Created by CakeA profession in Information Technology (IT) requires you to work with computer-based information. You will be required to get familiar with various network applications, softwares and computer hardwares. Morespecifically, IT jobs could relate to designing, maintaining and operating various ITproducts like websites, softwares or hardwares and will work together with any businesses or organizations that requires the uses of these technologies.Some of the duties of anITprofessional include:Installing and upgrading IT componentsSetting up softwares, applications and hardwaresAssisting clients with network administrationResolving IT issues for clientsReview the performance and functionality of ITsystemsPerform IT security measuresSupport company/client staff with troubleshooting IT problemsSigning into the IT world would bring you to the digital business world and opening the door to it would require you to register with a brand new, fresh and interesting IT resume. Whether you are going to write an experienced IT professional resume or an IT resume for beginners, Cake has your back and is ready to help you apply for any IT job you are looking for. Before diving deeper into the world of IT resumes, it is important for you to be in the right place to build the right resume for an IT job or resume for a computer science job! Although both of them might share similar skill sets, it is better to double-check which direction you are going for, whether it is building digital systems and managing information for a business or developing and programming new applications. If you are on the latter side, be sure to check how to write a Computer Science Resume with Cake as well! Now signing back into the IT world, you are finally ready to write an Information Technology resume. Like its name, you are expected to not only know about the technology, but also be able to handle and control the information you are given in the company, and keep it safe and sound with the digital security you develop or manage. Thinking about how confusing it is to write your IT career goals and IT work experiences together? This article will help you decode the secrets of the best IT resume you could ever make!Here are some steps to help you with your IT resume:Step 1: Know what an information technology (IT) resume looks like.Step 2: Choose the right information technology (IT) resume format.Step 3: Properly introduce yourself. Step 4: Create an intriguing resume title. Step 5: Craft a professional IT resume summary or IT career objective. Step 6: Include an IT skills list. Step 7: Beef up your information technology (IT) resume. Step 8: List IT educational qualifications and background. Step 9: Add an extra section to highlight personal traits or achievements. Step 10: Craft a convincing IT cover letter for your IT resume.Information Technology (IT) Resume Sample Step 1: Know what an information technology (IT) resume looks like.An IT fresh graduate might be confused about how to write a proper IT resume. Like a CV, a resume is a compilation of your personal information, headline, goals, work experiences, and skills. While a CV is intended for academic purposes, an IT resume more often serves as a job application requirement. How long should a resume be? A resume should be simple in everything, whether it is design or information. A resume’s length shouldn’t be more than 1 page, especially if you are an IT fresher or student with less than 7 years of experience. A resume document must be brief and concise, so if you have a resume with more than one page, you may want to consider reviewing and removing unnecessary details.What is the best font to use in a resume? A modern IT resume would prefer minimalistic fonts, such as Arial or Cambria. A recommended font size for section titles and headers is around 14-16pt and 11-12pt for its content.What is the standard margin for a resume? A standard resume margin is one-inch for each side. If you need some space to fill in more information, you can reduce the space, but make sure that it is not less than half an inch. If the margin around your IT resume is too small, it means your resume is too crowded and it would be hard to read.What spacing should a resume be in? A generous white spacing looks neat. Single spacing would help ATS to easily identify your resume in a group of other digital IT resumes, but double spacing would help the HR manager to easily identify your skills and experiences in a hard copy IT resume. What format should a resume be in, Word or PDF? To avoid getting copied or manipulated, always save your resume in PDF format. Putting your resume in a PDF format would help you to keep your format the same in any kind of application or devices used to open it. However, that is not the case with Word formats as it might alter your format according to the Word program’s edition or devices used to open the file. Word format resumes should only be used when required specifically for the application.Step 2: Choose the right information technology (IT) resume format.Building the best IT resume would be nothing without the right format, and it depends on what kind of IT resume you are aiming for. Here are three common resume formats that you might want to consider before building an IT resume that you want!Chronological resume format A resume format presenting the history of your work or organizational experiences from the earliest to the latest, or vice versa. For those of you who are aiming to write an IT manager resume or a more experienced IT resume, this format would show your work experiences in the IT world best.Functional resume format A resume format focusing more on professional skills and experiences related to it. If you are a fresh graduate with limited work experience in IT, this could be the right format for you to showcase the IT skills you still freshly remember from your degree.Hybrid resume format A resume format combining both chronological and functional resumes. A higher IT position you are aiming for would require you to highlight both your skills and work achievements at the same time. Step 3: Properly introduce yourself.An IT resume would be your first step to greet your dream job, so it would require you to introduce yourself before the recruiters can get to know you even more.In your introduction, don’t forget to add your:Full namemail addressPhone number.Some other optional information that you can include is your:AddressLinkedIn URLPersonal website (if you have one) ⚠️It is NOT recommended for you to add your date of birth, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status and dependency, and your expected / current salary, as this information might trigger discrimination and are even prohibited by law in some countries. Step 4: Create an intriguing resume title.A title is more than just an introduction to yourself, but it is a catchphrase that helps you attract the HR manager to read further on your IT resume in just a short 5 seconds. Make a bold, strong, and simple one-line catchphrase with a maximum of 10 words, filling it with your career history, personality, skills and qualifications.Examples of IT resume titles:Independent Computer Science Fresh graduate Proficient in PHP and JavascriptCompTIA A+ certified IT Support Technician with 2 Years of ExperienceSkilled Network Architect Experienced in Major Hospital Private Cloud Infrastructure Step 5: Craft a professional IT resume summary or IT career objective.An IT resume summary or IT resume objective could be said as an extension of your IT resume title. As it must