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Preparing for a Work-At-Home Job Search

© Leslie Truex

Despite what work-at-home scammers will have you believe, you don't just sign-up for a work-at-home job. Finding a job that can be done at home is no different than finding any other job. You need to plan your search strategy, prepare resumes and cover letters, and you need to exert consistant effort until you reach your goal. Here are six steps to help you plan and implement a work-at-home job search.

1) One of the most important things to learn if you want to work at home is what it entails. What is telecommuting? What types of jobs are there for telecommuters? What do companies with telecommuting programs look for in an employee? Visit the telecommuting information links posted here to learn about telecommuting. By understanding what telecommuting is really about, you will have an easier time weeding through the scams, negotiating a work-at-home arrangement, and knowing where to look for work.

2) Do your skills translate into a work-at-home job? Make a list of duties involved in your job such as typing, writing, phone skills, researching, organizing and so on. While you are at it, make a list of other skills, experiences, and interests you have that could translate into a work-at-home job. Don't limit yourself. Do you have good phone skills? Are you creative or artistic? Can you write clearly and concisely? Brainstorm all possible or seemingly impossible ideas!The next step is to determine the types of jobs you can do with the skills you have. Identify the types of industries and positions for which you have the skills and that would be suited to working at home. Use the information you come across in your researh to identify industries open to telecommuting.

3) Next make a resume. Start by making a generic resume outlining your skills and experiences. When it is time to apply to jobs, you will want to edit the resume to tailor it to the specific job to which you are applying. At this point, however, you are concerned with creating a well-written document. Don't worry about formatting as most job sources prefer you send your resume as part of the text in an email. Write down all work, educational, and other experiences, awards, certificates, and anything else that gives you credibility for a job. When you actually send information to a potential employer, you will want to include just the experiences that indicate you meet the requirements for the job. Also, if you are a recent graduate with little relevant work experience, you may want to list your education before your work experience.

The copyright of the article Preparing for a Work-At-Home Job Search in Telecommuting is owned by Paym Bergson. Permission to republish Preparing for a Work-At-Home Job Search in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.