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July 9, 2024

From Dismissal to Digital: Your Guide to Working from Home

From Dismissal to Digital: Your Guide to Working from Home

It happens to everyone. One day you’re going through your daily routine at work, and the next you don’t have a job anymore. The workforce is constantly changing and for one reason or another, you may find yourself without a job one day. What do you do now?

Accepting and Dealing with the Initial Job Loss

The sting of job loss can be daunting, but don’t let it question your worth. It’s okay to take a breather and gather your thoughts. Embrace the upheaval as a chance to grow, employing coping mechanisms to manage stress, and reach out to your support network for strength. Acknowledge your emotions, but remember to approach the next steps with a positive attitude. It’s okay if you need to take a little break from the workforce as well. Use this time to rest, relax, and reset. Process the loss, take a break, and then dive back in when you are ready.

Assess Your Skills and Experience for Work from Home

To start your journey of getting back into the workforce, take a moment to inventory your skills and past experiences, asking yourself, “What could I bring to a work setting?” Reflect on your abilities in areas such as time management, self-discipline, use of communication tools, or specific technical skills relevant to your industry. Take a look at those skills and see what sort of positions they can be applied to — if you have always wanted to work from home, now is the time to try it! Remember, remote work often centers around digital roles, so roles like writing, design, marketing, or administrative roles could be a perfect fit. Leverage your unique skill set to find the perfect remote job for you.

Revising and Tailoring Your Application Materials for Remote Work

It’s time to fine-tune your resume for the virtual workplace. Focus on your expertise that makes you an effective remote worker. Think along the lines of time management, self-discipline, resourcefulness and adeptness at using communication tools. Be sure to spotlight any past remote work experiences, whether they were part-time or occasional. A resume tailored for remote work should underscore your capacity to succeed outside a traditional office environment. Your goal is to demonstrate that you’re equipped to excel in a remote setting.

Your cover letter is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. For remote work applications, it’s key to stress your self-sufficiency, top-notch communication abilities, and exemplary time management skills. Use this space to illuminate relevant experiences and how they’ve prepared you for remote work. Show that you’re not just familiar with the company, but that you also resonate with its values and mission. A carefully crafted cover letter can open the door to your ideal remote role, so make every word count.

It’s okay if you have never worked in a remote position before! Be honest in your application materials and state this, then give examples of why you think you have the ability to work remotely. This can be examples of how you managed projects on your own without oversight from management or how you always have initiative for new projects that you feel would be best put to use in a remote setting. If you need a little help revising your application materials, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our HR experts who will review your materials and walk you through how to best present your unique job experience.

Preparing for Remote Job Interviews

Provide tangible instances of your ability to manage time effectively, communicate clearly, and maintain self-discipline in a virtual setting. Equip yourself with in-depth knowledge about the company and role you’re eyeing. This research will help you to anticipate interview questions and to come up with insightful queries of your own. Remember, your goal is to prove that you’re not just fit for the role, but you can thrive and succeed in a remote work environment.

Transitioning into a Full-Time Work-from-Home Role

Once you’ve successfully landed your remote job, adapting to full-time home-based work will be your next adventure. Designate a specific workspace to minimize distractions and maximize productivity. Implement a consistent routine to structure your day and keep you on track. Harness the power of technology to maintain open lines of communication with your team. Most importantly, create a clear boundary between your work and personal life. This is crucial in ensuring you maintain a healthy balance in this new phase of your career. Remember, your home is now your office, but it’s still your sanctuary too.

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July 9, 2024

Spot the Trap: 5 Ways to Detect a Scam Job Posting

Here at HireMyMom, we go through a thorough vetting process with the companies that list jobs on our site, ensuring that the remote work we offer is legitimate. However, scammers are becoming more and more clever, so we wanted to share a warning with you as you start your job seeking journey.

Recently we have seen job listings that look extremely legitimate; they are not vague, they communicate clear expectations and offer several ways to research the companies. However, upon researching the business we have found websites that are fake with filler text that has not been switched out (you see it everywhere — something like “lorem ipsum”), obvious stock photos for “employees” that work there, and sites that in general lack functionality and any sort of design you would expect to see from a modern site.

Please keep in mind it is extremely important to research each company you apply to, so that you can ensure the posting is legitimate. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when spotting a fake job post:

#1 Look for Professional Email Communication

Another way to differentiate between a genuine job posting and a scam is by examining the professionalism of email interactions. Watch out for email addresses that don’t include the company’s domain – scammers often rely on free email services like Gmail or Yahoo. Legitimate recruiters or employers usually use a professional email tied to their company’s website. However, scammers can create fake emails that almost match the company’s name except for one letter so instead of @lamps.com their email might say @lamp.com.

