How to Land a Freelance, Remote Job

How to Land a Freelance, Remote JobHow to Land a Freelance, Remote JobYouve looked at all of your options, and youve determined that a freelance, 100% telecommute position is at the very top of your list of dream jobs.So now what? How can you go about finding, applying for, and then actually landing this type of position?Here are seven steps to follow to get a freelance, remote job1. Determine your motivation.Before you roll up your sleeves and dive into job searching, its important to determine that you want a freelance and remote position for the right reasons. If your only motivation is working in your pajamas or being able to slack off because you dont have a boss physically there to keep a watchful eye on you? Well, any company will be able to landsee through your intent.Much like any other job, make sure that youre invested because the position sounds like a good fit, youre passionate about the mission, and youre confident youd do great work in that role. Applying only because you want to be able to work from home wont get you too far in the hiring process.2. Evaluate your industry.There are some career paths that offer an abundance of remote, freelance jobs, such as creative industries (think graphic design, web development, writing, etc.) and more administrative roles (such as data entry, medical transcription, customer service, etc.).However, there are also some fields where finding a remote, freelance role is a lot like finding a needle in a haystack. Its smart to do some detective work within your own industry to figure out whether or not these types of positions are offered, as well as what types of positions they are. Laying that groundwork will help you target your efforts far more effectively.3. Polish up your presence.Your online presence carries a lot of significance in any job search- but, especially when that company might never be able to meet you in person. Your digital footprint will serve as your first impression, and you want it to be a good one.Before hitting submit on any application or freelance proposal, make sure that you comb through your online presence with a fine-tooth comb. Clean up your social media accounts. Polish up your LinkedIn profile. If you have a personal website or portfolio, make sure its up to date and presents the most accurate picture of your professional qualifications. Doing so will help you make the most positive impression possible on prospective employers.4. Scour job boards.Now to tackle your next big question Where do you go about looking for remote, freelance positions?Asking around within your network can help. However, niche job boards will be your saving grace when youre looking for work that falls into this specific of category.Of course, were biased in thinking that sites like and Remote.co are great for finding the type of flexible work arrangements youre looking for. But, even a simple search on Google or LinkedIn can occasionally turn up some worthy options.Settle on a few key search terms (i.e., remote freelance graphic designer), setup some alerts, and keep your eyes peeled for relevant listings that are deserving of your application.5. Tailor your materials.You found it- the perfect job description. You know you want to toss your hat into the ring. But, before you do, remember this even though the position youre applying for is remote and freelance, those standard job search best practices still hold some water.That means you should be tailoring your application materials for each job youre applying for. Pull relevant key skills from the job description and make sure to include them in your own resume and cover letter (as long as theyre honest, of course). Pay attention to the culture and overall vibe of the company, and try to mirror that in your own application.Its tempting to blanket the world in the same generic job search materials. But, taking the time to tailor and personalize everything will help you stand out from the sea of competition th ats also vying for that dream-worthy role.6. Follow the application instructions.If you take nothing else away from this guide, at least remember this following instructions is very, very important.That holds true for whatever job youre applying to, but especially when the role is remote. You need to demonstrate that you can obey written directions the first time- since thats something youre going to need to do when you work with a distributed team.Make sure that you read the application instructions thoroughly and then triple-check that youve followed every single line. Do they want your resume as a PDF? You better not send a Word document. Do you need to use a specific subject line? Follow that direction to the letter. Failing to do so will definitely help you stand out- but not in the way you want to.7. Find a way to stand out.Speaking of standing out, thats something youll need to do when you know youre competing against tons of other applicants for that freelance, remote positi on.Do some creative thinking to see if you can find a unique way to do that. Maybe that involves writing a humorous cover letter or even completing a brief sample project to send along with your application materials. There are tons of different things you could do. The main thing to keep in mind is that it never hurts to do something that will make you more memorable- particularly when you might never be able to meet that employer in person.If you want to land a freelance, remote job but arent sure where to start, follow these seven steps to find the perfect position, submit your application, and get yourself one step closer to scoring an interview. Good luckBrowse Open Freelance Remote Jobs

