the distrust is earned HR staff membersare people. You cant pigeonhole them, placing them in a neat category that fails to reflect the actual complexities of people and HR offices. So, before you share a secret about yourself with HR at your workplace, know your HR staff. In too many workplaces, these are the 10 things tha t you should never share with HR. 10 Things You Should Never Share With HR 1. You Participate in Some Activity That Is Illegal Even If It Takes Place Totally Outside of Work. Your HR person may feel compelled to do something or say something about it. HR doesnt want to make a decision about whether he or she is legally obligated to report you to the police. The fact that you caused the problem is not going to ring their happy chimes. It will deeply affect their opinion of you and your place in your organization. 2. You Are Considering Whether to Become a Full-Time Mom While You Are on Your FMLA Maternity Leave. Heres a true story shared by a friend. A teacher, lets call her Jan, shared with HR that she was doing exactly this- hoping to landsee if stay-at-home mom was the best role for her life balance once the baby arrived. About halfway through her FMLA time off, she was informed by her HR that she had been reassigned to teach a different grade in a different school. Her long-t erm sub had been hired to fill her former teaching role. In the meantime, Jan had decided that staying at home full-time was not professionally fulfilling and she missed teaching and her students. As a result of sharing her thoughts with HR, however, she found herself learning a whole new school and preparing teaching materials for a whole new grade levelwhile balancing the demands of her infant. The key is that HR will make decisions deemed in the best interests of the employer if they are uncertain about your reliability or commitment. Dont give them the information that makes them feel they need to make decisions that may be adverse for you. 3. You Need Favorable Treatment, Time Off, or Other Privileges From the Company Because of an Event That Isnt True. It will always come back to haunt you. Another friend shared this story. Her cousin had lied to his HR office about the deaths and funerals of both his mother and grandmother. He said that he needed the time off to go to a funer al- when the person wasnt dead. Time passed and he became committed to his job and his employer. Then, his mother truly became ill and needed him to take time off work to help her. His earlier lies placed him in an unfortunate position. If he confessed his lies, company policy said that termination was the consequence. FMLA time was only allowed for close relatives, so without confessing, he couldnt take thetime to provide the care his mom needed. This is one example, but its a good one. You can mess yourself up forever by lying to HR. 4. You Lied About Something During the Hiring and Interviewing Process Before You Were Offered the Job. Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson, who left his job in 2012 after only four months, claimed on his resume to have a degree in computer science- when he didnt. He was forced to step down as CEO, and he is not the only company executive caught in a lie. Most companies have a policy, and it may even say on the job application, that any untruthful statement can result in termination. Companies need to be consistent in their practices, so if your organization has that policy, no matter how much you are valued or liked, you may find yourself without a job. The best advice? Never lie during the hiring process by omission or commission. You dont want to spend the next 10 years at work trying to cover up your untruths. Of course, never tell HR if you did. 5. Your Significant Other, Partner, or Spouse Might Be Transferred to a Job in Another City That Is Not Commutable From the Current Location. As with a number of the other recommendations, you will put your career on immediate hold. Your organization is not going to promote you or provide you with career development opportunities when they think that you will leave. You may find yourself ineligible for educational assistance, which employees must often pay back through years worked. This is more career-busting than telling your employer that you are job searching because the employer will perc eive that you have less control over the outcome. (Never tell HR that you are job searching outside of your company. While you may think telling HR will help improve your job or company, the time to encourage and participate in improvement is before youve started looking for other employment.) 