be strong and bold like the title too, you can discuss more of your IT expertise in the field, and reasons why you want to apply to that particular IT position. An IT resume summary would be packed with more experiences from the previous jobs, and an IT career objective would be more directed with the goals you want to achieve in the future company you are applying to. An IT fresh graduate who is looking to write a beginner IT resume can opt for an IT career objective. A general resume summary for IT professionals or IT career objective would be around 2-3 sentences, with a maximum of 50 words. Examples of IT career objective or IT resume summary:"Dedicated network administrator with 7+ years experience in designing and installing networks of 150+ Cisco devices for 200+ clients. Managed to improve Windows performance by 20% via monitoring and lowering 27% of network vulnerabilities.""Senior Network Administrator with 4+ years experience in maintaining advanced medical network problems and coordinating system configuration. Helped with two major hospitals in conducting system repairs and troubleshooting.""Results-driven IT Project Manager with 10+ experiences of building a strong track record of new IT systems and services implementation. Offering junior project managers mentoring, communication talents, and project management."Examples of IT career objective:Passionate IT fresh graduate expertise in LAN and WAN infrastructure. Hoping to establish and improve major network equipment in the medical area.Energetic and capable IT fresh graduate committed to performing any assigned tasks in a fast-paced IT environment. Hoping to help with identifying system performance and operational issues.Resourceful Technical Support Specialist with 2+ years experience in helping customers with software and hardware issues in electronic stores. Seeking to educate more customers in recent IT world trends.Step 6: Include an IT skills list.The IT world is all about your IT skills and techniques, and this is where the IT skills list would play a big role in. There are different types of skill-listing formats that show certain features of your skills. The most common one would be a bullet list, but if you have specific achievements related to some lists, you can always opt for expanded bullet lists. An IT manager resume or any kind of higher IT related positions might let you put in your skill list inside the Work Experience session too. If you are still confused with all of these, you can always go back to the basics and write a simple bullet list of skills you are really good at!Examples of skills to put in an IT professional resume:✅Hard skillsLanguages and PlatformsOS: Windows, Linux, MacOSIDE: Eclipse, NetBeansIDECSS, HTML, JavaScriptCopywritingSocial MediaComputer TroubleshootingPhoto EditingVideo EditingCloud Distributed Computing✅Soft skillsCommunicationTime ManagementUpdate and Continue to be relevantAttention to DetailsProblem SolvingDetail-orientedCreativityAttention to DetailsTeamworkDecision-making ✅OthersLeadershipConflict ManagementSelf-managementOrganizationLogical thinkingBrainstormingServer MaintenanceBusiness and Data AnalysisMachine LearningBlockchainCake provides the best IT resume templates examples for talents to demonstrate your qualifications. Let us help you land the dream with a strong IT resume (free download)!Create Resume Step 7: Beef up your information technology (IT) resume.Although IT skills set are considered important, listing down and explaining your work experiences could be the secret to your successful IT resume. Writing down an IT work experience doesn’t mean only writing down your current company’s name and how long you have been there, but the more achievements and things you have done in the company listed, the more effective your work experience will be. There are 5 essential elements of the “Work Experience” section that couldn't be missed out:Titles of your current/previous jobsNames of companies/organizations where you made your “achievements”Locations of the companies/organizationsEmployment period for each job roleBrief descriptions of achievements or skills you have shown throughout your time in that working experience Making a perfect IT work experience session would be hard, whether it is because you have too little or too many on your plate. Here are 3 tipsto make the Work Experience session neater and closer to perfect:List down only the most recent experiences which are relevant to the job.Add your achievements and illustrate them with quantifiable results.Always start with resume action verbs for the descriptions. ✨ Want to know more specifically how to write the IT Work Experiences section of your IT resume? Here are some examples of how to put in your work experiences and accomplishments in the right place.IT Support Analyst CCC GroupMay 2018 – Present Provided IT online technical support advice to 500+ IT users in 2 years.Gained 78% of consumer satisfaction. IT Consultant DDD CorporationJune 2017 – April 2018 Helped 2 start-ups in Taiwan to build their own IT systems for online customer acquisition.Successfully worked on 32 IT set-ups projects in a year.Step 8: List IT educational qualifications and background. After learning about the colorful and high expectations people put in your work experiences, you must be confused when thinking that you are just a fresh graduate who expects to write an entry-level IT resume with no experience at all. This is where your latest IT educational qualifications and background play in the role. Like its name, the “Education” section is created to show off your degrees and experiences you gained in school at its best performance. 5 essential elements of the education section:Degree(s)Major(s)Year of graduationName of schoolHonors and Awards (If applicable) 💡 Reminder: An entry-level IT resume and an experienced IT professional resume would require two different placements of education sections! If you are seeking to write an IT student resume, it would be highly suggested to put your educational section before your work experiences.If you have enough working experience, you may do otherwise.If you have graduated and started your career a couple of years earlier, it is highly suggested to put your educational section after your work experience section. HR managers prefer to read most of your experiences in the short period of time they use to scan your resume! Writing an educational section is undeniably one of the easiest parts of writing your resume, but also could be a tricky part at the same time. Tips to write different degrees depending on certain situations:✨Always write the latest update of your highest attained degree. If it happens to be your high school degree, you are allowed to do so. However, you can also stop using your high school information once you have started in another higher education or attain more working experience. Example:University Highschool (CA, U.S.)2015 – 2019 GPA: 3.8 / 4.0Honors and awards: Outstanding Community Service AwardExtracurricular activities:- Coding Club- International Volunteer Club ✨When you are still completing your degree and want to write an IT intern resume or a resume for IT fresher, you may include your college degree from this point on. An education in progress could be identified as expected to graduate in ___ or in progress.Example:B.Sc. CS (in progress) California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Pasadena, U.S. Latest GPA: 3.96 / 4.3Research: "2020 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships" ✨ If you were unable to complete