What Are the Best Online Jobs?

Working from home is becoming increasingly popular especially now that the world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re a new college graduate, a stay at home mom, or an employee who recently lost your job, there are lots of legitimate online jobs out there that you could look into. In this article, we will list the 10 best online jobs.

Best Online Jobs

1. Social Media Manager

Description – Handle social media tasks for small businesses.
Average pay: $20 to $100 per hour

Many businesses don’t have the time to update their social media profiles or to respond promptly to inquiries posted via social media. That’s why they hire a social media manager to do the task for them. If you know how to post, curate, and manage content on social media, you can start looking for clients.

It would also be nice if you’re knowledgeable in paid advertising, such as Facebook ads. Businesses need new leads, and you can earn more if you know how to use micro-targeting to deliver ads to the right audience.

2. Freelance Writer

Description – Create blog posts, articles, product reviews, etc.
Average pay: $15 to $40 per hour

Now more than ever, writers are needed to create content that fill the pages of nearly every website on the internet. Although many companies have in-house writers, some hire freelance writers to write content for them, as this is a more cost-effective option. To increase your chance of being hired, you’ll need to show a portfolio or at least some writing samples.

3. Virtual Assistant

Description – Work as a remote assistant doing a broad range of tasks.
Average pay: $18 to $35 per hour

A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who does basic administrative tasks remotely (through an internet connection and a computer). Common tasks carried out by virtual assistants include answering emails, booking travel, scheduling appointments, among others.

4. Graphic Designer

Description – Design engaging graphics.
Average pay: $25 to $40 per hour

The web is becoming more and more visual, so if you have an artistic side, graphic design is an excellent way to monetize your hobby. Ideally, you should be able to incorporate multiple skills into your designs. Knowledge in branding, sales, and direct response marketing allow some graphic designers to charge more than $100 per hour.

5. Web Developer

Description – Use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript to create websites.
Average Pay: $19 to $55 per hour

Many small business owners don’t know how to build a website or they simply don’t have the time. A web developer makes a living by building websites for others. Around 16% of web developers are self-employed according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the vast majority working at home or anywhere where there’s a laptop and a fast internet connection.

6. Proofreader

Description – Proofread books, academic papers, audio transcripts, website content, and more.
Average pay: $17.50 per hour

If you’re good at spotting typos and grammar mistakes, consider a career in proofreading. This job doesn’t need any certification; all you need is a set of eagle eyes to make some money.

7. Online English Teacher

Description – Tutor students in English.
Average pay: $14 to $22 per hour

Teaching English online has become very popular, making it one of the best work from home jobs to try and for good reason. There’s a high demand, it is flexible, and it pays well. The good news is, you don’t have to be a “real teacher” to be able to teach English online. You only need to have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal. These factors make teaching English online a good online job for almost anyone.

8. Bookkeeper

Description – Record and update financial transactions for small businesses.
Average pay: $17.50 to $40 per hour

Bookkeeping is a task that ensures that businesses properly keep track of revenues and expenses. If you like to work with numbers, you can earn a decent living in this field. Also, there are lots of opportunities to charge higher hourly rates the more you specialize.

9. SEO Professional

Description – Help businesses get found online.
Average pay: $25 to $40 per hour

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of increasing traffic to a website through organic search engine results. It is an important skill marketers have to learn because you can drive lots of revenue to a business by implementing SEO best practices. If you can show real proof of results on your resume, you could get more clients and ask a higher rate for your work.

10. Customer Service Representative

Description – Answer customers’ questions and provide information about products or services.
Average pay: $13 to $ 20 per hour

Many businesses need workers who can answer the phone, assist customers, and process orders. Since more and more companies are conducting business online, there’s a growing number of customer service representatives who work at home.

A great phone voice can definitely help, as well as experience in retail sales, data entry, or management. Of course, you’ll also need a computer, a speedy internet connection, and maybe a specific software that your future employer may provide.

Conclusion

This list of the 10 best online jobs has the ideal mix of high demand, low supply, and the potential to start earning fast. All you need to enter this line of work is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and a strong motivation to get started.

Interview Hacks That You Need to Know

One of the most frightening parts in applying for a job is the interview. This is especially so for fresh graduates or those who actually haven’t tried in looking for a job. Given that there are hundreds of applicants for a few coveted job openings, the competition is surely tough. There are these fears of stuttering, tripping yourself while you walk towards the interviewer, and not being able to answer the easiest and common questions. Before you head out to your interview, here are some hacks that you need to know.

