Feeling Discouraged? How to Hang Tough and Find Job Search Success

Looking for a new job is exciting and can be fun. But, it can also be stressful and challenging, especially if you don’t get an offer for a job that genuinely interests you or if you’ve submitted several resumes with no luck. When this happens, it’s easy to get discouraged and quit. But, roads with potholes can lead to lovely destinations if you keep traveling. Persistence is the key to success in a job search. 

If you view the bumps in the road as opportunities to sharpen your job hunt skills, it’s easier to take the steps that can help you overcome the hurdles. Here are our best tips for working through the challenges and sticking out tough times during a job search.

 

Get Back to Basics

When you look for a job, your resume is an essential piece of the puzzle. And, let’s just put it out there–resumes are tough to create and difficult to polish. It feels awkward to sell yourself on one page. And, revising it multiple times can make you feel a little crazed. But, if you aren’t getting job nibbles, it’s time to give your resume some love. Here’s how:

  • Take a fresh look at your resume and make sure that it’s easy-to-read, simple, error-free, and professional. 
  • Ask a trusted friend or a former coworker to review your resume for errors. 
  • Share it with someone from a different industry and ask if she can identify the work and skills you are highlighting. This is an excellent way to see if jargon or shop speak has made it into your resume and might be confusing people. 
  • Add a few flourishes to appeal to the small business owners who will review your resume. 

Based on your assessment of your resume and the feedback from your reviewers, make a few changes. As you revise:

  • Describe your contribution to success at previous jobs. Focus on the work you did and how it supported the organization overall. Think of the first bullet as a summary bullet. Here’s a sample: Grew sales by overseeing the development and implementation of marketing communication plans that addressed customer hesitancy while managing a team of three direct reports.
  • After the summary bullet, provide concrete examples of your experience that quantify your professional accomplishments. For instance, including a bullet that says “coordinated 150 meetings in six months to facilitate sales” is more potent than “coordinated meetings.” If you are having trouble putting numbers to accomplishments, talking it over with a friend or former coworker can help you develop those ideas.
  • Aim to add one-to-two bullet points for each year on the job. So, you may want to create six or more bullets to describe your accomplishments at a position you held for six years.
  • Remove experiences that are more than ten years old or not relevant to the job you are seeking. For example, if you are looking for a job as a virtual assistant, it’s ok to drop the lifeguarding gig you had in high school. Your resume is a highlight reel of your capabilities, not a detailed accounting of every job you’ve ever held.

 

Tighten Up Your Approach

With your spruced-up resume in hand, it’s time to narrow your job search. It may seem counterintuitive, but being picky about the jobs you go after can help increase your success rate for getting an interview. Casting too wide a net can lead to rejections while sending you into a frenzy of activity, applying for jobs, and following up with employers only to be disappointed. 

Remember, you want to find the right job for you, not just any job. Before you apply:

  • Carefully read the job description. Consider whether you are qualified for the bulk of the work and whether the position genuinely interests you. 
  • Tailor your resume for the specific job. Make the tweaks needed to fit the job description, but don’t do a total rewrite. Be sure to review your revised resume carefully.
  • Write a customized cover letter. Clearly express your interest and qualifications in the letter.

 

Polish Your Interview Techniques

Your resume and cover letter open the door for an interview. The interview is your chance to seal the deal by putting your best foot forward and showcasing all the skills you bring to the table. You want to project a professional image and be prepared to ask and answer questions. Here are my best tips for success:

  • Get dressed as if you are going to an in-person meeting. Although your interview is likely to be conducted via Zoom, it’s still important to dress as if you are going to an in-office interview. Wear professional clothes and make sure you are camera-ready.
  • Find a professional place to conduct the interview. You want to show that you are ready to work from home and have a set up to do so. Look for the best place around your house to set up your laptop and do the interview. A table or desk works well. Avoid your couch or bedroom, as it’s easy to feel too comfortable in those locations. Once you find your location, conduct a practice Zoom call with a friend or family member to try out your setup. Spend a few minutes getting the camera angle and light just right so you look your best. On your practice Zoom, make sure your background is not distracting.
  • Practice answering interview questions directly and get right to the point. Employers often tell us that candidates struggle to answer questions with the right level of detail and tend to over answer questions. It’s easy to ramble a little when you are nervous and want to make a good impression. Practice answering likely questions with a friend or family member so that you can nail the questions during the interview.

