{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-08-08T18:31:19+00:00"},"categoryId":34256,"data":{"title":"Careers","slug":"careers","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","slug":"business-careers-money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":34257,"title":"Banking Careers","slug":"banking-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34257"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34258,"title":"Consulting","slug":"consulting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34258"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34259,"title":"Financial Careers","slug":"financial-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34259"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34260,"title":"Fitness Careers","slug":"fitness-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34260"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34261,"title":"Franchise Management","slug":"franchise-management","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34261"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34262,"title":"Freelancing","slug":"freelancing","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34262"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34263,"title":"Hospitality Careers","slug":"hospitality-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34263"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34264,"title":"Job Searches","slug":"job-searches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34264"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34265,"title":"Legal Careers","slug":"legal-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34265"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34266,"title":"Military Careers","slug":"military-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34266"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34267,"title":"Political Careers","slug":"political-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34267"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34268,"title":"Real Estate Careers","slug":"real-estate-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34268"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34271,"title":"Trades, Tech, & Engineering Careers","slug":"trades-tech-engineering-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34271"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34368,"title":"Science Careers","slug":"science-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34368"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34372,"title":"Child Care Careers","slug":"child-care-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34372"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0}},{"categoryId":34373,"title":"Counseling Careers","slug":"counseling-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34373"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0}}],"description":"Whether you're looking to make a living in finance, freelancing, or fitness, we've got you covered with our latest articles on career selection and advancement.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=34256&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":1133,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-12-05T11:58:22+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-19T14:37:01+00:00","timestamp":"2022-07-19T18:01:11+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Trades, Tech, & Engineering Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34271"},"slug":"trades-tech-engineering-careers","categoryId":34271}],"title":"How to Land a Programming Interview: 10 Ways to Stand Out","strippedTitle":"how to land a programming interview: 10 ways to stand out","slug":"how-to-land-a-programming-interview-10-ways-to-stand-out","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Want to get noticed by your future employer? Use these ten tips to showcase your programming skills and stand out from the pack.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If you’re applying for a software development job, always presume that many of your fellow programmers will apply for that job, too. Here are ten ways you, and not just your résumé and cover letter, can stand out to your potential employer and get you an interview.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Have a professional headshot</h2>\r\nUse a professional headshot, taken by a professional photographer, as your profile picture on all of your social media profiles. Don’t use a good selfie you took of yourself while you were on vacation. Instead, get some recommendations for a photographer from friends, colleagues, and even your social media connections.\r\n\r\nThen dress professionally (at least from the waist up), get well-groomed, go to the photography studio, and get headshots that will show you’re a professional. Once you get the photos and you’ve decided on the ones you want to use, put that headshot on all your social media profiles to <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/business-careers-money/business/marketing/how-to-develop-a-brand-197948/\">create a consistent brand</a> for yourself.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you already use a professional photographer to take family portraits on occasion, here’s a tip on how to save some money on a professional headshot. Gather the family to get some pictures done for relatives and ask the photographer if you could get a couple of headshots for yourself as well.</p>\r\nYou should already be professionally dressed and groomed, so an additional headshot or two of yourself will cost you little to nothing extra — probably the latter if you’ve been using your family photographer for a while.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Establish a GitHub profile to showcase your programming skills</h2>\r\nIf you don’t have a GitHub profile to interact with other software developers, sign up for free on the <a href=\"https://github.com/\">GitHub website</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266403\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266403 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programmimg-interviews-github.jpg\" alt=\"Github\" width=\"556\" height=\"385\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://github.com\">Github.com</a><br />GitHub makes it easy for you to sign up for free.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/web-design-development/how-to-sign-up-for-and-personalize-a-github-account/\">A GitHub profile</a> not only gets you access to other developers, it also affords you the opportunity to demonstrate your programming abilities. If one or more people who work at an employer can find your GitHub profile and can see the type of code you’ve written as well as the projects you’ve contributed to, they’ll have much more confidence that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You can write code.</li>\r\n \t<li>You are a good coder.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can actually do what you say you can do on your résumé.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you have a GitHub profile but you haven’t worked on any projects there in a while, now is a good time to get more involved so you can make it as impressive to prospective employers (and other programmers) as you can.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Get plenty of referrals</h2>\r\nOne big benefit of LinkedIn is that you can get and ask for plenty of online referrals, which LinkedIn calls recommendations, and post them on your LinkedIn profile for anyone to see. But you shouldn’t just rely on people to give you <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/find-a-job/how-job-seekers-can-request-linkedin-recommendations/\">recommendations on LinkedIn</a> — you should already have plenty of people you could ask who would be happy to recommend you for a programming job.\r\n\r\nSo, ask those people if one or more people will write you a recommendation letter to send with your cover letter and résumé. The hiring manager or team manager may be a bit confused at first with all the papers included in your envelope, but then realize that you have plenty of people who are happy to recommend you and talk with company management about you.\r\n\r\nThat added proof that you’re well-regarded in the industry will get your résumé and cover letter noticed. Referrals are not a panacea because you still have to make sure your résumé and cover letter look great, but including referral letters will make it much more likely that whoever is reviewing résumés looks at yours.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can show your appreciation by writing a recommendation letter of your own and send those to your friends and colleagues who recommend you. After all, your friends and colleagues may need recommendations for a job or other position they want.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Have a video résumé on social networking sites</h2>\r\nWe live in an age where it’s easy to make videos and post them online, so it’s a good idea to post a video résumé starring you on all your social media websites.\r\n\r\nYou can hire a videographer to professionally produce your video résumé, but you can probably do it yourself using your webcam. Just be sure to practice talking naturally into the camera so you come off as authentic and genuine. When you’re ready to record, it’s a good idea to wear at least a shirt and tie (if you’re just sitting down) and groom yourself so you look professional.\r\n\r\nYou can put a link to your video résumé in your printed one. When people reviewing your résumé type in the link, they should see a brief video that not only features you talking about who you are as a programmer and your experience, but also shows some of your personality so the viewer can get to know you a little bit.\r\n\r\nIf potential interviewers feel like you’re someone they want to work with after they watch your video résumé, don’t be surprised if you get a phone call or email message asking to set up a phone screen or an in-person interview.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You should shorten the link to your video résumé so people don’t have to type in a long and complicated URL in their browser’s address bar. One popular site for shortening a URL is <a href=\"https://bitly.com\">Bitly</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Create your own YouTube channel to show off your programming prowess</h2>\r\nIf you want to go one step further with your videos and stand out not just to potential interviewers but to the software developer community at large, include your video résumé on your YouTube channel. This channel should also include several videos that show off your personality and expertise.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266404\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266404 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-simpleprogrammer.jpg\" alt=\"Simpleprogrammer YourTube channel\" width=\"556\" height=\"384\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://simpleprogrammer.com\">Simple Programmer</a><br />The Simple Programmer website has numerous videos about a variety of programming topics.[/caption]\r\n\r\nA YouTube channel that you promote regularly on your other social media and software developer websites like GitHub will start to get you followers.\r\n\r\nWhat’s more, people at your prospective employer will look at <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/marketing/social-media-marketing/what-makes-a-youtube-channel-unique/\">your YouTube channel</a> and think, “Wow, this person is teaching hundreds of developers on YouTube, so this is a good person to have on our team. This is someone who not only knows their stuff but will help our other programmers learn and grow.”\r\n\r\nYour YouTube channel may not only attract followers but may also prompt people to send comments asking if you’re looking for a job. If you decide to start looking for employment, you can create a video that says you’re looking for a job and feature that video on your channel so you can generate leads.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Have a good blog to show your programming expertise</h2>\r\nProgramming requires you to type code, so you should have a good blog that shows your coding expertise either in your preferred programming language and/or a variety of programming languages. A blog, such as the Simple Programmer blog you see below, can\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>include instructional articles about how to perform a task in a specific language;</li>\r\n \t<li>discuss tips, tricks, techniques, and trends in software development; and</li>\r\n \t<li>include articles from guest authors who talk about their areas of expertise.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266405\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266405 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-simpleprogrammer-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Simple Programmer blog\" width=\"556\" height=\"464\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://simpleprogrammer.com\">Simple Programmer</a><br />The Simple Programmer website has a blog with a number of articles written by different authors.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you design your blog so you feature your desired search keywords prominently and frequently, Google will have an easy time finding your blog when people search for those keywords. Don’t forget to promote your latest blog posts on your social media and software developer websites, too.\r\n\r\nYou may find that during the interview, one or more interviewers will ask you about the blog because they’ve been reading articles on it. So, the blog acts as an extended interview that shows people at your prospective employer that you write well, can articulate your points, and that you’re an influencer and leader in the programming community.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Update your blog regularly with new articles. If you haven’t updated your blog even in a couple of months, your articles will start to look stale, and you’ll give the impression to your interviewers that you’re inattentive and don’t follow through.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Produce a podcast and/or vlog</h2>\r\nIf you want to go all-out to promote your expertise and personality, then add an audio podcast or its video equivalent, the vlog (short for <em>video log</em>), to your blog and YouTube channel offerings.\r\n\r\nThe vlog can be posted to both your social media websites, your blog itself, and/or your YouTube channel. You may also want to have your podcast on sites that host podcasts such as <a href=\"https://libsyn.com/\">Libsyn</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266406\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266406 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-libsyn.jpg\" alt=\"Libsyn\" width=\"556\" height=\"413\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://libsyn.com\">Libsyn</a><br />Libsyn is one solution for posting podcasts.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you’re the host of a podcast, it’s likely you won’t talk during the entirety of each podcast. (The length of a podcast will vary depending on the topic.) Instead, you’ll be talking with other people and creating a lot of connections. You’ll also show that you’re involved in the developer community.\r\n\r\nAs you build influence and a loyal listenership and/or viewership, you may become a celebrity among developers. Your popularity will make it easier for you to get the job you want because companies want to hire a famous software developer to work on their teams.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Point to mobile apps you’ve already developed in app stores</h2>\r\nIf you’ve published one or more apps in an iOS or Android app store, don’t forget to include this information in your résumé and cover letter, and ensure that any interviewers can easily find a link to the app on your social media profiles, blog, and YouTube channel.\r\n\r\nShowing that you’ve developed one or more apps gives interviewers proof that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You can write code just like your résumé says.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can develop software through the entire life cycle from design to publication, which shows you can contribute to the programming team and the company.</li>\r\n \t<li>You’re a winner. (So go get a chicken dinner.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you haven’t built an app before, there are plenty of tutorials online — all you have to do is type <strong>build ios app</strong> or <strong>build android app </strong>in Google and you’ll get a results page full of tutorial links so you can get started.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">After you create and publish an app, produce a “making of” video on your YouTube channel. This video should tell viewers about the app, how you developed it, the discoveries and drawbacks you had during development, and what your plans are for the future of the app. That last part will show potential employers that you take care of your customers and keep thinking of ways to make the app better for them.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Write and self-publish a book</h2>\r\nThe one tangible thing you can bring with you to your interview, other than copies of your résumé, is a copy of a self-published book. It can be difficult to write books for major publishers unless you already have experience with them as a technical editor, you coauthor a book with a lead author, or if you’ve self-published a book.\r\n\r\nIt’s easier than ever to publish and distribute a self-published book. You can sell your book as an ebook on websites including Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as publish printed copies to give to people and sell on Amazon. The <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Self-Publish-a-Book\">wikiHow website</a> shown below gives you step-by-step instructions about how to write and publish your own book.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266407\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266407 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-wikihow.jpg\" alt=\"wikihow\" width=\"556\" height=\"331\" /> Source: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com\">wikihow</a><br />Scroll down the wikiHow webpage to view all the steps you need to take to self-publish a book.[/caption]\r\n\r\nA book can make you a little bit of money, especially if you take the time to study successful self-published authors — for example, look at Andy Weir, who self-published the novel <em>The Martian</em>. More important, the book serves as an advertisement for your services that shows interviewers that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You committed the time, money, and effort to write and publish a book.</li>\r\n \t<li>You’re a published authority on a given topic because not very many developers have self-published a book (though one coauthor of this book has).</li>\r\n \t<li>You have writing skills, which could help you make more money in your new job if you’re a technical writer as well as a programmer.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">After you publish the book, don’t forget to promote it not only in your cover letter and list it in your résumé, but also on all your online media and social networking websites. What’s more, if you have the book listed on Amazon, then include a shortened URL link to the book page so interviewers can see it; the interviewers will appreciate a short URL to type because Amazon page URLs are almost as long as lines to get on popular Disneyland rides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Speak at developer and business events</h2>\r\nYou may not have thought about speaking at events, or maybe you don’t want to think of it because <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/business-communication/public-speaking/obstacles-to-public-speaking/\">the fear of public speaking</a>, or glossophobia, is considered by some (perhaps including you) to be worse than death.\r\n\r\nIf you want to get up the courage to speak but don’t know where to get training, go to the <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\">Toastmasters International website</a> and find a club in your area by clicking the Find a Club button in the upper-right corner of the screen. Then search for your nearest club in the Find a Club webpage.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266408\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266408 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-toastmaster.jpg\" alt=\"Toastmasters\" width=\"556\" height=\"487\" /> Source: <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org\">Toastmasters</a><br />The Toastmasters website finds clubs in your area based on your geographic location.[/caption]\r\n\r\nToastmasters International is considered the premier organization for professionals to learn how to speak effectively and become better leaders. After you select your club, you can attend a meeting for free if there are no current restrictions to joining a club. (Some clubs have restrictions and the website will tell you if that’s so.)\r\n\r\nOnce you decide to join, you can sign up as a new member for only $65 (this is subject to change); renewals cost $45 per year.\r\n\r\nIt may take you some time to get yourself where you want to be as a speaker, but once you gain enough confidence, you can start looking for speaking opportunities at local or regional events.\r\n\r\nCheck with Meetup events for software developers in your local area and ask the event coordinator about speaking opportunities. The same goes for local chamber of commerce and/or Rotary club meetings, though you’ll probably have to produce a different presentation for those business-oriented audiences.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">No matter where you speak, you’ll likely have members of companies in the audience who may be impressed with you. After your presentation, one or more people may ask for your card so you can speak to their employees and/or recommend you as a speaker for a large developer conference (so make sure you have business cards with you!). Some people may be so impressed with your leadership abilities that they’ll ask you if you’re looking for a job.