Don’t set up your interview schedule with strong candidates

Assuming you are applying together with your friends or peers that have better qualifications than you do, it is better to set up your interview on a different date. This way, you won’t be compared to them. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you aren’t as good as they are but you surely have higher chances especially if you can showcase your wit without being compared to.

Make sure to match your style to your image

You need to dress appropriately to impress. Of course this isn’t the heart and soul of the interview but your image matters. The way you dress can give a good impression to the interviewers that you are confident and can perform well in the job.

Modify your style to your interviewer

You need to tailor-fit or modify your answers depending on your interviewer. For example, if your interviewer seems to joke around, then you can exchange jokes when you have a chance. However, if the interviewer is very formal, you need to be formal as well. This has something to do with the age as well; millennial tends to be more focused on creativity and the ability to multi-task, so focus your answers on that. If the interviewer is a baby boomer, you need to emphasize on the ability to work with a team.

Find common likes and interests

The best way to connect with your interviewer is to find common interests and likes. Observe your surroundings especially if you are being interviewed in his or her office. For example, you see pictures of him playing golf and you love gold as well; try to praise him without being too obvious about it. When you share the same interests, chances are, you will be more favored because he will remember you.

Be enthusiastic

Who wouldn’t want someone who is enthusiastic to work for them? Show your interests about the company. So before going there, do a research about the company. This way, your interviewer will know that you are really interested to work for them. This becomes handy as well especially if you will be asked questions of what you know about the company.

Be honest

If there are things that you do not know, be honest. Do not pretend to be know-it-all because this will backfire to you, sooner or later. Hard-selling yourself by saying that you have specific skills which you really don’t have will have negative effects in the long run.

Brief and concise answers

Less talk, less mistakes. If you think you have answered the questions that are being asked, you can stop there. Unless there is a need for you to elaborate, you can do so but if not, it may be wise to just keep quiet.

Use these simple hacks when looking for a job. Again, practice makes perfect. Ask someone who can help you with mock interviews so you can better prepare yourself for the actual thing.

9 Signs Your Resume is Selling You Short

Don’t let your resume hold you back from all the opportunities out there!

Unlike a college test or job project, you’ll rarely receive feedback on your resume; potential employers just don’t have the time to send a personalized critique outlining your mistakes.

That’s understandable — but tough, especially when your inbox sits stagnant after a round of job applications. How are you supposed to know what you’re doing wrong? Before you totally lose your mind, take a few minutes to review these nine ways your resume could be selling you short.

1. Your resume bleeds onto two pages

If you’re a recent college graduate and have less than seven years of relevant experience in the workforce, stick to a one-page resume. Yes, even the most accomplished college graduates should only have a one-pager.

Why? Recruiters don’t want to shuffle through two pages of career details, especially when your career has barely started. That extra page will be seen as unnecessary fluff — and it likely is.

2. You went all out with your resume design

A resume should appeal to the eye, but there’s no need for colorful borders, intricate graphics, or a headshot (unless your career calls for one, like acting or modeling). This distracts the reader from what’s important: the text.

Also, many large companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS), which is software that analyzes resumes and weeds out the least-qualified candidates based on algorithms. So if this ATS software scans graphics that it can’t decipher, your resume might get an automatic “no.”

3. You start with all the wrong information

Way back when, job applicants physically mailed their cover letters and resumes to a company. But times have changed, and your resume needs to reflect that.

There’s no need to take up two lines in your header to list your street address. If anything, including it could hurt your chances of securing a job. For example, if you live across the country but another candidate lives down the block and is almost as qualified as you, then why not just hire that person instead?

Replace your street address with something more digitally friendly, like your LinkedIn profile URL or your online portfolio. Recruiters and hiring managers are going to scour the internet for you anyway, so you might as well make it easier on them.

Oh, and while you’re updating your online profiles, take a peek at your email address. If it’s not a variation of your name, then consider making a new one. You can easily snag a free email address through Gmail or Outlook to create a new, professional email address.

4. You open with an objective

Now that your header is polished, it’s time to launch into the meat of your resume. If your eye scans down to an objective statement, press pause.

Objective statements tend to be generic and don’t offer an employer any additional information to help them understand who you are or your career goals. Replace your objective statement with a professional summary, instead. This is your elevator pitch — it should explain in three to five sentences your qualifications and immediate career goals. Don’t solely focus on yourself; tailor this summary to each job and employer so it feels personalized.