Additionally, the quality of language used in email communication can offer hints. If the email is riddled with sloppy grammar, poor punctuation, or spelling blunders, take it as a warning sign. Scammers often neglect these details, so a polished, error-free email is generally more trustworthy. Watch out for vague emails that say details for the job will be given during the interview; any legit company will be open and honest up front for what they are looking for.

Also read your emails thoroughly to be sure it lists the same job you applied to; many scammers will collect information and then reach out to try and get your details, but the job title and company it was originally for does not quite line up.

Finally, take a look at the signature supplied. If the logo is extremely blurry and stretched, that is an indication the email might be a scam. If the phone numbers and emails listed in the signature are vague like info@company.com this should throw up a red flag as the person contacting you should have their own, personalized contact info to offer you.

Remember, do not click links in emails. Go to the company’s website outside of the email and do a little research there to see if you feel you can trust them.

#2 Be Wary of Jobs that Require Upfront Payments

Alarm bells should start ringing if a job posting mandates that you fork over cash upfront. Whether it’s for training materials, background checks, or equipment, any position that insists on financial contributions from your end before employment is questionable. Real employers will shoulder these expenses. Crafty fraudsters, however, might attempt to dupe unsuspecting job seekers by enticing them with a job opportunity, only to trick them into opening their wallets. Consider this golden rule – if you’re being asked to shell out money to land a job, chances are it’s not a legitimate opportunity.

Additionally, if they immediately ask for your direct deposit information before giving you job details or before you have started an onboarding process, you should pause.

#3 Be Mindful of How They Contact You

If a random person texts you saying they have seen your application and would like to set up an interview, this can easily be from a scammer. Legitimate companies normally email you for interviews. Also, companies tend to use services such as Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc. for interviews. Many scammers prefer to use Skype. If you are really interested in the position and believe it might be legit, respond to the message and ask if it will be a video call. Scammers normally stick to “chat” interviews while real companies will always do a video call or a voice call.

Keep track of who has contacted you as well. Scammers will use a whole bunch of different names saying you are emailing one person, interviewing with another, and asking questions of someone else. Generally, in real companies the person reaching out to you about your application will be the one interviewing you or at the very least will be sitting in on the interview with you and someone else in the company.

#4 Research the Company and Check Reviews

Dig a little deeper before you hit the ‘apply’ button by diving into comprehensive research about the organization in question. Does the company have a genuine, professional website with a matching job listing to the one you found? Or does the company seem to only exist within the confines of that single job post? If it’s the latter, tread with caution. Take your investigation a step further by scouring employee review platforms like Glassdoor. Insightful employee testimonials can provide a peek into the company’s work culture, ethics, and credibility. Beware if the reviews are overwhelmingly negative or if there’s a complete absence of them – both can be red flags indicating a potential scam. Remember, a thorough background check is your shield against fraudulent job offers. Be inquisitive, be vigilant, and always cross-check information.

#5 Too Good to Be True Is Real

If a job listing has what appears to be an insanely high pay rate for the position, then it normally is too good to be true. Thus far scammers have focused on attracting targets with high pay rates, but it is also good to look at benefits offered if there are any listed to see if they make sense.

At the end of the day, don’t discount the power of your gut feeling. If a job posting makes you feel uncomfortable or if something about the employer just doesn’t add up, heed these intuitive signals. They can serve as an essential defense line against job scams. Let your instincts play their part and guide you in your job hunt. In an arena filled with potential traps, trusting your gut can make all the difference.

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July 9, 2024

All the Job Resources You Need in One Place

No matter which side of the hiring process you are on — whether it is as a job seeker or as an employer — we understand how stressful it can be. For job seekers, you have to craft good application materials, apply consistently to posts, prepare for interviews, and more. For employers, you have to draft a good job description, sift through applications, conduct interviews, and more. That’s a lot for either group! At HireMyMom, we are more than just a place to list/find jobs. We are here to help you develop your career and your hiring process by offering the following resources:

For Job Seekers

Work with our founder, Lesley Pyle, in a One-On-One Coaching Session to help define your career goals, get feedback, and smash through any fears you might have that are holding you back. Lesley has over twenty five years in the industry, and she always enjoys spending quality time with our HireMyMom family (that’s you!) to help you succeed.

Our staff of HR experts is very hands on as well, working to help you find your dream job. If you need help finding a job that fits your goals, then you need our Job Seeker Advisor Service. Sit down with one of our HR specialists to take a look at your skills and determine which jobs are a good fit for what you want.

If you are ready to jump in and start applying but want a second set of eyes on your materials, try our Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview Training Services. Work with one of our HR experts to review your application materials to ensure they are employer ready. You can also practice some interview techniques so that you are ready to crush your next interview!

