Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job
Dear Leslie,
Thanks for the great info on finding legitimate work. I have
been applying of lots of jobs but I never hear anything back
from the companies. Is that usual? Jack MN
Dear Jack,
Its not uncommon to hear nothing from companies to which you
apply for a job. However, if you are applying to many jobs
without a single response, you should evaluate what you are
submitting to make sure you aren't getting weeded out. Here
are some tips to increase your appeal to potential
employers.
1) Tailor your resume or application specifically to the
job. The best way to do this is to have a general resume
with all your experience, skills and education. Then just
tweak it to focus on the information that best fits the job.
In your cover letter you will want to focus on this job
specific information as well. This doesn't mean you should
leave out information. Instead, bring attention to your
skills and experience that specifically meet the needs of
the job.
2) Read the directions given by the employer. Some job
announcements have several steps you are required to make.
Be sure you do each step to the best of your ability. Don't
leave out steps and don't underestimate the importance of
each step.
3) Don't annoy employers and don't call them if they
specifically ask you not to. Again follow the directions.
After a week or two (a week following the application
deadline), it would be acceptable to send an email to
follow-up.
4) Submit a professional resume or application. Use correct
grammar and spelling. Refer to the employer in a
professional manner, by name if you can. Don't write in an
informal manner such as saying "Hi" or using Internet code
such as "LOL".
5) Limit your resume to one page. Use 12 pt font size. Avoid
fancy fonts and formats as not all computers can decipher
special fonts or formats. Send the resume in the body of
your email. NEVER send your resume as an attachment unless
asked to do so.
6) Don't list skills or experiences that are unrelated to
the position. Don't exaggerate or falsify your information.
Also, avoid personal information such as marital status or
age.
7) Don't sound desperate. Companies are looking for the best
person for the job. Your financial situation or level of
desperation will more likely hurt your chances of getting
the job.
8) Research the company if you can. Visit its website and
learn what the company is all about. What is its product or
service? Where is it located? Does it have many remote
workers? The more you know about the company, the more can
tailor your resume or application to the company's needs
(see #1) as well as appear knowledgeable about the company.
I can assure you, few people really research companies
before applying. Speaking with knowledge about the company
to a potential employer shows that you have done your
research.
Work-at-home jobs are prevalent but the market is
competitive. The best way to get a response is to submit
high quality resumes that show you are the most qualified
for the job.
==============================================
Ask WAHS Leslie is Leslie Truex a stay and work-at-home mom
who has been helping people work at home since 1998 with
her web site Work-At-Home Success
(http://www.workathomesuccess.com)
She is also the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to
Finding a Work-At-Home Job. Ask WAHS Leslie is a weekly
column. You can submit a question to Ask WAHS Leslie by
emailing here success@workathomesuccess.com