5. You include high school activities

Once you graduate college, you should wipe all mentions of high school off your resume. Focus instead on your college activities and internships. Then, once you’re a few years into your career, you can start shedding those college accolades, too.

6. You lack consistency

Consistency is key, and there are a few areas you’ll want to check for consistency on your resume.

First, start with the formatting. If your first header is underlined, bolded, and centered, make sure your second header is formatted the same way.

Second, make sure your details are presented consistently. If your city and state details are presented as “Denver, CO,” for example, don’t list the next one as “Denver, Colorado.” Check your dates as well. If you list a position as “May 2016 to December 2016,” don’t list your next position as “January 2017–June 2017.” It’s little details like this that can turn an employer off.

Finally, check your verb tenses. All your past experience should be listed in the past tense, while your current position(s) should be written in the present tense; keep that consistent.

7. Your descriptions “tell” when they should “show”

Did you ever have an English teacher encourage you to “show, don’t tell!” Well, that rule of thumb applies to your resume, too.

Comb through your job and activity descriptions. How much are you showing, and how much are you telling? Your points will be stronger if you can show how you resolved a workflow issue rather than simply stating it.

Additionally, see if you can quantify your accomplishments. For example, if, as an intern, you wrote five blog posts a week on top of other responsibilities, that’s pretty impressive. You’re showing the potential employer you’re a hard worker by backing up your statement with cold, hard facts.

On a related note, take a look at your “skills” section. It’s fine to include this section, especially if you’re in a more technical field. Maybe you want potential employers to know you can handle the intricacies of Python and Java. Or maybe you’re bilingual, which will help you in a customer service position.

Don’t, however, use a skills section to list implied skills like “effective written and verbal communication skills,” “organization,” or “conflict resolution.” Your past experience listed on your resume should already show this, so there’s no need to waste space.

8. You list references

It’s great you’ve recruited some solid references to join you on your job search; however, their assistance won’t be needed until later on in the job search.

A recruiter or hiring manager will likely contact your references after a phone screening and interview with you, so there’s no need to include those upfront on your resume. For that reason, cut your list of references. There’s also no need to state that references are “available upon request” — that should go without saying.

9. You didn’t recruit a proofreader

No matter how many times you read your resume, you’ll likely miss something so obvious. That’s just how the brain works — it starts auto-filling words to meet expectations.

In order to break the sequence, get someone else to read over your resume. Send it to your parents, a close friend, or your significant other — anyone who has an eye for grammar and typos. The more sets of eyes, the better.

There are also professional options where you can submit your resume for a review to check for all of the above mistakes that people make on their resume.

Now that you’ve fixed up your resume, go ahead and click “submit” with confidence because your resume is no longer selling you short!

Author: Carson Kohler

Writer, StudyСlerk

Twitter: twitter.com/carsonkohler
Email: [email protected]
Web: studyclerk.com

5 Things to Know if You Want to Become a Real Estate Agent

A career in real estate can be challenging yet rewarding. Some real estate agents earn a six-figure income per year; others, only a few thousand. It’s important to note that while this career can be exciting, it is not for everyone. To help you decide whether this field suits you, we will discuss five things you should know if you want to become a real estate agent.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

1. Have a cash reserve.

Real estate agents can’t expect successful deals with prospective buyers all the time. Expect slow periods where clients are few or you will not be able to close any sale at all. For this reason, you should set up a cash reserve to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. It is important to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios. This way, you won’t find yourself in a situation where you don’t have anything to spend for your basic needs.

2. Put in time and effort.

Some people think that being a real estate professional is an easy job, but in reality, it’s not. Only a fraction can be called successful. In fact, it is estimated that only 20% of new real estate agents will make it in this field. In addition, only a small proportion will get the “lion’s share” of the business.

Those who are not as lucky go back to their previous jobs. So what do you need to become a successful real estate agent? You need perseverance, hard work, dedication, and of course, a little bit of luck. Treat it as a business and put in extra hours if necessary.

3. Take real estate courses, get a license, and find an employing broker

Aspiring agents should take real estate courses so they can know more about the real estate industry. These courses can come in the form of traditional or online classes. Cost vary from $200 to $900, including the learning materials.

