When it comes to getting a work-at-home job, the challenge isn’t in finding jobs. Jobs are prevalent. The difficulty is in getting hired. Employers with telecommuting jobs are notorious for never getting back to candidates about the status of their application. Without contact with the employer, it’s difficult to know why an application wasn’t selected, assuming it was reviewed at all.
However, you can increase your chances of getting hired by following a few tips:
1) Know what you have to offer an employer
Many people get duped into scams or schemes because they search for jobs based on what they can sign-up to do or what looks fast and easy. But work-at-home jobs are like traditional jobs in that the process starts with your skills, experience, talents, and interests.
2) Apply for jobs that you’re qualified to do
This sounds obvious, but many telecommuting employers report getting applications from people who don’t meet the job requirements. That doesn’t mean you have to meet every single requirement, but you should meet the most necessary ones such as educational or experience qualifications.
3) Follow the employer’s directions for hiring
Again, this sounds like a no-brainer, but the biggest complaint of employers is applicants that don’t follow the directions given in the job announcement. Don’t send a resume as an attachment unless asked to do so. If the announcement asks for a sample or for you to take a test, do it. Supply exactly what the employer asks for, no more, no less.
4) Create a resume for each job
Generic, one-size-fits-all resumes just don’t cut it. A resume is a sales document designed to show an employer you’re the one for the job. Make it easy for him by crafting a resume specific to each job, directly matching your skills or experience with what the employer wants. If possible, research the employer so you can use the language of its industry.
5) Keep applying until you’re hired
You’ll be surprised and disappointed how few employers will respond to your submission. Even if you’re perfect for the job, don’t sit back and wait for a reply. Keep searching for and applying for jobs.
6) Trouble-shoot your efforts if you don’t get any response ever
It’s hard to know what happens to your resume once it’s sent. It could be lost in cyberspace or behind hundreds of other applications. But if you’ve been applying to jobs frequently over a period and haven’t heard a word, it could be that the issue is on your end. First, check your spam filter just in case a response got sent there. Review your resume and cover note for errors. Make sure you’re using strong, active language and are tailoring the resume to each job.
Conclusion
Work-at-home jobs are everywhere, but getting them requires the same process and professionalism needed when looking for a traditional job. It takes time, and it can get discouraging, but if you follow the steps above, you can find and get hired to work from home.
Leslie Truex is the author of The Work-At-Home Success Bible (Adams Media). She has been telecommuting and running home businesses for over 15 years and helping others to work at home in jobs or home businesses since 1998. Get FREE work-at-home jobs and other resources at http://www.workathomesuccess.com.
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