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Before your speaking engagement, ask the event coordinator if you can record your presentation on video. Then you can make that video available for wider viewing later on your social media and/or online media websites. A large developer conference may record all speakers on video and give you the URL to the conference website so you can include a link to your presentation online as well as in your résumé and cover letter.</p>\r\nYour future employer wants to see how you’re unique so don’t be afraid to show off your programming skills in a way that highlights your abilities.","description":"If you’re applying for a software development job, always presume that many of your fellow programmers will apply for that job, too. Here are ten ways you, and not just your résumé and cover letter, can stand out to your potential employer and get you an interview.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Have a professional headshot</h2>\r\nUse a professional headshot, taken by a professional photographer, as your profile picture on all of your social media profiles. Don’t use a good selfie you took of yourself while you were on vacation. Instead, get some recommendations for a photographer from friends, colleagues, and even your social media connections.\r\n\r\nThen dress professionally (at least from the waist up), get well-groomed, go to the photography studio, and get headshots that will show you’re a professional. Once you get the photos and you’ve decided on the ones you want to use, put that headshot on all your social media profiles to <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/business-careers-money/business/marketing/how-to-develop-a-brand-197948/\">create a consistent brand</a> for yourself.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">If you already use a professional photographer to take family portraits on occasion, here’s a tip on how to save some money on a professional headshot. Gather the family to get some pictures done for relatives and ask the photographer if you could get a couple of headshots for yourself as well.</p>\r\nYou should already be professionally dressed and groomed, so an additional headshot or two of yourself will cost you little to nothing extra — probably the latter if you’ve been using your family photographer for a while.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Establish a GitHub profile to showcase your programming skills</h2>\r\nIf you don’t have a GitHub profile to interact with other software developers, sign up for free on the <a href=\"https://github.com/\">GitHub website</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266403\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266403 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programmimg-interviews-github.jpg\" alt=\"Github\" width=\"556\" height=\"385\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://github.com\">Github.com</a><br />GitHub makes it easy for you to sign up for free.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/web-design-development/how-to-sign-up-for-and-personalize-a-github-account/\">A GitHub profile</a> not only gets you access to other developers, it also affords you the opportunity to demonstrate your programming abilities. If one or more people who work at an employer can find your GitHub profile and can see the type of code you’ve written as well as the projects you’ve contributed to, they’ll have much more confidence that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You can write code.</li>\r\n \t<li>You are a good coder.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can actually do what you say you can do on your résumé.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">If you have a GitHub profile but you haven’t worked on any projects there in a while, now is a good time to get more involved so you can make it as impressive to prospective employers (and other programmers) as you can.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Get plenty of referrals</h2>\r\nOne big benefit of LinkedIn is that you can get and ask for plenty of online referrals, which LinkedIn calls recommendations, and post them on your LinkedIn profile for anyone to see. But you shouldn’t just rely on people to give you <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/find-a-job/how-job-seekers-can-request-linkedin-recommendations/\">recommendations on LinkedIn</a> — you should already have plenty of people you could ask who would be happy to recommend you for a programming job.\r\n\r\nSo, ask those people if one or more people will write you a recommendation letter to send with your cover letter and résumé. The hiring manager or team manager may be a bit confused at first with all the papers included in your envelope, but then realize that you have plenty of people who are happy to recommend you and talk with company management about you.\r\n\r\nThat added proof that you’re well-regarded in the industry will get your résumé and cover letter noticed. Referrals are not a panacea because you still have to make sure your résumé and cover letter look great, but including referral letters will make it much more likely that whoever is reviewing résumés looks at yours.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can show your appreciation by writing a recommendation letter of your own and send those to your friends and colleagues who recommend you. After all, your friends and colleagues may need recommendations for a job or other position they want.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Have a video résumé on social networking sites</h2>\r\nWe live in an age where it’s easy to make videos and post them online, so it’s a good idea to post a video résumé starring you on all your social media websites.\r\n\r\nYou can hire a videographer to professionally produce your video résumé, but you can probably do it yourself using your webcam. Just be sure to practice talking naturally into the camera so you come off as authentic and genuine. When you’re ready to record, it’s a good idea to wear at least a shirt and tie (if you’re just sitting down) and groom yourself so you look professional.\r\n\r\nYou can put a link to your video résumé in your printed one. When people reviewing your résumé type in the link, they should see a brief video that not only features you talking about who you are as a programmer and your experience, but also shows some of your personality so the viewer can get to know you a little bit.\r\n\r\nIf potential interviewers feel like you’re someone they want to work with after they watch your video résumé, don’t be surprised if you get a phone call or email message asking to set up a phone screen or an in-person interview.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You should shorten the link to your video résumé so people don’t have to type in a long and complicated URL in their browser’s address bar. One popular site for shortening a URL is <a href=\"https://bitly.com\">Bitly</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Create your own YouTube channel to show off your programming prowess</h2>\r\nIf you want to go one step further with your videos and stand out not just to potential interviewers but to the software developer community at large, include your video résumé on your YouTube channel. This channel should also include several videos that show off your personality and expertise.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266404\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266404 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-simpleprogrammer.jpg\" alt=\"Simpleprogrammer YourTube channel\" width=\"556\" height=\"384\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://simpleprogrammer.com\">Simple Programmer</a><br />The Simple Programmer website has numerous videos about a variety of programming topics.[/caption]\r\n\r\nA YouTube channel that you promote regularly on your other social media and software developer websites like GitHub will start to get you followers.\r\n\r\nWhat’s more, people at your prospective employer will look at <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/marketing/social-media-marketing/what-makes-a-youtube-channel-unique/\">your YouTube channel</a> and think, “Wow, this person is teaching hundreds of developers on YouTube, so this is a good person to have on our team. This is someone who not only knows their stuff but will help our other programmers learn and grow.”\r\n\r\nYour YouTube channel may not only attract followers but may also prompt people to send comments asking if you’re looking for a job. If you decide to start looking for employment, you can create a video that says you’re looking for a job and feature that video on your channel so you can generate leads.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Have a good blog to show your programming expertise</h2>\r\nProgramming requires you to type code, so you should have a good blog that shows your coding expertise either in your preferred programming language and/or a variety of programming languages. A blog, such as the Simple Programmer blog you see below, can\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>include instructional articles about how to perform a task in a specific language;</li>\r\n \t<li>discuss tips, tricks, techniques, and trends in software development; and</li>\r\n \t<li>include articles from guest authors who talk about their areas of expertise.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266405\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266405 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-simpleprogrammer-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Simple Programmer blog\" width=\"556\" height=\"464\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://simpleprogrammer.com\">Simple Programmer</a><br />The Simple Programmer website has a blog with a number of articles written by different authors.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you design your blog so you feature your desired search keywords prominently and frequently, Google will have an easy time finding your blog when people search for those keywords. Don’t forget to promote your latest blog posts on your social media and software developer websites, too.\r\n\r\nYou may find that during the interview, one or more interviewers will ask you about the blog because they’ve been reading articles on it. So, the blog acts as an extended interview that shows people at your prospective employer that you write well, can articulate your points, and that you’re an influencer and leader in the programming community.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Update your blog regularly with new articles. If you haven’t updated your blog even in a couple of months, your articles will start to look stale, and you’ll give the impression to your interviewers that you’re inattentive and don’t follow through.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Produce a podcast and/or vlog</h2>\r\nIf you want to go all-out to promote your expertise and personality, then add an audio podcast or its video equivalent, the vlog (short for <em>video log</em>), to your blog and YouTube channel offerings.\r\n\r\nThe vlog can be posted to both your social media websites, your blog itself, and/or your YouTube channel. You may also want to have your podcast on sites that host podcasts such as <a href=\"https://libsyn.com/\">Libsyn</a>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266406\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266406 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-libsyn.jpg\" alt=\"Libsyn\" width=\"556\" height=\"413\" /> Source: <a href=\"https://libsyn.com\">Libsyn</a><br />Libsyn is one solution for posting podcasts.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you’re the host of a podcast, it’s likely you won’t talk during the entirety of each podcast. (The length of a podcast will vary depending on the topic.) Instead, you’ll be talking with other people and creating a lot of connections. You’ll also show that you’re involved in the developer community.\r\n\r\nAs you build influence and a loyal listenership and/or viewership, you may become a celebrity among developers. Your popularity will make it easier for you to get the job you want because companies want to hire a famous software developer to work on their teams.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Point to mobile apps you’ve already developed in app stores</h2>\r\nIf you’ve published one or more apps in an iOS or Android app store, don’t forget to include this information in your résumé and cover letter, and ensure that any interviewers can easily find a link to the app on your social media profiles, blog, and YouTube channel.\r\n\r\nShowing that you’ve developed one or more apps gives interviewers proof that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You can write code just like your résumé says.</li>\r\n \t<li>You can develop software through the entire life cycle from design to publication, which shows you can contribute to the programming team and the company.</li>\r\n \t<li>You’re a winner. (So go get a chicken dinner.)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you haven’t built an app before, there are plenty of tutorials online — all you have to do is type <strong>build ios app</strong> or <strong>build android app </strong>in Google and you’ll get a results page full of tutorial links so you can get started.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">After you create and publish an app, produce a “making of” video on your YouTube channel. This video should tell viewers about the app, how you developed it, the discoveries and drawbacks you had during development, and what your plans are for the future of the app. That last part will show potential employers that you take care of your customers and keep thinking of ways to make the app better for them.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Write and self-publish a book</h2>\r\nThe one tangible thing you can bring with you to your interview, other than copies of your résumé, is a copy of a self-published book. It can be difficult to write books for major publishers unless you already have experience with them as a technical editor, you coauthor a book with a lead author, or if you’ve self-published a book.\r\n\r\nIt’s easier than ever to publish and distribute a self-published book. You can sell your book as an ebook on websites including Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as publish printed copies to give to people and sell on Amazon. The <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Self-Publish-a-Book\">wikiHow website</a> shown below gives you step-by-step instructions about how to write and publish your own book.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266407\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266407 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-wikihow.jpg\" alt=\"wikihow\" width=\"556\" height=\"331\" /> Source: <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com\">wikihow</a><br />Scroll down the wikiHow webpage to view all the steps you need to take to self-publish a book.[/caption]\r\n\r\nA book can make you a little bit of money, especially if you take the time to study successful self-published authors — for example, look at Andy Weir, who self-published the novel <em>The Martian</em>. More important, the book serves as an advertisement for your services that shows interviewers that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>You committed the time, money, and effort to write and publish a book.</li>\r\n \t<li>You’re a published authority on a given topic because not very many developers have self-published a book (though one coauthor of this book has).</li>\r\n \t<li>You have writing skills, which could help you make more money in your new job if you’re a technical writer as well as a programmer.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">After you publish the book, don’t forget to promote it not only in your cover letter and list it in your résumé, but also on all your online media and social networking websites. What’s more, if you have the book listed on Amazon, then include a shortened URL link to the book page so interviewers can see it; the interviewers will appreciate a short URL to type because Amazon page URLs are almost as long as lines to get on popular Disneyland rides.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Speak at developer and business events</h2>\r\nYou may not have thought about speaking at events, or maybe you don’t want to think of it because <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/careers/business-communication/public-speaking/obstacles-to-public-speaking/\">the fear of public speaking</a>, or glossophobia, is considered by some (perhaps including you) to be worse than death.\r\n\r\nIf you want to get up the courage to speak but don’t know where to get training, go to the <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\">Toastmasters International website</a> and find a club in your area by clicking the Find a Club button in the upper-right corner of the screen. Then search for your nearest club in the Find a Club webpage.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266408\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"wp-image-266408 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/programming-interviews-toastmaster.jpg\" alt=\"Toastmasters\" width=\"556\" height=\"487\" /> Source: <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org\">Toastmasters</a><br />The Toastmasters website finds clubs in your area based on your geographic location.[/caption]\r\n\r\nToastmasters International is considered the premier organization for professionals to learn how to speak effectively and become better leaders. After you select your club, you can attend a meeting for free if there are no current restrictions to joining a club. (Some clubs have restrictions and the website will tell you if that’s so.)\r\n\r\nOnce you decide to join, you can sign up as a new member for only $65 (this is subject to change); renewals cost $45 per year.\r\n\r\nIt may take you some time to get yourself where you want to be as a speaker, but once you gain enough confidence, you can start looking for speaking opportunities at local or regional events.\r\n\r\nCheck with Meetup events for software developers in your local area and ask the event coordinator about speaking opportunities. The same goes for local chamber of commerce and/or Rotary club meetings, though you’ll probably have to produce a different presentation for those business-oriented audiences.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">No matter where you speak, you’ll likely have members of companies in the audience who may be impressed with you. After your presentation, one or more people may ask for your card so you can speak to their employees and/or recommend you as a speaker for a large developer conference (so make sure you have business cards with you!). Some people may be so impressed with your leadership abilities that they’ll ask you if you’re looking for a job.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Before your speaking engagement, ask the event coordinator if you can record your presentation on video. Then you can make that video available for wider viewing later on your social media and/or online media websites. A large developer conference may record all speakers on video and give you the URL to the conference website so you can include a link to your presentation online as well as in your résumé and cover letter.</p>\r\nYour future employer wants to see how you’re unique so don’t be afraid to show off your programming skills in a way that highlights your abilities.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":33248,"name":"John Sonmez","slug":"john-sonmez","description":" <p><b>John Sonmez</b> is a software developer and the author of two best&#45;selling books, <i>The Complete Software Developer&#39;s Career Guide</i> and <i> Soft Skills: The Software Developer&#39;s Life Manual</i>. He is also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel. <b>Eric Butow</b> is the owner of Butow Communications Group &#40;BCG&#41;, which offers website design, online marketing, and technical documentation services for businesses. He is the author of 32 computer and user experience books. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/33248"}},{"authorId":10889,"name":"Eric Butow","slug":"eric-butow","description":" <p><b>John Sonmez</b> is a software developer and the author of two best&#45;selling books, <i>The Complete Software Developer&#39;s Career Guide</i> and <i> Soft Skills: The Software Developer&#39;s Life Manual</i>. He is also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel. <b>Eric Butow</b> is the owner of Butow Communications Group &#40;BCG&#41;, which offers website design, online marketing, and technical documentation services for businesses. He is the author of 32 computer and user experience books. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10889"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34271,"title":"Trades, Tech, & Engineering Careers","slug":"trades-tech-engineering-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34271"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Have a professional headshot","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Establish a GitHub profile to showcase your programming skills","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Get plenty of referrals","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Have a video résumé on social networking sites","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Create your own YouTube channel to show off your programming prowess","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Have a good blog to show your programming expertise","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Produce a podcast and/or 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Interview Prep","slug":"10-useful-websites-for-programming-interview-prep","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","trades-tech-engineering-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/266487"}},{"articleId":266446,"title":"Negotiating Your Programming Job Offer","slug":"negotiating-your-programming-job-offer","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","trades-tech-engineering-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/266446"}},{"articleId":266439,"title":"10 Non-Technical Questions You May Be Asked in a Programming Interview","slug":"10-non-technical-questions-you-may-be-asked-in-a-programming-interview","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","trades-tech-engineering-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/266439"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":266512,"title":"Uncovering Company Concerns and Showcasing Your Strengths in a Programming 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He is also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel. <b data-author-id=\"10889\">Eric Butow</b> is the owner of Butow Communications Group (BCG), which offers website design, online marketing, and technical documentation services for businesses. He is the author of 32 computer and user experience books. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":33248,"name":"John Sonmez","slug":"john-sonmez","description":" <p><b>John Sonmez</b> is a software developer and the author of two best&#45;selling books, <i>The Complete Software Developer&#39;s Career Guide</i> and <i> Soft Skills: The Software Developer&#39;s Life Manual</i>. He is also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel. <b>Eric Butow</b> is the owner of Butow Communications Group &#40;BCG&#41;, which offers website design, online marketing, and technical documentation services for businesses. He is the author of 32 computer and user experience books. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/33248"}},{"authorId":10889,"name":"Eric Butow","slug":"eric-butow","description":" <p><b>John Sonmez</b> is a software developer and the author of two best&#45;selling books, <i>The Complete Software Developer&#39;s Career Guide</i> and <i> Soft Skills: The Software Developer&#39;s Life Manual</i>. He is also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel. <b>Eric Butow</b> is the owner of Butow Communications Group &#40;BCG&#41;, which offers website design, online marketing, and technical documentation services for businesses. He is the author of 32 computer and user experience books. 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Forming a corporation","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"How you choose to structure your business as the landlord depends in part upon your willingness to share its future and yours with others. Forming a corporation is a fairly complex legal endeavor that involves the following steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose and register a name for your corporation that complies with state requirements.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write and file your articles of incorporation.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write bylaws to govern corporate operations.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Issue stock certificates to your [email protected]’s owners and investors.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Obtain any business licenses and permits required by your state and local governing bodies.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYou can take any of the following three approaches to form your corporation:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do it yourself. If you’re the sole owner of the business and don’t intend to add owners, seek outside capital, or do business in multiple locations, you may be able to incorporate without expert assistance.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a third-party service.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hire a reputable, local attorney.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Outsourcing to a business-formation service</h2>\r\nNumerous firms offer services to help you form a business entity. Three of the best known are <a href=\"http://www.legalzoom.com\">Legal Zoom</a>, <a href=\"http://www.rocketattorney.com\">Rocket Attorney</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.incorporate.com\">The Company Corporation</a>. Others include <a href=\"http://incauthority.com\">Inc Authority</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.directincorporation.com/\">Directincorporation.com</a>.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Before using a service, check with others who’ve used it, and expand your search to include <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com\">LinkedIn</a>, <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/\">Facebook</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com\">Twitter</a>. Find out how they’re regarded by the <a href=\"http://www.bbb.org\">Better Business Bureau</a> and local consumer protection organizations to determine whether any complaints have been filed against them.</p>\r\nKeep in mind that these firms are ordinary retailers who tend to advertise low prices “Starting at …” for only a few of the services you need. Comparison shop. Find out what’s included and what’s not. Get a price quote from a reputable local attorney, as well, for comparison purposes. Make sure you get a price quote that covers everything you need to form your corporation.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Hiring an attorney and accountant</h2>\r\nWe recommend that you hire a reputable, local attorney to guide you through the process of incorporating your business and an accountant to manage the corporation’s payroll, taxes, and financial reporting for several reasons, including the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney can help evaluate your specific needs for the area where you’re setting up shop and recommend the best business structure to meet those needs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choosing the wrong business structure may imperil your personal assets and limit your tax benefits.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney makes sure all documents are filed properly with the right government agencies and in a timely manner.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney can refer you to experts in accounting, banking, financial planning, insurance, and web design.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A good business attorney will have an ongoing professional interest in your success.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your accountant keeps the books and creates and files financial reports in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Running your operation as a corporation</h2>\r\nAs complicated as forming a corporation is, running it requires even more attention to detail. You must fulfill the obligations of corporate governance, which include:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Paying yourself and other owners and investors salaries or distributions</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Holding at least one director and shareholder meeting annually</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Typing up and filing minutes from those meetings</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Updating the bylaws</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Practicing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) — standards and procedures for recording financial transactions and producing financial reports</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Producing and filing an annual report with your Secretary of State</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Preparing the corporation’s annual tax return</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"How you choose to structure your business as the landlord depends in part upon your willingness to share its future and yours with others. Forming a corporation is a fairly complex legal endeavor that involves the following steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose and register a name for your corporation that complies with state requirements.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write and file your articles of incorporation.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write bylaws to govern corporate operations.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Issue stock certificates to your [email protected]’s owners and investors.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Obtain any business licenses and permits required by your state and local governing bodies.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYou can take any of the following three approaches to form your corporation:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do it yourself. If you’re the sole owner of the business and don’t intend to add owners, seek outside capital, or do business in multiple locations, you may be able to incorporate without expert assistance.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a third-party service.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hire a reputable, local attorney.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Outsourcing to a business-formation service</h2>\r\nNumerous firms offer services to help you form a business entity. Three of the best known are <a href=\"http://www.legalzoom.com\">Legal Zoom</a>, <a href=\"http://www.rocketattorney.com\">Rocket Attorney</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.incorporate.com\">The Company Corporation</a>. Others include <a href=\"http://incauthority.com\">Inc Authority</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.directincorporation.com/\">Directincorporation.com</a>.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Before using a service, check with others who’ve used it, and expand your search to include <a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com\">LinkedIn</a>, <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/\">Facebook</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com\">Twitter</a>. Find out how they’re regarded by the <a href=\"http://www.bbb.org\">Better Business Bureau</a> and local consumer protection organizations to determine whether any complaints have been filed against them.</p>\r\nKeep in mind that these firms are ordinary retailers who tend to advertise low prices “Starting at …” for only a few of the services you need. Comparison shop. Find out what’s included and what’s not. Get a price quote from a reputable local attorney, as well, for comparison purposes. Make sure you get a price quote that covers everything you need to form your corporation.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Hiring an attorney and accountant</h2>\r\nWe recommend that you hire a reputable, local attorney to guide you through the process of incorporating your business and an accountant to manage the corporation’s payroll, taxes, and financial reporting for several reasons, including the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney can help evaluate your specific needs for the area where you’re setting up shop and recommend the best business structure to meet those needs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choosing the wrong business structure may imperil your personal assets and limit your tax benefits.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney makes sure all documents are filed properly with the right government agencies and in a timely manner.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your attorney can refer you to experts in accounting, banking, financial planning, insurance, and web design.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A good business attorney will have an ongoing professional interest in your success.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your accountant keeps the books and creates and files financial reports in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Running your operation as a corporation</h2>\r\nAs complicated as forming a corporation is, running it requires even more attention to detail. You must fulfill the obligations of corporate governance, which include:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Paying yourself and other owners and investors salaries or distributions</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Holding at least one director and shareholder meeting annually</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Typing up and filing minutes from those meetings</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Updating the bylaws</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Practicing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) — standards and procedures for recording financial transactions and producing financial reports</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Producing and filing an annual report with your Secretary of State</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Preparing the corporation’s annual tax return</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9293,"name":"Robert S. Griswold","slug":"robert-s-griswold","description":"Robert S. Griswold, MBA, is a successful real estate investor and property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties. He is the real estate expert for NBC San Diego, the lead columnist for the nationally syndicated columns Rental Roundtable and Rental Forum and coauthor of Real Estate Investing For Dummies.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9293"}},{"authorId":9418,"name":"Laurence Harmon","slug":"laurence-harmon","description":" <p><b>Eric Tyson</b> is a five&#45;time bestselling author, real estate investor, and syndicated columnist who gives people the tools to better manage their personal finances and investments. <b>Robert S. Griswold,</b> author, teacher, and a successful real estate investor, is an active, hands&#45;on property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9418"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34270,"title":"General Real Estate Careers","slug":"general-real-estate-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34270"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Outsourcing to a business-formation service","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Hiring an attorney and accountant","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Running your operation as a corporation","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207681,"title":"Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"landlords-legal-kit-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207681"}},{"articleId":152485,"title":"10 Laws All Landlords Need to Know","slug":"10-laws-all-landlords-need-to-know","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152485"}},{"articleId":152478,"title":"Dealing with Cotenants, Sublets, and Assignments","slug":"dealing-with-cotenants-sublets-and-assignments","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152478"}},{"articleId":152475,"title":"Establishing Security Deposit Policies and Procedures","slug":"establishing-security-deposit-policies-and-procedures","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152475"}},{"articleId":152474,"title":"Meeting Your Landlord Legal Obligations","slug":"meeting-your-landlord-legal-obligations","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152474"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":241649,"title":"Establish Awesome Service as a Real Estate Agent","slug":"establish-awesome-service-real-estate-agent","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/241649"}},{"articleId":241645,"title":"Focus Your Real Estate Marketing Dollars Online","slug":"focus-real-estate-marketing-dollars-online","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/241645"}},{"articleId":241641,"title":"Prepping a Home's Interior for Selling","slug":"prepping-homes-interior-selling","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/241641"}},{"articleId":241637,"title":"Qualifying Your Listing Prospects","slug":"qualifying-listing-prospects","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/241637"}},{"articleId":241633,"title":"Tips for Setting Up for a Real Estate Open House","slug":"tips-setting-real-estate-open-house","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/241633"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282344,"slug":"landlords-legal-kit-for-dummies","isbn":"9781118775196","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","real-estate-careers","general-real-estate-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118775198/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118775198/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118775198-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118775198/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118775198/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/landlords-legal-kit-for-dummies-cover-9781118775196-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9418\">Laurence C. Harmon, JD,</b> is the CEO of HARMON<i>LAW</i> LLC, specializing in apartment-related legal and property management consulting.</p> <p><b data-author-id=\"34808\">Robert S. Griswold, MBA, MSBA,</b> is a successful real estate investor and property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":34808,"name":"Robert S. Griswold","slug":"robert-s-griswold","description":" <p><b>Eric Tyson</b> is a five&#45;time bestselling author, real estate investor, and syndicated columnist who gives people the tools to better manage their personal finances and investments. <b>Robert S. Griswold,</b> author, teacher, and a successful real estate investor, is an active, hands&#45;on property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34808"}},{"authorId":9418,"name":"Laurence Harmon","slug":"laurence-harmon","description":" <p><b>Eric Tyson</b> is a five&#45;time bestselling author, real estate investor, and syndicated columnist who gives people the tools to better manage their personal finances and investments. <b>Robert S. Griswold,</b> author, teacher, and a successful real estate investor, is an active, hands&#45;on property manager with a large portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9418"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;real-estate-careers&quot;,&quot;general-real-estate-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118775196&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f1670a097\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;real-estate-careers&quot;,&quot;general-real-estate-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118775196&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f1670a931\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-19T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":150959},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:36:20+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-19T14:15:25+00:00","timestamp":"2022-07-19T18:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Job Searches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34264"},"slug":"job-searches","categoryId":34264}],"title":"Negotiating the Terms of Your Job after 50","strippedTitle":"negotiating the terms of your job after 50","slug":"negotiating-the-terms-of-your-job-after-50","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Copyright © 2015 AARP. All rights reserved.Once you get that job you are seeking after 50, you need to negotiate the terms. Negotiations are best when both part","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Copyright © 2015 AARP. All rights reserved.\r\n\r\nOnce you get that job you are seeking after 50, you need to negotiate the terms. Negotiations are best when both parties work toward an arrangement that’s mutually beneficial. Don’t approach negotiations with a hiring manager as an adversarial relationship. Follow these suggestions instead:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Wait. </strong>Let the hiring manager offer you an amount, and then take a day or two to consider. You may be able to renegotiate for more if you don’t think the first offer was fair, but you will need to have your reasons down pat.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Know your value.</strong> The more you learn, the more you earn. Research salaries for the position you’re applying for in that area of the country. Three good places to start are</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://glassdoor.com\">Glassdoor</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://payscale.com/\">PayScale</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://salary.com\">Salary.com</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Be prepared to tell them what you want.</strong> If you get a lowball offer, simply say something along the lines of, “I was expecting an offer more in the $_____ to $_____ range. How did you arrive at the offer?”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Speak in “I” statements. </strong>“I” statements are difficult to argue against, because all you’re saying is what you think and feel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Ask questions. </strong>It’s okay to ask the interviewers how they came up with a specific dollar amount. Inquiring minds want to know.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t refuse an offer outright. </strong>Don’t fall for the trap of thinking you need to answer yes or no. Keep the conversation going until you hear an offer that sounds fair.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Speak in terms of value.</strong> You may say something like, “If I were an average employee, I would be happy with your first offer, but I don’t think you’re looking for someone who’s just average.” Then go on to explain why you’re better than average.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t back down.</strong> Give the conversation more time to percolate instead of reluctantly accepting an offer or turning it down. Take your time. There’s really no hurry.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t issue an ultimatum. </strong>An ultimatum traps you and the interviewer, providing neither of you with a graceful, face-saving exit. Keep the conversation going until you’ve succeeded in meeting the needs of both sides.