After completing the courses, you need to take the state licensure exam and pass it. Requirements may vary from state to state. Inquire with your state’s Department of Real Estate or local Board of Realtors to know the requirements for obtaining a license.

After you pass the licensure exam, you need to find a broker. Real estate agents usually work as independent contractors under a broker’s supervision. Do your own due diligence and look for a broker who will provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to help you succeed in this field.

4. Undergo continuing education.

To be up to date with the latest development and trends in the industry, real estate agents have to undergo continuing education (professional development). These courses are meant to enhance your knowledge and skills, but more importantly, you need it to keep your license active.

5. Develop a business plan

It is important that you view real estate as a business, not just a job. And one thing successful business people do is to have a business plan.

• Set up goals that are both achievable and measurable.
• Select a segment to specialize in: horizontal (house and lots) or vertical (condominiums). You can also decide to concentrate on a particular geographic area.
• Choose a target market (affordable, middle income, high end) and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
• Set a budget and determine how to achieve it.
• Make plans to promote yourself as a real estate agent. You need to build your network. Join groups, clubs, or organizations in your local community. Who knows, the person you’ll bump into may just be your next client.

Conclusion

The tips mentioned above will help aspiring real estate agents get off to a strong start. If you don’t close your first sale right away, don’t be discouraged. The more interactions you have with leads and clients, the more experienced you’ll become. As they say, experience is the best teacher, and real estate is no exception. If you put in time, effort, and the right approach, chances are, you’ll soon have a place in this industry.

How to Become a Stockbroker

If you know what the featured image in this article symbolizes, chances are, you are familiar with the stock market. It is a dynamic marketplace where people buy and sell stocks in the hope of making money. Trades are especially heavy during a bull market, where optimism prevails and prices of stocks keep going up. A bear market on the other hand, is the exact opposite: the sentiment is pessimistic and prices of stocks keep going down. In this article, we will discuss how to become a stockbroker.

What Is a Stockbroker?

Stockbrokers are licensed professionals who buy and sell stocks for retail (individuals), or institutional (business entities) clients. They have a deep understanding of investments and capital markets. First, stockbrokers communicate with their clients to determine what their financial goals are. Then, they give recommendations what stocks are good to buy that will likely provide a gain in the future. Lastly, they buy or sell stocks on the client’s behalf and handle the transaction.

To help clients make money in the stock market, a stockbroker must be able to analyze the financial reports of companies listed in the stock exchange and provide timely advice. Failure to do so can mean potential losses on the part of the client. Aside from the financial performance of companies, the stock market is affected by such factors as the country’s overall economy, monetary policy, as well as geo-political risks.

The better advice a stockbroker can provide, the more money a client can make. Satisfied clients will mean more trades, and this will subsequently lead to more commissions. Simply put, the more clients and trades, the better. Being a stockbroker can be a fun job, but it can also be stressful, as the job involves other people’s money.

How to Become a Stockbroker

1. Take mandatory exams – There are 2 basic tests you must pass before you can become a stockbroker:

• The Series 7 – The Series 7 or General Securities Registered Representative Examination is given by FINRA or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. It usually lasts 6 hours and is probably the most difficult test an aspiring stockbroker will take. If you pass this test, then you will become a “registered representative” or stockbroker. You will have the authority to sell all types of securities and investments, except real estate, commodities futures, and life insurance. At present, the Series 7 test costs $290.

• The Series 63 – This test is about conducting business and the different laws that govern transactions. It is much easier than the Series 7 and only takes about 75 minutes to finish. Currently, the Series 63 test costs $96.

2. Complete the paperwork – After you pass the required exams, you need to complete your registration with FINRA/NFA. You must also register with the Securities Commission of each state that you wish to work in. Here is a rundown of things you must accomplish:

• Pass a background check
• Get a fingerprint card
• Complete paperwork at the state and federal levels

3. Meet quotas – Now that you are a licensed stockbroker, you have to meet the expectations of the firm you are working for. Depending on the company, your employers will probably give you six months to one year to prove to them that you have what it takes to become successful stockbroker, i.e., to get and maintain a large enough number of clients.

4. Take continuing education courses – To keep your license, you need to take continuing education classes and attend seminars. Usually, the brokerage firm you’ll be working for will facilitate this for you.

What Course Should You Take Up in College If You Want to Become a Stockbroker?

Although there’s no specific course that students should take to be a stockbroker, some are more advantageous than others. For example, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is one of the most popular courses for stockbroker hopefuls. This is because this course covers topics that are relevant to companies in particular, and the stock market in general.

