Preparations on Applying for Work-From-Home Jobs pre and post COVID-19

Why Work-From-Home Jobs are the New Ideal

Been having uncertainties with your current job or are you already one of those who have been laid off? Looking for a new job might be more challenging nowadays since business operations have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and hiring might be slowing down—or worse, frozen. As the number of unemployed individuals increases, competition among job seekers is also increasing.

However, there are still openings for work-from-home (WFH) jobs or those that call for a remote work setup. These jobs are not new—some people have been doing these for most of their career. The demand for such jobs has increased, considering the opportunity for a stable source of income even if you're just at home. In the light of COVID-19, many companies are also using this setup as the ‘new normal' and might have to continue to do so even after the circuit breaker measures are lifted.

While it might take some adjustments, especially if you've been doing office-based work, work-from-home jobs have advantages. They're the safest way to earn money and be productive without risking your health. They can be more flexible when it comes to schedules, and some can give options for full-time or part-time work. If you are an introvert, you can worry less on socializing and focus more on your work since you'll deal with people virtually. Commuting by public transport is no longer an issue as well. They also have competitive salaries, just like office-based work.

If you want to try these jobs, you will need to prepare sufficiently, just like any job application.

What Are the Preparations You Need to Make?

You need to adjust and re-assess your preparations before applying, especially if this is your first time taking on a work-from-home job. This includes being adaptable to the modified interview process, to the new conditions of the job itself. Here are some preparations needed to maximize your application efforts and to secure that offer.

Research work from home job positions

Consider the following things when applying:

• Availability and demand

Many different work-from-home jobs—such as E-commerce manager, Telemarketer, Software or Technical Support Engineer, Sales Consultant, Online Tutor, Project Managers—are available. Do some research on the most recent positions available and in demand because that's where opportunities are likely to be found.

• Legitimacy

Verify which of the job openings are legitimate since some are posted not only on job sites but also on different social media pages. Check the available information from the company website and official social media accounts. You can also look into some of these red flags so you can easily spot a job offer scam.

• Skill requirements

Go over the qualifications and determine if they match your skills and experience. Keep in mind that there are jobs dedicated to specific expertise—such as those in the technical field.

Update your resume and other job site profiles

If you haven't applied for a new job in a while, update your resume with your recent work experience, training, and skills. You can also use a specific template for the job you're applying for.Follow these tips on how you can update and make your resume stand out from other applicants.Edit your job site profiles, and if you haven't created an account yet, this is the perfect time to sign up so you can start searching for jobs immediately. Upload your portfolios or work samples online and link them to your resume and job site accounts for easy viewing.

Prepare for job interviews done entirely online

Confirm the interview process with the employer so you can prepare the devices and other online resources needed. Even if this is not face-to-face, be mindful of your wardrobe, posture and position, and nonverbal communication skills to make a good professional impression. Check other factors such as location, possible disturbances, and unforeseen technical difficulties. Get ready as early as possible to avoid online interview fails—such as sudden shouting in the background, failing to click the right button to enable video or audio, or accidentally applying filters.

Assess your work from home or remote working preparedness

Work-from-home arrangements are keeping companies going during the pandemic. Assess your long-term preparedness for a remote work setup since this is part of the new normal. Discuss with the employer the technical requirements from laptops, internet connection speed, software to be installed, virtual workflow process, etc. A consistent routine must also be established because working from home is subject to distractions, which hinder productivity. For example, routines such as waking up early can be helpful.

Take online courses to continue working on your skills

Being a continuous learner is a must in any field. Online courses are more convenient since you can take them anytime and some are even free. These can also help enhance your resume to make it more noticeable to employers. Companies can also provide training and seminars, but unlike before, these will be conducted online as part of the new normal.

JobStreet has launched a COVID-19Jobs and Resource Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this crucial time.

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