Perhaps you prefer to do things on your own time. Don’t worry, we have something for you as well! Try our self-paced course, Cultivate. Work on your own time to go through the basics of the hiring process from defining your career goals to learning interview skills to creating a healthy work mindset.

Looking for more? We also have outside partners that we work with who have provided Bonus Resources!

For Employers

Hiring practices are ever evolving, and it’s quite literally a full-time job to keep up with the changes! That’s why our staff of HR experts do it for you. Try out one of our levels of our Small Business Concierge service so that the entire hiring process is done for you by our staff.

Level One is for companies looking to hire admin and support services, bookkeepers, customer service reps, or project coordinators. Level Two is for companies looking to hire execs, managers, marketing professionals, and more. Both levels are all-inclusive meaning we help write the job description, sift through applications, and even aid in conducting interviews.

We also offer a Concierge Lite service where we consult with your company on the position you’re hiring for and help you craft a good job description. With this service, you are responsible for interviews and selecting the final candidate.

Need to hire someone fast? We offer an expedited Concierge Rush service to find your dream candidates within two weeks.

We also offer Concierge Onboarding services for those needing a helping hand after hiring a new candidate. Save yourself time as we check references, draft acceptance letters, get the candidates to complete all the paperwork, and even help candidates create goals for their first 30 days.

Maybe you’re the type of business owner that wants to learn more about the hiring process but prefers to learn on your own time. We have something for you too! Our Hiring Made Easy self-paced course will help you overcome the struggles of when to hire, finding the best candidates, understanding pay rates, and more.

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, our team is here to aid you on your journey. If you need guidance but are not sure about the options listed above, you can always reach out to us for help.

Written by HMMCustomer Care

June 11, 2024

Implementing Effective Hiring Protocols in Your Small Business

As a small business owner, finding the right talent to help grow your company can be a challenging task. The hiring process itself can be long and arduous without proper planning. However, if you go into it with a structured goal, it can streamline the experience for both sides (job seekers and employers) so that you can onboard the talent you’re looking for.

Understanding the Importance of a Structured Hiring Process

Navigating the hiring landscape efficiently requires a well-thought-out structure; it’s akin to having a roadmap. By embedding a structured hiring process into your small business operations, you can significantly enhance your ability to sift through candidates effectively, minimizing the time and resources typically expended in the hunt for the ideal team member. This organized approach not only helps in streamlining the recruitment effort but also substantially lowers the risk of turnover by ensuring the individuals you choose are well-suited for their roles and aligned with your company’s culture and values.

Your roadmap should have a few important stops along the way: crafting the job description, sifting through candidates, interviews, and onboarding. You need to consider what you’re looking for — what are the minimum requirements a candidate needs and what does your “unicorn” candidate who has every qualification look like? How many interactions with your company do you feel are needed with a potential job seeker before you hire them? All of these questions should be answered on your roadmap of effective hiring protocols.

Crafting Effective Job Descriptions

An engaging and clear job description is your first opportunity to connect with potential candidates and make a lasting impression. It’s essential to outline the key responsibilities and expectations of the role precisely. Ensure you detail the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary for a candidate to succeed. However, it’s equally important to go beyond the basics. Infuse your job description with the personality of your small business; let candidates know what makes your company a unique and exciting place to work.

Highlight the culture, values, and any benefits or growth opportunities that set you apart. To attract a diverse and talented pool of applicants, use language that encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. This does not mean you need to craft an entire novel about your business. Just provide a few sentences that sum up the core of your company. Then dive into the job description details. Provide a few sentences about daily tasks, and then include a bullet point list of what a candidate should bring to the table.

As part of your hiring protocols, find a job template that works for you and use that moving forward for all new hires. This keeps things uniform and makes it easy to fill in what is needed. You can learn how to craft a great description like this and more in our Hiring Made Easy course, if you need help getting started.

Conducting Interviews That Reveal True Potential

You’ve used your template and posted your job. Now it’s time to sift through candidates. When establishing your hiring protocols, figure out what immediately disqualifies candidates. Do you need someone who has experience in your industry? Look for that first on application information. That will keep you from reviewing unqualified candidates. Create a checklist that you can reference with each application. From there, it’s time to reach out to those who meet your requirements and schedule an interview or two.

Interviews offer a golden opportunity to peel back the layers and truly understand what a candidate brings to the table. The key to a successful interview is crafting questions that invite candidates to share their stories, highlighting their unique experiences and problem-solving skills. Encourage them to discuss times when they’ve made a significant impact in previous roles, navigated complex challenges, or brought innovative solutions to the table.