your education, you can still still write it down on your resume. An unfinished education can be written by the institution’s name and point to the start and end dates. Adding in the number of credits and things you have learned in bullet points would give a certain assurance that you are still capable of doing the job. At this moment, your high school information should be added under the unfinished degree if you don’t have any other educational credential.Example:University of Amsterdam2017 – 2019Completed 35 credits toward B.S. in Computer ScienceClusius College, Amsterdam2014 – 2017 Step 9: Add an extra section to highlight personal traits or achievements.An IT resume you are going to write should be everything about your work experience and skills, but if you have certain achievements and IT certifications you have gained, this is the right section for you that you can customize accordingly.5 additional pieces of information that you can add to decorate your new IT resume a little bit:Hobbies and interestsVolunteer workCertifications and awardsProjectsReferences One thing to remember when writing this special section is: This is an optional section and you don’t need to write everything into an IT resume. And always, only write the ones that are relevant to your IT experiences and skills. If swimming is your hobby, you don’t need to write it down in the resume, but if your hobby is learning new different coding languages, this should definitely be pointed out. If you have done volunteer work for community service in local villages, this also wouldn’t be necessary to add, but if you have helped with an IT summer camp in your university, this should definitely also be pointed out! Step 10: Craft a convincing IT cover letter for your IT resume.Most mistakes done by beginner job seekers are by not adding any cover letter along with an IT resume. Thinking that your IT background and IT skills only are enough is definitely a wrong move. Therefore, it is always best for you to write down a cover letter that is customized according to the IT job position you want and tailors them only to the needs that the company is looking for. Here are some details that you need to add to your IT cover letter: Contact details: On the very top of your cover letter, include a full name, mobile number, email address, and address (optional). You may add some personal portfolio websites like LinkedIn, Cake or personal websites you previously built.Introduction: Give a proper greeting toward the hiring manager by mentioning the right name respectively!Motivation: Explain the reason why you want to apply for this job, but keep your motivation short and bold so it won’t be looking like you are making it up. Try to present a deeper understanding about the company you are applying to and as well as their products to give some bonus points.Qualification: Show off some of the qualities and skills you presented in your resume in deeper context, and write down your experiences and achievements related to those skills.Closing: Proper greetings must be ended with proper endings. Always present your gratitude for the hiring manager for spending some time reading your IT cover letter. Also, mention that you have attached an IT resume along with your letter to make sure that the hiring manager reads both documents! 💡 Tip:Keeping your IT cover letter in one page would be the most ideal length of every cover letter! Therefore, the hiring manager would be glad to grasp the ideas you want to present quickly too!Information Technology (IT) Resume Sample David Johnson Goal-getter CCT Certified Fresh Graduate San Francisco, U.S.+12345678910 Professional Summary Enthusiastic network development learner with 1-year IT internship experience in a leading IT company. Demonstrated perfect understanding of Cisco Unified Computing systems. Looking to help on the data center system foundation of a company for system efficiency and credibility. Work Experience IT Department Intern Techco.Inc January 2021 – Present Built a new Cisco Data Center System for the company with a resulting of 78% usage efficiency.Introduced self-made data management system for the Social Media team and successfully increased online sales by 20% in 3 months. Cloud Developer Intern  Digitech.Inc June 2020 – December 2020 Completed Microsoft 365 Fundamentals.Assisted in solving 2 major cloud-management problems encountered by customer support cases and gained 40% customers satisfactory. Education B.Sc. CS (September 2017 – June 2021) Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, U.S GPA: 4 / 4.3Vice President of GIT Coding ClubData Analytic Teaching Assistant Skills CSS, HTML, JavascriptSwift, Python, Perl, XMLBlockchainHardware ReparationDigital CommunicationDiagnosticsPresentation skillsVerbal communicationConstructive feedbackCopywriting Certifications Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)Microsoft 365 Fundamentals 🔑 Key Takeaways:And now, you are finally done learning how to make an IT resume that would fit for your start of an IT career or for a higher level of IT position you want to achieve. If you are still confused on how to make an IT resume, there are always some online resume builders that provide the right IT resume examples and IT resume templates that help you to write the resumes easily.You have successfully installed the IT resume knowledge for your IT career ahead. Good luck!--- Originally written by Janette Williams ---

Business Analyst vs Business Development Choosing between a career as a Business Analyst (BA) or a path in Business Development (BD) can feel like standing at a crossroads, each way offering unique and exciting opportunities. If you're feeling pulled in both directions, you're not alone. These two roles are fundamental to business success, but they bring different strengths to the table. In this article, we'll explore what it means to be a Business Analyst versus a Business Development professional, break down their key differences, and guide you toward the path that might be the perfect fit for your skills and ambitions. Table of Contents Definition: The differences between Business Analyst (BA) and Business Development (BD) Business Analyst vs Business Development: Skill Set Comparison Business Analyst vs Business Development: Salary and Outlook Choosing the Right Career Path Conclusion Definition: The differences between Business Analyst (BA) and Business Development (BD) Whether you're a fresh graduate, someone ready to make a career leap, or simply curious about where your talents could shine the most, this guide will help you make a confident choice in today’s competitive job landscape. What is Business analyst? First, we will start by learning about the role of a Business Analyst. A Business Analyst (BA) plays an essential role in helping organizations improve how they work. They do this by identifying business needs, analyzing data, and developing solutions that make business operations more efficient. Think of Business Analyst role, the link between business stakeholders and IT teams— ensuring everyone is on the same page and that projects align with the company’s overall goals. They spend a lot of time talking to stakeholders to understand what’s needed, analyzing data to uncover trends, and creating models that visualize business processes and highlight areas for improvement. They also work closely with IT teams to design and implement new systems or make changes that add real value. At their core, BAs are all about finding ways to streamline business processes, boost productivity, and solve