 

Consider Training 

Applying for jobs with small businesses is a different ballgame compared to looking for corporate gigs. It takes a different skill set. And, like acquiring any new skill, training can definitely help

Enrolling in the Job Seeker 101 course offered by HireMyMom will arm you with the knowledge and skills to help you land your dream job.

Through a series of video modules, the series covers how to conduct an effective job search that lands more interviews. It also covers ways to dramatically enhance your cover letter, resume, and interviewing skills. Hands-on materials and additional resources help you apply the tips to your job search. By completing the course, you’ll gain the confidence you need to take the next step and land the job you’re seeking.

 

Don’t Get Discouraged

If you don’t get a job offer after a strong interview, try not to take it personally. Any number of factors can influence the decision. After you hear the news, send a follow-up note to the person you spoke with to thank them for considering you. Share that you are interested in future positions. 

 

Hang in there!

Finding the right fit and the right circumstances can take a while. Stick with it. Hold your head high, and don’t take it personally. A job search can be difficult, but the result is worth the struggle.

 

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How to Select the Best Virtual Assistant Training Program for You

If you’re ready to work from home, start your own business, or launch a side hustle, consider becoming a virtual assistant (VA). As a VA, you take care of many tasks, including email response, appointment setting, travel planning, and calendar management. You can work as a general VA, who does a wide variety of tasks or become one with a specialty in a particular industry or need. 

VA work is catching on quickly. This summer, Kevin O’Leary from the hit NBC show Shark Tank said that if he had to start a side hustle right now, he’d launch a VA business. He explains that it’s a great business model because it solves a problem so many people have–squeezing more tasks into a day. It’s also an excellent lifestyle for moms who want to control their own time, skip the commute, and put family first while still keeping professional ambitions alive. 

Like many things in life, the first step is the most difficult. Luckily, training can help. The right training at the right time can make all the difference to your journey, so selecting the right system can help you get started in the right direction. At HireMyMom.com, we’ve rounded up the best training options to help you get started. You can find an overview of the options and a framework for picking the right program below.

 

Pick the Right Training

The four options we have partnered with include:

  • The Free Mama Movement
  • The Virtual Savvy 
  • My VA School
  • Virtual Biz Partner Academy

All of these programs are excellent. You can’t go wrong. Each provides:

  • Entry-level classes that cover the basics to help you get started.
  • More extensive classes to help you scale your work as you are ready. 

What to Consider as You Choose Training

Selecting the best training option will depend on many individual factors. Each training program and system offers a unique style, and a quick visit to each website will quickly introduce you to the feel of the product, so you can find the one that best meshes with your personality. Other differences include the timing, the extras, and the cost. An overview of each option appears below so you can contrast the possibilities and determine what’s right for you.  As you review the round-up, consider your:

  • Goals
  • Availability
  • Budget
  • Preferred learning style

VA Training Options

The Free Mama Movement

Developed by Lauren Golden, she hosts many of the programs available and shares her story.

Program options: This training program offers three options:

  1. Free modules, which include a three-part introduction to working as a VA.
  2. A 12-week virtual class that you can start anytime. Includes a wide variety of bonus materials. 
  3. Independent and add on classes, such as the Quick Start Program or the 90 Day Accelerator. 

How it works: The virtual class is comprised of a program delivered in 12-minute video increments, five-days a week for 12 weeks. You can purchase a fast pass if you want immediate access to all content. 

Price: Anywhere from less than $10 to about $1,997, based on the components you select. Payment plans are available.

Extras: Conferences and events, networking opportunities, podcasts, and a YouTube video series are all available. You can purchase a subscription to a coaching circle for additional support. A Facebook Community is available. You can sign up for access to “swag drops” and participate in the Matchmaker Directory Profile Service.

 

The Virtual Savvy 

Developed by Abbey Ashley, she shares her story about how she got started in this YouTube interview and serves as the host of many programs.

Program options: This training program offers three options:

  1. A free overview, which covers some basics along with free booklets and other materials.
  2. Lifetime access to a self-paced training program, available beginning Jan. 22, 2021. (A waitlist is available.)
  3. Supplemental classes, including a subscription to skills training options.

