Category Archives: Hot Jobs

How to Find Freelance SEO Jobs

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SEO is a fast growing industry that holds many great opportunities for ambitious professionals. Internet marketing is booming with the increased popularity of e-commerce and online business, and companies everywhere need SEO pros to optimize their websites and stay current. Some of these tasks go to dedicated SEO firms, but freelance work in this field is highly promising as well. Of course, this is a competitive industry. If you want to make a career for yourself as an SEO freelancer, you’ll need to know where to start.

Develop your skills as much as you can. Now, it will be impossible for you to learn everything there is to know about SEO. Nobody knows everything in this field, so don’t fool yourself into thinking you can become an expert overnight. Websites are evaluated by search engines according to numerous different factors, and the algorithms that determine search result indexing are constantly evolving. Take some time to learn the techniques of SEO, including key word research, link building and competitive analysis to get a feel for how SEO works.

Once you’ve built up your knowledge in SEO, start looking for ways to put your skills into practice. You might be able to help a friend optimize his or her business website, or exercise your new knowledge on a personal web page. Any experience that you can get will help you to build and refine your skills. This will also help to convince potential clients that you possess the skills you claim, making it easier to secure freelance work.

There are many great online resources you can use to start finding work once you’re comfortable with your skill level in SEO. Websites like ODesk and ELance are some of the most popular networks for freelancers in the SEO industry. These sites allow freelancers to connect directly with companies and individuals who are seeking to outsource some of their business needs. Users typically need to create a profile and pass a test in order to become active on freelance networks like these, ensuring that only certified pros are securing work. Try to get started in networks like these as one way to find freelance SEO jobs.

Be sure to remember that your social and professional connections also offer you many opportunities for freelance work. Make sure that your friends and colleagues know about your expertise, and you’ll be able to solicit plenty of recommendations for freelance assignments. Networking for freelance work is a great way to secure new clients. Always have a business card ready and be prepared to seize new opportunities as they come. In order to find work as a freelancer you need to actively promote yourself; clients aren’t just going to come knocking at your door.

Following these guidelines will help you to get established as a freelance SEO professional. Just remember that there is always something new to learn in this industry. Your current results based SEO skills might become passe quicker than you think, so always be on the cutting edge of new developments in the field. Stay on top of your game, and you’re sure to find success in SEO.

The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Mobile App Developer

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Most kids these days are growing up with technology at their fingertips from the moment they’re born. They learn to communicate via computers and smartphones and their entertainment comes from video games. So it’s no surprise that as they enter adulthood they’re looking for ways to turn their lifelong technological skills into a lucrative career. And what better way to scratch that itch than by becoming an app developer? In truth, there are both benefits and drawbacks to jumping headfirst into the app-making business, whether you’re creating mobile games or programs designed to make people’s lives easier. Here are just a few things to consider before you move ahead with your professional plans on the matter.

PROS:
1. Inexpensive. One of the best things about developing mobile applications is that you don’t need a lot to get started. With little more than a decent PC, a few handsets for testing, and a developer’s license from Apple (only $99 per year) you can get started. Of course, you’ll also need the knowledge and skills required to code and port, just for starters, as well as a few good ideas for projects, but with very little funding you can ostensibly begin your career in app development. Heck, you could even head to Kickstarter for crowdfunding if you find you need extra money to complete your app.
2. Use your creative and technical skills. It’s rare to find a job where you can not only flex your mental muscles and exercise your technical prowess, but also tap into your creative side. App development offers both in spades.
3. Make some money. There are several ways to make money in the wide world of apps. Many developers give their products away for free but populate them with ads. You could also offer a portion for free download to hook consumers and sell the remainder through in-app purchases (or push new content for sale). You might even try selling your application outright. And if it gets popular enough you could end up partnering with a larger app developer or even selling your app or your company for a huge profit.