challenges through data-driven insights and strategic thinking. When it comes to career progression, BAs usually start as Junior Analysts, then move up to Business Analyst, Senior Analyst, and eventually a Business Analysis Manager. Some BAs also choose to transition into roles like Product Manager or Consultant as they gain more experience. To thrive in this field, a BA needs a mix of skills— strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key. Technical skills, such as working with SQL, Tableau, or Excel, combined with solid stakeholder management, can really help you stand out and grow. Nowadays, the demand for Business Analysts is on the rise across many industries, from tech to healthcare to finance, as companies increasingly rely on data to make smarter decisions. This role is perfect for those who love problem-solving, critical analysis, and finding ways to make organizations run better. What is Business Development? To Business Development professionals, they focus on driving growth by identifying new business opportunities, building relationships, and developing strategies that help increase revenue. Unlike Business Analysts, who mainly work internally, BD professionals have an outward-facing role—focusing on partnerships, market expansion, and customer engagement. BD professionals are responsible for generating leads, conducting market research to uncover trends, developing company sales strategies, and negotiating deals that can expand the business's reach. They are often seen as the driving force behind new revenue streams and work closely with sales, marketing, and executive teams to achieve growth targets. Their role is about creating connections and opportunities that bring in new business and help the company grow. In terms of career path, Business Development usually starts with roles like Business Development Representative, followed by Business Development Manager, and eventually Director of Business Development. With experience and proven success, BD professionals may even step into executive positions like Vice President of Business Development or Chief Growth Officer. To thrive in this field, you’ll need strong skills in sales, negotiation, and networking, along with strategic thinking to identify the best opportunities for growth. Familiarity with tools like Salesforce or HubSpot, a solid understanding of finance, and excellent communication are also key to excelling in this career. Business Development responsibilities are well-suited to dynamic industries like startups, SaaS, and consulting—places where growth and relationship-building are essential. If you enjoy strategic thinking, deal-making, and connecting with people, this could be the perfect career path for you. Business Analyst vs Business Development: Skill Set Comparison The skill sets required for Business Analyst and Business Development roles are quite distinct, although they do share some similarities. Below is a comparison chart to help you quickly understand the key skills needed for each role: Skill SetBusiness AnalystBusiness DevelopmentData Analysis ToolsSQL, Tableau, ExcelNot typically requiredCRM ToolsNot typically requiredSalesforce, HubSpotMarket AnalysisLimitedEssentialRequirements GatheringEssentialNot requiredProcess MappingEssentialNot requiredNegotiation SkillsHelpful but not centralCrucialStakeholder CommunicationBridge between IT and business teamsRelationship-building and sales focusFinancial AcumenHelpfulEssentialStrategic ThinkingImportant for business solutionsKey for identifying growth opportunities Let’s figure out the above comparison! Business Analysts need a strong grasp of data analysis tools, such as SQL, Tableau, and Excel, as well as the ability to gather requirements and map processes. They are responsible for analyzing complex data and ensuring that business needs are met through effective solutions, making critical thinking and technical knowledge essential for success. Additionally, strong communication skills are crucial for collaborating with stakeholders and translating technical findings into actionable business strategies. On the other hand, Business Development professionals rely on their ability to identify opportunities for growth and build strategic relationships. Hard skills like proficiency in CRM tools, such as Salesforce, as well as an understanding of market analysis and financial acumen, are key to excelling in this role. Unlike Business Analysts, who focus on optimizing internal processes, Business Development professionals are outward-facing, concentrating on driving revenue and fostering partnerships. This makes soft skills, such as negotiation, persuasive communication, and relationship-building, vital for success in a BD role. While Business Analysts act as a bridge between business and IT, ensuring that projects align with business goals, Business Development professionals focus on expanding the company’s market presence and driving sales. The ability to navigate stakeholder communication is important in both roles, but the nature of that communication differs: Business Analysts focus on translating business needs into technical solutions, whereas Business Development is centered around building external partnerships and closing business deals. Ultimately, both roles require a unique blend of hard and soft skills, with Business Analysts leaning more towards analytical and technical expertise, and Business Development professionals emphasizing strategic thinking and relationship management. Business Analyst vs Business Development: Salary and Outlook Salary: An Overview According to Glassdoor, Business Analysts in the US earn an average of $75,000–$95,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Business Development professionals earn a similar range, with entry-level roles starting at $65,000 and senior roles exceeding $100,000. Bonus structures for BD roles can significantly enhance earnings. On the other hand, salaries and job outlook for Business Analyst and Business Development roles can vary significantly across the SEA markets – like Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In Singapore, Business Analysts typically earn between SGD 55,000 to SGD 90,000 per year, while in Malaysia, they can expect an annual salary of MYR 60,000 to MYR 100,000, depending on experience and industry. In Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, the salary ranges tend to vary between USD 15,000 to USD 45,000 annually for mid-level Business Analysts, reflecting different cost-of-living levels and market demand. Business Development roles also have competitive compensation, especially when performance-based bonuses are included. In Singapore, BD professionals can earn between SGD 50,000 to SGD 110,000, with additional incentives tied to sales targets. In Malaysia and Thailand, BD professionals generally earn between MYR 50,000 to MYR 120,000 or THB 400,000 to THB 1,200,000, respectively. In Vietnam, BD salaries tend to be between VND 180 million to VND 600 million annually, with performance bonuses making up a significant portion of total compensation. Job Market Outlook Both roles are experiencing a positive job outlook in these regions. Business Analysts are increasingly sought after in finance, technology, and healthcare sectors, where data-driven decision-making is crucial. Similarly, Business Development professionals are in high demand, particularly in startups, tech firms, and consulting companies looking to expand their market presence. If you're deciding between a career as a Business Analyst (BA) or in Business Development (BD), it's important to understand the educational foundations and certifications that can enhance your journey. Let's explore how these two paths compare: Business Analyst: Business Analysts typically come from backgrounds in Business, IT, or Data Analytics. A degree in one of these fields provides a solid understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of a business, enabling BAs to bridge gaps between stakeholders and technical teams effectively. Additionally, certifications such as CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) or PMI-PBA (Professional in Business Analysis) can significantly enhance your prospects. These certifications signal your commitment to mastering BA methodologies, and they're highly regarded across the industry, helping you stand out in a competitive field. Business Development: For those inclined towards Business Development, degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, or Finance are common and offer a strong grounding in market dynamics, customer needs, and business strategy. In BD, connecting with clients and building relationships is crucial, and that's where certifications like HubSpot Inbound Sales or LinkedIn Sales Navigator come into play. These certifications can give you an edge by enhancing your understanding of sales strategies, client engagement, and effective lead generation—skills that are indispensable in BD roles. A Common Thread: Whether you choose the path of a Business Analyst or Business Development professional, both careers value continuous learning and adaptability. The business landscape is always evolving, and keeping up with new skills, technologies, and strategies is what will help you thrive. Investing in certifications and upskilling isn't just about improving your resume—it's about staying agile and ensuring you can meet the demands of a dynamic industry. In short, while the educational paths and certifications for BA and BD roles might differ, both careers require a solid understanding of business fundamentals, a thirst for knowledge, and the ability to adapt. No matter which road you take, ongoing learning is a key ingredient to success. Choosing the Right Career Path Choosing between Business Analyst and Business Development often comes down to personal strengths and career aspirations. To help with this decision, consider using some of the following career tools to evaluate yourself: SWOT Analysis Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each role. Write these down to get a clear understanding of which areas you excel in and where you may need improvement. Personality and Aptitude Tests Tools like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Gallup StrengthsFinder can provide insight into your natural preferences, strengths, and tendencies. For example, if your MBTI result leans toward extroversion and networking, Business Development might be a good match. Career Assessment Platforms Platforms like CareerExplorer or 16Personalities offer in-depth career assessments that suggest roles based on your skills and interests. These tools can help you determine whether your strengths align more with data analysis or relationship management. Self-Reflection and Journaling Spend time journaling about the activities that energize you and those that drain you. If you enjoy diving deep into details, analyzing data, and problem-solving, you might find Business Analysis more rewarding. If you love engaging with people and forming new connections, Business Development could be a better fit. Online Skill Assessment Courses Websites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning provide courses that allow you to explore skills related to both fields. You can take introductory courses on topics like SQL for Business Analysts or sales strategy for Business Development to see which subjects you feel most comfortable with. Of no less significance, industries can also influence your decision. Business Analysts are in high demand in sectors like technology and finance, where data and processes play a crucial role. Business Development, however, is often favored in dynamic environments like startups, where growth is the primary focus. When considering salary, interests, and long-term goals, it's essential to align your career with what excites you the most. Before you make a decision, you can gain some hands-on experience through internships, informational interviews, or even online courses to better understand which field resonates with you before making a long-term commitment. Conclusion In summary, both Business Analyst and Business Development roles offer exciting career opportunities, each with unique responsibilities, skill requirements, and growth potential. By understanding their differences, reflecting on your own skills and interests, and considering your long-term career goals, you can make an informed decision about which path is right for you. Remember, there's no right or wrong choice—just the best fit for your aspirations. For more career tips, insights, and professional development resources, be sure to follow Cake so that you won’t miss any news from us! Use Cake’s free online resume builder to create and download your resume in PDF for free. Create your resume now and land your dream job! Create Resume--- Originally written by Andrea Do---

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about:What Is a FreelancePortfolio?What Should be Included in a Freelance Portfolio?Useful Tips for Creating the Best Freelance PortfolioFreelance Portfolio ExamplesIf you are a freelancer, you will understand the importance of attracting your clients. While the perks of being your boss guarantee the freedom to be your boss, building an impressive freelance portfolio is the key to kickstarting a successful freelance business. Setting up a freelance portfolio is similar to setting up a business website, especially more so if you choose to have an online portfolio website with a unique domain. Building an online portfolio website is for clients to have a strong impression of your business, while showing off your niche, service, and testimonials.What Is aFreelance Portfolio?A freelance portfolio is the main tool for your brand. With that said, as a freelancer, you yourself ARE your brand. Just like renowned brands, a freelancer needs to showcase proof that they are who they say they are. After all, freelancers need to build their client base/ A freelance portfolio allows freelancers to tell a story based on the services they provide. It is also an opportunity for freelancers to show off their skill sets. A good way to show off your freelance portfolio website is to show high-paying projects. These high-paying projects are your best work, and it is what clients look for. Moreover, high-paying projects can reflect your success and your niche, as well as your credibility and work quality. For example, if you were a logo designer for Nike, clients will know that you have worked with a renowned big brand. From a business perspective, it is important to use the right keywords to attract people. These keywords need to catch the clients’ attention. For example, if your service and niche is career coaching, you need to clarify the service as a "career coach". Using the right keywords in your freelancer portfolio helps clients understand your brand. What Should be Included in a Freelance Portfolio? If you’re wondering how to build a freelance portfolio, the first step you must do is prepare the materials that will be included in the portfolio. To build a successful freelance portfolio, compile