Create questions that are specific to your own company and pull from your own knowledge. Maybe your website crashed one day, ask your new digital marketing candidate how they would handle that scenario. Follow that up by asking if they have experienced something similar. Be sure to use unexpected scenarios like web crashes, but also include issues your company encounters daily. Perhaps your accounting department has to reach out to sales to collect orders — ask potential accountants in interviews how they would go about interacting with the sales team with tact to get what is needed. Write a list of questions to use as an outline for each new candidate.

A great interview is a two-way street. It’s about discovering if there’s a mutual fit, so be open about your expectations and what it’s truly like to work at your company. This honesty fosters a positive candidate experience and sets the stage for attracting individuals who are genuinely excited to contribute to your business’s success. Encourage candidates to ask questions of you as well.

Streamlining Onboarding

Finally, the last point on your hiring roadmap should be onboarding. Candidates that are thrown into the deep end and told to learn how to swim on the fly are normally the first to jump ship. Employees want to know they are supported if they have questions. Create a to-do list for onboarding that you can check off for each new hire to create a smooth process. Start with an orientation to show people how daily life works at your company. Follow up by giving your new hire access to any accounts they will need. Give your new employee tasks to get started, but pair them up with a seasoned professional at your company that can walk them through the process.

A big step many companies miss is closing out onboarding. Once someone seems to feel comfortable with a task, companies often leave them to themselves. Have a final exit interview to see how candidates felt about the onboarding process. Ask for feedback! Then, set up consistent check-ins to ensure the employee feels comfortable with their job throughout their time with your business.

With established protocols in place, you can create uniformity in job posts with templates and streamline the onboarding process with a well-established to-do list. Feeling a little overwhelmed with this process? Our HR experts can help!

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June 9, 2024

Boost the Impact of Your Business with a Content Creator

As a small business owner, leveraging every possible advantage to stand out in a crowded marketplace is vital. This is where a virtual content creator comes into play, acting as a linchpin in crafting and disseminating content that captivates, converts, and retains your audience. However, not all content creators are created equal. To truly boost the impact of your business, understanding what a virtual content creator looks like and what they need to know is crucial.

Understanding the Role of a Content Creator

A content creator operates remotely, crafting and distributing diverse forms of digital content, from engaging blog posts and eye-catching videos to compelling social media updates and informative email newsletters. They will cross-collaborate with everyone in your organization to weave together ideas and designs that emulate your brand’s voice while also brainstorming new strategies for your company; the essence of their work lies in effectively communicating your brand’s message, ensuring it strikes a chord with your intended audience. This involves not just creating content, but also strategically planning its distribution to maximize reach and engagement.

A content creator’s expertise in blending creativity with strategic insight makes them an invaluable asset, driving your brand’s narrative forward in the digital realm, engaging potential customers, and fostering a loyal community around your products or services. Through their diverse skill set, including content optimization for SEO, social media proficiency, and an analytical approach to content performance, they help elevate your brand’s online presence, making your business more visible and attractive to your target demographic.

Key Skills Every Virtual Content Creator Should Master

For content creators to truly impact a small business, there are essential skills they must possess. Primarily, the ability to craft and refine content through outstanding writing and editing skills is fundamental, as engaging narratives capture and retain audience attention. Moreover, a deep understanding of SEO practices is critical for ensuring content is discoverable by target audiences, involving adeptness in keyword research and on-page optimization techniques such as link building strategies and page formatting.

Proficiency in navigating and maximizing the potential of various social media platforms is also vital, as it enables creators to tailor content specifically to each platform’s audience, enhancing engagement and reach. Additionally, possessing strong analytical skills is indispensable for evaluating content performance, enabling data-driven adjustments to strategies for optimal results. Creativity and innovation round out these essential skills, empowering creators to generate unique ideas that distinguish a brand in the competitive digital landscape. Mastering these competencies enables content creators to produce resonant, strategically positioned content that elevates a small business’s online presence.

Tools and Technologies Content Creators Need

For developing and maintaining websites with ease, platforms such as WordPress or Squarespace are indispensable, providing a user-friendly interface for publishing content. SEO tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs are crucial for optimizing content to rank higher in search engine results, thereby increasing visibility. When it comes to crafting visually appealing content, graphic design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite offer a plethora of features to create engaging visuals that captivate the audience.

Managing social media content efficiently is made possible with tools like Buffer or Hootsuite, which allow for the scheduling of posts and analysis of social media engagement. Lastly, understanding the performance of content is facilitated by analytics tools like Google Analytics, which provide valuable insights into audience behavior and content effectiveness. These technologies are essential for content creators to deliver high-quality content that aligns with the strategic goals of a business, enabling them to stay competitive and relevant in the digital landscape.