CONS:
1. You’re not alone. Because the app game is so easy to break into, you’ll find that you’re not the only one trying to do so. And with all that white noise it can be difficult to make yourself heard, to both consumers and potential partners. So you’d better be prepared to take on the role of marketing and sales manager as well as developer.
2. Hard work with no guaranteed payoff. No matter how great you think your app is, the only thing that matters is what the public thinks. First you have to get it to them and then you have to make them believe that they need it for some reason. That’s no small undertaking and the chance of failure is high, even with plenty of research and a solid business plan.
3. Get bought out. The trouble with being a small app developer is that your best chance for success (monetarily speaking) is to get bought out by a larger developer. Often this means giving up control of your program and it may require you to work for the parent company, as well. Of course, it’s probably better than a job where you have to find iPhone 4S accessories here and handsets there for in-store customers. But operating under a corporate mantle might not exactly be your idea of fun.

Required Training and Education for Becoming a Webmaster

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The internet has become an irreplaceable aspect of daily life. Some of the older generations may remember a time of pay phones, encyclopedias and the yellow pages, but people in their 20s and younger probably can’t imagine life without the world wide web. It’s a critical aspect of business in all industries, helping millions of people connect, find their next romantic partner, navigate a neighborhood and get the latest news through their laptop, smartphone and mobile devices with almost no delay whatsoever. The emergence of the internet as a true technological superpower has created a whole new industry that regularly draws the best and brightest young talent. People graduate college and find work as social media experts, web designers, e-commerce engineers, app developers and Flash artists. But one of the more complicated disciplines is that of the webmaster. Here’s a look at the required training and education for becoming a webmaster.

Basically, the webmaster’s job is to make sure the websites under his management are functioning optimally. He or she will uncover any technical malfunctions, find the solutions and deal with all customer service issues that involve site activity. As this is a fairly new position, there are no hard and fast rules for how to get into this field. It’s not like becoming a doctor or a lawyer, where the pathway is clear and well-traveled by thousands upon thousands of people before you. So there are a lot of ways to go about becoming a webmaster.

In general, you will always be well served by going to college and obtaining a degree. You could find programs at a four-year university, but you’ll often be just fine attending a technical school and graduating with an associate’s degree. Look for programs that will teach you all of the major programming languages, including PHP, Java, Perl and HTML. You’ll certainly have to know them all inside and out. In addition, you’ll want to understand the basics of website layout and design, and gain a handle on current trends in internet security methods. As far as degrees are concerned, explore options in Applied Sciences/Computer Science and web authoring.

Since this isn’t a field that particularly relies on formal education, you can also look for programs that teach these skill sets as part of a certification program. Check out www.joinwow.org, which is the site for the World Organization of Webmasters. You’ll find all sorts of programs you can attend that will help you gain the skills required to be a webmaster. In addition to the above programming languages, you should probably pick up a working knowledge of some of the web authoring programs, such as Front Page and Dreamweaver.

Finally, you can forgo all of the above and teach yourself. This is the best option if you have time to learn by trial and error. Put up an inexpensive website yourself and work through fixing any broken links. Handling the updates yourself, so you can see what most often goes wrong, and how to make everything run smoothly. You could also look for an unpaid internship that will allow you to play around with fireBubble and update content for a company’s site. That way you’ll walk into a situation that’s already complex, helping you improve your skills. There’s no replacement for experience, and the more hands-on the better.

How to Become a Professional Hairdresser

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If you have a love of originality and the world of fashion there are many directions you can take your career. But if you also want to challenge your creativity while getting to know a wide variety of people, you can’t do much better than working as a professional hairdresser. Every day is a different opportunity, and if you have a real talent there’s no limit to where this career could take you. Stylists for the stars often end up with their own television shows and fashion brands, making this one of the only hands-on careers that can lead to your own celebrity. Of course, no one starts out that way. You’ll need a real grounding in cosmetology, and enough practice to be able to serve the wants and desires of a demanding customer base. Here is one pathway to becoming a professional hairdresser.