samples of works and other materials to include in the portfolio. These materials include:Graphics, photos or video reels of your workDescriptions and results of the projectTestimonialsCase studiesReferencesResume ✨ Graphics, photos or video reels of your work Graphics, photos, and videos are evidence of your work. You can leverage this evidence creatively. For example, as a freelance content creator, you can demonstrate your expertise in the field by showcasing your best videos or projects. The same goes for a freelance photographer or a freelance graphic designer. When choosing the media you want to include in your freelance portfolio, quality comes over quantity. Make sure to include only your best works. ✨ Descriptions and results of the project What better way to show your project than having a description and results? Add a brief portfolio description for your freelancer account. Write down how you solved problems and what results you achieved. For example, as a freelance content creator, you can showcase the thought process behind the content or the background problems that kickstarted the work. ✨ Testimonials Freelancers need to be transparent about their customers' feedback. If you are not sure how to show testimonials, search for the best freelance portfolio website. Testimonials work similarly to word of mouth. People want to see your skills and speciality validated by others. It’s important to ask for permissions before showing off your recognitions, even better if the clients are renowned. Some clients or companies might even ask you to sign an NDA prior to working with them, so be mindful of these when creating your freelance portfolio. ✨ Case studies A case study details a short story about the project. You can write about what challenges and problems you solved, and how you helped the business grow. ✨ References Your freelance portfolio website can demonstrate social proof by listing references. References can be your former clients or your current clients. References are similar to testimonials. ✨ ResumeContact information – list your contact email information, so your clients can reach you easily. For example, use email, LinkTree, or phone number. Professional history – showcases your previous work experience. Often, freelancers start out their careers working for big companies. Listing your professional history can help clients get to know you more professionally. Useful Tips for Creating the Best Freelance Portfolio 💡 Categorize the works. In truth, there are rarely any freelancers out there who only provide one single service. If you build a freelance portfolio as a writer, you may offer other writing services - SEO writing, technical writing, and business writing. Categorizing your work can help clients understand your service better and more conveniently. 💡 Describe the story behind each work. Storytelling is a compelling technique to draw people’s attention. As a freelancer, you want to utilize your skills in various manners. Reflect your skills in the portfolio. To do this, you can categorize your work and provide a creative project description. For instance, if you like to write about health and fitness, you can say - “I provide content writing services for health and fitness topics, including for blog posts, articles, or website content”. 💡 Update your portfolio regularly with new works. Always include new works in your freelancer portfolio. Don’t include projects from 3-4 years ago. Even though you may be tempted to show the clients how your skills have evolved, it is still best for your clients not to see obsolete projects. If you still want to include old projects in your freelancer portfolio, write the descriptions so that it emphasizes the popular skills needed for your line of service. 💡 Include your personal projects if you have no paid experience yet. If you don’t have any paid experience yet, try to include personal projects or hobbies that reflect your skills and qualities. For example, if you are working as a freelance writer, you can include your personal blog posts, journal entries, or any other form of writing that you have done previously. 💡 Include a call to action so that clients can hire you easily. A call to action allows you to show clients the impacts of your services. It is highly effective when it is implemented with a sales pitch. A call to action should be genuine and not forceful. Remember, a call to action can be as simple as this – “If you like my service, I’d love to work with you. Reach out to me at [email protected] and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible”. 💡 Use a suitable platform or freelance portfolio website.Cake – Cake allows you to build a portfolio for free on their platform. You can easily change formats, fonts, colors to make your portfolio unique and utilize various multimedia formats.Create your online presence and personal branding by creating your very own online freelance portfolio. Check out these creative freelancer portfolio designs and freelancer portfolio examples, and create your very own online portfolio for free on Cake!Create PortfolioFiverr – Fiverr is a popular platform for any kind of freelance service. It’s a good platform for beginner freelancers to build their freelance portfolios.Upwork – Upwork is a popular yet competitive freelance platform. Freelancers have to submit proposals to get freelance projects.Freelance Portfolio Examples1. Freelance Content Writer Portfolio ExampleOnline Writer Portfolio by Jennifer Fernandez Jennifer is a writer from Brooklyn. Her portfolio is simplistic by design. One of the best features of her portfolio is that she organized her portfolio based on various topics, making it easy for the website visitors to find the works that interest them. 2. Freelance Graphic Designer Portfolio ExampleGraphic Design Portfolio on by Kati Forner Kati Forner provides a full-service creative studio with an impressive short video. Her landing page immediately grabs your attention. Large images allow the audience to see details of each work. The intro’s huge font also grabs attention and is very to the point. 3. Freelance Web Designer Portfolio ExampleFreelance Web Designer Portfolio Example by Adrian Z Adrian Z utilized a simplistic yet powerful interactive design on his landing page. Moreover, he implements a short description of himself and a strong call-to-action message at the top. 4. Freelance Web Developer Portfolio ExampleWeb Developer Portfolio Example by Robby Leonardi Robby’s portfolio shows that he is very creative. On the landing page, he shows two different categories of services. He also wants you to see his work immediately. You can launch his work as soon as you visit his page. 5. Freelance Illustrator Portfolio ExampleFreelance Illustrator Portfolio Example by Eri Iguchi Eri uses narrative illustrations using digital tools. The grid layout on her portfolio makes it easy to have an overall outlook of her work. 6. Freelance UX Designer PortfolioFreelance UX Designer Portfolio by Lisa Emmanuel Lisa Emmanuel is a freelance UI/UX designer based in Auckland. Her profile shows that she is very concise. Each project on the website has a short description and a clear image to get clients’ attention. 