How it works: The self-paced class offers a step-by-step guide for setting up the business.

Price: Anywhere from about $100 to about $1,000, based on the components you select. Payment plans are available. 

Extras: You can view a blog with resources to get started and free checklists and resources.  A Facebook Community is available. Also, bonus materials are available at sign up. You can choose to be included in their VA database, access exclusive job opportunities, or view YourTube training sessions. Squarespace website training is available.

 

My VA School

Developed by April Herndon, she hosts many of the programs available and shares her story with us in this YouTube Interview.

Program options: This training program offers two options:

  1. A 13-week virtual class, guided by April. (Use coupon code hiremymom20 for 20% off all courses! — Spring enrollment opens Feb. 1, 2021.)
  2. Live and on-demand classes focused on skills training, including an e-mail-based VA training class. (Coupon code hiremymom20 for 20% off all courses)

How it works: The virtual class includes weekly Q&A calls and a private Facebook community to connect with April and other classmates. In addition, you’ll be paired with a buddy to help support you. A pre-course enables you to lay the foundation for taking the class. When the course concludes, you’ll have the option to be added to her Virtual Assistant Database to help pair you up with clients looking for a trained VA. 

Price: Anywhere from less than $25 to about $2,500, based on the components you select. Payment plans are available.

Extras: A Facebook Community is available. April shares a blog, and you can purchase a private coaching call with April for specific questions, support, and brainstorming. 

 

Virtual Biz Partner Academy

Developed by Sara Lingenfelter, she shares her story and her process with us in this YouTube interview.

Program options: This training program offers two options:

  1. Virtual Assistant Training, including bi-weekly classes over six months.
  2. The 31-Day VA Program, which is a self-paced option to help you get going quickly. 

How it works: The virtual class uses a video format to share information. When you sign up, you also get access to a private Facebook community, materials, templates, and daily mini-projects with feedback from an instructor. Q&A calls are available, along with access to guest experts and a monthly “work with me” day that features Sara. When the course concludes, you will join her directory of assistants.

Price: The 31 Day VA Program costs $97, and the Virtual Assistant Training is $897. Payment plans are available.

Extras: A mentoring program is available. You can access Q &A calls, hear from guest experts, and attend a monthly “work with me” day that features Sara. Get three bonus pieces when you join, including group mentoring, a workbook, and a mini-course.

So there are four wonderful VA Training options. Now you just have to decide which one best suits your needs! Let us know what you decide! We’d love to hear from you!

 

This blog includes affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

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2019 Small Business Conference Resource List

Conferences are an excellent way to learn new ways of growing and improving your small business. They also provide a great way to learn new trends, tools and resources. Another great benefit to conferences is that they are a great way to network and meet others in your same or similar industries where you can connect and learn.

And let’s face it, if you work from a home office or a small office, just getting outside those four walls can inspire and motivate you in new ways! So here are some Small Business Conferences we have gathered for you.

 

Small Business Expo

12/10/19

Houston, TX

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

12/17/19

Austin, TX

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Know of any other small business conferences not listed?

Please send them to us!

 

 

Past Events:

 

Tony Robbins: Business Mastery

1/26/19

Palm Beach, FL

Price not listed

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events

Learn from industry leaders, gain an edge on your competition, realize the #1 chokehold to growth, increase your profitability, grow your business 30-120%

 

10X Growth Conference

2/1- 2/3/2019

Miami, FL

$147-$347

https://10xgrowthcon.com/

Learn strategies from the most successful entrepreneurs that will guarantee you to 10X Your Business, 10X Your Income and 10X Your Life

 

Small Business Expo

2/6/19

Dallas, TX

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Startup Grind

2/12- 2/13/2019

Redwood City, CA

Full Access price:  $795 ( early bird until Jan 16- $355)

https://www.startupgrind.com/conference/

Roster of world-class speakers, thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators looking to build relationships, hours of impactful networking and partner opportunities

 

Small Business Expo

2/13/19

Miami, FL

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

EntreLeadership 1-Day

2/19/19

Grand Rapids, MI

Price TBD upon completion of submitted form

https://www.entreleadership.com/all-events

Businesses or leaders at any level.Knowledge and tactics to give you and your business the edge in a market that’s constantly changing

 

PubCon

3/5-3/7/2019

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Platinum Pricing All Access Pass: $799
Gold Badge:  $699
Networking Badge: $499

https://www.pubcon.com/

Insights and techniques in SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, paid social, local search, Google Analytics and more that will help them revamp and improve their online marketing strategies.