This career will almost always start by attending a cosmetology school. Depending on where you live you might be able to take some of these classes within a vocational high school program. But all of the higher end salons will expect you to have a degree from a respected program. Take the time to research the local institutions, and if you are really committed consider traveling to a major metropolitan center to be taught by the best in the industry.

After completing a cosmetology program you will need to be licensed. Anyone can cut hair, but unless you are satisfied working at the low end of the spectrum you will want to start out as a licensed cosmetologist at the very least. Each state has their own program, and it requires a basic knowledge base and customer service skills. You pay a small fee and take your test. In some states you will have to periodically renew your registration as well.

Now you should look for ways to increase your skills outside of the school environment. Some cosmetology schools offer continuing education opportunities, so you can work with real clients while being observed by more experienced hairdressers. You should also get all of your friends and family to offer themselves up as test subjects. Hair grows back, so don’t worry about making some missteps! Make sure that you take photographs of all of your successful work, and collect positive client statements as well.

Now it’s time to put together a portfolio and begin looking for work. The portfolio will include all of the photos you snapped of your best cuts and styles. You can also include mannequin work from school. But obviously real customers will be preferred. Create a physical portfolio and put one up online so you can share a link with hiring managers. Then you can go out and pound the pavement.

Start off by checking to see if your cosmetology school has some sort of career services counselor. They may regularly receive notices of open positions, and will also recommend you to salons they’ve placed hairdressers with in the past. At the same time you should do your own research as well. Don’t get distracted and buy Chi flat iron online! You’re on the web to look for jobs, so check with Craigslist and the specific posting boards for your industry. And don’t be afraid to head out into the neighborhood and talk to the managers of your favorite salons. Leave your resume with them if they don’t have any immediate openings. But always have your portfolio available to show them on the spot, and be willing to take an apprenticeship position at first. It’s a very common step on the way to full employment, and it gives you a chance to work at a great salon, earning experience and making a good living.

5 Tips for Becoming a Successful Movie Producer

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Few careers come with as much glitz and glamour as that of the movie producer. Of course, much of this happens behind the scenes. Not all movie producers are what might be referred to as household names, but plenty of them have enjoyed long and storied careers, and have helped to create some of the most incredible and well-known films that the world has ever seen. If you’re thinking you want to get into the movie industry, there are a lot of ways that you can go about doing it. Few jobs have as much to do with the important parts of creating a film, however, as the producer’s.

When you’re the producer of a movie, you get creative control in a lot of ways. In fact, most of the time the producer is very closely connected with the financial backer of the film, which results in a larger degree of creative control than most people realize. Working as a film producer is a great way to leave your mark on the industry. It’s a very tough job, though, and if you’re thinking about giving it a shot you’re going to want to be prepared. With these tips in mind, you’ll be that much closer to starting your career as a successful movie producer.

1. Know the Industry. Make sure you immerse yourself into the film industry as much as possible. It can be very complicated, and is very much a world all of its own. You should make sure that you’re plugging yourself into the film industry in every way possible — read blogs, subscribe to magazine, and visit events as often as you can. This way, you’ll be able to start meeting people and making connections that will hopefully help you down the line in a serious way.

2. Network with Investors. Networking is a huge part of getting movies made, and if you’re not a wealthy individual yourself, you’re going to need a lot of help in the way of investors when it comes to actually getting those movies produced. One of the biggest jobs that a producer faces is securing the financial backing for a film. This means you’re going to want to make sure you know a lot of investors who trust your vision and respect your judgement.

3. Start Your Studio (or Find a Job at One). If you’re looking to seriously make your mark on Hollywood, you’ll want to start your own production studio. You can begin on a smaller scale and eventually expand your operation. You can also simply get a job at an existing studio and begin working on your producing career that way. Either way, a studio is the place to start.

4. Understand Storytelling. The producers of the best movies have always had something of an impact upon the films they’re producing. As a producer, you get to have a lot of influence over the films that you’re producing. It’s going to help if you can have a good understanding of things like storytelling and what makes a good movie work.