Among the things you will learn are how companies raise capital, why they issue shares of stock, and how they pay dividends to shareholders. You will also learn other aspects involved in running a business. Other college courses you can take if you want to become a stockbroker include Accounting, Finance, or Economics.

How Much Is the Salary of a Stockbroker?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for stockbrokers in the US is $63,780 per year (based on 2017 data). But the actual income of a stockbroker is influenced by many factors such as years of experience, what firm they’re working for, and the commission they get from trades.

Conclusion

If you want to be a famous stockbroker on Wall Street, start reading books, find a good mentor, and follow the latest developments on the stock market. After reading this article and knowing how to become a stockbroker, now is a good time as any to take your interest in stocks to a higher level and make a career out of it.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Salary for Workers

Which countries have the highest salaries in the world? You may be asking this question if you’re planning to work abroad to have a better life for yourself and your family. Keep in mind that countries have their own cultures, languages, industries, policies, and working conditions. Depending on your skills, work experience, and personal preference, you can choose among the list if you want to get a high salary. Average annual incomes are expressed in US dollars.

Countries with the Highest Salaries in the World

10. Iceland

Iceland only has a population of 348,580, making it the least populated country in Europe. The United Nations’ Human Development Index ranks Iceland as the 9th most developed country in the world. This country runs almost entirely on renewable energy, specifically geothermal and hydropower.

Average annual income: $46,074
Top industries: tourism, fish processing, geothermal power, hydropower, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production

9. Belgium

Belgium has very high standards of living, healthcare, and education. Additionally, it ranks as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. Dutch and French are the major languages; a minority speak German. Belgium is famous for its waffle, chocolate, beer, and french fries with mayonnaise (french fries are claimed to have originated here).

Average annual income: $47,702
Top industries: processed food and beverages, engineering and metal products, transportation equipment, motor vehicle assembly, chemicals, scientific instruments, textiles, glass, petroleum, base metals

8. Canada

Canada is highly urbanized, with 82% of the population concentrated in large and medium-sized cities. Internationally, it ranks high when it comes to quality of life, education, economic freedom, government transparency, and civil liberties. Its land border with the United States is the longest in the world, stretching 8,891 kilometers.

Average annual income: $47,843
Top industries: petroleum and natural gas, transportation equipment, chemicals, food products, fish products, wood and paper products, processed and unprocessed minerals

7. Denmark

Denmark is located in Northern Europe. The weather is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. This country has the highest minimum wage in the world, due to the fact that there is no minimum wage legislation and the strong influence of the trade unions.

Average annual income: $50,024
Top industries: steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery, food processing, transportation equipment, textiles, electronics, construction, furniture, shipbuilding, windmills, pharmaceuticals

6. Australia

Australia, a.k.a. “the Land Down Under,” is a country known for its kangaroos and koalas. The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, lies a short distance off Australia’s northeast coast. English is the de facto national language, characterized by a distinctive accent.

Average annual income: $50,167
Top industries: tourism, financial services, mining, industrial equipment, transportation equipment, chemicals, steel, food processing

5. Netherlands

Netherlands, also known as Holland, ranked as the sixth happiest country in the world in 2017, based on the United Nations World Happiness Report. This country has good public education, infrastructure, and universal healthcare.

Average annual income: $50,670
Top industries: agro-industries, electrical machinery and equipment, metal and engineering products, chemicals, construction, petroleum, microelectronics, fishing

4. Norway

Norway has the fourth highest per capita income in the world according to the IMF and World Bank. This country also occupies the top spot on the World Happiness Report and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Average annual income: $50,908
Top industries: petroleum and gas, shipping, aquaculture, fishing, food processing, paper products, shipbuilding, chemicals, metals, timber, mining, textiles

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its watches, chocolates, and of course, the Alps. Aside from precision instruments, other exports include chemicals, machines, and electronics. This country is also home to large multinational corporations such as Nestle, Novartis, Credit Suisse, UBS AG, Glencore, Tetra Pak, and The Swatch Group.

Average annual income: $58,389
Top industries: machinery, watches, pharmaceuticals, textiles, precision instruments, chemicals, tourism, banking, insurance

2. United States

The United States accounts for approximately 25% of the global GDP. It is the third largest and third most populous country in the world. In the international scene, the US is a leading political, cultural, and scientific powerhouse. With its very diverse population, the US is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and values.