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Be sensitive to the employer’s needs and current circumstances. </strong>If the company is hurting, be open to making concessions that meet the company’s current needs but that solidify your future position.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Negotiate all financial aspects of employment in person or over the phone. Be sure all details of your employee benefits package — including any special adjustments you’ve been granted — are clearly stated in writing in your contract or offer letter.</p>","description":"Copyright © 2015 AARP. All rights reserved.\r\n\r\nOnce you get that job you are seeking after 50, you need to negotiate the terms. Negotiations are best when both parties work toward an arrangement that’s mutually beneficial. Don’t approach negotiations with a hiring manager as an adversarial relationship. Follow these suggestions instead:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Wait. </strong>Let the hiring manager offer you an amount, and then take a day or two to consider. You may be able to renegotiate for more if you don’t think the first offer was fair, but you will need to have your reasons down pat.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Know your value.</strong> The more you learn, the more you earn. Research salaries for the position you’re applying for in that area of the country. Three good places to start are</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://glassdoor.com\">Glassdoor</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://payscale.com/\">PayScale</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://salary.com\">Salary.com</a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Be prepared to tell them what you want.</strong> If you get a lowball offer, simply say something along the lines of, “I was expecting an offer more in the $_____ to $_____ range. How did you arrive at the offer?”</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Speak in “I” statements. </strong>“I” statements are difficult to argue against, because all you’re saying is what you think and feel.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Ask questions. </strong>It’s okay to ask the interviewers how they came up with a specific dollar amount. Inquiring minds want to know.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t refuse an offer outright. </strong>Don’t fall for the trap of thinking you need to answer yes or no. Keep the conversation going until you hear an offer that sounds fair.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Speak in terms of value.</strong> You may say something like, “If I were an average employee, I would be happy with your first offer, but I don’t think you’re looking for someone who’s just average.” Then go on to explain why you’re better than average.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t back down.</strong> Give the conversation more time to percolate instead of reluctantly accepting an offer or turning it down. Take your time. There’s really no hurry.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Don’t issue an ultimatum. </strong>An ultimatum traps you and the interviewer, providing neither of you with a graceful, face-saving exit. Keep the conversation going until you’ve succeeded in meeting the needs of both sides.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><strong>Be sensitive to the employer’s needs and current circumstances. </strong>If the company is hurting, be open to making concessions that meet the company’s current needs but that solidify your future position.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Negotiate all financial aspects of employment in person or over the phone. Be sure all details of your employee benefits package — including any special adjustments you’ve been granted — are clearly stated in writing in your contract or offer letter.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9083,"name":"Kerry E. Hannon","slug":"kerry-hannon","description":"Kerry Hannon is a nationally recognized authority on career transitions and retirement, a frequent TV and radio commentator, and author of numerous books, including Love Your Job, What's Next?, and Great Jobs for Everyone 50+. Hannon is AARP's jobs expert and a regular contributor to The New York Times, Forbes, and Money magazine.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9083"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34264,"title":"Job Searches","slug":"job-searches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34264"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207480,"title":"Getting the Job You Want After 50 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"getting-the-job-you-want-after-50-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207480"}},{"articleId":142284,"title":"Auditing Your Job Skills to Get a Job after 50","slug":"auditing-your-job-skills-to-get-a-job-after-50","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142284"}},{"articleId":142282,"title":"10 Personal Branding Best Practices after 50","slug":"10-personal-branding-best-practices-after-50","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142282"}},{"articleId":142270,"title":"Jobs after 50: Digging Up Contract Work via Social Media","slug":"jobs-after-50-digging-up-contract-work-via-social-media","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142270"}},{"articleId":142269,"title":"Writing a Great Cover Letter to Get a Job after 50","slug":"writing-a-great-cover-letter-to-get-a-job-after-50","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142269"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":263098,"title":"Compare and Contrast the 3 Main Resume Formats","slug":"compare-and-contrast-the-3-main-resume-formats","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263098"}},{"articleId":263088,"title":"How to Customize Your Resume for a Job","slug":"how-to-customize-your-resume-for-a-job","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263088"}},{"articleId":263079,"title":"Why Creative Resume Designs Are Game Changers","slug":"why-creative-resume-designs-are-game-changers","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263079"}},{"articleId":263068,"title":"How to Handle Demotions and Other Red Flags on Your Resume","slug":"how-to-handle-demotions-and-other-red-flags-on-your-resume","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263068"}},{"articleId":252072,"title":"How to Request Endorsements via LinkedIn","slug":"request-endorsements-via-linkedin","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/252072"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282237,"slug":"getting-the-job-you-want-after-50-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119022848","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119022843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119022843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119022843-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119022843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119022843/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/getting-the-job-you-want-after-50-for-dummies-cover-9781119022848-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Getting the Job You Want After 50 For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"35042\">Kerry Hannon</b> (kerryhannon.com) is a nationally recognized authority on career transitions and retirement, a frequent TV and radio commentator, and author of numerous books, including Love Your Job (Wiley/AARP), What's Next? (Berkley Trade/AARP), and Great Jobs for Everyone 50+ (Wiley/AARP). Hannon is AARP's Jobs Expert and a regular contributor to <i>The New York Times, Forbes</i>, and <i>Money magazine</i>. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":35042,"name":"Kerry E. Hannon","slug":"kerry-e-hannon","description":" <p><b>Kerry Hannon</b> &#40;kerryhannon.com&#41; is a nationally recognized authority on career transitions and retirement, a frequent TV and radio commentator, and author of numerous books, including Love Your Job &#40;Wiley&#47;AARP&#41;, What&#39;s Next&#63; &#40;Berkley Trade&#47;AARP&#41;, and Great Jobs for Everyone 50&#43; &#40;Wiley&#47;AARP&#41;. Hannon is AARP&#39;s Jobs Expert and a regular contributor to <i>The New York Times, Forbes</i>, and <i>Money magazine</i>. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35042"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;job-searches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119022848&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f166e6dda\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;job-searches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119022848&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f166e7643\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-19T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":142283},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:02:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-19T14:10:24+00:00","timestamp":"2022-07-19T18:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"How to Use Your Personal Brand to Compile a Printed Portfolio","strippedTitle":"how to use your personal brand to compile a printed portfolio","slug":"how-to-use-your-personal-brand-to-compile-a-printed-portfolio","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A portfolio is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievement","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A <i>portfolio</i> is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client).\r\n\r\nThis tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as <a href=\"http://Espressowork.com\">Espressowork.com/</a> and, for creative work, <a href=\"http://www.behance.net/\">Behance.net</a> — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Career-Portfolio\">Wikihow</a> to create your own portfolio.</p>\r\nBut even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are.\r\n\r\nSharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 297px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/436869.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI]\" width=\"297\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI</div>\r\n</div>\r\nHere are some things to include in your portfolio:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded resume</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded biography</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sample projects</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Articles that you have written</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Past business cards</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Academic degrees</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Certifications and licenses</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Employee reviews</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of key successes from your work</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of awards you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Volunteer service documents</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thank-you notes you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Social networking site profiles</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A <i>portfolio</i> is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client).\r\n\r\nThis tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as <a href=\"http://Espressowork.com\">Espressowork.com/</a> and, for creative work, <a href=\"http://www.behance.net/\">Behance.net</a> — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at <a href=\"http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Career-Portfolio\">Wikihow</a> to create your own portfolio.</p>\r\nBut even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are.\r\n\r\nSharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 297px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/436869.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI]\" width=\"297\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\">Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI</div>\r\n</div>\r\nHere are some things to include in your portfolio:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded resume</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your branded biography</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sample projects</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Articles that you have written</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Past business cards</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Academic degrees</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Certifications and licenses</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Employee reviews</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of key successes from your work</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of awards you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Volunteer service documents</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Thank-you notes you have received</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Social networking site profiles</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9407"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207677,"title":"Personal Branding For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"personal-branding-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207677"}},{"articleId":172067,"title":"Personal Branding for Women: Highlighting Strengths","slug":"personal-branding-for-women-highlighting-strengths","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172067"}},{"articleId":172012,"title":"Design Your Personal Logo","slug":"design-your-personal-logo","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/172012"}},{"articleId":152332,"title":"Building Your Personal Brand","slug":"building-your-personal-brand","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152332"}},{"articleId":152323,"title":"Reaching Your Target Market","slug":"reaching-your-target-market","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152323"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282455,"slug":"personal-branding-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781118915554","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118915550-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118915550/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/personal-branding-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781118915554-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Personal Branding For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9407\">Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9407,"name":"Susan Chritton","slug":"susan-chritton","description":" <p><b>Susan Chritton</b> is a Master Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Career Coach, and Master Career Counselor. She guides professionals looking to engage their authentic self in the world through personal branding. Visit her website at www.susanchritton.com.</p>","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9407"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118915554&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f166db4ac\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118915554&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62d6f166dbd5c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-19T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":150097},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:05:53+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-06-23T14:00:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-23T18:01:10+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Job Searches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34264"},"slug":"job-searches","categoryId":34264}],"title":"How to Focus a Resume on Relevant Job Experience","strippedTitle":"how to focus a resume on relevant job experience","slug":"how-to-focus-a-resume-on-relevant-job-experience","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to transform an unfocused, convoluted resume into one that will help convince prospective employers to interview you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Focus your resume on job experience that's relevant to a specific position to improve your chances of getting that job. Having relevant job experience is always a big plus in employers' eyes. If you have too many jobs in your background, you can structure your resume to highlight pertinent job positions and omit or deemphasize others.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">An unfocused resume or job history may indicate to others that you lack commitment. It’s a reason <i>not</i> to hire you. Focus your resume to draw attention to your relevant job experience.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Separating relevant jobs from other jobs</h2>\r\nIf your resume looks as though it will collapse under the weight of a mishmash of jobs unconnected to your present target, you can eliminate your previous trivial pursuits. Group the consequential jobs under a heading that says something like \"Relevant Work Experience Summary\" or \"Professional Experience.\"\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">What if this approach solves one problem — the busy resume — but creates another, such as a huge, gaping black hole where you removed inconsequential jobs? Create a second work history section that covers those holes, labeling it \"Other Experience.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 444px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"444\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/134868.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Separate your relevant job experience in a resume from other unrelated job experience.\" width=\"444\" height=\"400\" /> Separate your relevant job experience in a resume from other unrelated job experience.[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Grouping temporary jobs</h2>\r\nDealing with an unfocused career pattern on paper is easier when it’s done under the banner of a temporary service company. Here are some guidelines for this type of treatment:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>List the temporary services company as the employer.</b> You choose one job title that covers most of your assignments.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Identify specific assignments under the main title.</b> Give the dates in years next to the temporary services firm, skipping dates for each assignment (as shown below).</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 445px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"445\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/134869.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Improve focus by grouping temporary job experience under one major title.\" width=\"445\" height=\"400\" /> Improve focus by grouping temporary job experience under one major title.[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat if you work for several temporary services at the same time? The simple answer is that you use the same technique of dating your work history for the temporary service firms, not for the individual assignments. This dating technique is a statement of fact; you legally are an employee of the temporary services firm, not of the company that pays for your temporary services.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When excess jobs or focus isn’t a problem, you may choose an alternative presentation for a series of short-term jobs. The alternative doesn’t mention the staffing firm(s) but only the names of the companies where you worked.</p>","description":"Focus your resume on job experience that's relevant to a specific position to improve your chances of getting that job. Having relevant job experience is always a big plus in employers' eyes. If you have too many jobs in your background, you can structure your resume to highlight pertinent job positions and omit or deemphasize others.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">An unfocused resume or job history may indicate to others that you lack commitment. It’s a reason <i>not</i> to hire you. Focus your resume to draw attention to your relevant job experience.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Separating relevant jobs from other jobs</h2>\r\nIf your resume looks as though it will collapse under the weight of a mishmash of jobs unconnected to your present target, you can eliminate your previous trivial pursuits. Group the consequential jobs under a heading that says something like \"Relevant Work Experience Summary\" or \"Professional Experience.\"\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">What if this approach solves one problem — the busy resume — but creates another, such as a huge, gaping black hole where you removed inconsequential jobs? Create a second work history section that covers those holes, labeling it \"Other Experience.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 444px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"444\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/134868.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Separate your relevant job experience in a resume from other unrelated job experience.\" width=\"444\" height=\"400\" /> Separate your relevant job experience in a resume from other unrelated job experience.[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Grouping temporary jobs</h2>\r\nDealing with an unfocused career pattern on paper is easier when it’s done under the banner of a temporary service company. Here are some guidelines for this type of treatment:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>List the temporary services company as the employer.</b> You choose one job title that covers most of your assignments.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Identify specific assignments under the main title.</b> Give the dates in years next to the temporary services firm, skipping dates for each assignment (as shown below).</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 445px;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"445\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/134869.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Improve focus by grouping temporary job experience under one major title.\" width=\"445\" height=\"400\" /> Improve focus by grouping temporary job experience under one major title.