Avoid the Resume Black Hole With These Tips - TheJobNetwork

Avoid the Resume Black Hole With These Tips - TheJobNetworkTired of applying and never hearing back? Use unterstellung resume tips to ensure your application makes it past the electronic gatekeepers. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) If youve ever looked for a job, youre probably familiar with the notorious resume black hole. It goes something like this You find the perfect job online, submit your resume, and then wait, hoping against hopes that youll receive a call back. More often than not, no one ever contacts you about your application and youre left wondering what you could have done differently to change the outcome.Sound familiar? Youre not alone.As a career coach I often hear from job seekers who are frustrated by the lack of response from employers. What many of them dont realize, however, is that often times, the hiring manager never received their job application.Let me explain. Before your job application is passed along to the hiring manager, it first has to be reviewed by one, if not two, anfangsbuchstabe gatekeepers an electronic screen known as an applicant tracking system (ATS), and a junior-level HR coordinator.In both of behauptung cases, the gatekeeper has been instructed to scan the document for important pieces of information and terms related to the role at hand. If the resume meets this criteria, it will pass through the screen and make its way to the next reviewer, either an experienced recruiter or hiring manager who will have a better understanding of your work and capabilities. If your resume doesnt make it past these initial gatekeepers, the hiring manager is never made aware of your application.Below are some resume tips to help your application avoid the resume black hole and make it through these initial reviews and to the top of the hiring managers pile.Avoid the Headers and FootersDont insert your contact information into the actual header portion of the korrekt document. This can ge t scrambled by the applicant tracking system and cause confusion for the recruiter. Instead, decrease your top margin on the document to 0.5 inches and place your personenname, contact information, and hyperlinks at the top of the page.The same goes for using the footer section of the document.Stick to SimplicityWhile you may want to demonstrate your creativity to the hiring manager, the resume is not the place to do so. In fact, most ATS systems get easily confused by a resumes extra bells and whistles, such as logos, pictures, embedded charts, symbols, and shading, and could easily reject your application out of confusion.Stick to voreingestellt fonts that are ATS-friendly. This includes Calibri, Arial, Tahoma, and Cambria. Click on the following link to view a full list of the best fonts for your resume.Use standard headers for the different sections of your resume, such as Professional Experience or Work History, Education and Professional Development, Technical Skills, and so f orth.Lastly, upload your resume as a Word document instead of a PDF to the employers career site. ATS systems still have trouble processing PDFs and may miss important information in your resume. Save the PDF version for when youre emailing your resume to a networking contact and want to ensure the formatting remains intact.Proofread Your Resume CarefullyWhile you may get dinged by a recruiter for misspelling definately when you meant to say definitely, at least theyll be able to figure out what youre trying to say. A software system will not. Dont let your application get tossed into the resume black hole because of a simple typo.Proofread your resume. Then proofread it again. Then hand it over to your friend who majored in English and have them review it. Silly mistakes can be easily avoided if you take the proper precautions with these resume tips.Incorporate Relevant KeywordsEvery profession has its own set of jargon, acronyms, certifications, and skill sets that describe their work and industry. ATS systems are programmed to look for these resume keywords to rank your application and determine if youre a good fit for the role.In order to make it past these initial reviews, its incredibly important to optimize your resume with relevant keywords. Start by reviewing the job descriptions youre applying to and take note of the terms that routinely pop up on these job listings. If you possess these skills, incorporate these terms throughout your resume in the Core Competencies and Work Experience sections. Be sure to include a Technical Skills section towards the bottom of your resume that lists the systems with which you are proficient. You can also copy and paste a number of job descriptions into JobScan.co to identify the most frequently used resume keywords and see how your application measures up.Before you sit down to write out your role and responsibilities from your previous positions, take a look at the sample job descriptions youve gathered that repre sent your job target. How do they define the position and its responsibilities? What specific language do they use to state the core requirements for the role? If youve done that work before or possess those qualifications, describe it on your resume using the exact same wording.In addition, be sure to include the acronym as well as the full name of every job title, certification, degree, or organization thats associated with your professional experience and qualifications. For instance, you may put SSGB after your name at the top of your resume, but be sure to also spell out Six Sigma Green Belt under your list of certifications. The same applies for common industry terms while your job title may be Director of MARCOM, its important to also include the term marketing communications when describing your role.Dont fall into the resume black hole. You may not be able to control the recruiters actions, but these resume tips will ensure your job application makes it past the ATS screen and onto a human being for review.This article was originally published on TopResume.TopResume is a Talent Inc. company, the personal branding destination for all career-driven professionals. Through our extensive network of professional writers, we offer career advice and analyze and write more resumes and LinkedIn profiles than any other service in the world. Ready to get started? Request a free resume critique today.