Average annual income: $58,714
Top industries: consumer goods, electronics, petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, telecommunications, food processing, aerospace, lumber, mining, chemicals

1. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small country situated in western Europe. But don’t let its small size deceive you; this is a country with an advanced economy and has one of the world’s highest GDP per capita. Luxembourg shares land borders with three countries, namely France, Germany, and Belgium. The official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German. Foreigners account for nearly one-half of the 576,249 population.

Average annual income: $60,369
Top industries: banking and financial services, real estate services, construction, steel, metals, glass, aluminum, information technology, telecommunications, engineering, cargo transportation, chemicals, biotechnology, tourism

Work from Home Jobs – How to Become a Virtual Assistant

Technology has been changing the world in the past decades. Even in employment, working from home has been the trend in the last few years. For example, virtual assistant companies like Virtual Helper 247 offer a wide variety of services at reasonable rates. The biggest advantage of work from home jobs is the fact that people no longer need to drive to work or even dress up. They can work even in their pajamas at any time of the day.

In-demand Work from Home Jobs

Among the jobs that are available online is a virtual assistant. When we say virtual assistant, it can be anything – graphic designer, writer, web developer, secretary, etc. Depending on the job, the pay can be rewarding. But one thing is for sure; you can do more things at home since you have the liberty to do so than doing an 8 to 5 day job.

The following are the most popular work from home jobs:

• Customer service representative
• Writer
• Web developer
• Graphic designer
• Secretary
• Data encoder
• Transcriptionist
• Video editor
• SEO professional
• Online English teacher

How to Become a Virtual Assistant

While many think that working as an online assistant is an easy feat; well, it isn’t. You must meet all the requirements of the prospective employer. For instance, you need to have a stable and strong internet at home, able to follow instructions, and most importantly, have the necessary knowledge and skills. If you are contemplating of working from home, here are some tips on how to become a virtual assistant.

• Be skilled – It is true that skills can be learned, but you need to have it first before applying for work from home jobs. You can at least have one to start and the rest, you can learn them as you go along being a virtual assistant. Make sure that you do not lie that you are skilled with this and that because employers are also choosy in picking applicants. They would give tests or trial periods; so if you do not fit, you will end up getting fired anyway.

• Be flexible – You need to be flexible to succeed in this type of career. Since the clients you will be working for need you to do things for them, you must be open to learning new things. For example, you have no knowledge in Photoshop, yet you are asked to do it. You might as well study and learn it. Working hours are also flexible. Some clients may require you to work extra hours or be online most of the time to ensure that you do not miss important emails and messages.

• Be patient – there is no easy to say it, but becoming a virtual assistant is not for everyone. Of course, it doesn’t mean that you cannot learn any skill; hence, you need to be patient. If you get a virtual assistance job, do not expect to have a very high salary. Learn to be patient by starting from the bottom and work your way up. If you are patient and very good with your job, you will surely have a higher salary soon.

Conclusion

Working from home is the preferred option for many parents, so they could be with their kids and attend to their needs. Many skilled professionals and freelancers also opt to become virtual assistants, to have control over their time and earn a decent living at the same time. If you want to work from home and become a virtual assistant, you have to be dedicated and focused in order for you to succeed. So what are you waiting for? Upgrade your knowledge and skills, and start looking for an online job now.

Careers in Information Technology

Information Technology or simply known as IT has become the latest trend especially when it comes to employment. Schools have been offering different IT-related courses, which have been clamored especially by the millennials. Information technology is so broad that it has highly specialized fields. That’s why careers in information technology require a high level of training.

What Makes an IT Career Great?

The best thing about careers in IT is the pay. Given that the technology is evolving and advancing each day, jobs in the IT industry is getting vast; hence, there are more options and opportunities for job seekers to get into. If you want a career in IT, take note of the following jobs:

1. IT Consultant

When you say consultant, it may be perceived as unclear or just too broad. Perhaps, it is. However, a consultant is someone that knows how to evaluate the systems that nobody else can. He is also someone that can help figure out solutions for system problems that may arise. According to CNN, this career is ranked number 13 in the world and pays about $96,440 per year. It really pays a lot, and start-up companies are eager to get these consultants to help them out.

