Five self-employed jobs you could be doing right now

Five self-employed jobs you could be doing right now by Michael Cheary Looking for a job where you really get on with your boss?If you dream of a flexible career where you can always work on your own terms, then becoming self-employed might be the perfect fit for you. And it striking it out on your own really isn’t as scary as it sounds â€" especially if you make sure it’s something that really suits your skills.We’ve already covered whether becoming self-employed is the right choice for you, but to help inspire you, here are five self-employed jobs you could be doing right now.Which jobs can be self-employed?There are many different jobs you can do on a self-employed basis.In fact, no matter what industry you’re looking to work in, almost any role could involve you being your own boss. Whether that means working from home, freelancing, setting up as a sole trader, or even starting your own limited company.Here are just a few professions you can find your self-employed freedom in…Personal TrainerWhat they do:  Persona l Trainers help people to improve their level of fitness or general health through exercise and diet programs. They could work at a client’s home, at the gym, outside, or, most commonly, a combination of these.What you’ll need: You’ll need a dedicated qualification to become a Personal Trainer, which can be achieved through apprentice programs or independent course. First aid certificates are also usually required. The perfect career for anyone who enjoys inspiring others (see also: fitness fanatics).What you can earn:  Personal Trainers typically charge between £20 and £40 per hour, depending on their level of experience.Perfect for:  People who are excellent at spotting.Our advice:  Once you’re fully qualified, ask about advertising your services at your local gym. That way you can connect directly with their members, and it will give you a ready-made workplace to put your new found skills into practice. It also helps to stay in shape yourself. You know, just in case…H ow to become a Personal TrainerDog WalkerWhat they do:  Dog Walkers will usually collect dogs from clients and take them to a dog-walking park (or wooded area) for 1-2 hours, in groups of around four or five. Other services could include dog sitting, training or grooming.What you’ll need: Patience. Lots and lots of patience. And aside from being comfortable around all breeds, you’ll also need to be insured in order to get started (your insurance will specify how many dogs you can walk at one time). A vehicle is also recommended, so you’re able to pick up/drop off your ‘clients’.What you can earn:  On average, around £8 to £12 per dog, per hour. So you’ll be able to earn upwards of £26,000 a year for around 200 dogs.Perfect for:  People who never get tired of fetch.Our advice:  If you’re struggling to build up your list of clients, try advertising your services with a website or blog. Not only is it a great way to showcase your knowledge, you’ll also be able to sha re it on social media, and help get your name out there. Also, remember that lunchtime will generally be your busiest time â€" so make sure you’re as available as possible. And always carry bribes treats.Freelancer What they do:  A number of jobs can be done on a freelance basis, including roles such as writing, developing, and graphic design. They could be doing anything from producing content for websites and blogs, or graphics for brochures and business cards, through to writing code or building apps.What you’ll need: You’ll need passion, talent and (preferably) some experience. You’ll also need to be able to demonstrate your skills to prospective clients, which will help show the impact you could have on their business. N.B. You will need a portfolio.What you can earn:  It varies greatly based on experienced, but freelancers (including Graphic Designers and Copywriters) can earn anything up to £30,000 a year.Perfect for:  People who want to be free (and/or really don’ t like working in offices).Our advice:  Always play to your strengths, whatever area they’re in. For example, if you’re a Graphic Designer, make sure your website stands out. If you’re a Write, your blog should be regularly updated with quality articles. If the last thing you wrote was in 2012, you’re probably unlikely to impress. Oh, and don’t forget about social media it’s a powerful marketing tool every freelancer should be utilising. #hashtag.Hairdresser What they do:  Self-employed hairdressers wash, cut, and style their customers’ hair â€" usually in the comfort of their own home (or yours). They may also choose to rent a chair in an established salon, if they’re looking for something a little more stable.What you’ll need: A good knowledge of different styles, as well as the latest trends. Relevant qualifications will also be a prequisite, which can be achieved through a full-time/part-time course, an apprenticeship, or even through in-house salon training s chemes.What you can earn:  Mobile, self-employed hairdressers can charge anywhere from £20 for a basic haircut, to around £100 for a full cut and colour.Perfect for:  People who think French braids are fun.Our advice:  You need to advertise your services if you want to compete with high-street brands. But some people much prefer having hairdressers come to them so there is a market out there you just need to reach it. Advertisements, flyers, social media and a website/blog can all help increase your exposure. And always ask your clients if they’d be open to giving you a good referral.How to become a HairdresserInterior Designer What they do:  Design, plan and oversee the interior appearance of a room, house, or other property. Duties include determining budgets, pitching ideas, researching décor and overseeing all development work until the end of the project.What you’ll need: Creativity, spatial awareness, and excellent business acumen are all traits of a good self-employed Interior Designer. Specific qualifications (not to mention a portfolio of you work) will also be key.What you can earn:  Interior Designers can earn upwards of £24,000 a year, depending on their expertise and level of experience.Perfect for:  People who big fans of Feng Shui.Our advice:  Keep an eye on trade publications for any upcoming projects or job openings, and showcase all your work on a digital portfolio. This industry is grounded in aesthetics, so being able to demonstrate previous work or renovations you’ve carried out is absolutely vital in gaining the trust of a new client. Remember: there’s no such thing as too many pictures.How to become an Interior DesignerOther self-employed jobs: Tutor, Childminder, Social Media Consultant, Accountant, Photographer. Beautician, Bookkeeper, Business Consultant.Top tips Be passionate â€" If you aren’t emotionally invested in what you do, you’re doing it wrong (and it could really end up costing you in the long run).Be fair â €" No matter how experienced you are, never be tempted to price yourself out of the market. But remember: there’s a difference between being reasonable and undercutting yourself.Don’t forget about the competition â€" You’ll be often be up against more established businesses, with bigger budgets. Keep an eye on what they do, and learn from them.Advertise â€" Take every opportunity to get your name out there. Even something as small as a few Facebook posts could end up getting your name out there and help get you new clients.Be patient It may take a while to get going, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Rome wasn’t built in a day remember (and your business won’t be either).Be positive Work hard, be smart and believe in yourself. Sometimes your mindset is actually your most valuable weapon.Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please e nter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Self-employment