Advice for Veterans Starting a Business and Entrepreneurial Career

Advice for Veterans Starting a Business and Entrepreneurial Career Advice for Veterans Starting a Business and Entrepreneurial CareerStarting a geschftlicher umgang can be a perfect fit for veterans.In plus-rechnen to showing great bravery and dedication to our country, serving in the military is a valuable education that provides numerous opportunities for success later in life. Armed with discipline and drive, veterans have a particular skill set that makes them ideal candidates to departure a geschftlicher umgang. An entrepreneurial quest offers the benefits of flexible, hands-on work. For many vets, this type of challenge is just whats needed to bring a sense of structure and purpose to life outside of the work theyve done serving our country.If youre a U.S. veteran starting a business but youre unsure exactly how to begin, here are some tips and resources that can help get you moving in the right direction.1. Do your researchYou may be the very best at what you do, but unfortuna tely, if theres no demand for it, you will have a large uphill battle that may bedrngnis prove to be worth your time. Thats why its imperative to research your market before you put in your time, money, or other resources.To start, you must first decide where you want your business to be Will it be something local or will it be online? Once you know your location, youll want to consider your competition How many other businesses are there doing what you want to do? How much do they charge for their services? Can you be competitive and mucksmuschenstill meet your costs? Is there room for growth? All of these are important factors in both establishing a business plan and finding funding.Beyond that, theres a lot to think about before starting a business. Youll want to consider what type of business (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, etc.) youre going to start and what effect that will have on you. Will you be the sole owner or will it be a joint venture? How will this affect your taxes and other infrastructure? If these are things you arent too well versed in, research is essential, and a good place to start is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). They have a comprehensive list of business structures and the tax implications of each to help you in your process.2. Write a business planNow that you have an understanding of what your industry and company structure will entail, its time to start putting together the information about your business.This can be a tough task, but dont let this challenge hold you back. You can start small choose your business name. Once you have that, draft up what you know your business will do, what goals you want to accomplish, how youll market your business, and details about your competition that you found in your research. Dont forget to plan for how youll address any problems that may arise.If you get stuck along the way, remember there are plenty of guides and tutorials online that can help you underst and what youll need to do to get started. You can find general business plan tips here, and this guide on Military.com shows an example outline of a business plan. This can help you get going, as you can fill in the elements you know and discover where you need to do more research or what questions you still need to answer.RelatedBeing Your Own Boss Tips for Beginner Entrepreneurs3. Find your fundingThere are numerous VA small business loans available, and some are even geared specifically toward veterans with lower leistungspunkt scores. You can start off by contacting your local banking institutions to see what kinds of programs they might have available. You can also find valuable resources for veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Of course, you can always opt to provide your own seed funding, especially if you have the funds readily available or dont have a lot of initial costs for getting started.fruchtwein startups have many stories of relying on credit car ds to make ends meet early on. If thats something youre considering doing, there are several smart credit card strategies to get you on your way. For example, you can use a credit cards introductory 0 percent interest financing to buy equipment and pay for upfront expenses.If you have the cash to pay your credit card bills in full, you can consider using a cash back rewards credit card to maximize the value of your business purchases. Chase credit cards like the Freedom and Freedom Unlimited offer 1 percent and 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, respectively, which means you can put those savings on your upfront purchases toward growing your business.But, like with anything else that comes with starting a new business, you need to weigh your options. There are other options that are good for getting rewards on your purchases as you get your business up and running. One is the Discover it Cashback Match card which, for a certain amount of time, offers 5 percent cash back on pur chases made on Amazon and other stores, plus unlimited 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Practically every major issuer offers a card with cash rewards or promotional financing, so if either of those strategies appeals to you, shop around for one that makes sense for your wallet (and your credit).4. Set up your businessNow that you have all the finer points of running your business smoothed out, its time to put it all into action. Youll want to register your business name with your state business and get your tax ID number. This is also the time to get all the licensing and other legal documents youll need. A local Veterans Business Outreach Center, through the Small Business Administration (SBA), can help you with training, counseling, and mentorship to help you get your business off the ground on solid footing.5. Do what you love and knowBuilding a business around something you already know and love puts you one step ahead of the game. The less you have to think about ju st getting through your day, the more time youll have to spend thinking creatively about growing and improving your business.There may be a lot to learn about running a business, but there are resources for veterans out there to help you along the way. Most importantly, they dont all require you to spend additional money, as youre likely tightening your budget as you get your business up and going. In fact, the SBA has a free training program, Boots to Business, that offers a three-part workshop to help veterans understand some of the basics of starting and running a business. Any active military members who are currently transitioning out of the military, as well as their spouses, are eligible for this training program.Ultimately, the goal is to inspire, empower, and equip all veterans with the knowledge and resources necessary to move forward on the path to entrepreneurship. Military training builds a young person up to do noble things, and it is with this in mind that we strive t o support all aspiring veteran entrepreneurs in their goal of business ownership and success.Make sure your resume is in tiptop shape. Hire a TopResume professional resume writer todayRecommended ReadingHow to Get Your Military Resume in Shape for a Civilian Job SearchThe Modern Guide to Career TransitionJobs for Veterans What to Consider Before Accepting the JobRelated Articles

