When it comes to working from home, there are many things that are different than traditional job searches and traditional jobs. For example, the work from home job posting is not much different than a traditional job posting, with a few exceptions. You could find small posting that's just a blurb saying:
"I need a virtual assistant 3 days a week, 5 hours a day, to make phone calls and take messages, send emails, etc. Email me with qualifications and inquiries as well as salary requirements. Thanks"
And you would respond as requested, with a casual email and perhaps a resume or a few examples of work that you've done. However, some listings for professional companies or bigger companies might be more inclusive, and you could have a work from home job posting that's four or five paragraphs long, with strict job duties, qualifications, and even educational requirements and the salary they're offering. Either way, the point of this article is to dissect the posting, so here are some key points to look for:
- Company/Person you're applying to. Note their tone and approach, so that you don't respond in the wrong manner.
- Job Duties: Watch out for specifics here. If they're too vague, feel free to inquire before actually applying. If you don't meet the criteria, don't bother, because most times they won't even look if you're not qualified.
- Experience Required: This is dependent upon the listings. Sometimes if you apply for a work from home job posting that you don't have all the experience for, you'll get a response by pointing out what you ARE capable of instead. Other listings will tell you not to apply unless you've got all the criteria they list, and they won't look at your stuff if you don't. You'll have to do trial and error on this one.
- Salary: If they list a rate you don't like, send them your rate card with your application/resume. If they ask for your rates, don't drag them around. Be firm, yet fair, stating any available rate cuts and discounts you offer, along with your standard rates. If they're willing to pay for good services, then they'll accept what you charge. As long as you aren't charging more than the service is worth, you're fine.
- Contacting them. Send a basic cover letter email, but make sure it's not generic. Cater to their needs, show them what YOU can do for THEM, because that's all they care about. Be professional, but don't be so stuffy and uppity that they choke on your arrogance. Just be you. Show them what you've got.
Overall, that's all that's involved when it comes to finding job listings and figuring out how to apply to them. So now that you're a little more educated on the work from home job posting, now you can go out and apply with more confidence than before. Good luck!