Employers with work-at-home jobs are notorious for not responding to applicants which is extremely frustrating to the job hunter. Without feedback, applicants don’t know why they weren’t chosen or even if their resume was received. There are several reasons for which you many not hear back regarding your application. Some reasons you have no control over such as they stopped looking after receiving 500 applications and yours was 501. But if you’re consistently applying to jobs and not hearing back on any of them, the problem may be on your end. If you’re not getting results on your work-at-home job hunt, try the following:
1) Make sure you have the skills and experience required for the job. If the employer wants someone who types 80 words per minute, then you need to meet that requirement. Don’t fake it because many jobs will have a test or an interview and you’ll eventually be found out if you don’t meet the job requirements.
2) Verify your resume presents you as a professional and capable employee. Check for grammar and spelling. You’d be surprised how many emails I get from people who want to type at home, but don’t seem to know how to type. Also, use active words and tailor your resume to fit the specific job.
3) Follow the directions for applying to the job. One of the biggest complaints from employers is that applicants don’t follow the directions. Provide the employer with everything he asks for. Nothing more. Nothing Less.
4) Check your online reputation. Employers do use the Internet to learn about you. Social networking can be fun, but having a picture of you eating an olive from someone’s belly button during spring break may lead employers to pass on your application. Do a vanity search on your name to see what’s online about you. Work to get rid of any embarrassing or questionable material.
5) Follow up with an email or a phone to inquire about your application. Sometimes resumes get lost in cyber space, so it doesn’t hurt o follow up. However, don’t call if the job announcement specifically says not to. Also, give the employer time. If you haven’t heard within two weeks of the application deadline or sending in your resume, follow up. Be sure your tone is polite and professional.
6) Consider getting training in job areas in which there are many jobs available such as computer and web programming, writing or transcription. You can get training online through many community colleges.
7) Keep applying. The opportunities are out there and expanding all the time, but they are competitive. And it can take several months to several years to get a work-at-home job. The only way you’ll succeed is to keep searching and applying.
The economy is tanking and jobs are a premium. When it comes to work-at-home jobs, you’re competing with hundreds maybe even thousands of other applicants. The best way to achieve a successful work-at-home job hunt is to have the skills, a professional resume, and tenacity.