6. You Are Moonlighting in a Second Job If Your Current Job Is Full Time. When you tell HR that you are working a second job, you communicate all sorts of messages that you may not mean. The result? HR wonders about your commitment to the company and your current job. They become concerned that you may be job searching because the current job either doesnt pay for your living expenses or you need additional challenges. In any case, youve brought yourself to their attention. A good HR team will probe to find out the reasons for the second job to determine if there is anything your current employer can offer or do. The HR team will hold it against you, and you will lose access to opportunity in your current workplace. Plus, they will blame any failings you exhibit such as missing work, arriving late, being unavailable for a meeting, and so forth, on your second job. Unreasonable? Perhaps. But it happens. So, dont tell HR. 7. You Sued Your Former Employer for Harassment, ADA Accommodation, or Civil Rights Violations. HR departments live in fear of lawsuits- even the good, ethical, painstakingly fair departments. If youve ever been sued, you understand the amount of staff time that must be invested, even if youre in the right. And, the EEOC lawsuit that generally follows takes up more time and energy and exposes years of employee record keeping to the government and lawyers- both entities you should avoid at all costs. So, you have nothing to gain but suspicion from letting HR staff know about any previous lawsuits. HR staff also regards the fact that you share this information with them as potentially threatening to them and your employer. Plenty of complaints have been fil ed over the years, and such a lawsuit can hurt your prospects for employment. If youre job searching, employers do discriminate (secretly, as its illegal) when they know that you have sued employers in the past. 8. You Have Medical Issues That Might Cause Disruption to the Workflow When You Need to Take Time Off, Go on Disability, or Seek Extensive Medical Treatment. If you share your medical condition or information in too much detail, you may find that your employer begins to work around you as if you are not there. The employer is trying to protect their productivity, profitability, and workload your absences would adversely affect the workplace. If you create a situation in which the employer is anticipating your absence sometime in the future, you are generally saying good-bye to transfers, promotions, opportunities, and plum team leadership positions, to name a few examples. 9. You Received a DWI or DUI, or Were Otherwise Arrested for Crimes Such as Tax Evasion, Fraud, or Thef t. Yes, activities and events that occur outside of the workplace are your own personal business and should be separate from decision-making at work. Keep them that way. Dont tell HR what they dont need to know. Unless an event threatens to flow over into your workplace- in which case, always tell HR before they are blindsided- your personal business is private. But, if you drive a company vehicle for business and you received a DUI, you best come clean. If you work in the accounting department and you were just caughtembezzling thousands of dollars from your church, you risk a lot either by telling or not telling. Know your company, but most HR practitioners are advocates for truth. Employers are smart also to do comprehensive hintergrund checks. If youre applying for a job, if you have a felony on your record, reveal it when asked on the application. If the employer finds out in a background check, you wont get the job. In the most egregious case a fellow HR practitioner encounter ed, a company failed to do a thorough background check on a new batch of employees. Later, when the employees were fired for stealing, they all had criminal records. One had gone to prison for arson and now that he was out of jail, he had to pay restitution in excess of $100,000. Of course, he was stealing product in his workplace from his $12 an hour job. 10. Your Personal Life, in General, Is in a Shambles. Stories about how you are afraid of your stalker ex-boyfriend, you filed a lawsuit against your neighbor, or you havent spoken to your sister in five years dont belong at work. They consciously or unconsciously cloud the workplace opinion about you as a person. These conclusions can adversely affect your career and opportunities. The employer making decisions may never recognize that he or she is making decisions about you based on what is known about your personal life. This is because unconscious bias is hard to detect or address. Dont give your employer any more information than is necessary for a friendly, cohesive, and team-oriented workplace. Trust this. There are really many pieces of information that HR doesnt want to know. (One caveat something that threatens to flow over into work or the workplace should be shared with HR. For example, the stalker ex-boyfriend who used to mock you on Facebook and on your cell phone, but has now started to show up at places where you are, should be shared as a potential workplace safety issue.) No matter how good and competent you think your HR department is, all of these 10 things provide information that you should keep to yourself. Play by the same rules as professional HR departments. If it didnt happen here, and it wont affect your current work or workplace, keep the information where it belongs- at home. To echo so many of your colleagues in HR, we just dont want to know all of this about you. So, please keep it to yourself.