Measuring the Impact of Your Content Creator

To gauge the effectiveness of your content creator, closely monitor key performance indicators that illuminate the broader impact on your business. Delve into metrics like the increase in website visitors and time spent on the site, which can signify improved SEO performance and content attractiveness. Analyze social media metrics, including likes, shares, and comments, to understand audience engagement and content’s social reach. Conversion rates are critical; they reflect how effectively the content moves potential customers through the sales funnel, from awareness to purchase. Sales growth remains the ultimate indicator of content strategy success, showcasing the direct effect of compelling content on your bottom line. Additionally, employing tools that track the performance of specific content pieces provides insights into audience preferences, enabling more refined and impactful future content strategies. Through these measures, you can assess the tangible benefits brought by your content creator, optimizing your approach for even greater success.

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June 9, 2024

Exploring the Differences Between Leadership and Management

The concepts of leadership roles and management roles encompass distinct qualities, responsibilities, and impacts on an organization’s culture and success. Understanding the differences between leadership and management is crucial for effective team building, organizational development, and personal career growth.

Defining the Core: Management versus Leadership

Managers focus on the tangible aspects of an organization’s success, such as process efficiency, resource allocation, and procedural adherence. They are the architects of the organization’s infrastructure, meticulously planning and organizing to ensure operational excellence. In contrast, leaders prioritize the intangible elements that drive progress and innovation. They are the catalysts for change, charged with inspiring and motivating their teams towards a shared vision. While a manager’s approach is structured and methodical, aiming to maintain order and consistency, a leader’s approach is dynamic and inspirational, seeking to cultivate an environment where new ideas flourish and employees are motivated to go beyond the status quo.

The Manager’s Domain: Stability, Control, and Execution

Managers are essential in establishing the framework within which teams operate, prioritizing stability, control, and the flawless execution of tasks. Their role involves setting clear goals, designing meticulous plans for achieving these goals, and closely monitoring the progress to ensure objectives are met efficiently. This domain thrives on a manager’s ability to solve problems decisively, make informed decisions, and meticulously manage resources to avoid waste and maximize productivity. By enforcing policies and overseeing the adherence to procedures, managers provide the necessary structure that underpins the functionality and efficiency of their teams. Their focus on the tangible outcomes of organizational activities ensures that operations run smoothly, reinforcing the foundation upon which innovation and growth can be built.

The Leader’s Realm: Vision, Influence, and Change

Leaders embark on a journey to shape the future, wielding vision as their compass and influence as their tool. They champion the potential of what might be, harnessing the collective power of their teams to transform bold ideas into tangible realities. In this realm, creating a culture of trust, open-mindedness, and shared purpose is paramount. Leaders excel in encouraging their teams to step out of their comfort zones, fostering a space where innovation is not just welcomed but celebrated. Their approach to change is proactive and optimistic; they see obstacles not as barriers but as stepping stones for growth and development. By engaging with their teams on a deeper, more personal level, leaders ignite a passion that propels the group forward, making the journey towards achieving the vision a shared endeavor.

Adaptability and Flexibility: The Manager-Leader Spectrum

The interplay between management and leadership skills forms a spectrum where adaptability and flexibility are paramount. Professionals who navigate this spectrum effectively know when to lean into the structured, process-oriented approach of management and when to embrace the visionary, change-centric ethos of leadership. This agility allows them to respond adeptly to varying organizational needs, blending strategic oversight with inspirational guidance as circumstances dictate. Cultivating such versatility involves a deep understanding of one’s own natural tendencies, strengths, and areas for development. It also requires a keen sense of situational awareness to discern when a more managerial or leadership-oriented approach is appropriate. Developing a balance between these two facets, and knowing how to transition smoothly between them, equips individuals to tackle challenges with a comprehensive toolkit, enhancing both personal effectiveness and the overall success of the organization. This dynamic capability underscores the value of viewing management and leadership not as binary opposites but as complementary forces that, when harnessed together, can drive exceptional outcomes.

It is important to note that not every manager is a leader or vice versa, but it is important when cultivating talent within a company to help advance those natural leaders into management positions.

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June 9, 2024

Raising Little Entrepreneurs: Including Kids in Work-From-Home Tasks

As someone who has worked from home for over two decades while raising kids, I can tell you that your kids love to be involved with whatever you are doing — from normal chores like folding laundry to daily tasks like work meetings. Your kids love spending that time with you, and they are like little sponges, soaking up everything!