[/caption]\r\n\r\n</div></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat if you work for several temporary services at the same time? The simple answer is that you use the same technique of dating your work history for the temporary service firms, not for the individual assignments. This dating technique is a statement of fact; you legally are an employee of the temporary services firm, not of the company that pays for your temporary services.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">When excess jobs or focus isn’t a problem, you may choose an alternative presentation for a series of short-term jobs. The alternative doesn’t mention the staffing firm(s) but only the names of the companies where you worked.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34264,"title":"Job Searches","slug":"job-searches","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34264"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Separating relevant jobs from other jobs","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Grouping temporary jobs","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":263098,"title":"Compare and Contrast the 3 Main Resume Formats","slug":"compare-and-contrast-the-3-main-resume-formats","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","job-searches"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263098"}},{"articleId":263088,"title":"How to Customize 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class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;job-searches&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b4aa66df1ea\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-06-23T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":196146},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:53:26+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-25T20:52:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:38+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Military Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34266"},"slug":"military-careers","categoryId":34266}],"title":"Basic Training For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"basic training for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"basic-training-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet is a handy, quick reference to military ranks, chain of command, rules of the sentry, and military time.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Before you head off to basic training, you should be familiar with a few basic items, such as military ranks, chain of command, and military time. You also want to make sure that you know the rules of being sentry.","description":"Before you head off to basic training, you should be familiar with a few basic items, such as military ranks, chain of command, and military time. You also want to make sure that you know the rules of being sentry.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9112,"name":"Rod Powers","slug":"rod-powers","description":" <p><b>Rod Powers,</b> a recognized expert in all U.S. military matters, is the author of <i>ASVAB For Dummies</i> and serves as a military guide for About.com. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9112"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34266,"title":"Military Careers","slug":"military-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34266"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":187013,"title":"How to Follow Sentry Rules","slug":"how-to-follow-sentry-rules","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187013"}},{"articleId":187010,"title":"How to Master Military Ranks","slug":"how-to-master-military-ranks","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187010"}},{"articleId":187008,"title":"Mastering the Military Chain of Command","slug":"mastering-the-military-chain-of-command","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187008"}},{"articleId":187009,"title":"How to Tell Military Time","slug":"how-to-tell-military-time","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187009"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208255,"title":"A Family’s Guide to the Military For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"a-familys-guide-to-the-military-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208255"}},{"articleId":187013,"title":"How to Follow Sentry Rules","slug":"how-to-follow-sentry-rules","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187013"}},{"articleId":187010,"title":"How to Master Military Ranks","slug":"how-to-master-military-ranks","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187010"}},{"articleId":187008,"title":"Mastering the Military Chain of Command","slug":"mastering-the-military-chain-of-command","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187008"}},{"articleId":187009,"title":"How to Tell Military Time","slug":"how-to-tell-military-time","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187009"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281979,"slug":"basic-training-for-dummies","isbn":"9780470881231","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470881232/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0470881232/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0470881232-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470881232/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0470881232/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/basic-training-for-dummies-cover-9780470881231-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Basic Training For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9112\">Rod Powers,</b> a recognized expert in all U.S. military matters, is the author of <i>ASVAB For Dummies</i> and serves as a military guide for About.com. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9112,"name":"Rod Powers","slug":"rod-powers","description":" <p><b>Rod Powers,</b> a recognized expert in all U.S. military matters, is the author of <i>ASVAB For Dummies</i> and serves as a military guide for About.com. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9112"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;military-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470881231&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f82b5c65\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;military-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470881231&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f82b63cc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":187010,"title":"How to Master Military Ranks","slug":"how-to-master-military-ranks","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187010"}},{"articleId":187008,"title":"Mastering the Military Chain of Command","slug":"mastering-the-military-chain-of-command","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187008"}},{"articleId":187013,"title":"How to Follow Sentry Rules","slug":"how-to-follow-sentry-rules","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187013"}},{"articleId":187009,"title":"How to Tell Military Time","slug":"how-to-tell-military-time","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","military-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/187009"}}],"content":[{"title":"Ranks of the military branches","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Different branches have different military ranks. Here’s a list to help you prepare, whether you’re heading off to basic training for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps.</p>\n<p><b>Enlisted</b><b>:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Army: </b>E-1 Private, E-2 Private, E-3 Private First Class, E-4 Corporal/Specialist, E-5 Sergeant, E-6 Staff Sergeant, E-7 Sergeant First Class, E-8 Master Sergeant/First Sergeant, E-9 Sergeant Major</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Air Force:</b> E-1 Airman Basic, E-2 Airman, E-3 Airman First Class, E-4 Senior Airman, E-5 Staff Sergeant, E-6 Technical Sergeant, E-7 Master Sergeant, E-8 Senior Master Sergeant E-9 Chief Master Sergeant (<i>Note:</i> Air Force First Sergeants can be in the pay grades of E-7, E-8, or E-9)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Navy/Coast Guard:</b> E-1 Seaman Recruit, E-2 Seaman Apprentice, E-3 Seaman, E-4 Petty Officer Third Class, E-5 Petty Officer Second Class, E-6 Petty Officer First Class, E-7 Chief Petty Officer, E-8 Senior Chief Petty Officer, E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Marine Corps: </b>E-1 Private, E-2 Private First Class, E-3 Lance Corporal, E-4 Corporal, E-5 Sergeant, E-6 Staff Sergeant, E-7 Gunnery Sergeant, E-8 Master Sergeant/First Sergeant, E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant/Sergeant Major</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p><b>Warrant Officers (</b><b>all branches except the </b><b>Air Force)</b><b>:</b></p>\n<p>W-1 Warrant Officer, W-2 Chief Warrant Officer Two, W-3 Chief Warrant Officer Three, W-4 Chief Warrant Officer Four, W-5 Master Chief Warrant Officer Five</p>\n<p><b>Commissioned Officers</b><b>:</b></p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Army/Air Force/Marine Corps:</b> O-1 Second Lieutenant, O-2 First Lieutenant, O-3 Captain, O-4 Major, O-5 Lieutenant Colonel, O-6 Colonel, O-7 Brigadier General, O-8 Major General, O-9 Lieutenant General, O-10 General</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Navy/Coast Guard:</b> O-1 Ensign, O-2 Lieutenant (Junior Grade), O-3 Lieutenant, O-4 Lieutenant Commander, O-5 Commander, O-6 Captain, O-7 Rear Admiral (lower half), O-8 Rear Admiral (Upper half), O-9 Vice Admiral, O-10 Admiral</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The chain of command","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>In the military, you need to know who is in charge — in essence, the military chain of command. You should always go directly to your superior (and not your superior’s superior!). This handy guide lets you know who reports to whom.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Branch</th>\n<th>Chain of Command</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Army</td>\n<td>Recruit, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Company Commander,<br />\nBattalion Commander, Brigade Commander, Division Commander, Corps<br />\nCommander, Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of<br />\nDefense, Commander-in-Chief (President)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Air Force</td>\n<td>Recruit, Training Instructor, Flight Chief, Squadron Commander,<br />\nGroup Commander, Wing Commander, AETC Commander, Air Force Chief of<br />\nStaff, Secretary of the Air Force, Secretary of Defense,<br />\nCommander-in-Chief (President)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Navy</td>\n<td>Recruit, Company Commander, Division Leading Chief Petty<br />\nOfficer, Division Officer, Military Training Assistant, Military<br />\nTraining Officer, Executive Officer, Commanding Officer, Chief of<br />\nNaval Education and Training, Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary<br />\nof the Navy, Secretary of Defense, Commander-in-Chief<br />\n(President)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Marine Corps</td>\n<td>Recruit, Drill Instructor, Company Commander, Battalion<br />\nCommander, Regimental Commander, Division Commander, Chief of Naval<br />\nEducation and Training, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Secretary<br />\nof the Navy, Secretary of Defense, Commander-in-Chief<br />\n(President)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Coast Guard</td>\n<td>Recruit, Company Commander, Lead Company Commander, Section<br />\nCommander, Battalion Commander, Battalion Officer, Regimental<br />\nOfficer, Training Officer, Executive Officer, Commanding Officer,<br />\nCoast Guard Commandant, Secretary of Homeland Security,<br />\nCommander-in-Chief (President)</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Rules of the sentry","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When you’re sentry in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, it’s important to take your responsibility seriously. Follow these 11 rules, no matter which military branch you’re in, and you’ll never go wrong!</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take charge of this post and all government property in view.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house than my own.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Quit my post only when properly relieved.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Receive, obey and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Command Duty Officer, Officer of the Deck, and Officers and Petty Officers of the Watch only.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Talk to no one except in the line of duty.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Call the Officer of the Deck in any case not covered by instructions.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Learn military time","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The military is all about being on time. Of course, when you arrive at basic training, you need to learn to tell time in a whole new way — the military way! Master this list, and you’ll have no reason to ever be late!</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Time</th>\n<th>Military Time Equivalent</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Midnight (12 a.m.)</td>\n<td>0000 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1 a.m.</td>\n<td>0100 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2 a.m.</td>\n<td>0200 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3 a.m.</td>\n<td>0300 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4 a.m.</td>\n<td>0400 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5 a.m.</td>\n<td>0500 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6 a.m.</td>\n<td>0600 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7 a.m.</td>\n<td>0700 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8 a.m.</td>\n<td>0800 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9 a.m.</td>\n<td>0900 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10 a.m.</td>\n<td>1000 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11 a.m.</td>\n<td>1100 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>12 p.m.</td>\n<td>1200 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>1 p.m.</td>\n<td>1300 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2 p.m.</td>\n<td>1400 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3 p.m.</td>\n<td>1500 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4 p.m.</td>\n<td>1600 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5 p.m.</td>\n<td>1700 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6 p.m.</td>\n<td>1800 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7 p.m.</td>\n<td>1900 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8 p.m.</td>\n<td>2000 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>9 p.m.</td>\n<td>2100 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>10 p.m.</td>\n<td>2200 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>11 p.m.</td>\n<td>2300 hrs</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-25T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208540},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:53+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T19:37:48+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Hospitality Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34263"},"slug":"hospitality-careers","categoryId":34263}],"title":"Running a Bed and Breakfast For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"running a bed and breakfast for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"running-a-bed-breakfast-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn some of the essentials of opening a bed and breakfast, including both the business and hospitality sides of the venture.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"To run a bed and breakfast (B&B) inn, you need to take care of business issues first, then go about the business of caring for your guests.\r\n\r\nTo make sure guests get the best impression of your B&B, train everyone who answers the phone, get rooms ready the right way, and do the prep work for the \"breakfast\" part of the service. You also need to keep important phone numbers handy for those unexpected but inevitable problems.","description":"To run a bed and breakfast (B&B) inn, you need to take care of business issues first, then go about the business of caring for your guests.\r\n\r\nTo make sure guests get the best impression of your B&B, train everyone who answers the phone, get rooms ready the right way, and do the prep work for the \"breakfast\" part of the service. You also need to keep important phone numbers handy for those unexpected but inevitable problems.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10529,"name":"Mary White","slug":"mary-white","description":"Mary White is the go-to source in the bed and breakfast industry for opinions and advice. A noted expert on B&B travel, she has been involved in promoting and marketing B&Bs on the web for more than a decade and has appeared in dozens of media outlets. 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A noted expert on B&B travel, she has been involved in promoting and marketing B&Bs on the web for more than a decade and has appeared in dozens of media outlets. Her site, BnBFinder.com, is hailed by professionals and consumers alike as the most informative B&B site.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":10529,"name":"Mary White","slug":"mary-white","description":"Mary White is the go-to source in the bed and breakfast industry for opinions and advice. A noted expert on B&B travel, she has been involved in promoting and marketing B&Bs on the web for more than a decade and has appeared in dozens of media outlets. Her site, BnBFinder.com, is hailed by professionals and consumers alike as the most informative B&B site.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10529"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;hospitality-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470426821&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f81cf5aa\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;hospitality-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470426821&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f81cfcf4\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194768,"title":"Business to Take Care of before You Open Your Bed & Breakfast","slug":"business-to-take-care-of-before-you-open-your-bed-breakfast","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","hospitality-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194768"}},{"articleId":194777,"title":"Readying Guest Rooms in Your Bed & Breakfast","slug":"readying-guest-rooms-in-your-bed-breakfast","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","hospitality-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194777"}},{"articleId":194767,"title":"How to Take Complete Reservations for Your Bed & Breakfast","slug":"how-to-take-complete-reservations-for-your-bed-breakfast","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","hospitality-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194767"}},{"articleId":194779,"title":"Important Phone Numbers to Keep Handy for Your Bed & Breakfast","slug":"important-phone-numbers-to-keep-handy-for-your-bed-breakfast","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","hospitality-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194779"}},{"articleId":194769,"title":"Breakfast Prep to Do before Bed for Your Bed & Breakfast","slug":"breakfast-prep-to-do-before-bed-for-your-bed-breakfast","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","hospitality-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194769"}}],"content":[{"title":"Business to take care of before you open your bed and breakfast","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Your bed and breakfast is a business, so you need to get your ducks in a row and necessary forms filled out and filed before you open your doors to guests.