10 Jobs That Pay Over $100k With The Least Competition

10 Jobs That Pay Over $100k With The Least Competition10 Jobs That Pay Over $100k With The Least Competition In addition to evaluating job descriptions, company culture, and benefits when youre job searching, the savvy seeker should also consider is the popularity or competitiveness of a job title.Tech, healthcare, and business roles can be competitive with dozens of candidates vying for a particular gig. However, for many jobs, there is less competition.When competition is low, says GlassdoorsEconomics Research Analyst Amanda Stansell , there is at least one job for every job seeker, per job title.While competition is lowest among medical positions requiring advanced degrees, says Stansell, there is still more than one job per job seeker searching for nurse practitioner and physician assistant roles.Here is our list of 10 jobs with six-figure salaries and enough openings for qualified applicants to score a dream job.Psychiatrist Median cousine Salary $210,000 Num ber of Open Jobs 4,613 Companies Hiring US Department of Veteran Affairs, Oregon Department of Corrections, MedOptions, World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Deer Oaks Mental Health Association, AmeriHealth Caritas & more.Optometrist Median Base Salary $115,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,486 Companies Hiring Kaiser Permanente, Southwest Eye Care, Correct Care Solutions, The Lasik vorstellung Institute, The Eye Group & more.Physician Median Base Salary $200,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,629 Companies Hiring Columbus Community Hospital, Sleep Clinics of America, Team Health, Dayton Childrens Hospital, CleanSlate Centers, Caresouth Carolina & more.Pediatrician Median Base Salary $159,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,048 Companies Hiring Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Emergency Medicine Associates, PIH Health, Cameron Craig Group, Boys Town Hospital, National Coalition of Healthcare Recruiters & more.Dentist Median Base Salary $137,000 Number of Open Jobs 2,108 Co mpanies Hiring Valley Health Care System, See Me Smile Dental, Unlimited Smiles, Park Dental, Smile Brands, Carus Dental, Correct Care Solutions & more.Tax Manager Median Base Salary $110,000 Number of Open Jobs 1,904 Companies Hiring Mitchell & Titus, Forbes & Company, Anderson Business Advisors, Wipfli, Hernandez & Company CPA, Chart Industries, bio365, Curtis Instruments & more.Pharmacy Manager Median Base Salary $134,917 Number of Open Jobs 1,051 Companies Hiring Safeway, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Albertsons Companies, VillageMD, Dayton Childrens Hospital, Northside Hospital, AIDS Healthcare Foundation & more.Nurse Practitioner Median Base Salary $100,000 Number of Open Jobs 12,447 Companies Hiring HCR ManorCare, East West Health, PsychPros, Medwise, Northside Hospital, Health Partners, TeamHealth, Ambient Care, MemorialCare Health System & more.Audit Manager Median Base Salary $100,250 Number of Open Jobs 1,298 Companies Hiring US AA, Cherry Bekaert, Crowe Horwath, OUM & Co. LLP, Mitchell & Titus, Collabera, Clark Nuber, AutoNation & more.Physician Assistant Median Base Salary $101,502 Number of Open Jobs 5,226 Companies Hiring Family Urgent Care, Cardiovascular Interventions, Northside Hospital, TeamHealth, Loma Linda University Medical Center, GoHealth Urgent Care & moreMethodology For a job to be considered for 10 Jobs That Pay Over $100k With The Least Competition report, job titles must have 1,000 unique U.S. active direct employer openings as of 5/18/2018, and 100 apply abflugs between 4/10/2018 5/10/2018. A job must have also received at least 30 salary reports shared by U.S.-based employees between 6/1/2016 and 5/16/2018 on Glassdoor. This list reveals just a sample of jobs in which U.S. employees report a total median annual compensation of $100,000 or more. Glassdoor economic research analysts define competition for this report as the ratio of apply starts (in last 30 days) to unique count of open jobs. There is least competition when there is at least one open job for every apply start on Glassdoor, per job title. This report takes into account job title normalization that groups similar job titles. Intern level jobs were excluded from this report.