Sometimes it can be difficult to balance work and your kiddos, but that is why I recommend making them part of your workday schedule! They can lend a hand while also learning valuable skills. For example, when my kids were toddlers I asked them to neatly stack papers for me. If there were other days where they wanted something a little more active, I set them up with their very own “office” with a small desk, some simple materials like papers and highlighters, an old keyboard, and told them to run their own business. It was absolutely adorable, and I noticed how quickly they picked up things like noon meant they were going to “step away from their desk” for lunch or how to handle phone calls…even if they completely made up the phone calls themselves! This also encouraged their imagination, which is so important for young children.

As my kids got older, the tasks they could do to help offered more responsibility. For example, I would have them count out items such as envelopes into stacks of twenty-five and add up the stacks to ensure we had the correct amount of envelopes for mailings. I would also let them seal envelopes and put stamps on them. Some of our favorite memories include beautiful spring days when we all walked to the mailbox together after all that work.

Once they were in the pre-teen stage, I even let them answer the phone. They learned invaluable skills on how to answer the phone, talk to people of all different backgrounds, and how to socialize professionally. When my kids grew out of that stage, I’m not sure who missed them more, myself or my clients who got a kick out of interacting with them!

Not only can your kiddos really help you with your work, they can learn skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, all the while creating fun memories with their parents. If you want to start including your children in your daily work from home routine, here are a few skills you can pass onto them:

Teaching Time Management

Give your kiddos their own deadlines to complete tasks. If you need twenty five paper clips for paperwork, tell your children to count out the paperclips by the end of the day. If you have very young children who are just learning the clock, ask them to be your personal alarm clock and alert you during certain times of the day; this will help them tell time while also keeping you on track for lunch breaks, snack breaks, and more.

Enhancing Communication Skills Through Business Calls

Yes, I have let my kids answer the phone for work, and yes sometimes we had some hilarious mishaps. However, clients and myself alike always enjoyed the experience. Teach your kids what to do if a phone call drops, if it is hard to hear someone on the other end of the line, and how to place calls themselves to others. If you mostly do online video calls, you can also have your kiddo help you login to those calls so they can get used to working on the computer with popular programs like Zoom or Google Meet.

Imparting Basic Finance Knowledge with Invoicing Tasks

Back in the day when paper invoices were more common, I would print off a list of customers and hand that to my kiddos as well as a stack of invoices. Their job was to make sure that I had printed off invoices for everyone on that list. This taught basic organizational and cross-referencing skills while also letting them see how invoices were set up. As teens, they helped me with the bookkeeping by inputting vendor invoices into our system which was just taking a paper invoice and typing in the due date and amount. I would check this at the end of everyday to make sure totals matched; this sort of experience was extremely helpful for my kids!

Celebrating Successes to Foster a Growth Mindset

The big thing to remember here is that your kids need to be rewarded when they do good at the tasks you include them in! This does not have to be complicated — you can simply praise your child for their good job. Don’t forget to pay them somehow; when my kids were really little they just liked working with me, but as they got older I found ways to pay them back for their help. As toddlers we had a points system in place that would allow them to pick out a toy from a magazine. As little kids they received a dollar for just about everything they did. As teenagers they were paid a small wage. This passes on the value of hardwork, but we were also sure to add in bonuses for a job well done such as surprise pizza parties with friends when they were younger or a cash bonus for the teenagers.

My children are now all grown and are very hard workers. We did our best to set them up with skills they would need for the future, and we often saw this advantage at play when the kids started at their entry level jobs and some of their coworkers were unsure of how to do basic tasks because they were not familiar with them. I highly recommend finding some way to include your children in your work in every stage of their lives to foster valuable skills and also create lasting memories.

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June 9, 2024

Optimize Your Hiring Process: 5 Personality Tests to Consider

Hiring the right talent is one of the biggest challenges that small businesses face. The key to a successful recruitment process lies not only in evaluating the skills and qualifications of the candidates, but also in understanding their personalities. Personality tests can provide valuable insights about a potential hire, helping you make a well-rounded assessment of their suitability for a specific role or your company’s culture. In this blog, we will discuss five of the best and most accurate personality tests that can streamline your hiring process and increase the chances of hiring the right fit.

Predicting Employee Success with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a globally recognized personality assessment tool that helps to identify unique personality types and preferences of individuals. By segregating individuals into one of the 16 personality types using four dichotomous factors – Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/Perceiving, MBTI provides a multi-dimensional perspective of a candidate’s personality. This can be instrumental in predicting how a prospective employee might behave in varying circumstances, their potential team dynamics, and their stress management tactics. Moreover, it gives a glimpse of their decision-making capabilities, which can be a valuable predictor of their alignment with the demands of specific job roles and your organizational culture. With MBTI, you can improve the predictability of the recruitment process and ensure a better fit between the job role and the hired candidate.