</p>\n<p class=\"SortTitle\">Use the following list (and the help of your accountant, lawyer, consultant, and/or broker) to ensure you have the accounts and paperwork you need before opening day (then mark renewal dates on your calendar). These include:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Conditional use and sign permits (if required)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Business license</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Business name and/or DBA registration</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Certificate of occupancy</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Account for transient/lodging taxes</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sales tax account (seller’s permit)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Federal and State Tax ID</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Business checking credit accounts</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Merchant account (to process credit cards)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">ServSafe food certification (if required)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Health Department inspection</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fire Department inspection</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Liquor license, if applicable</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Insurance (business, liability, property, and liquor liability if applicable)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Property management/reservation and accounting software</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Readying guest rooms","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">You want to give your guests the best possible experience in your B&amp;B inn. Use the following checklist to make sure your guest rooms make a good first impression:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Clean guest bedroom:</b> dust; vacuum; change sheets; make bed; empty trash cans; check under beds, in drawers, and behind curtains for anything left by previous guests; note anything broken; reset thermostat</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Check guest bedroom amenities:</b> fresh glassware and beverage coasters, TV and DVD remotes on night stand, guest welcome letter, and so on</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Stock guest bedroom closet:</b> fresh robes hanging and arranged properly with belts tied, luggage rack open, wooden hangers (10 men’s/10 women’s), extra pillows and blankets</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add the finishing guest bedroom touches:</b> check clock radio to be sure the time is set correctly and the alarm is turned off, adjust all blinds to the same level, display current magazines, add fresh candy to a dish, stage guest book with pen, and so on</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Clean guest bathroom:</b> dust; vacuum; mop; clean shower, toilet, mirrors, and vanity; empty trash cans</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Check guest bathroom amenities:</b> replace bath, hand, and face towels; replace bathmat; stock basics such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toilet paper, tissue, and fresh glassware</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Add the finishing guest bathroom touches:</b> add bath gel, mouthwash, makeup remover pads, hair dryer, deodorizer, and so on</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to take complete reservations","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">You need to gather essential information when taking guest reservations for your bed &amp; breakfast by phone, and you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget the basics. To cover all the bases, begin by taking down the following information:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Date reservation taken and who took the reservation</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Guest name(s), address, telephone (day, evening, cell), and e-mail</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Arrival and departure dates (confirm number of nights)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Room selected and special add-ons</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reason for visiting the area and whether this is a special occasion</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Referral source (how they originally found you)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Credit card number, expiration, 3 digits on back (4 digits on front of AMEX)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Wrap things up by</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Confirming the rate plus tax and any additional charges</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reviewing policies (especially deposit and cancellation policies) and check-in time (ask for approximate arrival time)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Noting any dietary restrictions or allergies</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Offering to make reservations for dining, events, tours, and so on</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">* Telling guest the next step such as a follow-up confirmation by e-mail</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Important phone numbers to keep handy","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Even the best-run bed &amp; breakfast suffers an occasional crisis, and the time to search for a drain-cleaning service is not when you have guests waiting for breakfast. Record telephone numbers for the following services and keep the list on hand for quick fixes to ensure your guests’ comfort, enjoyment, and safety:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Plumbing &amp; drain cleaning service</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Heat/AC equipment person</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Electrician</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Carpenter/Contractor</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Roofer</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Septic tank info</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Propane gas supplier</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cable provider</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Internet provider</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Power company</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Phone service provider</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hot tub repair</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Appliance repair</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snow removal service</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Landscaper/tree removal service</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Breakfast prep to do before bedtime","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Mornings at a bed and breakfast are a scramble, and not just of eggs. Breakfast at a B&amp;B is part of the attraction, so although you’ll get used to serving it, you may want to use the following checklist to have breakfast practically ready before you go to bed.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Review menu choices</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check guest register for dietary restrictions and guest allergies</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Check for all ingredients; decide on quick substitutions if necessary</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set out all cooking utensils by recipe</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set out serving dishes and utensils</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure all dry and nonperishable ingredients</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take frozen items out of the freezer to defrost</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set breakfast table(s)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set up early departure “to go” bags</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Set up early morning coffee and tea service</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-10T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209341},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-08-30T02:29:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-08T20:45:20+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:35+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Working From Home For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"working from home for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"working-from-home-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"As you jump into working from home, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The secret is out: Working from home can be a sustainable, successful option for professionals in today’s global economy. As you jump into <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/management/is-working-virtually-right-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">working from home</a>, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273005\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273005\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/working-home.jpg\" alt=\"working from home\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"The secret is out: Working from home can be a sustainable, successful option for professionals in today’s global economy. As you jump into <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/business/management/is-working-virtually-right-for-you/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">working from home</a>, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273005\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273005\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/working-home.jpg\" alt=\"working from home\" width=\"556\" height=\"371\" /> © LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282677,"slug":"working-from-home-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119748496","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119748496/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119748496/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119748496-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119748496/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119748496/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/working-from-home-for-dummies-cover-9781119748496-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Working From Home For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p>A 20&#45;year talent development professional,<b><b data-author-id=\"11352\">Tara Powers</b></b> is an international best&#45;selling author, award&#45;winning leadership expert, and sought&#45;after keynote speaker. She&#39;s worked with more than 200 companies and 15,000 leaders worldwide, building and launching talent initiatives that deliver high touch and high impact for her clients.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":11352,"name":"Tara Powers","slug":"tara-powers","description":" <p>A 20&#45;year talent development professional,<b>Tara Powers</b> is an international best&#45;selling author, award&#45;winning leadership expert, and sought&#45;after keynote speaker. She&#39;s worked with more than 200 companies and 15,000 leaders worldwide, building and launching talent initiatives that deliver high touch and high impact for her clients. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/11352"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119748496&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7f4e2a7\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119748496&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7f4fd2e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Advice to Consider Before You Work at Home","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re considering working from home, take into account several important considerations. Many of them require a shift in your mindset and habits, a focus on emotional and social intelligence, and strong communication skills. Be mindful about these areas if you truly want to have success in working from home:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Having the right environment:</strong> Ensuring you have the right work environment if you’re planning on working from home is extremely important. If your workspace isn’t set up for you to be successful, you’ll quickly become frustrated and potentially disconnected from your team.</li>\n<li><strong>Maintaining balance and focus:</strong> Working virtually takes a heavy dose of discipline and organization to balance work with the constant demands of life happening all around you when you’re working from home. If you struggle with self-discipline, working virtually may be an area of difficulty for you, so make sure you set up clear guidelines and expectations for yourself ahead of time.</li>\n<li><strong>Building community:</strong> When working from home, be prepared to build a sense of community by connecting with your team members and your manager regularly, both for work and to get to know each other personally. If working side-by-side with your coworkers in person is extremely fulfilling for you, then consider that working remotely 100 percent of the time may not be the best idea for you. You may want to consider a part-time telecommuting arrangement or perhaps a flex job where you work remotely a few days a week and a part-time job in an office a few days per week.</li>\n<li><strong>Connecting using collaborative technology:</strong> When you work from home, you generally lose face-to-face, in-person interaction, and people working remotely have different levels of comfort and acceptance using collaborative technology such as Zoom to personally connect. Many companies don’t require virtual teams to turn on video when communicating or having a meeting, which is a mistake. If you desire to work virtually, it’s up to you to build relationships and trust, which you rarely can achieve over the phone or via text. Turning on your camera so you can connect personally with your team members is an important part of building connection.</li>\n<li><strong>Appreciating team culture:</strong> Your virtual team can include people from other towns in your city, your country, or the world. Maybe your team members don’t have English as their first language, or maybe their culture and way of life is completely foreign to you. Make sure you consider who is going to be on your team and ideally meet team members as part of the interviewing process.</li>\n<li><strong>Practicing emotional intelligence:</strong> Working from home requires a willingness to go the extra mile to develop strong team relationships by being emotionally aware and tuned in to what’s happening with other team members. The key to emotional intelligence is recognizing what you and other team members are feeling and then knowing what to do to manage those emotions or reactions. Doing so requires attention, savviness, and vulnerability.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Virtual Meeting Etiquette: Minding Your Meeting Manners Even When You Work from Home","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can slack on professionalism. You can easily fall into a too-casual trap when your commute is a short walk from your kitchen to your home office. Keep these videoconference etiquette tips in mind as you work from home:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Beware of your background.</strong> Your coworkers won’t take you seriously if you have a pile of dirty clothes or an unmade bed in the corner behind you. Make sure your background is professional, free of distractions, and work appropriate. Pay attention to the lighting, too.</li>\n<li><strong>Make sure you’re screen ready.</strong> One of the best things about working remotely is the freedom to wear anything to work. However, when you’re in a virtual video meeting, your coworkers don’t need to see your sweats and bedhead. Put on a clean shirt, brush your hair, and set up your webcam at eye level.</li>\n<li><strong>Minimize distractions.</strong> Video meetings have enough background noise, so don’t add to it. Make sure you’re in a quiet room; turn off music, cell phones, and TVs; relocate pets; and ensure that the kiddos are settled somewhere. Also, minimize use of your keyboard — the sound is distracting.</li>\n<li><strong>Speak clearly, concisely, and slowly, and don’t interrupt.</strong> Videoconferencing technology has improved greatly, but speaking clearly, concisely, and slowly is still smart. If you have a decent mic, you don’t need to yell. Your normal speaking volume should be fine.</li>\n<li><strong>Make eye contact.</strong> During your video call, your screen probably has the presentation open, a window in which you can type comments, and multiple video screens with your colleagues’ faces. When it’s your turn to speak, be sure to look into your camera, not at the multiple distractions on your computer screen. It takes a while to grasp this, but it looks more natural and connects to people much more effectively.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t eat.</strong> Even if the meeting falls during your normal mealtime, don’t eat during your video call. Just because people can’t smell it doesn’t mean they can’t hear or see you chewing. No one wants to see you stuff your face while discussing important business matters.</li>\n<li><strong>Don’t multitask.</strong> According to a survey by Raindance Communications, 70 percent of people do unrelated work, 50 percent read or send emails, and 36 percent mute the call to talk to someone else while on a video call. All of these behaviors are no-no’s. Give the meeting your full attention. It’s more productive and more respectful.</li>\n<li><strong>Keep the mute button handy.</strong> Nothing is more frustrating than hearing that alien echo noise or high-pitch screech from conflicting microphones. If you’re working in a noisy cafe, an airport, or anywhere that has a lot of background noise, make sure to keep your mic muted when you’re not speaking. It gives everyone else the ability to chime in without distraction.</li>\n<li><strong>Be patient.</strong> If someone doesn’t respond immediately, give him a few seconds. The slow response may be an audio delay or people may be desperately trying to unmute themselves.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":273004},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:46:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-07T16:26:35+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:34+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"General Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"},"slug":"general-careers","categoryId":34272}],"title":"Productivity For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"productivity for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"productivity-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Boost your productivity with some simple daily habits, a bit of positivity, and some well-reasoned planning.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.","description":"Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9021,"name":"Ciara Conlon","slug":"ciara-conlon","description":" <p><b>Ciara Conlon</b> is a productivity coach, keynote speaker and author. She helps organisations get better results by establishing space for more creativity and innovation. She helps people get better results by adopting effective habits and focusing on the right stuff at the right time. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9021"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34272,"title":"General Careers","slug":"general-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34272"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":139329,"title":"The Secrets of Productive Leaders","slug":"the-secrets-of-productive-leaders","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139329"}},{"articleId":139330,"title":"How Music Can Help You Focus and Increase Productivity","slug":"how-music-can-help-you-focus-and-increase-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139330"}},{"articleId":139321,"title":"5 Steps to Organise Your Workspace for Productivity","slug":"5-steps-to-organise-your-workspace-for-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139321"}},{"articleId":139324,"title":"10 Top-Notch Productivity Apps","slug":"10-top-notch-productivity-apps","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139324"}},{"articleId":139297,"title":"Boosting Performance at Work","slug":"boosting-performance-at-work","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139297"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273721,"title":"How to Manage Virtual Teams","slug":"how-to-manage-virtual-teams","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273721"}},{"articleId":273709,"title":"How to Create a New Zoom Account","slug":"how-to-create-a-new-zoom-account","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273709"}},{"articleId":273704,"title":"Text-Only Communication in the Virtual Workplace","slug":"text-only-communication-in-the-virtual-workplace","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273704"}},{"articleId":273697,"title":"Working from Home: Setting Healthy Boundaries","slug":"working-from-home-setting-healthy-boundaries","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273697"}},{"articleId":273692,"title":"How to Build a Connection Culture When Working from Home","slug":"how-to-build-a-connection-culture-when-working-from-home","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273692"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281596,"slug":"productivity-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119099529","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119099528-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119099528/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/productivity-for-dummies-cover-9781119099529-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Productivity For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9021\">Ciara Conlon</b> is a productivity coach, keynote speaker and author. She helps organisations get better results by establishing space for more creativity and innovation. She helps people get better results by adopting effective habits and focusing on the right stuff at the right time. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9021,"name":"Ciara Conlon","slug":"ciara-conlon","description":" <p><b>Ciara Conlon</b> is a productivity coach, keynote speaker and author. She helps organisations get better results by establishing space for more creativity and innovation. She helps people get better results by adopting effective habits and focusing on the right stuff at the right time. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9021"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119099529&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7ea45af\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;general-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119099529&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7ea4cfd\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":139297,"title":"Boosting Performance at Work","slug":"boosting-performance-at-work","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139297"}},{"articleId":139295,"title":"The Essential Kit for a Budding Productivity Geek","slug":"the-essential-kit-for-a-budding-productivity-geek","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139295"}},{"articleId":139296,"title":"Daily Habits for Powerful Productivity","slug":"daily-habits-for-powerful-productivity","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","general-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/139296"}}],"content":[{"title":"Boosting performance at work","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you want to be productive and boost your performance at work, take a look at these three simple things below that you can focus on. Paying attention to these three areas will have a big impact on your effectiveness in the workplace</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Focus on the goals.</b> Many people at work have trouble with prioritization. But the solution is pretty simple: Be clear about your goals, and your priorities will be evident. Plan your day according to your goals. Ask yourself which tasks will get you closer to your goals, and focus on them. When you spend your day working on these tasks, you’ll know you’ve been productive.