Underrated Concerns About Administrative Assistant Resume Samples

Underrated Concerns About Administrative Assistant Resume Samples What to Expect From Administrative Assistant Resume Samples? A health assistants primary responsibility is to offer patients with clinical and administrative aid. You need to demonstrate that youre able to turn into the surface of the firm. Lets say youre interested in a sales position, but youre also inclined to bring an administrative job. You are just about to compose the ideal bro assistant resume For the very first time in your life, you will have complete wellbeing, dental, and vision insurance. Our resume builder gives you tips and examples about how to compose your resume summary. In the end, the volunteer work indicates a service mindset. You may also ask a buddy to assist you in proofreading it also. If youre searching for a receptionist you should stick to some contemporary job hunting strategies. The end result will cause better job opportunities. The positive results of your job search is completel y your choice. Possessing a highly captivating career objective statement starting your health care receptionist resume will boost its likelihood of being read, which will also raise your opportunity of being invited to an interview. You may be taken aback at how much indirect experience you already have working for you, even when you havent yet gotten a break in your selected field. Administration occupations like administrative office assistants and secretaries are vital to the business world. Office Assistant Resume An Office Assistant is an amazing entry-level job opportunity for anybody who would like to grow into the corporate way of life. A Resume associated with the work position of a Receptionist must come with a rather brief summary in the initial area of the page. A front desk receptionist is the face of a company, so hiring managers wish to know youre a dedicated professional who focuses on accuracy in all you do. Take a look at the sample resume for office staff positions on top. Actually, writing the reference list is nearly always unnecessary. Youre able to observe the next templates to acquire a notion about how you should craft your resume. The degree of education often is contingent on the business. The skills section is one which draws maximum viewing time for those recruiters. Below you will discover the top skills needed to fulfill an administrative position. Fantastic communication skills is also needed as you must speak with various people with unique agendas on the reason why they are in the facility of the business you are working for. For instance, if you are asking for a position in a health office, be certain to highlight your skills which are going to be utilized in that form of setting like the customer assistance, phone or filing skills youve got. By agreeing you accept the usage of cookies in accord with our cookie policy. Theres no need to apply exceptional accents like fancy font styles, colours or borders. There s no need to seek the services of some writing service to compose your resume when you are able to use resume templates to compose the very best job-hunting tools. Administrative Assistant Resume Samples the Ultimate Convenience In addition, you can learn more on the topic of administrative careers on Monster. Theres no particular guide available that could explain to you how you should craft your receptionist resume. A Medical Receptionist resume thats well organized, properly structured and full of relevant information will certainly get the approval of any prospective employer. Again, youll get dozens of sample resumes which can help you reconnect with your capabilities. Show straight away the value it is possible to bring to the possible employer. The last sort of health assistant is somebody who has chosen to specialize in a particular area of medicine. Make sure you just include duties that are related to position youre applying for. Your resumes header is a sort of h andshake involving you and possible employers.

Amanda Palm - BLOGS X BANTER

Amanda Palm - BLOGS X BANTER Amanda Palm BLOGS X BANTER Founder WriterPosted October 24, 2017, by Jenny Sakr Amanda is the founder of BLOGS X BANTER, as well as a professional writer for online media specialising in creating content that clicks. Her straight-up, comical approach to modern motzu sichhood, wohlbefinden and mental health inspires women of all body shapes, backgrounds and beliefs to love and embrace the inner fruitcake within. What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today? I undertook a Master of absatzwirtschaft, but to get to where I am I read a plethora of magazines, articles and books on how to be an expert in my niche. I also partnered with other writers/bloggers to produce content and built relationships with clients and the community (e.g. parenting, mental health, wellness groups etc). It was important to watch and learn how the entrepreneurs at the top of their game do it What inspired this career path? I have always wanted to w ork for myself, and I have a genuine passion for writing I knew writing was what I was born to do, so much so that I would leise do it even if I never cut a paycheck. What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to be a clarinet player in a marching band lets all take a moment and laugh about that What was your first job? Marketing Coordinator entry-level assistant, back in 2000 when I was so young and inexperienced, the role involved stuffing flyers into envelopes and answering the phone, something that probably isnt as common now with the digital age Tell us a little more about your role and explain a typical day on the job I have two parts to my role. Primarily, I write and develop content that is concise, compelling and engaging to the reader. Sometimes theres a sales objective behind it, often