Delve Deeper with the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire

The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is an exceptional tool that penetrates into the profound elements of human personality traits. Uniquely designed, it measures a set of 16 primary personality factors that create a comprehensive portrait of a person’s behavioral tendencies and attitudes. The 16PF unveils layers of a candidate’s personality, detailing their strengths, potential growth areas, their likely interaction styles, and potential stress responses. The nuanced personality profile generated can greatly facilitate in matching a candidate’s inherent traits with the specificities of a job role or the unique dynamics of your team.

Identifying Leadership Potential with the Hogan Personality Inventory

The Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) serves as a predictive tool to gauge an individual’s work performance based on their everyday personality traits. What sets it apart is its capacity to spot potential leaders, which is done by evaluating seven primary scales: adjustment, ambition, sociability, interpersonal sensitivity, prudence, inquisitive, and learning approach. By using the HPI during the recruitment process, you can uncover candidates who possess the natural disposition and characteristics of effective leaders. This provides an edge in making informed hiring decisions, particularly for roles requiring strong leadership skills. Unlike traditional personality tests, the HPI takes a strategic look at leadership potential, offering a unique perspective on a candidate’s suitability for senior positions.

Predicting Work Behavior with the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment

The Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment is a robust, scientifically-grounded test designed to gauge the motivational drives, needs, and behaviors of a potential hire. It zeros in on four core behavioral characteristics – dominance, extraversion, patience, and formality. By assessing these factors, this test serves as a predictive tool for anticipating an individual’s work behavior, performance levels, and compatibility with specific teams or work environments. By integrating the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment into your recruitment process, you can gain deep insights into how a candidate is likely to perform in a particular role, and how well they’ll fit into your existing team dynamics. This test also contributes towards mitigating the risk of hiring mismatches and subsequently reducing employee turnover.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence with the EQ-i 2.0

The EQ-i 2.0 is a comprehensive tool specifically designed to assess emotional intelligence (EI), a factor of critical importance in professional settings. EI underpins various crucial work-related aspects such as problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. The EQ-i 2.0 delves into five composite scales and 15 subscales linked to emotional and social functioning. This comprehensive evaluation offers a full portrait of a candidate’s EI, providing vital insights into their capability to manage their own emotions and those of others effectively. The skill to manage emotions efficiently is crucial for fostering a harmonious, productive work atmosphere. Incorporating the EQ-i 2.0 into your hiring process can aid in selecting candidates who exhibit high emotional intelligence, boosting your team’s overall functionality and productivity.

Have you used a personality test in your hiring process before? Let us know how you felt about it and what you learned!

Disclaimer: These are not affiliate links; no money is being made by HireMyMom from the purchase of any software mentioned in this blog nor does HireMyMom specifically recommend one of these. This is purely informational based on research we have done and feedback received from companies with which we have worked.

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June 9, 2024

Why Being A Small Business Gives You an Edge in Online Job Postings

When it comes to hiring new employees, many small businesses may feel like they are at a disadvantage compared to larger companies. After all, larger companies often have more resources, a well-known brand, and a larger pool of applicants to choose from. However, when it comes to posting job listings online, being small can actually give your business a competitive edge due to things like:

Niche Talent Acquisition is Easier

In the world of online job postings, small businesses have a distinct advantage when it comes to niche talent acquisition. While larger companies may struggle to attract candidates with specialized skills or industry knowledge, small businesses can focus on targeting specific talent pools that align with their unique needs; big companies often focus on building large teams of people for support rather than a small, specialized team like a small business needs.

By honing in on niche talent acquisition, small businesses can create job listings that speak directly to the expertise and interests of highly skilled professionals. This targeted approach allows them to bypass the noise of larger companies and attract individuals who are passionate about their industry and eager to contribute their skills to a smaller, more specialized team.

Furthermore, small businesses often have a more intimate knowledge of their industry and its talent landscape. This insight enables them to strategically identify and engage with potential candidates through professional networks, industry events, and online communities. With a smaller pool of potential candidates, small businesses can dedicate more time and resources to building relationships and connecting with top talent.

Showcasing Unique Company Culture

Unlike larger companies, small businesses often have a close-knit team and a strong sense of identity. This allows you to create a company culture that is authentic, dynamic, and truly unique. When posting job listings online, make sure to highlight what makes your company culture special. Are you known for your supportive and collaborative work environment? Do you have a flexible and remote-friendly work policy? Are you committed to developing future leaders? These are the things that will catch the attention of talented individuals who are looking for more than just a job. When employees feel connected to and aligned with the values and vision of the company, they are more likely to stay long-term and contribute their best work.