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take control of your inbox. </b>Email can take over your day if you allow it to. Start your day in your calendar with what you have planned for the day, not with what others want you to do for them. Take control of your workday by planning your day in advance. After you’ve looked at your calendar, you can either start work straightaway or open your inbox to see whether you have any urgent requests that will take priority over what you’ve already scheduled.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Stay positive at all times.</b> Having all the techniques and tools in place to be productive will only go so far if you don’t have the right attitude. Having a positive, can-do attitude is the most significant contributor to enhancing performance. If you’re positive, no task is too difficult and no problem can’t be overcome. With a positive attitude, you’ll develop better and stronger relationships with your team. Positive attitudes breed more positive attitudes, and if you can create a pleasant work environment that is optimistic and empowered, there is little you can’t achieve.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The essential kit for a budding productivity geek","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re serious about getting organized, you will need to invest in some basics tools for your productivity toolkit. Your productivity toolkit consists of all the things that you will use daily to keep your work space ordered, structured and clutter free.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A calendar:</b> Whether paper or electronic, you need a calendar to track your appointments and meetings and plan time for your work to do.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A task management app: </b>A task management app is great for storing all your tasks to do. Choose an app that allows you to categorise your tasks into different projects.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>An in-tray:</b> Use your in-tray to put all your unprocessed work. Anything that you haven’t defined exactly what needs to be done with should go in the in-tray.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A filing tray:</b> Use a filing tray(s) to separate paperwork that needs to be filed from actionable work.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Manila folders:</b> To keep your paperwork organized, you need a bunch of manila tabbed folders. Create a folder for each project.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A labeller:</b> A labeller helps keep your files looking pretty and also makes them easy to find.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A step file organizer:</b> A step file organizer is ideal for your work in progress. Use it to house your current files and paperwork on your desk. Add labelled manila folders, and you’ll always have the file you need at hand.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A notebook:</b> You can’t beat pen and paper. Sometimes it’s best to pick up a pen and jot down your good ideas, your plans, or the things you don’t want to forget about.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Daily habits for powerful productivity","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may think that the daily habits for powerful productivity are all about scheduling and to-do lists. You may be surprised to know that some of the things that will have the biggest impact on your performance and productivity are the things you do outside the office!</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Exercise:</b> Exercises gives you energy, improves your mood, and helps you to focus. There are so many benefits to exercise it’s a wonder TV was ever invented! If you introduce the habit of exercise to your daily life, you’ll get way more done.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Rising early:</b> The habit of rising early is a habit of most successful people. Rising early enables you to fit it all in. It’s a great time of the day to exercise, to write, or to meditate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Meditation:</b> Meditation is no longer just for monks; it has become a widely accepted habit in the workplace. Many organizations have become aware of the many benefits of meditation and recommend it to their employees. Meditation provides a calmer mind, greater focus, and reduced stress.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Positivity:</b> Success begins with positivity. Having a positive attitude and a belief in yourself and your ideas are crucial for success. Believe in your ability to get things done and you will succeed. A positive attitude at work will improve your relationships and performance.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Scheduling:</b> What gets scheduled gets done. Planning your work in advance is a primary habit for productivity. It will help you beat procrastination and help you get it all done. Take some time each week to plan the week ahead. Schedule time for all the projects you need to get done.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-07T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207417},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-08-26T18:15:32+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-05T18:46:50+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:34+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Business, Careers, & Money","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34224"},"slug":"business-careers-money","categoryId":34224},{"name":"Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256"},"slug":"careers","categoryId":34256},{"name":"Political Careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34267"},"slug":"political-careers","categoryId":34267}],"title":"Running for Local Office For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"running for local office for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"running-for-local-office-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn what you need to start working on before you launch your run for any political office from this Dummies.com Cheat Sheet.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You want to ensure that your run for office is successful. This Cheat Sheet provides some tips on campaigning, including preparing for a local political campaign by working on your name recognition, public reputation, and campaign finances. You also need to make sure that you have some important assets in place, like a campaign manager, volunteers, and voter lists.","description":"You want to ensure that your run for office is successful. This Cheat Sheet provides some tips on campaigning, including preparing for a local political campaign by working on your name recognition, public reputation, and campaign finances. You also need to make sure that you have some important assets in place, like a campaign manager, volunteers, and voter lists.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34267,"title":"Political Careers","slug":"political-careers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34267"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":264171,"title":"Negative Campaigning for Local Office","slug":"negative-campaigning-for-local-office","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264171"}},{"articleId":264166,"title":"Yard Signs for Your Local Political Campaign","slug":"yard-signs-for-your-local-political-campaign","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264166"}},{"articleId":264156,"title":"How to Build a Brand for Your Local Political Campaign","slug":"how-to-build-a-brand-for-your-local-political-campaign","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264156"}},{"articleId":264017,"title":"Political Debates and Forums on the Local Level","slug":"political-debates-and-forums-on-the-local-level","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264017"}},{"articleId":264012,"title":"Tips for Managing Campaign Finances","slug":"tips-for-managing-campaign-finances","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264012"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":264171,"title":"Negative Campaigning for Local Office","slug":"negative-campaigning-for-local-office","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264171"}},{"articleId":264166,"title":"Yard Signs for Your Local Political Campaign","slug":"yard-signs-for-your-local-political-campaign","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264166"}},{"articleId":264156,"title":"How to Build a Brand for Your Local Political Campaign","slug":"how-to-build-a-brand-for-your-local-political-campaign","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264156"}},{"articleId":264017,"title":"Political Debates and Forums on the Local Level","slug":"political-debates-and-forums-on-the-local-level","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264017"}},{"articleId":264012,"title":"Tips for Managing Campaign Finances","slug":"tips-for-managing-campaign-finances","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/264012"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282551,"slug":"running-for-local-office-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119588177","categoryList":["business-careers-money","careers","political-careers"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119588170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119588170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119588170-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119588170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119588170/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/running-for-local-office-for-dummies-cover-9781119588177-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Running For Local Office For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;political-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119588177&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7e30dbb\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;business-careers-money&quot;,&quot;careers&quot;,&quot;political-careers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119588177&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62b36f7e314fc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":263528,"title":"How to Prepare for a Run for Office","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263528"}},{"articleId":263523,"title":"Important Campaigning Assets","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263523"}},{"articleId":263519,"title":"How to Prepare Voter Lists","slug":"","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263519"}}],"content":[{"title":"How to prepare to run for office","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>To get ready for your run at public office, ensure that you have some important items well before you file the paperwork and officially start your local political campaign. To best achieve your goal, start working on these items months, if not years, in advance.</p>\n<div class=\"figure-container\"><figure id=\"attachment_263529\" aria-labelledby=\"figcaption_attachment_263529\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 545px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-263529 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/running-for-office.jpg\" alt=\"campaign button\" width=\"535\" height=\"535\" /><figcaption id=\"figcaption_attachment_263529\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">©By iQoncept/Shutterstock.com</figcaption></figure></div><div class=\"clearfix\"></div>\n<h3>Name recognition</h3>\n<p>The most important part of a political campaign is name recognition. The candidate’s name appears on flyers and yard signs and all campaign material. Connecting with the voter is key, and name recognition is the driver that gets voters to check your box come election day.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Work on establishing your name recognition well before you start your run for office. Get your name in the paper, show up to meetings to let your voice be heard, volunteer, and put in the effort to get your name out there.</li>\n<li>People vote for names they know.</li>\n<li>Name recognition also runs in the other direction: You must know the names of key players in town. After all, it’s your desire to become one of them.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Public reputation</h3>\n<p>Along with your name comes your reputation as a public figure. You want people to not only recognize your name but also associate it with positive characteristics — or at least ones they can admire. Your desire is for people to hear your name and recall the things you’ve done for the community and the efforts you’ve made to make things better.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Volunteer your time and effort at service organizations and nonprofits. Prove to be a capable worker. Your actions not only help build your public reputation but also assure the public that you’ll have the same attitude in public office.</li>\n<li>You need not sacrifice your integrity to build a public reputation. Communities have their cheerleaders, but you can also establish a reputation by publicly opposing a corrupt, entrenched status quo. The key is to remain positive, offer solutions, and stand your ground.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Government research</h3>\n<p>Some people run for public office on a lark. Successful candidates, however, know the position well. They’ve researched the political division where they seek office. They know the staff and other key people. They’ve studied the issues. When asked, they share a knowledge of the organization beyond the superficial.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Start your government research early. Attend meetings. Review agendas and minutes.</li>\n<li>Know who’s who within the organization. Be able to identify key staff members and understand their roles.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Campaign finances</h3>\n<p>Money is the grease the turns the wheels of politics. Your successful campaign for office needs funding. For a large district with high voter turnout, raising money is a priority. Your funding goal is to help boost your name recognition and get out your message. You want the public to know who you are and to be happy to cast their vote in your favor.</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Invest only a modicum of self-funding for your campaign, seed money, or quick loan (which you don’t expect to be paid back). Avoid fully self-funding your campaign: Only by obtaining contributions from individuals and organizations can you show wide support.</li>\n<li>The candidate (that’s you) is responsible for fundraising efforts. You must make the calls. You must ask for money.</li>\n<li>People donate money because you ask.</li>\n<li>Start your fundraising efforts as early as possible. Keep in mind that many states require you to file some sort of declaration before you can <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/politics-government/what-are-the-limits-on-contributions-to-political-campaigns/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">legally raise money for a political campaign</a>.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Important campaigning assets","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A campaign asset is something you need to help you make a successful run for office. Believe it or not, money isn’t the only — nor is it the most important — asset.</p>\n<p>Here are some important campaign assets:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Volunteers:</strong> Count among these people your close friends, advisors, and gurus and the hordes of people who you know are willing to support your run for office. Volunteers are more valuable than money. They can help you make a literature drop, stuff envelopes, attend functions, call voters, and so on.</li>\n<li><strong>Campaign manager:</strong> This person acts as your campaign advisor. A good manager knows how to run a campaign, track important looming deadlines, prioritize your time, and offer insight into what’s a good move and how to stay ahead in the game. A good manager also knows how when to spend money and what to spend it on.</li>\n<li><strong>Marketing person:</strong> A good marketing person knows design and can help you create a brand to help sell your name and ideas. Marketing people have connections with printers and bulk mailers and can get special rates that are lower than what you’d find on your own.</li>\n<li><strong>Your message:</strong> To best communicate your intentions with the voter, you need a solid message. It says who you are and what you plan on doing in office. A marketing person can help you hone your message, making it precise, and bundle it as part of your campaign brand.</li>\n<li><strong>Voter lists:</strong> From the election authority, obtain a list of voters specific to the district in which you’re running. Ensure that the list has a voter history so that you can separate frequent voters (those who vote in every election) from those who seldom or never vote. Craft voter lists for walking door-to-door, sending out mailings, and contacting absentee voters.</li>\n<li><strong>Time:</strong> Be prepared for your campaign to consume your time from the end of the candidate filing period up to election day. It’s your full-time job. You must devote yourself to the campaign. Don’t try to take a break. Don’t make excuses for missing an event. If you’re serious about becoming an elected official, you must make the time.</li>\n<li><strong>Money:</strong> Campaign funding is indeed an asset. Its primary purpose for a local race is to help get out your message. You spend money to communicate with potential voters. The more money you raise, the more communications can take place.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to prepare voter lists","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You can’t connect with voters when campaigning if you don’t know who they are. Further, you don’t want to contact everyone living in the district, because many people aren’t registered to vote and even those who are don’t always vote.</p>\n<p>To create the best voter lists possible, contact the election authority for your district. Obtain from them a list of registered voters. Ask that the list include only voters for your specific district. You also want a history for each voter so that the data shows in which elections they participated. If possible, get the list in Excel format. The election authority may charge you for this request, though often the information is available for free or even online.</p>\n<p>After you obtain the list, your job is to massage it or to have one of your campaign volunteers who is adept at using Excel work the magic for you. Here are my recommended steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Ensure that you work on a backup copy of the list.<br />\n</strong>Keep the original file untouched. You may need this file if you work with a direct mail outfit. They prefer to use the original, which their software can manipulate efficiently.</li>\n<li><strong> Purge the list.<br />\n</strong>From the list of all registered voters in your district, remove anyone who hasn’t voted in the past few elections. Further, remove your opponents from the list as well as any of their known supporters. You need not contact those people, so off the list they go.</li>\n<li><strong> Create a custom list for frequent voters, a chronic-voter list.<br />\n</strong>From the list, prioritize those voters who show up for all elections. These are your <em>chronic</em> voters — people who will cast a ballot in your election and with whom you must connect.<br />\nAlso retain those who voted in the district’s last election or any special elections held by the district.</li>\n<li><strong> Create a list of those who vote early.<br />\n</strong>If the voter list shows those who prefer to vote absentee or by mail, pull out those people’s names and create a special list for them. These are the people you must contact first. Prepare a special mailing for them so that they know about your campaign before they receive their early ballots.</li>\n<li><strong> Create custom lists for specific areas.<br />\n</strong>If your district has wards or precincts that have specific issues, pull out those voters to create a custom list. You can send targeted mailings to those voters, informing them how you can help after you win the election.</li>\n<li><strong> Create walking lists.<br />\n</strong>The voter database is designed for mailing, but you can work some Excel magic to create walking lists. Your goal is to knock on doors behind which you find an active voter.<br />\nOrganize the walking list by neighborhood. Sort it by street. Your desire is to have a list you can use to effectively walk the area, one you use yourself or can hand to volunteers to help canvas voters.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Voter lists are an important campaign asset. They help you effectively run your campaign by connecting with active voters. And if you have the funding, you can widen the list to include infrequent voters. The goal is to make the connection without wasting your campaign funding.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Voter lists are temporary. If you run again, you must create new lists. Old voter lists have no value.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":null,"sponsorEbookTitle":null,"sponsorEbookLink":null,"sponsorEbookImage":null},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-05T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":263532}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34256/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=1123"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"34256","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":1133},{"itemId":34257,"itemName":"Banking Careers","count":6},{"itemId":34372,"itemName":"Child Care 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Trades, Tech, & Engineering Careers How to Land a Programming Interview: 10 Ways to Stand Out