7. Freelance Artist PortfolioFreelance Artist Portfolio by Chun Chun is a freelance artist based in Taiwan. Her concept is based on pain, rejection, and sadness. Her homepage is short and easy to understand. Each selected work has a short and concise description, with an image next to it. 8. Freelance Front End Developer PortfolioFreelance Front End Developer Portfolio by Adham Dannaway Adam is good at showing his identity as a front end developer. He is not only a coder but also a designer. One of the best things in his portfolio is that he actively shares his latest work. 9. Data Entry Portfolio Sample For FreelancerFreelancer Data Entry Portfolio Sample by tumt8789 While it is difficult to find a format for a freelance data entry portfolio, it is not different from any others. As you can see on tumt8789’s profile, he shows the services he provides, evidence of his work, and testimonials. 10. Digital Marketing Freelancer PortfolioDigital Marketing Freelancer Portfolio by Briony Cullin Briony is a digital marketer based in Glasgow. Her landing page shows that she has a strong call-to-action message. Clients notice immediately that she is providing digital marketing services for independent businesses. 🔑 Key Takeaways: In this article, we highlighted important tips and tricks for freelancers. As freelancers often need to showcase their portfolio, it is imperative to keep track of “what to include” on a freelancer portfolio. To create and show the best of freelancers’ work, they need to be creative. Show testimonials, make use of called-to-action messages and categorize their work. Descriptions of the projects don’t need to belong, but it needs to reflect your work and skills. If you are not sure how to create the best freelance portfolio website, go ahead and check other freelancers’ portfolio websites. Imitation is the sincere form of flattery. If you are a beginner freelancer, don’t worry about not having a unique website yet. It takes time to build up a good freelance business. Freelancers need to think of their work as a business. For a business to successfully operate, you need to set goals. Creating a personal brand for beginner freelancers can be challenging, especially because you may not have a niche yet. But, using personal projects, to begin with, can suffice. If you are an experienced freelancer, you can monetize your services in many different ways. Create an ebook, a YouTube channel, or give talks at events. --- Originally written by Diana Shih ---

APractical Guide for Global Job SeekersWorking abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, learn new skills, and explore different cultures. However, working in a foreign country also comes with its own set of challenges, such as visa and legal issues, language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness. In this article, we will share some tips on how to work abroad, tips that will help you prepare and plan for your international career, from choosing the right country, visa and legal considerations, cultural and language preparation, global job search, networking, and overcoming homesickness and culture shock. TABLE OF CONTENTSChoosing the Right Country for Your International Career​​Visa and Legal Requirements for Working AbroadHow to Learn and Adapt to the Culture and Language of Your Host CountryFinding and Applying for Jobs in the Global MarketConnect and Network with Expatriates and Global ProfessionalsHow to Cope with Homesickness and Culture Shock When Working AbroadConclusion Choosing the Right Country for Your International Career One of the first steps to working abroad is choosing the right country for your career goals, personal preferences, and lifestyle. There are many factors to consider when selecting a country for work.Choosing another country to work abroad requires consideration based on many factors such as:Demand and availability of jobs in your field of expertiseCost of living and quality of life in the countrySafety and security situation in the countryClimate and weather conditions in the countryCulture and values of the country and its peopleLanguage and communication skills required in the country You should also consider your own motivations and expectations for working abroad, such as: Duration and type of work you want to do: short-term or long-term, full-time or part-time, freelance or contract, etc.The level of challenge and adventure you are looking forThe degree of flexibility and independence you needYour career planning: the opportunities for personal and professional growth and development Working abroad can also mean digitally working for a foreign country, without having to physically relocate. This is an option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of working in a global market, while staying in their home country or traveling the world as a digital nomad. However, this also requires a high level of self-discipline, time management, and communication skills, as well as reliable internet access and equipment. Nowadays, you can easily find pages or groups sharing Digital Nomads experiences on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. One of the first simple steps for you to become a global citizen in your job search journey is to "transform yourself" into a person working according to the "digital nomad" trend. In this way, you can somehow experience the working style, working methods, cultural exchange as well as have the first stepping stones in finding and working abroad.Visa and Legal Requirements for Working Abroad Another important step to working abroad is looking at the visa requirements and legal preparations you need to make if you want to move to another country. Depending on the country and the type of work you want to do, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a work visa, a business visa, a student visa, a tourist visa, or a working holiday visa. You should also check the eligibility criteria, the application process, the fees, and the validity period of the visa you need.You should also be aware of the legal implications of working abroad, such as:The tax laws and regulations in both your home country and the host countryThe labor laws and employment rights in the host countryThe health insurance and social security coverage in the host countryThe currency exchange and banking options in the host country The case might be different for those who work remotely, but you should still understand the legal considerations for your home country, such as the tax issues, the registration of your business, and the contracts and invoices you need to issue. Each type of Visa in each country will correspond to different purposes, so the corresponding issuance time will also be different. As in Taiwan, you can apply for a visa based on your intention to work, short-term visit for work purposes or long-term stay and work. For instance, if you want to work in Taiwan, you will need to obtain a work permit and a resident visa, which are issued by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, respectively. You will also need to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and a National Health Insurance (NHI) card, which are issued by the National Immigration Agency and the National Health Insurance Administration, if you have plans and intentions to work long-term in Taiwan. For more information, you can find more information about the visa and legal requirements for working in Taiwan here.How to Learn and Adapt to the Culture and Language of Your Host Country Working abroad also requires a high level of cultural and language proficiency and communication skills. You will need to understand and adapt to the culture and language of the country you are working in, as well as the work culture and etiquette of your employer and colleagues. This will help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and frustrations, and build trust and rapport with your co-workers and clients. Some tips for cultural and language preparation 1. Learn the basics of the language of the country Greetings, introductions, numbers, dates, directions, and common phrases.