2. Computer Forensic Investigator

This must be exciting just like CSI without having to encounter blood and corpse. The computer forensic investigators are also known as computer crime investigators. The evidence they find is often used in court trials. On average, this job pays $69,000 a year.

3. Cloud Architect

The cloud architect is someone who takes care of the cloud computing of a company, which means he should have a thorough knowledge of the components and subcomponents for cloud computing. He also manages and organizes all the cloud activities. According to reports, the annual income for a cloud architect is $112,000.

4. Mobile Application Developer

Smartphones/tablets have taken the world by storm. It has similar functions as that of personal computers and has replaced traditional point and click cameras. Given all these functions, the development of mobile applications has been so high and fast. This is why mobile application developers are so in-demand today. According to reports, a mobile application developer earns about $90,000 per year.

5. Web Developer

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is a must for most businesses. Due to increasing demand, web developers are hired to put up web pages, web content and web applications. It is also very important for the web developer to have a great understanding of how an operating system works. Web developers earn about $90,000 per year.

Conclusion

If you want information technology jobs, you might as well get a course that is related to this field. But if you want to have a career shift, you can take courses as well to be highly proficient in information technology. This way, you have something to offer to your future employers. If you are focused, organized, and possess good problem solving and analytical skills, then a career in information technology may be just the right one for you.

Five Ways to Master the Pre-Employment Personality Test

The hiring process has become more and more competitive with each passing year. There are an increasing number of steps involved in getting your dream job. Gone are the days of a simple job interview. Today, a popular practice among employers is using personality tests as a screening tool. Personality tests help companies to find the most suitable candidate for an open position. Employers want to see how well you work with others and if you fit in with the company’s corporate culture.

Here is an inside tip: employers assume you don’t know anything about personality tests. They believe that you will come into the exam unaware and answer the questions instinctively. The problem is, answering randomly without proper preparation can paint a disorganized personality profile. I am here to outline some helpful hints for mastering the pre-employment personality assessment.

Keep It Strictly Business

Keep in mind that all the personality questions you will be asked are focused on your typical behavior in the workplace. This means you must ensure you are answering every question professionally. Do not factor in your personal opinion.

Strike a Balance

Personality tests are usually untimed. So, what does this mean for you? Make sure you work at a steady pace, but don’t spend too much time on any one question. Overthinking a question can ruin your test-taking groove. Personality tests are usually lengthy, so you want to make sure you don’t tire yourself out.

Prepare in Advance

Gather as much information as you can about the interview process before going down in person. Ask which personality test you might face. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the directions and the types of questions you will encounter on exam day. Review and take practice tests at home. The bottom line is that stress can greatly affect the results of your personality assessment. Thus, you want to be as a cool as a cucumber on test day. Advance preparation can ensure this. Check out this free practice test to get a picture of what to expect.

Try Not to Overanalyze

I know what you’re thinking—easier said than done. It is best when taking a personality test not to read too much into the questions. Avoid getting stuck on trying to figure out what the test is asking. If you prepare in advance, you will easily be able to parse out the different types of questions. This will ensure that on test day you don’t get stuck looking too deeply into any one question.

Be a Strong Decision Maker

When you answer the personality test questions, try not to respond with the “I don’t know” option more than five times. It makes you seem indecisive. You may be tempted to answer questions in various ways, to show you are a well-rounded person. Fight that temptation! Make sure you are consistent in your responses. Research shows that employers across various professions are looking for confident candidates.

This article was contributed by Jennifer Feldman. She is a speech and language expert and blogger at JobTestPrep. She specializes in writing about the employment hiring process. JobTestPrep is a market leader in preparation for job assessment exams. It has helped more than 500,000 people achieve their academic and career goals.

Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the United States

It has been said that you should do what you love and whatever you’re passionate about. Many people will agree that this should be the basis when choosing a career, but salary is an important consideration too. Stress level, growth, and work-life balance are also significant factors. If a good salary is important to you, read on to know the top high paying jobs in the US for 2017 based on the LinkedIn Salary report.

Jobs that pay well and offer strong career path are tied to in-demand skills, higher education, and jobs that cannot be replaced by automation. Are you interested in health and medicine? Well, good for you, since positions in the healthcare sector dominate the list. These are not just general medical jobs. These are jobs with highly specialized skills and proficiency.

Technology and legal industries are making their way to the top as well. Business professions are also catching up. These include jobs that are extremely technical and require a high level of expertise.

Top 20 High Paying Jobs in the US

20. PODIATRIST