So after a few weeks of trying out odesk, here's what I have to say:
(1) It's not a scam. I earned money after doing a couple of jobs. Just around $20, but enough for me to know that it's real and the potential to earn more is there.
(2) It's said that it takes about 40-60 job applications before you can land a job. This is true too. Online freelancing work is not for the weak, fainthearted, or impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of other freelancers all over the world - likely more skilled and experienced than you - who are vying for the same jobs you are. Learn how to make great cover letters. Take odesk skills tests to showcare your competency. Build your portfolio. Above all, read through the tips and help articles that odesk has to offer. These will help a lot.
(3) Stock up on your preferred choice of caffeine.
(4) If you find it all a bit overwhelming, check out The Freelance Pinoy for freelancing tips, particularly for Filipinos using odesk.
(5) Good luck!
I have a lot on my plate right now, but should have more to share in a couple of weeks. Til then!
Showing posts with label Job Search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job Search. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Jobs For Moms: Shady Interview
About a month ago, I decided to apply for a work from home job that just required good computer and typing skills. The company was not well-known, but as work from home jobs were scarce (and still are!), I decided to give it a go. I submitted my resume and eventually got called in for an interview.
Since I had applied for the job online and was not familiar with my prospective employer, my mother cautioned me to bring some company during the actual interview. I actually thought it unnecessary, but humored her anyway and had my husband tag along.
On the day of the interview we followed the directions sent via email. I was a bit disconcerted to find that the address was different from the one posted on the company website. My husband and I found ourselves in a rundown building at the edge of the business district. The guard had us sign in and told us to proceed up the stairs. We walked through a deserted hallway, passing units that were either locked or empty.
When we got to the interview site, we found ourselves in a room filled with stacks of computers and ledgers. The only other people in the room were two other interviewees (both female) and the company owner, who was conducting the interviews. The owner claimed that the room was usually filled with employees and remarked that it was odd that he was the only one in that day. While nothing untoward happened, I was grateful for my mother's advice and my husband's presence.
Learning Points:
(1) Better to be safe than sorry. If you're not familiar with the company and are called in for an interview, it would be best to have someone come along (even if only to drop you off after surveying the interview site).
(2) Sometimes, though we hate to admit it, mothers do know best. :)
Since I had applied for the job online and was not familiar with my prospective employer, my mother cautioned me to bring some company during the actual interview. I actually thought it unnecessary, but humored her anyway and had my husband tag along.
On the day of the interview we followed the directions sent via email. I was a bit disconcerted to find that the address was different from the one posted on the company website. My husband and I found ourselves in a rundown building at the edge of the business district. The guard had us sign in and told us to proceed up the stairs. We walked through a deserted hallway, passing units that were either locked or empty.
When we got to the interview site, we found ourselves in a room filled with stacks of computers and ledgers. The only other people in the room were two other interviewees (both female) and the company owner, who was conducting the interviews. The owner claimed that the room was usually filled with employees and remarked that it was odd that he was the only one in that day. While nothing untoward happened, I was grateful for my mother's advice and my husband's presence.
Learning Points:
(1) Better to be safe than sorry. If you're not familiar with the company and are called in for an interview, it would be best to have someone come along (even if only to drop you off after surveying the interview site).
(2) Sometimes, though we hate to admit it, mothers do know best. :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Intricacies of Online Job Hunting
After securing a valid ID, I started my job hunt for suitable, legal part time or work from home jobs that would give me a much needed break and extra income, but would still leave most of my time free for my daughter.
The Internet is a good source for job openings. Some sites filter the part time from the full time jobs, making it easier to search for one that works for you in terms of location, requirements, schedule, and pay. Below are sites I frequently monitor for potential part time jobs:
http://www.jobopenings.ph/list_specific_jobs.php?by=parttime_jobs
http://job-search.jobstreet.com.ph/campus/philippines/job-opening.php?by=part-time-jobs
Of course, since nearly everyone and anyone can access the Internet these days, it's always worthwhile to do a bit of research before submitting vital information to a potential employer. Here are some things I look out for:
(1) Company/Employer - if you're not familiar with the company, search for more information first from blogs, news articles, friends, or family
(2) Job Description and Requirements - trust your instincts. An ad looking for someone who's female, no more than 25 years old, with pleasing looks and personality, and no other requirements or an ad - from a company that focuses on sales - with vague job requirements save for the promise of no selling required and high pay, but you absolutely must first attend a seminar to learn more about their products makes me think twice.
(3) Any job that requires you to pay a registration fee is likely a scam.
When in doubt, it also helps to search for "[job description / company name] scam". Chances are, someone will have blogged about the scam (if any) already.
When you do find a job you like and decide to submit your resume, make your intentions clear in your cover letter. I once submitted my resume as is and got no response. My family said they probably considered it a big joke that someone at near managerial level is trying to apply as a clerk/encoder/assistant/entry level position. True, I was overly qualified for the jobs I was applying for, but the part time and work from home aspect mattered more to me than a career path (at least for now). I resubmitted my resume with a letter explaining that I'm a stay at home mom looking for a part time job. This time, I got a positive response. :)
The Internet is a good source for job openings. Some sites filter the part time from the full time jobs, making it easier to search for one that works for you in terms of location, requirements, schedule, and pay. Below are sites I frequently monitor for potential part time jobs:
http://www.jobopenings.ph/list_specific_jobs.php?by=parttime_jobs
http://job-search.jobstreet.com.ph/campus/philippines/job-opening.php?by=part-time-jobs
Of course, since nearly everyone and anyone can access the Internet these days, it's always worthwhile to do a bit of research before submitting vital information to a potential employer. Here are some things I look out for:
(1) Company/Employer - if you're not familiar with the company, search for more information first from blogs, news articles, friends, or family
(2) Job Description and Requirements - trust your instincts. An ad looking for someone who's female, no more than 25 years old, with pleasing looks and personality, and no other requirements or an ad - from a company that focuses on sales - with vague job requirements save for the promise of no selling required and high pay, but you absolutely must first attend a seminar to learn more about their products makes me think twice.
(3) Any job that requires you to pay a registration fee is likely a scam.
When in doubt, it also helps to search for "[job description / company name] scam". Chances are, someone will have blogged about the scam (if any) already.
When you do find a job you like and decide to submit your resume, make your intentions clear in your cover letter. I once submitted my resume as is and got no response. My family said they probably considered it a big joke that someone at near managerial level is trying to apply as a clerk/encoder/assistant/entry level position. True, I was overly qualified for the jobs I was applying for, but the part time and work from home aspect mattered more to me than a career path (at least for now). I resubmitted my resume with a letter explaining that I'm a stay at home mom looking for a part time job. This time, I got a positive response. :)
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