8 Summer Ideas for Job Search Momentum

8 Summer Ideas for Job Search Momentum8 Summer Ideas for Job Search MomentumThe summer slump most of us know it well. And if youre job searching, the slump can hit hard when youre trying to keep up your job search momentum.In our June contest, we asked you to share your fun summer ideas to sustain your job search. Weve culled a list from your ideas to help you have some fun this summer while staying motivated to job search.And dont forget to enter our current contest, which you can find on the Job Search Contests and Giveaways pageHere are eight summer ideas for job search momentum1. Spend time with friends or family.Sometimes being around the ones we love can be invigorating and just what we need. Michele shared with us I am going to spend time with my family and reflect on whats fun. Life is too short to spend it at work. Allow time with friends and family to relax your mind and prepare you to continue job searching with renewed enthusiasm.2. Take a trip to escape.Summer is the per fect time to head away on vacation. Taking a break from job searching will let you de-stress and refocus when its time to search again. A trip or vacation will get you out of your normal routine and bring a fresh perspective when you return.3. Get out in nature.Its no secret that spending time in the great outdoors has proven health benefits. Find a slice of heaven in your area, whether its the mountains, a forest, a park, or even your own backyard. As Josephine said, The summer weather beckons us to be outdoors and that can make a big difference in how you approach the day.4. Exercise.Exercise can improve your life in a myriad ways, including giving you some job search momentum. Most people find that daily exercise gives them a boost of energyparlay that boost into invigorating your job search.5. Garden.For those of us with a green thumb, gardening can be a fun summer idea that de-stresses us and also provides tangible results for our hard work. Melissa T. told us, I love to garden . I always find it to be a great stress reliever. Plus I get fresh fruit and vegetables out of it6. Go camping.Amy said, Im looking forward to camping at a nearby state park. Its a relaxing, inexpensive vacation, and I can work there while on contract with clients. Camping is a back-to-basics activity that can provide a great time to clear your mind and relax before picking up a job search.7. Read a book.A favorite activity of many, reading helps us escape and schlpfer into another world for a bit. Summer is the perfect time to head to the library and find a perfect read. Set aside time to read and youll surely find some new momentum for your job search.8. Take time for yourself.While it can be difficult to do, taking time for yourself during a job search will help tremendously. Find a way to make it happen by seeking out help. Tamara finds time for herself when her children visit their grandparents This will be a chance to have uninterrupted time myself to pursue my goals, exercise , etc.Readers, what are your summer ideas to maintain job search momentum? Share with us below

DBA Laws and Requirements for Virginia Businesses

DBA Laws and Requirements for Virginia geschftslebenesDBA Laws and Requirements for Virginia BusinessesIf you plan to conduct business in Virginia under any name otzu sich than your businesss legal name, the law requires that you file an assumed or fictitious name certificate in each county or city where you intend to do business. Thats the basic rule. Heres how to do it and why you should. What Is a DBA and Why Might You Need One? When a business operates under a name other than itslegally registered name, this is referred to as doing business as or DBA. A DBA statement is sometimes also referred to as a fictitious business name, a trade name, or an assumed name. If you miss the important step of filing a certificate for the use of it, you may open up yourself and your business to liability issues and other legal problems.?? Why Would Someone Want to Use aName Other Than Their Business Name? Corporations typically use DBAs to show that a previous name or some other name was formerly used to create the business for legal purposes. The corporation may want to use another name for its public face. Filing a DBA is faster and cheaper than creating a brand new legal business entity simply because you want to change the name of your business. In some cases, a single parent company or business might have more than one DBA. It can be a good thing for business owners who are expanding into new markets. For example, a web konzeption company might want to start a new service offering video post-production. The owner doesnt want to go to all the expense and effort of changing the businesss legal name from ABC Web Design to ABC Video and Web Design. Filing a DBA provides the owner with a simple way of tweaking the name to reflect the new angle of business. If you run a sole proprietorship, the name of your business must have a real name in the legal title, but you can still operate under another name.For example, Sally Jones is a sole proprietor who ownsa floral sh op, but maybe she doesnt want her name on her sign or her website. She wants the public to know her business as First Street Floral. She would, therefore, file a DBA statement so she could use that name as a sole proprietor, DBAs can also help protect consumers from business owners who may wish to hide their identities for shifty reasons. They create a record of the names the owners are operating under. DBAs for Corporations, LLCs, and LPs If your business entity is a limited partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation, Virginia law requires that you obtain a copy of each fictitious name certificate attested by the Clerk of the Circuit Court where the original was filed. The state charges a modest fee. You must then file it with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. Resources and Additional Information About DBAs in Virginia Complete information about business registration requirements in Virginia can be found at the State Corporation Commissions webs ite. The site allows you to search for other businesses that have similar names to the one you want to use so you dont spin your wheels certifying a DBA that will only confuse potential customers and contribute to legal issues. DBA applications and instructions are available on the website as well. You should also contact your local chamber of commerce and city office to ensure that there are no additional local requirements, such as running an ad in a newspaper or other publication prior to using your DBA.