Flexibility in Offering Competitive Packages

Unlike larger companies with rigid salary structures and benefits packages, small businesses have the flexibility to tailor their compensation and perks to meet the needs of individual employees. This flexibility allows small businesses to offer more personalized and enticing packages that can attract top talent. Whether it’s offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or unique perks like unlimited vacation or professional development opportunities, small businesses can go above and beyond to create attractive packages that larger companies may struggle to match.

Additionally, small businesses can often offer equity or profit-sharing opportunities, giving employees a chance to directly benefit from the company’s success. This can be a powerful motivator and attract individuals who are seeking a more entrepreneurial environment.

Quick and Personalized Recruitment Process

Small businesses typically have less bureaucracy and red tape, allowing them to streamline their recruitment process. This means that candidates don’t have to wait weeks or even months for a response or decision. Additionally, small businesses can leverage their size to facilitate more direct and open communication with candidates. They can offer opportunities for candidates to connect with team members and ask questions about the company, the role, and the work environment. This transparent and personal interaction can help small businesses build rapport and trust with candidates, ultimately leading to successful hires.

Did we miss any advantages of listing a job position as a small business? Reach out and let us know how your small business has benefited with online job listings compared to large companies.

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June 9, 2024

The Small Business Guide to Determining Compensation

One of the most daunting parts of the hiring process for small businesses is often determining compensation for their new hires. There are so many variables that go into it: experience, budget, position type, and more. However, we have put together a guide to help walk you through it! We hope this makes the process less stressful so you can focus on celebrating the new addition to your team.

Conducting Market Research to Determine Competitive Salaries

To establish competitive salaries for new hires, small businesses must delve into comprehensive market research within their industry and geographical area. This investigative process involves utilizing a variety of resources such as online salary databases, industry-specific compensation studies, and annual salary surveys to gather data on prevailing wage rates. By engaging in this research, small business owners can gain insight into the current compensation trends and benchmarks for similar roles.

This step is crucial not only for setting an attractive salary that can draw in qualified candidates but also for ensuring that the offered compensation aligns with market standards. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the level of demand for specific skill sets and experience levels, as these can significantly influence salary expectations. Engaging in conversations with peers or attending industry networking events can also provide valuable, real-world insights into competitive salary offerings. Lean on your network and don’t be afraid to ask what others are offering for similar roles in their companies.

Evaluating the Role and Its Requirements

To ensure a compensation package is both fair and competitive, a thorough evaluation of the role in question is paramount. This entails a deep dive into the nuances of the position, including the necessary experience, expertise, and educational background prospective candidates should possess. Additionally, assessing any unique qualifications or certifications that may enhance the role’s effectiveness is crucial. For example, you might want to hire a project manager. You may have found a great candidate who has several certifications in their field. These add value to what the candidate brings to the table and thus they should be offered more for someone that does not have those qualifications.

Considering Budget and Business Goals

The process of setting compensation for new hires must align with the broader financial landscape of your company, taking into account not just the immediate costs but also the long-term implications on your business’s growth and stability. It’s essential to conduct a detailed financial analysis, considering current revenue streams, anticipated growth, and existing commitments to other employees and operational expenses. This analysis helps ensure that the salary and benefits offered do not strain your company’s finances, potentially jeopardizing its future.

Additionally, it’s crucial to reflect on how the role you’re hiring for fits into your business’s strategic objectives. Investing in a new hire should propel your business forward, contributing to its development and the achievement of its goals. This means considering not just the salary but the total cost of employment, including benefits, taxes, and any other compensation elements. It might be tempting to stretch your budget to attract top talent, but it’s vital to weigh these decisions against the potential return on investment. Having this information ready can also help you better communicate with candidates letting them know what your company can afford currently but also what they might earn in the future as part of a compensation schedule.

Creating a Flexible Compensation Package

A dynamic approach to compensation allows small businesses to appeal to a broader pool of candidates by catering to their varied needs and preferences. Such packages can include a combination of base salary, variable bonuses based on performance or company profits. Additionally, offering perks related to remote work, such as a home office stipend, technology allowances, or co-working space memberships, can significantly enhance the attractiveness of your offer. Beyond tangible benefits, emphasizing a culture of work-life balance, opportunities for professional growth, and other intangible benefits can make your compensation package more appealing. This flexibility not only demonstrates your company’s commitment to accommodating diverse employee needs but also positions your small business competitively in the job market, enabling you to attract and retain high-caliber talent effectively.

Again, this should be created after conducting research in your industry. Take a look at what others are offering and how they structure their packages so that you know what incoming candidates will be expecting. And, always be prepared to negotiate!

If you want to learn more about how to set compensation for your employees, we suggest our self-paced course: Hiring Made Easy!

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