Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job

by Leslie Truex

Published on this site: May 17th, 2005 - See more articles from this month...

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 [email protected]