The Eclectic WAHM™ - Work From Home Options: Beginners Tips on Working From Home

So you’re ready to take on the adventure of working from home? Here are some things I’ve learned through years of various experience working telecommuting and freelance jobs.

Get organized to write your resume and cover letter.
For your resume:
List of all jobs you’ve had (include any freelance work) and dates you worked there
List of software programs you’ve worked with
List of accomplishments at jobs
List of references – at least 3 people you’ve worked with or know you well and you know will speak highly of you if asked.
Here are some free basic resume templates you can use with Microsoft Word.

For your cover letter:
Start with a basic template you can customize for each employer. Give a quick introduction and highlight the skills you have that make you a fit for the job. Employers go through hundreds of cover letters, so make yours short, sweet and to the point. If you have little experience, highlight the qualities you have that make you a good candidate.

Find companies who hire telecommuters.
There are many online sources to find work at home job listings. Because there is such a demand for telecommuting jobs, con artists from all over the world have made it their mission to use that desperation to prey on unsuspecting newbies to the online work at home world. So before you start your search – a word of caution: Totally check out a company, business or individual who wants to hire you. Ask a lot of questions. Make sure it’s legitimate before you give up your personal information or before starting any work.

Avoid scams by using common sense. Be wary if: they offer a lot of money for a little work, they ask you to use your personal bank account to make transactions for the company, they ask you to receive packages and re-ship them. These are just some of the scams out there. Get to know others who work from home and share information.

Now – back to the search!

Use all the regular job search portals like Monster, Careerbuilder, HotJobs, CraigsList and enter search terms like telecommute, work from home, virtual office, home office, independent contractor etc. Connect on work from home forums like WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com with other people who are both searching for work and those who are currently working from home.

I found job listings, now what?
Find out about the companies with which you want to apply. Hiring managers appreciate when a candidate has taken the time to understand what a company is about and the type of people they want to attract. Check out the company website, read the mission statement, look for links that include information about their customers, ask around to see if other people have had experience with the company.

Next, write down some questions you have for the person who interviews you. Remember, your time is worth something and you are interviewing these companies as much as they are interviewing you.

Follow the Instructions
This is KEY to getting the job. Each job listing or lead you find should have some sort of contact instructions. Whatever they ask, do that. If the ad says email for more information, then email for more information. If it says go to their website and complete the online application, do that. Follow their instructions to the letter and the chances of your application getting the attention it deserves go way up!

Follow Up
Once you’ve followed their instructions on how to apply first you need to relax! These things can take time. Give it a week at least before a brief follow-up email or phone call. Again – follow instructions! If the ad said “no phone calls,” do not call them. Some companies take the time to send “regrets” to everyone who applies, some don’t. If you follow up and don’t hear back, just put it on the back burner.

Getting the Interview
Ok, they liked your resume and cover letter and called you for an interview. Be prepared. Make sure to be on time – verify the time zone of the person who will be calling you. Have your questions ready, have your resume and cover letter in front of you, then just have fun. Let your personality show through over the phone. They can hear a smile in your voice, and employers love that!

After the Interview
Send a quick “thank you” note to the person who interviewed you. Always good to make a good parting impression as much as the first impression!

Most Importantly……if you’re new to working from home, spend a LOT of time researching, reading and learning. There are many experienced home-workers out there who share great information. Listen to their success stories and learn from their mistakes. Ask a lot of questions. Sooner than you realize, you’ll have your first telecommuting job!

EclecticWAHM

My life as a work from home mom. Ideas, tips and tricks about making money from home. Whether it's part time for some fun pocket change or full time to make a living, there are many work from home options out there on the internet. You'll find some good ideas and opportunities here. You'll also find me just talking about life!

The Eclectic WAHM

Work From Home Options

Beginners Tips on Working From Home - Getting that first job

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