5. Be Prepared to Work A LOT. Film producers have incredibly tough jobs. You will almost definitely work more than 40 hours per week, and will almost never be only working during normal office hours. If this is OK with you, however, a job as a movie producer might wind up being a great line of work.

Top 5 Myths About Legal Careers

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Are you thinking about getting into the legal profession? If so, that’s a respectable thing to do. After all, being in that field is about doing what you can to service your community and that’s of great importance and relevance to all who come into contact with you.

Of course, just as with basically everything in life, there are myths about the legal profession that need to be debunked. That way, before you invest your time, energy and resources, you can have a realistic view of what you’re getting into.

When it comes to the Top Five myths, here are the ones that we want you to know the truth about:

Law schools only look at your GPA. When applying to law school, while your GPA and also your LSAT scores are important, you might be surprised to know how many schools are actually more focused on your personal statements more than anything else.

All lawyers are rich. There have been many television shows over the years that have given people the impression that all lawyers make six figures and live in big houses. That’s simply not the case. While there are some, it depends on the kind of law that you practice, the firm you work with and if you are a partner. If you do work for a major firm, your billable hours play a significant role as well (many average between 60-80 hours per week).

I like to argue and read, so I’ll be good in a legal career. First of all, if you want to become a lawyer, when it comes to being a good debater, that’s not just about knowing when to talk, but also how to listen. An arguer is not trying to win a case so much as prove their point and in law, there’s a big difference between the two. Also, whether you want to be a lawyer or a judge or even a legal secretary or lobbyist, your education requires knowing more than just how to read and write. Good scores in math show that you know how to effectively analyze and branching out of a traditional English or Political Science major shows that you are versatile; something that you’ll need to be in the legal profession.

The legal field is limited. Although lawyers and judges may be the first things that people think about when the subject of legal careers comes to mind, there are many things that you can do outside of those professions. Individuals under the “umbrella” of a legal field include legal assistants, court messengers, mediators, paralegals, court reporters, investigators, law professors, lobbyists, researchers and so much more.

Law careers are boring and predictable. For some people, while they are interested in certain aspects of a law career, a part of them is hesitant because they think it will be sitting around in business suits reading briefs all day. Honestly, a big part of the career depends of the kind of clients that you get. If you’re a motorcycle accident lawyer or you’re a paralegal, each case will pose a set of different set of challenges and that can always make work fresh and exciting. If you’re open to creatively discovering new possibilities, then a legal career just might be the right one for you.

Tips for Planning Out a Career in the Music Industry

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Music is a great way to both express yourself and make a living, and when you can find a way to successfully do both, you’ve done something that few of us are able to actually successfully accomplish. A career in the music industry can be a rewarding and wonderful thing, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, no matter what avenue from which you decide to actually approach the industry. This being said, there is a pretty dizzying number of options for those looking to have a job that involves the music industry, and figuring out how you actually want to go about getting involved can be kind of daunting, if not downright overwhelming. Do you want to actually play music, and set your sights on a life lived on stage? Or would you be more content working in marketing, or writing about music? Either way, there is a career that’s right for you, so we’ll talk about some of the best ways to get started with your career in the music industry. No matter what it is you want to do, you’ll be able to do it if you approach it with the right strategy.

Perhaps you’re looking to enjoy a career playing music. It’s probably a smart idea not to put all of your proverbial eggs into the basket of having a career as a famous musician. Frustrating though that may be to hear, it’s the simple truth. This is by no means a suggestion that pursuing this goal is an unworthy charge — but there are smart ways to go about it. Make sure you’re doing something to engage your talents. Work as a studio musician to make connections and get yourself heard, and teach lessons to network within the local community. There are a ton of ways to make money playing music before you actually hit the “big time.”