Meet The Team At Stash

Meet The Team At Stash Below is a post originally written by PowerToFly Partner Stash, and published on January 17, 2019. Go to Stashs page on PowerToFly to see their open positions and learn more.Three years ago, we built the tools to help ur users grow their savings. Today, that investment has spurred the growth of our team and platform. Meet the team helping Stash grow in our latest Built in NYC feature https//www.builtinnyc.com/2019/01/16/spotlight-wo...*BuiltinNYC is a paid partner of Stash. One of the biggest challenges in alfruchtwein all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzin g an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is most likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot more to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the wertmiger zuwachs of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently experiencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h 2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive innovation and enhance productivity.Furthermore, as a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation Quotient

8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation Quotient8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation QuotientIs innovation a strength of your employees? If it is, youre part of a select group of companies, recent research suggests.In the Robert Half Management Resources survey, 31 percent of chief financial officers said they consider their staff members very innovative. Most CFOs felt their staff are generally adept in this area but also noted room for improvement.Following are eight tips to foster a creative work environment and ensure innovation is a strength of your team.1. Build an idea-friendly culture.Make innovation a staple of your corporate culture, starting with the hiring process. When staff members at all levels feel empowered and actively participate in solving the companys challenges, they have an emotional stake in the firms success and tend to be more creative.The survey results also suggest firms recognize this need and are taking a number of steps to foster innovation. For example, the majority of CFOs said their companies provide their employees additional training and offer rewards for successful new ideas.2. Break down bureaucratic barriers.In a previous Robert Half survey, nearly one in four CFOs cited too much bureaucracy as the greatest obstacle to innovation at their organization. Look for ways to streamline processes. In addition to slowing down the creative process, red tape can demoralize staff and inhibit the flow of new ideas.3. Make sure finance has a voice and the organization listens.Your accounting and finance staff enjoy a unique perspective. Make sure theyre able to use it to contribute across the organization. For example, accounting and finance professionals can use their business analytics skills to spot organizational inefficiencies and identify new areas for growth.(Research) from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) finds that management accountants , led by the CFO, play a vital and growing role in driving advancements at some of the worlds fruchtwein innovative companies, noted CGMA Magazine. In those businesses, the CFO and finance team are deeply embedded in the process of innovation and have a clear framework to let new ideas take shape.4. Brainstorm constructively.When discussing new ideas, let them flow at breakneck speeds. The time to critique and then perfect them will come later. Ask staff to build on colleagues ideas not tear them down and ensure collaboration rules over competition.5. Encourage breaks.When employees are consistently overworked, there likely will be more uh-oh than a-ha moments. Make sure staff arent so buried in their to-do lists they dont have time for creative thinking.6. Set the right example.Your team will take their cue from you, so make sure youre regularly proposing fresh ideas. Monitor current business and industry trends and best practices, and share your findings with staff.Dont be afrai d to cocktail things up, and give personnel the freedom to do the same. Listen to music, watch a funny video, talk to people from other parts of the company anything to break you out of your routine and provide a fresh outlook on issues affecting your department and firm.7. Tap an outside perspective.For an infusion of new ideas, consider engaging an external expert. Consultantsoffer independent opinions without being hindered by internal politics or having to do something a certain way because thats how its always been done.Companies also benefit from the wisdom these professionals have cultivated through success and in different environments. Consultants, said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, can be engaged to bring specialized skill sets and insights shaped by best practices learned from diverse experiences, companies and industries.8. Say thank you.Letting people know you appreciate their work will both motivate them and reinforce the type of creative th inking you expect from staff members. Note the fruits of employee suggestions. Even thoughtful proposals that couldnt be implemented or were transformed along the way should be praised.What steps do you take to keep your companys innovation engine running?Related postFinance with Foresight 5 Ways CFOs Can Provide More Effective Strategic GuidancePhoto credit Idea, by Joey Gannon, some rights reserved