I write to increase Google traffic to a clients website or blog. In all instances, my job is to write something that gets the readers attention and keeps them reading until the end. The other part is geschftsleben development, as Im still in relatively early stages of the business. That involves seeking new opportunities, finding clients and pitching my services. It is not salesy in anyway I just let my portfolio of work do the talking, and if its a good fit then we work together Whats the fruchtwein interesting thing thats happened to you in your career? The transition from being a corporate professional to a business owner, running a one-man-band operation. It is exciting and allows the flexibility I need as a mother, but also is a very steep learning curve. Name the best and worst parts of your job The best part is being paid to create. I love writing, and bringing something to form that evokes emotion in people. The worst part is probably that instead of having one boss in a job, I have several (clients) and they all have high demands Whats the most important career tip someone has given you? Watch and learn its not always possible to have a per sonal mentor who has time to sit down and coach you throughout your career. But you can buy books, listen to podcasts, attend seminars and watch the successful people you admire from a distance and learn exactly how they got there. What do you wish someone had told you before going into writing and blogging? In the beginning, be prepared to do a lot of groundwork for free. I spent the first two years just building my profile and portfolio and received no payment. It is only just this year that Ive been able to market my business and provide a service that clients are willing to hand over their money for. Running a start-up is harder mentally, emotionally and financially than you can ever think, but its all worth it What inspired your career change from absatzwirtschaft? Marketing is incredibly broad, just like accounting, IT etc., so when you go out there as an entrepreneur and business owner, its important to specialise in an area. I chose writing because its in high demand and I l ove doing it. What advice would you give someone wanting to become a writer? Start now. Dont wait until you have more time, money or your plan/blog is perfected because you will wait forever. Just take those small steps now and it will build up to something over time. We all love instant gratification and want to be successful overnight, but that rarely happens. Its like when you build a house, you follow a process of steps over time before you see the final result. Its a journey and enjoy it What qualities and skills should people have if they want to go down this career path? Being a skilled writer, like anything takes time and practice. I am still learning how to improve my craft, just like a musician keeps playing a song over and over until its perfected. Practically, that can look like study, which can range from a degree level to a short writing course. It can mean finding a job that will allow you to learn and apply those writing skills, such as marketing, communications and media. Reading books and learning from those who have written books, blogs and other written material is also helpful for self-development. Where do people have to start to get into writing and what is the standard salary? A good start is firstly a passion, and then skills and experience. These can all be built up over time, through study and work, as well as attending seminars, being part of a writing community (lots of Facebook groups for these), voluntarily writing for your local charity/business or writing a book Depending on the scope of writing, the size of your business and who your clients are, it can range anywhere from $55 85K. Name a career highlight Transitioning from full-time corporate marketing to a small business owner. When you make a personal choice and take that leap of faith it is something you never forget. Whats next for you? I am currently writing a short fiction story, as well as a self-development book for young women who are navigating the confusing world of career, relationships and motherhood. Give your writing skills a boost and unleash your passion for words when you enquire about a Writing Course.Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)Study modeOn CampusOnlinePayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfront paymentEnquire Online Enquire OnlineWriting ResourcesPublishing assistant sample resumePublishing assistant sample cover letterInterested in becoming a?WriterJournalistCopywriterEditorAuthorPopular Career Searchescreative writer course onlinecreative writer coursecreative writing courses perth tafegov funded writing coursesbest creative writing courses melbourneWriting CoursesBachelor of Creative WritingEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Communication (Digital Media)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineCertified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) CourseEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Social Media MarketingEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreCreative careersFemale entrepreneursMia Freedman - Writer and Website EntrepreneurI have always been passionate about creating tribes of women, communities of like-minded people.CAREER INSPIRATIONFemale entrepreneursSandra Reynolds - Author and Blogger, The $120 Food ChallengeI am passionate about teaching people not so much how to cook but how to eat, how to plan a menu for the week, how to stock up their pantry, how to use seasonal produce.CAREER INSPIRATIONEntrepreneurshipHow to Become A Professional BloggerIn recent years, social media has been revolutionising the way people find jobs. Social media is now becoming a job in itself, with many people turning their blog or website into a viable moneymaker.