If you’re not a performer, there are still a ton of ways to get involved in the music industry. As a writer, you can be a critic and/or music journalist. It’s smart to get started as early as you can — write music reviews in high school and college, and start critically considering albums whenever you listen to them. You can also start a career in public relations this way, too, working with a college publication and using the experience to springboard your way into a position at a real firm.

Marketing is another way you can work in the music industry, and you can work online or any number of ways as a music marketer. You can develop local campaigns for musicians, and work with keywords such as “Jason Simpson Arizona” or offer your skills as a street team member, spreading the word about bands and events. There are a ton of ways to get yourself started on a career in the music industry, and with a variety of degrees at that. All you need is the right strategy, and you can find your place in the music industry in no time.

Different Careers in the Music Industry

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Music is a great way to make a living and express yourself, but you don’t necessarily have to have talent as a musician to have a great career working with the music industry. Of course, musical talents and abilities are never a bad thing to have if you’d really like to find yourself working in the music industry, but even if you don’t fancy yourself as an artist, there are many capacities in which you can work and have your career be a great part of the music industry that you love so much. If you’ve got talent, you can find work in a lot of different varieties. If you’re a marketing genius, there’s a lot of different ways that you can use these skills to a musical end, and if you’re a management pro, or consider yourself an engineering genius, there’s work for you to do in the music industry as well. The fact of the matter is that the music industry is one that’s rich with potential, and if you’re thinking about breaking into this particular line of work, there are a lot of ways that you can do so successfully. We’ll talk about some of the leading careers in the music industry, from the best-paying to the most practical. No matter what your skill set or level of aspiration there are great things you can do in the music industry.

First of all, it’s probably best to address the various ways you can work as a musician in the industry. Starting yourself a band and making it big isn’t always the most practical way to go if you’ve got talent and are great at an instrument or two or three. This isn’t to say that you should give up on your dream and quit going to band practice every Thursday night, but it is smart to nurture a career that can support you while you work on really making it big with your group. Working as a studio musician is a great way to earn a living, and if you get involved with the right people, you can make some great industry connections and use this as a way to jump-start your own creative endeavors. It’s also a great way to get yourself some cheap or free studio time. You can also work as a producer or engineer. The producer is somewhat like the director of the film, where the band might be the screenwriter. As a producer, you help to shape and guide the band’s vision, and help them realize it in the best way possible. This is another great way to establish yourself in the music industry.

Perhaps you’re a writer, but not interested in covering the latest celebrity news. Music journalism is a great way to get closer to your favorite industry and practice your writing chops at the same time. There are a ton of interesting ways to write about and discuss the music industry, and as a journalist you’ll get to spend your time writing on your favorite subject. It’s also a great way to break into another field of writing. Whatever your skill set, the music industry is a great way to make a living, and can lead to a lot of different career paths.

How to Become a Mobile App Developer

Smartphones and tablets now dominate the technology industry. The vast majority of people carry smartphones wherever they go, and tablets are becoming a larger percentage of PC sales with each passing year. Part of why these mobile computers are so popular is due to the hundreds of thousands of applications available, all designed to make our lives easier. That means many traditional programmers are now moving into the design of mobile apps. It’s an incredibly lucrative career choice, and opportunities are only going to increase. But becoming a mobile app developer isn’t the easiest thing in the world. It takes a massive amount of technical skill married to creative development, and may take you years. But if you’re committed, here is a possible avenue to becoming a mobile app developer. Continue reading →

Tips for Finding Legal Jobs Abroad

If your career is in the field of law, but you have a real passion for travel and seeing new places, you might want to consider looking for your next job opportunity abroad. A degree and experience in the law is very much in demand regardless of where you go in the world, so while the international job market is certainly very competitive, you’ll have a great chance to land a solid job in a part of the world where you’d like to spend a couple years. It will take a bit of planning, and a willingness to hit the books again, even if you have a couple years of experience. But if you have the desire to make it happen, and the will to see the hard work through, you can definitely find a legal job abroad. Continue reading →