How to Get a Job as a Nurse

How to Get a Job as a NurseHow to Get a Job as a NurseInterested in becoming a nurse? Heres information on nursing education and experience requirements, where to find job listings, and tips for acing an interview. Types of Nurses There are many different types of nurses, but most fall into the categories of LPN, RN, or NP. Licensed Practitioner Nurses(LPNs), in some states called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), do basic patient care under the supervision of doctors or mora highly trained nurses. They can enter the field simply by taking a short training program and passing a test. Some find that an associate degree provides more career flexibility for the same certification. While the certification itself is national, state requirements for practice vary, so make sure your training program is approved by the state where you wish to work. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can do much of the work doctors normally do, though state law varies. To become an NP, first become an RN, then co mplete a graduate program, a required number of clinical hours, and an additional test. Additional, more focused training may also be required. Some NPs earn doctorates, especially if they want to get into administrative work. Registered Nurses(RNs) have more responsibility and make more money than LPNs. To become an RN, complete an associate or bachelors degree program, and complete a national test. Some states may require additional steps for state licensure. Periodic re-testing is also required. A masters degree opens up further career options. Requirements for Registered Nurses Registered nurses must complete coursework in nursing, anatomy, physiology, psychology, biology, microbiology, and chemistry as part of a bachelors degree, associates degree, or hospital-based diploma program. In order to be licensed, registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination after completing a state-approved academic program. Registered nurses must have sufficient scienti fic aptitude to master the required science coursework and learn the medical concepts which form the foundation of nursing. They need to have the capacity to remember scientific, pharmaceutical, and medical terminology. Registered nurses need to have a caring and empathic nature to connect with patients and provide the support critical to their recovery. They must be able to do so while maintaining sufficient emotional distance to avoid internalizing patient problems. Patience is required to deal with patients who react to their illness with strong emotions or need to have information repeated many times. Registered nurses must have strong communications skills to convey complex information in simple terms to patients and to interact effectively with other hospital staff. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are needed to interpret emerging information about the health status of patients. Registered nurses must be well organized and detail-oriented to keep track of multiple patients. In order to gain admission to nursing programs, you will need to demonstrate that you are comfortable interacting with sick or injured people. Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home while you are in high school, if possible. Working as a paramedic or getting certified as a nurses aide are other ways for you to gain clinical experience. How to Get a Job as a Nurse Heres a nursing career overview. Also review a list ofnursing skillsfor resumes, cover letters, and job applications. Tap specialized nursing job sites. The easiest way to find sites with job listings for nurses is to search Google for nurse job sites. Also, search job sites which have listings from many different online sources like Indeed.com and Simplyhired.com using keywords such nurse, RN, and Registered Nurse, and the location where you would like to work to generate more job leads. Ask your college career office about Nursing Career Days at your school or in the surrounding area and plan to atten d if possible. Inquire about alumni contacts in nursing and healthcare. Contact these individuals for advice and perspective on your job search and career. These informational interviews can often lead to referrals for jobs. Contact former employers, clinical supervisors, faculty, family, and friends to get other referrals for informational consultations. Join Nursing Associations and attend conferences and workshops to meet with other nursing professionals. Volunteer to help organize meetings to gain even greater exposure to fellow members. Ask faculty for recommendations about the best organizations. If you are looking for temporary or per diem positions, consider using a staffing agency like nursefinders.com. If youve been out of the workforce for a while, here are tips for how to return to nursing after a career break. Interviewing for a Nursing Job Nursing candidates must prove to interviewers that they have the right set of clinical skills and personal qualities to handle demanding nursing positions. Be prepared to reference a list of your clinical skills and provide examples of situations where you applied those skills. You will be asked about challenges you have met and problems which you have solved in patient care contexts. Be ready to share specific patient scenarios where you intervened with difficult cases and individuals to help generate positive outcomes. Nurses must be effective team members and get along with challenging personalities. Be prepared to share examples of how you have dealt with difficult colleagues. In addition, you will need to convince employers that you are aware of your weaknesses and are prepared to take steps to improve your performance. An effective approach can be to mention historical weaknesses and steps you have taken to address those areas. Practice responding to typical nursing interview questions with faculty, advisors, family, friends, or career officestaff. Job Interview Follow Up Send a thank you letter i mmediately after your interview and convey your high level of interest in the job, why that position and healthcare organization are an excellent fit, and your gratitude for the opportunity. Address any issues about your candidacy which may have surfaced in the interview in a positive manner, if possible. Salary Information Registered Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Nurse Practitioner Nursing Assistant Medical Assistant