💡Pro tips: Online courses, apps, books, podcasts, or videos to learn the language, or enroll in a language school or find a language partner in the country. 2. Research the culture and history of the country The values, beliefs, customs, traditions, norms, and taboos.💡Pro tips: You can use online resources, books, documentaries, or blogs to learn about the culture, or ask your local friends, co-workers, or mentors for advice and insights. 3. Observe and respect the cultural differences and similarities between your home country and the host country Communication styles, the work ethics, the dress codes, the social norms, and the etiquette.💡Pro tips: You can also learn from your own mistakes and experiences, and be open-minded and curious about the culture, rather than judgmental or critical. Finding and Applying for Jobs in the Global Market Finding a job abroad can be challenging, but not impossible, if you know how to utilize the international job search platforms and resources available to you. Some of the ways you can find a job abroad are: Use online job boards and websites Online platforms that specialize in global or regional job opportunities, such as Cake, Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Jobbatical. You can also use niche job boards that cater to specific industries, fields, or skills, such as Stack Overflow, AngelList, or Remote.co. Social media and professional networks An ideal way to connect with potential employers, recruiters, or referrals, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Meetup! You can also join online communities and groups that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, such as Reddit, Quora, or Slack.📚Further reading: How to Find Recruiters on LinkedIn - Unlocking Your Career Connections [+ Tips] Take advantage of good references Use personal contacts and referrals to get introduced to or recommended by someone who works or knows someone who works in the country or company you are interested in. You can also attend events, workshops, seminars, or conferences that are related to your industry, field, or skill, and network with the attendees, speakers, or organizers.📚Further reading: How to Ask for a Job Referral: Guide, Tips and Examples Appreciate each small project or opportunity Use freelance platforms and websites to find short-term or project-based work opportunities, such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, or Toptal. You can also use online marketplaces and websites that offer services or products that are in demand in the country you are interested in. When applying for a job abroad, you will also need to tailor your application materials for a global audience, such as your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or website. You can visit here for more tips for preparing your application documents.Connect and Network with Expatriates and Global Professionals Working abroad also means building connections with foreign expatriate communities and global professionals, who can offer you support, guidance, and opportunities for your international career. Networking in international communities can help you learn more about the culture, language, and work environment of the country you are working in, and get tips and advice from people who have been in your situation before. Besides, it also helps you find potential mentors who can help you grow and develop yourself. By this way, you can discover new job opportunities just through expanding your professional network and exposure. Make new friends and socialize with people who can relate to your experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and provide you with emotional support, companionship, and fun. Some tips for networking in international communities 1. Join online or offline groups, clubs, or organizations Take the chance to join the community that are relevant to your industry, field, or skill, or that cater to expatriates, foreigners, or travelers in the country you are working in. For instance, some online platforms that can help you are: Meetup, InterNations, or Couchsurfing. 2. The more the merrier Reach out to people who work or have worked in the country or company you are interested in, or who have similar backgrounds, interests, or goals as you, and introduce yourself, express your interest, or ask for advice. 3. Maintain your relationships with your connections Follow up and maintain your relationships with the people you meet or connect with, and show your appreciation, interest, or support. You can use online platforms such as email, Skype, or Zoom, to communicate and keep in touch with these people, or send them thank-you notes, feedback, or recommendations. 📚Further reading: Looking to Become a Networking Expert? 10 Pro Tips How to Cope with Homesickness and Culture Shock When Working Abroad Working abroad can also cause homesickness and culture shock, which are common emotional challenges that many expatriates face when moving to a new country. Homesickness is the feeling of missing one’s home, family, friends, or familiar environment, while culture shock is the feeling of confusion, stress, or anxiety that results from encountering a different culture, language, or way of life. Some of the symptoms of homesickness and culture shock are: Feeling lonely, isolated, or depressedBeing nostalgic, sentimental, or regretfulEasy to become frustrated, angry, or resentfulFeeling bored, restless, or dissatisfiedPhysical problems: having difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating and headaches, stomachaches, or allergies To deal with homesickness and culture shock, you can learn from some coping strategies as: Stay connected Keep in touch with your friends and family, and share your feelings and experiences with them. Create a familiar environment in your living space Surround yourself with things that remind you of home, such as photos, souvenirs, or music. You can also cook or order familiar foods, or watch or read familiar media, such as movies, shows, or books. Healthy routines help It gives you a sense of structure and normalcy, and helps you cope with stress and uncertainty. You can also set goals and plans that motivate you and keep you focused, such as learning a new skill, taking a course, or traveling to a new place. Professional guidance Seeking professional help if you feel that your homesickness or culture shock is affecting your mental or physical health, or interfering with your work or personal life. Anyone else who can provide you with emotional support, guidance, or treatment.Conclusion Working abroad can be a life-changing and rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation and planning, as well as adaptation and resilience. By following the how to work abroad tips we shared in this article, you can choose the right country, visa and legal issues, cultural and language preparation, job search, networking, and coping strategies for your international career. If you are ready to take the leap and work abroad, visit Cake’s job search portal and follow our blog for more insightful career advice. Wish you all the best in your global journey!Cake is afree resume makerandportfolio builderthat provides hundreds ofresume templates (free download)and variousjob resume examplesto help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!Create Resume --- Originally Written by Andrea Do ---