Anxiety is the enemy of most people who want to find an online job. They are afraid of a lot of things usually because of their lack of knowledge on how to start. Freelancers also face anxiety. They usually don’t have the financial security as do employees in a company. In a sense, those who find jobs on the internet can be called online freelancers. In order to defeat anxiety, here’s a simple trick freelancers use and it's
: PREPARATION
: PREPARATION
If you know nothing about a field or job occupation, it is only logical that you prepare yourself. Therefore, preparation will be the key in overcoming anxiety and at the same time finding a real online job for you. This can also be applied when you are job hunting for other opportunities outside of the internet.
Step 1: Write down your Strengths and Weaknesses
When applying for a job, the companies look at you if you will be an asset or liability. In order to entice an online employer, you have to make a good resume. Remember, you won’t be appearing physically so it is hard to make a connection easily. Instead you will do it through your resume. This is the same as making a resume for a company with a slight tune up. Your resume has to be brief and straight to the point.
Those who are new to online freelancing, start crafting your resume by writing down your strengths and weaknesses. These are assets that you can use to entice your prospective online boss. The weaknesses will guide on how to choose a job correctly. There will be jobs that will be out of your league, however if you know them, you can tell your online boss and he or she may even educate you.
Step 2: Brush up on your Communication Skills
Communication is an important aspect in online freelancing. Your language of choice will affect the type of job that you want. Usually the preferred language is English; however you may be able to find a job that needs a different language.
It is better that you focus on one language for your online work. Filipinos have the advantage of learning English at a young age. You will find that a lot of online jobs require English as the main language.
Step 3: Learning the Tools of the Trade
You can’t just jump in front of a computer and start tapping away. Online jobs require specific tools or equipment. You need to familiarize yourself and how it is used on the job.
- Laptop/Computer with internet connection – This is your main equipment. You need a fast enough device that has a reliable internet connection. Your device should have the following capabilities:
- Surf the internet
- Play common video formats
- Play macromedia flash
- Display images and high resolution images
- Open (and edit) PDF files
- Has word formatting programs (e.g. Microsoft Word)
- Has an image editor (MSPaint will do fine)
- Headset or speakers – This is very important since some online bosses will send over a video instruction or audio recording.
- Microphone – Absolutely required for interview and for jobs that require you to talk online. You can find a cheap headset with microphone in most stores. The important thing is they work.
- Webcam – This is an optional device that is usually useful for interviews or talking to your boss.
- Software – It’s important that your laptop has the right software. The important software that you need would be the following:
- Microsoft Office such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint
- Microsoft Paint
- Microsoft Photoeditor
- (Optional) Adobe CS such as Photoshop and Acrobat (to open PDF files)
- Browsers – I highly recommend Google Chrome but you can also use other browsers.
- Email – This is VERY important. You need to know how to use email sites. I prefer GMAIL because it’s free and reliable. Email software such as Microsoft Outlook is for skilled online freelancers and you’re online boss may teach you about it.
Step 4: Organizing your Resume
Your resume shouldn’t be difficult to make. You can use Microsoft Word resume Wizard to make it. Focus on the following:
- Name: Laxus Dreyar (With Photo)
- Contact details: phfilipino2013@gmail.com
- Objective:*write a short sentence of your intent* Ex. To become a writer where I can use my skills in research in creating articles (more samples here)
- Education:
- [Type the school name] : [Type the completion date]
- [Type list of degrees, awards, and accomplishments]
- Skills: *include skills that you think will be an asset to the company
- Data entry
- Photo manipulation
- Research
- Writing
- Certificates and Training: *this is an optional entry to entice online bosses*
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Licensure exams (ex. Nursing, Medicine, Rad-Tech etc.)
Step 5: Looking for an Online Job
Finally! If you’ve done steps 1 to 4 then you are ready for the last step! You can now log on and find websites to post your resume and look for jobs. These are websites that you can visit:
- www.Onlinejobs.ph – The best place to look for jobs. You can upload your resume, photo, ID and other information easily. You can search for jobs that you like such as writing, speaking and etc.
- www.Odesk.com – If you’re looking for very stable jobs, Odesk would be the best place. However, the application process is tedious. You need to finish exams before you will be given a “quota” or number of times you can apply for a job. There are employment opportunities and there are “project” based ads.
- www.99designs.com – A job adsite that displays projects instead of job opportunities. You might be asked to design a logo and get paid for it. Some ads require you to make websites or videos. Registration process is simple.
There are other websites but I haven’t visited them and looked at their process.
For more help on how to apply you can read my other post on finding the right employer and avoiding scams.
Good luck and more power!
~Laxus
No comments:
Post a Comment