Video Zdenek P Bažant 2012 Honorary Membership in ASME

Video Zdenek P Baant 2012 Honorary Membership in ASME Video Zdenek P Baant 2012 Honorary Membership in ASME Video Zdenek P. Baant, 2012 Honorary MembershipZdenek P. Baant is an internationally-recognized expert in solid mechanics and structures. His size effect law is widely used in determining safety factors for large structures made of concrete and other composite materials. His models for materials behavior helps engineers design ships, aircraft, bridges, highways and nuclear containment structures. His work also includes a detailed analysis of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York City.Dr. Baant is a professor of civil and mechanical engineering and materials science at Northwestern University. He earned his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences in Prague. His undergraduate degree is in civil engineering, from Czech Technical University in Prague. Dr. Baant is the author of six books and numerous journal articles.Dr. Baant come s from a long line of engineers. He is the fifth generation engineer in his family.Read more about the 2012 Recipients of ASME Honors and Awards The copyright of this program is owned by ASME.

Why You Should Quit Your Job to Freelance

Why You Should Quit Your Job to FreelanceWhy You Should Quit Your Job to FreelanceI used to be just like you. My old job as an executive recruiter meant long hours with little to show for my work.I was working my tail off and making a lot of money for the companies that employed me,but I wasnt profiting at all. If youre like me, that sounds about as appealing as actually eating those proverbial sour grapes.Because Ive always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, I let it take hold of me. My drive to build something of my ownmotivatedmeto go the freelance route.Isold my car, moved to a smaller apartment, and cut my bills in half. Everything grew from there.So when I say freelancingisareal, valid job, Im speaking from experience. Some people think freelancers arent truly employed. They think - or maybe just want to believe - that theres no way to work from home and make enough money to pay the bills, save for retirement, and have insurance. But thats not the case. What Makes Freela ncing Better Than Corporate LifeSeveral benefits come from freelancing that simply cant be experienced in a corporate environment, such as having the freedom to turn down bad assignments and collaborate on your own terms.For example, if youre a freelance copywriter and three projects hit your desk at the saatkorn time, you can choose which ones to take and which to turn down. If the first two projects offer great pay, but the third one does not, you can tell the third client, Sorry, but my plate is too full. Good luck saying that to your boss in your corporate job.It may seem like you dont have much human interaction in a freelance setting, but thats not true, either. Depending on your business, you may work with numerous clients and contractors every day.You can share an office with someone downtown if you want, and youre free to mix in lunch dates with your friends.The freelance lifestyle is sometimes portrayed as lonely, but it most definitely isnt.These are just a few of the per ks of working for yourself that youll never experience in a corporate setting. Do some more research to find out whether, for you personally, thebenefits that freelancing can offeroutweigh those provided by more traditional career paths.The personal and professional benefits can be incredible.If youre considering taking the freelance path, dont just dive in headfirst. You need to ask a few questions to determine whether freelancing is right for youCan I make enough money to survive?This isnt Silicon Valley, where you raise millions of dollars for your software idea, then work on it until the money runs out. If youre considering going out on your own, you should keep your day job while you build up your side business. I know this might not be the advice you want to hear, but its practical - and you should take it.Is there a market for my service?You may be the bestventriloquistyou know, but can you make enough money performing your skill to consider your act a business? Test the wat ers byGooglingthe type of service youre planning to offer. Make the search specific to your area. Talk to potential clients and your friends. Hammer out the details of your idea before taking the plunge.Am I disciplined enough for the freelance lifestyle?Does working freelance mean sleeping until 11 a.m. and knocking off at 3 p.m.? Unless youre making an amazing hourly rate, freelancing doesnt mean sitting around in your pajamas and completing the occasional project. Be prepared to motivate yourself to work hard.Are You Ready to Make the Leap?People get stuck in their waysthey think you cant make money online or believethat the Internet is full of nothing but scammers. But if you knowwhat to look forand which resources to use, freelancing opens up a whole world of possibilities. You truly can do full-time work from home and make plenty ofmoney.However, its important to understand that you need to be prepared to work hard.Freelancingis a grind.I left the corporate world because I kne w I could do better for myself, not because I wanted an easier job. But dont let fear or misunderstandings hold you back. Freelancing was, without a doubt, the right path for me - and it could be the best one for you, too.Search freelance jobs with Simply Hired.Melissa Cooper, a freelancer, net entrepreneur, and micro-enterpriser, is author of Freelance Nation. Dedicated to career and organizational effectiveness, shes earned SPHR and PHR designations. Starting with $700 and a VoIP phone, she grew her first company to more than 400 virtual workers, selling it for several million dollars.