SXSW Entrepreneurship & Startups

3/8- 3/17/2019

Austin, TX

Prices: Badges range in price from $495- $1450

https://www.sxsw.com/conference/entrepreneurship-and-startups/

The Entrepreneurship & Startups Track brings together founders and funders of all stages to talk about current best practices as well as the most exciting new companies and services across industries.

Tony Robbins: Unleash the Power Within Conference 

3/14/19

Los Angeles, CA

price not listed

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events/

Learn secrets to peak performance, discover the 3 steps to change, master the skills of rapport, decide what you want most in life, dramatically increase your energy.

Social Media Marketing World

3/20-3/22/2019

San Diego, CA

Price Rangs from $297- $1337

https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld

Social Media Marketing Tips from World’s Top Experts

Small Business Expo

3/28/19

Charlotte, NC

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Global Entrepreneurship and Business Management Summit

 

4/10- 4/11/2019

Toronto, ON

Business Speaker Price: $599
Entreprenuer Price: $599
Exhibition/Vendor: $2039

https://entrepreneurship.global-summit.com/

Innovation and Latest Trends of Entrepreneurship

 

Small Business Expo

4/12/19

Philadelphia, PA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

4/17/19

Orlando, FL

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Summit 2019

4/28/19- 5/1/19

San Diego, CA

Price TBD upon completion of submitted form

https://www.entreleadership.com/all-events

Business owners, senior/mid-level leaders, leaders looking to grow. Business and leadership strategies that you can immediately implement in your organization.

 

Small Business Expo

5/1/19

Boston, MA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

99u

5/8-5/10/2019

NYC

Price: Badge- $999

https://conference.99u.com/

Hands-on workshops give you a chance to dive into new disciplines, trends, and technologies. 99U provides you with endless opportunities to meet fellow attendees and get exposed to new ideas

 

Small Business Expo

5/9/19

Washington, DC

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

6/5/19

New York City, NY

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

6/20/19

Chicago, IL

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Entrepreneurs Cruise

7/7-7/14/2019

Orlando, FL

Cruise Event Pass: All Access Pass $697 ( family members are free)
Booking Cabin for Cruise ( price ranges from $1500- $2000

https://entrepreneurscruise.com

Content Strategy, Web Experience Management, Usability/Design, Mobile Marketing, Customer Engagement, Social Media, Targeting & Optimization, Branded Search, Marketing Automation, Analytics & Data

 

Tech Cruise

7/7-7/14/2019

Orlando, FL

Cruise Event Pass: All Access Pass $697 ( family members are free)
Booking Cabin for Cruise ( price ranges from $1500- $2000

https://techcruise.co/

Content Strategy, Web Experience Management, Usability/Design, Mobile Marketing, Customer Engagement, Social Media, Targeting & Optimization, Branded Search, Marketing Automation, Analytics & Data

Small Business Expo

8/22/19

San Francisco, CA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

9/27/19

San Diego, CA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Tony Robbins: Leadership Academy

9/30/19

San Diego, CA

price not listed

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events/

Master 3 mandates of leadership, learn 7 steps of lasting change, hone your unique leadership style, persuade and captivate an audience, tools to coach and empower others

 

Small Business Expo

10/24/19

Phoenix, AZ

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

10/30/19

Los Angeles, CA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Master Series

11/3-11/7/2019

Nashville, TN

Price TBD upon completion of submitted form

https://www.entreleadership.com/all-events

Business owners and leaders who make ownership decisions at their company. A definitive operational plan for scaling your business

 

Small Business Expo

11/14/19

Atlanta, GA

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

Small Business Expo

11/20/19

Brooklyn, NY

Free

https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com

Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Sales Strategies, Website Best Practices, Legal Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid, Business Budgeting & Planning, Marketing on a Budget, New Technology Demos, And many, many more!

 

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