Job Search 101 - Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a Resume

Job Search 101 - Writing a Cover Letter and Preparing a ResumeThe job of a career counselor or recruiter is to guide applicants through the steps needed to succeed in their profession. As the career services industry continues to grow, there are increasing challenges in the preparation of a resume and cover letter. That is why there is a section of Job Search 101 quizzes to help.Career counselors face many challenges in the course of their careers. They may meet and work with candidates who would make good counselors. They may also meet candidates who don't fit into this profession. All of these people need the assistance of a good recruiter or counselor and some form of instruction in terms of how to write a cover letter and prepare a resume.There are some skills that career counselors can use to quickly and easily craft a cover letter and a resume. They are easy to learn and require little to no training on the part of the person who is doing the hiring. As a career counselor, you are the one who should have the tools to deal with the toughest of cases. Your role is to not only help fill a position, but also to help make a case for hiring the right candidate.There are basic qualifications that a career counselor must possess. They must be skilled at structuring a resume that will impress a company. In addition, they must understand what a company is looking for and know how to persuade a prospective employee to go with them. That is why career counselors take the time to evaluate their resumes and cover letters so that they are not wasting time and effort reviewing work that is not going to land them any interviews.The qualities that a career counselor must demonstrate are patience, interest, and attention to detail. They also must be able to respond to questions in a professional manner when they arise during the interviewing process. These are traits that will carry over into the entire resume writing process. The cover letter, as well, is an opportunity fo r these traits to come to the forefront.A career counselor needs to prepare a resume that will inspire a potential employer to move forward with an appointment. This is a project that requires creativity and not just the basics. The cover letter must explain to the reader what the candidate has to offer, what position the candidate is looking for, and what the company's mission statement says about them. The resume should be organized and contain every qualification that a recruiter can think of.The curriculum vitae that a career counselor uses to assist in the search for employment will differ from person to person. However, it is essential that all candidates create a personalized document. This process will include a cover letter and resume that should mirror the personality of the candidate and set him or her apart from all other candidates.When it comes to preparing a cover letter and resume for the recruiter, the job of a career counselor is to ensure that they are as professi onal as possible. They are also the ones who should set the tone for their information. With that said, if you are looking for a way to improve your chances of landing a job, you should look into this area of career counseling.