Article / Updated 07-19-2022

If you’re applying for a software development job, always presume that many of your fellow programmers will apply for that job, too. Here are ten ways you, and not just your résumé and cover letter, can stand out to your potential employer and get you an interview. Have a professional headshot Use a professional headshot, taken by a professional photographer, as your profile picture on all of your social media profiles. Don’t use a good selfie you took of yourself while you were on vacation. Instead, get some recommendations for a photographer from friends, colleagues, and even your social media connections. Then dress professionally (at least from the waist up), get well-groomed, go to the photography studio, and get headshots that will show you’re a professional. Once you get the photos and you’ve decided on the ones you want to use, put that headshot on all your social media profiles to create a consistent brand for yourself. If you already use a professional photographer to take family portraits on occasion, here’s a tip on how to save some money on a professional headshot. Gather the family to get some pictures done for relatives and ask the photographer if you could get a couple of headshots for yourself as well. You should already be professionally dressed and groomed, so an additional headshot or two of yourself will cost you little to nothing extra — probably the latter if you’ve been using your family photographer for a while. Establish a GitHub profile to showcase your programming skills If you don’t have a GitHub profile to interact with other software developers, sign up for free on the GitHub website. A GitHub profile not only gets you access to other developers, it also affords you the opportunity to demonstrate your programming abilities. If one or more people who work at an employer can find your GitHub profile and can see the type of code you’ve written as well as the projects you’ve contributed to, they’ll have much more confidence that: You can write code. You are a good coder. You can actually do what you say you can do on your résumé. If you have a GitHub profile but you haven’t worked on any projects there in a while, now is a good time to get more involved so you can make it as impressive to prospective employers (and other programmers) as you can. Get plenty of referrals One big benefit of LinkedIn is that you can get and ask for plenty of online referrals, which LinkedIn calls recommendations, and post them on your LinkedIn profile for anyone to see. But you shouldn’t just rely on people to give you recommendations on LinkedIn — you should already have plenty of people you could ask who would be happy to recommend you for a programming job. So, ask those people if one or more people will write you a recommendation letter to send with your cover letter and résumé. The hiring manager or team manager may be a bit confused at first with all the papers included in your envelope, but then realize that you have plenty of people who are happy to recommend you and talk with company management about you. That added proof that you’re well-regarded in the industry will get your résumé and cover letter noticed. Referrals are not a panacea because you still have to make sure your résumé and cover letter look great, but including referral letters will make it much more likely that whoever is reviewing résumés looks at yours. You can show your appreciation by writing a recommendation letter of your own and send those to your friends and colleagues who recommend you. After all, your friends and colleagues may need recommendations for a job or other position they want. Have a video résumé on social networking sites We live in an age where it’s easy to make videos and post them online, so it’s a good idea to post a video résumé starring you on all your social media websites. You can hire a videographer to professionally produce your video résumé, but you can probably do it yourself using your webcam. Just be sure to practice talking naturally into the camera so you come off as authentic and genuine. When you’re ready to record, it’s a good idea to wear at least a shirt and tie (if you’re just sitting down) and groom yourself so you look professional. You can put a link to your video résumé in your printed one. When people reviewing your résumé type in the link, they should see a brief video that not only features you talking about who you are as a programmer and your experience, but also shows some of your personality so the viewer can get to know you a little bit. If potential interviewers feel like you’re someone they want to work with after they watch your video résumé, don’t be surprised if you get a phone call or email message asking to set up a phone screen or an in-person interview. You should shorten the link to your video résumé so people don’t have to type in a long and complicated URL in their browser’s address bar. One popular site for shortening a URL is Bitly. Create your own YouTube channel to show off your programming prowess If you want to go one step further with your videos and stand out not just to potential interviewers but to the software developer community at large, include your video résumé on your YouTube channel. This channel should also include several videos that show off your personality and expertise. A YouTube channel that you promote regularly on your other social media and software developer websites like GitHub will start to get you followers. What’s more, people at your prospective employer will look at your YouTube channel and think, “Wow, this person is teaching hundreds of developers on YouTube, so this is a good person to have on our team. This is someone who not only knows their stuff but will help our other programmers learn and grow.” Your YouTube channel may not only attract followers but may also prompt people to send comments asking if you’re looking for a job. If you decide to start looking for employment, you can create a video that says you’re looking for a job and feature that video on your channel so you can generate leads. Have a good blog to show your programming expertise Programming requires you to type code, so you should have a good blog that shows your coding expertise either in your preferred programming language and/or a variety of programming languages. A blog, such as the Simple Programmer blog you see below, can include instructional articles about how to perform a task in a specific language; discuss tips, tricks, techniques, and trends in software development; and include articles from guest authors who talk about their areas of expertise. If you design your blog so you feature your desired search keywords prominently and frequently, Google will have an easy time finding your blog when people search for those keywords. Don’t forget to promote your latest blog posts on your social media and software developer websites, too. You may find that during the interview, one or more interviewers will ask you about the blog because they’ve been reading articles on it. So, the blog acts as an extended interview that shows people at your prospective employer that you write well, can articulate your points, and that you’re an influencer and leader in the programming community. Update your blog regularly with new articles. If you haven’t updated your blog even in a couple of months, your articles will start to look stale, and you’ll give the impression to your interviewers that you’re inattentive and don’t follow through. Produce a podcast and/or vlog If you want to go all-out to promote your expertise and personality, then add an audio podcast or its video equivalent, the vlog (short for video log), to your blog and YouTube channel offerings. The vlog can be posted to both your social media websites, your blog itself, and/or your YouTube channel. You may also want to have your podcast on sites that host podcasts such as Libsyn. If you’re the host of a podcast, it’s likely you won’t talk during the entirety of each podcast. (The length of a podcast will vary depending on the topic.) Instead, you’ll be talking with other people and creating a lot of connections. You’ll also show that you’re involved in the developer community. As you build influence and a loyal listenership and/or viewership, you may become a celebrity among developers. Your popularity will make it easier for you to get the job you want because companies want to hire a famous software developer to work on their teams. Point to mobile apps you’ve already developed in app stores If you’ve published one or more apps in an iOS or Android app store, don’t forget to include this information in your résumé and cover letter, and ensure that any interviewers can easily find a link to the app on your social media profiles, blog, and YouTube channel. Showing that you’ve developed one or more apps gives interviewers proof that: You can write code just like your résumé says. You can develop software through the entire life cycle from design to publication, which shows you can contribute to the programming team and the company. You’re a winner. (So go get a chicken dinner.) If you haven’t built an app before, there are plenty of tutorials online — all you have to do is type build ios app or build android app in Google and you’ll get a results page full of tutorial links so you can get started. After you create and publish an app, produce a “making of” video on your YouTube channel. This video should tell viewers about the app, how you developed it, the discoveries and drawbacks you had during development, and what your plans are for the future of the app. That last part will show potential employers that you take care of your customers and keep thinking of ways to make the app better for them. Write and self-publish a book The one tangible thing you can bring with you to your interview, other than copies of your résumé, is a copy of a self-published book. It can be difficult to write books for major publishers unless you already have experience with them as a technical editor, you coauthor a book with a lead author, or if you’ve self-published a book. It’s easier than ever to publish and distribute a self-published book. You can sell your book as an ebook on websites including Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as publish printed copies to give to people and sell on Amazon. The wikiHow website shown below gives you step-by-step instructions about how to write and publish your own book. A book can make you a little bit of money, especially if you take the time to study successful self-published authors — for example, look at Andy Weir, who self-published the novel The Martian. More important, the book serves as an advertisement for your services that shows interviewers that: You committed the time, money, and effort to write and publish a book. You’re a published authority on a given topic because not very many developers have self-published a book (though one coauthor of this book has). You have writing skills, which could help you make more money in your new job if you’re a technical writer as well as a programmer. After you publish the book, don’t forget to promote it not only in your cover letter and list it in your résumé, but also on all your online media and social networking websites. What’s more, if you have the book listed on Amazon, then include a shortened URL link to the book page so interviewers can see it; the interviewers will appreciate a short URL to type because Amazon page URLs are almost as long as lines to get on popular Disneyland rides. Speak at developer and business events You may not have thought about speaking at events, or maybe you don’t want to think of it because the fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, is considered by some (perhaps including you) to be worse than death. If you want to get up the courage to speak but don’t know where to get training, go to the Toastmasters International website and find a club in your area by clicking the Find a Club button in the upper-right corner of the screen. Then search for your nearest club in the Find a Club webpage. Toastmasters International is considered the premier organization for professionals to learn how to speak effectively and become better leaders. After you select your club, you can attend a meeting for free if there are no current restrictions to joining a club. (Some clubs have restrictions and the website will tell you if that’s so.) Once you decide to join, you can sign up as a new member for only $65 (this is subject to change); renewals cost $45 per year. It may take you some time to get yourself where you want to be as a speaker, but once you gain enough confidence, you can start looking for speaking opportunities at local or regional events. Check with Meetup events for software developers in your local area and ask the event coordinator about speaking opportunities. The same goes for local chamber of commerce and/or Rotary club meetings, though you’ll probably have to produce a different presentation for those business-oriented audiences. No matter where you speak, you’ll likely have members of companies in the audience who may be impressed with you. After your presentation, one or more people may ask for your card so you can speak to their employees and/or recommend you as a speaker for a large developer conference (so make sure you have business cards with you!). Some people may be so impressed with your leadership abilities that they’ll ask you if you’re looking for a job. Before your speaking engagement, ask the event coordinator if you can record your presentation on video. Then you can make that video available for wider viewing later on your social media and/or online media websites. A large developer conference may record all speakers on video and give you the URL to the conference website so you can include a link to your presentation online as well as in your résumé and cover letter. Your future employer wants to see how you’re unique so don’t be afraid to show off your programming skills in a way that highlights your abilities.

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General Real Estate Careers Ways You Can Incorporate Your Business as a Landlord

Article / Updated 07-19-2022

How you choose to structure your business as the landlord depends in part upon your willingness to share its future and yours with others. Forming a corporation is a fairly complex legal endeavor that involves the following steps: Choose and register a name for your corporation that complies with state requirements. Write and file your articles of incorporation. Write bylaws to govern corporate operations. Issue stock certificates to your [email protected]’s owners and investors. Obtain any business licenses and permits required by your state and local governing bodies. You can take any of the following three approaches to form your corporation: Do it yourself. If you’re the sole owner of the business and don’t intend to add owners, seek outside capital, or do business in multiple locations, you may be able to incorporate without expert assistance. Use a third-party service. Hire a reputable, local attorney. Outsourcing to a business-formation service Numerous firms offer services to help you form a business entity. Three of the best known are Legal Zoom, Rocket Attorney, and The Company Corporation. Others include Inc Authority, and Directincorporation.com. Before using a service, check with others who’ve used it, and expand your search to include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Find out how they’re regarded by the Better Business Bureau and local consumer protection organizations to determine whether any complaints have been filed against them. Keep in mind that these firms are ordinary retailers who tend to advertise low prices “Starting at …” for only a few of the services you need. Comparison shop. Find out what’s included and what’s not. Get a price quote from a reputable local attorney, as well, for comparison purposes. Make sure you get a price quote that covers everything you need to form your corporation. Hiring an attorney and accountant We recommend that you hire a reputable, local attorney to guide you through the process of incorporating your business and an accountant to manage the corporation’s payroll, taxes, and financial reporting for several reasons, including the following: Your attorney can help evaluate your specific needs for the area where you’re setting up shop and recommend the best business structure to meet those needs. Choosing the wrong business structure may imperil your personal assets and limit your tax benefits. Your attorney makes sure all documents are filed properly with the right government agencies and in a timely manner. Your attorney can refer you to experts in accounting, banking, financial planning, insurance, and web design. A good business attorney will have an ongoing professional interest in your success. Your accountant keeps the books and creates and files financial reports in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Running your operation as a corporation As complicated as forming a corporation is, running it requires even more attention to detail. You must fulfill the obligations of corporate governance, which include: Paying yourself and other owners and investors salaries or distributions Holding at least one director and shareholder meeting annually Typing up and filing minutes from those meetings Updating the bylaws Practicing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) — standards and procedures for recording financial transactions and producing financial reports Producing and filing an annual report with your Secretary of State Preparing the corporation’s annual tax return

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Job Searches Negotiating the Terms of Your Job after 50

Article / Updated 07-19-2022

Copyright © 2015 AARP. All rights reserved. Once you get that job you are seeking after 50, you need to negotiate the terms. Negotiations are best when both parties work toward an arrangement that’s mutually beneficial. Don’t approach negotiations with a hiring manager as an adversarial relationship. Follow these suggestions instead: Wait. Let the hiring manager offer you an amount, and then take a day or two to consider. You may be able to renegotiate for more if you don’t think the first offer was fair, but you will need to have your reasons down pat. Know your value. The more you learn, the more you earn. Research salaries for the position you’re applying for in that area of the country. Three good places to start are Glassdoor PayScale Salary.com Be prepared to tell them what you want. If you get a lowball offer, simply say something along the lines of, “I was expecting an offer more in the $_____ to $_____ range. How did you arrive at the offer?” Speak in “I” statements. “I” statements are difficult to argue against, because all you’re saying is what you think and feel. Ask questions. It’s okay to ask the interviewers how they came up with a specific dollar amount. Inquiring minds want to know. Don’t refuse an offer outright. Don’t fall for the trap of thinking you need to answer yes or no. Keep the conversation going until you hear an offer that sounds fair. Speak in terms of value. You may say something like, “If I were an average employee, I would be happy with your first offer, but I don’t think you’re looking for someone who’s just average.” Then go on to explain why you’re better than average. Don’t back down. Give the conversation more time to percolate instead of reluctantly accepting an offer or turning it down. Take your time. There’s really no hurry. Don’t issue an ultimatum. An ultimatum traps you and the interviewer, providing neither of you with a graceful, face-saving exit. Keep the conversation going until you’ve succeeded in meeting the needs of both sides. Be sensitive to the employer’s needs and current circumstances. If the company is hurting, be open to making concessions that meet the company’s current needs but that solidify your future position. Negotiate all financial aspects of employment in person or over the phone. Be sure all details of your employee benefits package — including any special adjustments you’ve been granted — are clearly stated in writing in your contract or offer letter.

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General Careers How to Use Your Personal Brand to Compile a Printed Portfolio

Article / Updated 07-19-2022

Why not infuse your portfolio with your personal brand? A portfolio is a collection of documents that validate your accomplishments and professional achievements when you go on a job interview (or when you meet with a new client). This tool helps you remember all that you have done in your past to build your personal brand. Portfolios provide evidence of your credibility. Having possession of your documents not only provides proof of your work to use as a marketing tool but gives you the confidence to speak to your brand. Your portfolio may be compiled in a section of your file cabinet, scanned into an electronic file on your computer, or put into a file box. These days, portfolios are often saved to online repositories — such as Espressowork.com/ and, for creative work, Behance.net — that provide electronic access to all these documents. Follow the steps at Wikihow to create your own portfolio. But even as society moves away from paper and toward the computing cloud, it’s a good idea to create a portfolio binder that contains paper copies of documents that demonstrate who you are. Sharing such a binder with a prospective employer or new client is an impressive way to highlight and prove that you have done what you have said you could do on your resume. This printed portfolio is especially helpful for people who need to show writing samples or visual representation of their work. Credit: Courtesy of Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Here are some things to include in your portfolio: Your branded resume Your branded biography Letters of recommendation, at least one or two of which are current Sample projects Articles that you have written Past business cards Academic degrees Certifications and licenses Employee reviews A list of key successes from your work A list of awards you have received Volunteer service documents A list of professional contributions, such as committees you have chaired or evidence of how you have contributed to your profession Thank-you notes you have received Social networking site profiles Print copies of multimedia presentations you have created

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Job Searches How to Focus a Resume on Relevant Job Experience

Article / Updated 06-23-2022

Focus your resume on job experience that's relevant to a specific position to improve your chances of getting that job. Having relevant job experience is always a big plus in employers' eyes. If you have too many jobs in your background, you can structure your resume to highlight pertinent job positions and omit or deemphasize others. An unfocused resume or job history may indicate to others that you lack commitment. It’s a reason not to hire you. Focus your resume to draw attention to your relevant job experience. Separating relevant jobs from other jobs If your resume looks as though it will collapse under the weight of a mishmash of jobs unconnected to your present target, you can eliminate your previous trivial pursuits. Group the consequential jobs under a heading that says something like "Relevant Work Experience Summary" or "Professional Experience." What if this approach solves one problem — the busy resume — but creates another, such as a huge, gaping black hole where you removed inconsequential jobs? Create a second work history section that covers those holes, labeling it "Other Experience." Grouping temporary jobs Dealing with an unfocused career pattern on paper is easier when it’s done under the banner of a temporary service company. Here are some guidelines for this type of treatment: List the temporary services company as the employer. You choose one job title that covers most of your assignments. Identify specific assignments under the main title. Give the dates in years next to the temporary services firm, skipping dates for each assignment (as shown below). What if you work for several temporary services at the same time? The simple answer is that you use the same technique of dating your work history for the temporary service firms, not for the individual assignments. This dating technique is a statement of fact; you legally are an employee of the temporary services firm, not of the company that pays for your temporary services. When excess jobs or focus isn’t a problem, you may choose an alternative presentation for a series of short-term jobs. The alternative doesn’t mention the staffing firm(s) but only the names of the companies where you worked.

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Military Careers Basic Training For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-25-2022

Before you head off to basic training, you should be familiar with a few basic items, such as military ranks, chain of command, and military time. You also want to make sure that you know the rules of being sentry.

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Hospitality Careers Running a Bed and Breakfast For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-20-2022

To run a bed and breakfast (B&B) inn, you need to take care of business issues first, then go about the business of caring for your guests. To make sure guests get the best impression of your B&B, train everyone who answers the phone, get rooms ready the right way, and do the prep work for the "breakfast" part of the service. You also need to keep important phone numbers handy for those unexpected but inevitable problems.

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General Careers Working From Home For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-08-2022

The secret is out: Working from home can be a sustainable, successful option for professionals in today’s global economy. As you jump into working from home, be sure to follow a few pieces of important advice, as well as some virtual meeting etiquette.

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General Careers Productivity For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-07-2022

Wouldn’t it be nice to boost your productivity and performance at work without having to put in extra hours or break your back in the meantime? Being effective at what you do takes a little bit of planning, some basic tools, and a lot of positivity.

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Political Careers Running for Local Office For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-05-2022

You want to ensure that your run for office is successful. This Cheat Sheet provides some tips on campaigning, including preparing for a local political campaign by working on your name recognition, public reputation, and campaign finances. You also need to make sure that you have some important assets in place, like a campaign manager, volunteers, and voter lists.

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