Applying for an online job isn’t as easy or straightforward as most people think.
It’s important to think about how you are going to apply if you want to get a job. It’s not an automatic process. You don’t just click on “Apply” and then forget about it. If you want to get the job of your dreams, you need to work for it. You need to be smart about it.
Years of experience has given us some insight on the best practices when applying for online jobs. It all boils down to giving employers what they’re looking for, the best person who can help them with their business.
So how do you do that? How can you show potential employers that you’re the one that they’re looking for?
Make Each Application Unique
This mistake is common among job seekers: using a template for their job applications. They even send the same exact job application to different companies. Sometimes they even send the same application for different jobs.
Using a template is easier and helps save time. That’s why a lot of applicants use them. But then, you have to ask yourself this: what will set me apart from other applicants if we’re all using templates?
Using a template would also imply that you didn’t really read the job post. Most job posts specify the type of workers they are looking for with instructions on how to apply. It’s a simple test to see if you can follow instructions. Most of the time, employers just throw out template applications. The same goes for those who do not follow instructions.
Making each job application unique will make you stand out. It shows that you’re taking the application process seriously.
Create A Complete Profile
A complete jobseeker profile attracts employers. When they see that you took the time to create a great profile with important information like your contact details, tests, and skills assessments, it shows that you mean business and that you are worth taking a second look at.
Your Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker profile is designed to highlight your skills, that’s it’s important to accurately present your skills. Rate yourself accurately. Don’t just rate yourself for the sake of rating. Give a brief explanation on why you gave yourself that assessment. Give employers a better idea of what you can do and validate the ratings you gave yourself.
Showcase Your Skills Without Showing Off
When writing your job description, keep in mind the job you want to have and why you’re the right person for that position. When writing your skills summary, highlight:
- your top skills,
- your core competencies, and
- relevant work experience.
Most jobseekers make the mistake of listing ALL of their skills in the summary, thinking it will impress employers. Keep in mind that employers have so many applications to sort through and not enough time to do it. Making your summary vague, unspecific and long makes it more difficult to read. If they don’t see what they’re looking for in your application in the first few minutes, they’ll skip your resume and move on to the next.
Prove Your English Proficiency
Take the time to edit your jobseeker profile, resume, and cover letter to make sure that the spelling and grammar are perfect. Nothing turns off an employer more than someone who seems incapable of basic English. Filipino workers have a reputation for English proficiency, so it is important to show that skill.
Tailor Your Profile To Your Dream Job
Maybe you have been working for years now and you have accumulated a wide range of skills, certifications, and work experiences. Or maybe you’re a fresh graduate and you want to pad your resume/jobseeker profile to show that you are just as capable as an experienced worker. As tempting as it is to throw everything you learned from preschool into your resume, take into consideration that not all your skills or experience are relevant to your prospective employer.
Highlight the skills, experience and talent that you think might be beneficial for the company. This doesn’t mean that you can’t include all your other skills. Employers do look for well-rounded individuals that have skills other than what’s required. Just be a bit more selective on what you should include. Focus on skills or experience that would make you stand out or give you a unique advantage over other applicants.
Increasing Your Worth
Improve your chances of landing the job by providing a portfolio of your work. This is a very good way to impress potential employers. This way, they can verify from your work. It’s proof that you would be a valuable asset to their company. You can create your portfolio as a separate document or—even better—you can create a website that showcases all of your work.
And don’t forget to include any new skills acquired through training. But don’t just show them the certificate though. If you can, do some sample work and include this in your portfolio.
Show Them The Real You
Here at OnlineJobs.ph we put a lot of effort in verifying an applicant’s identity. We currently have a system that manually inspects all applicants to make sure that they’re from real Filipino jobseekers. The more proof of identity you can offer (ID verification, mobile verification, address, etc) the higher your ID Proof score. The higher your score, the more access you have to different job posts. Prospective clients go for vetted applicants so they don’t have to worry about being scammed.
So yeah, the verification process is a hassle. But if you want to work, you need to be verified. And if you want to be verified faster, make sure you read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes and minimize issues.
The Reason Behind Ridiculous Requests
Employers sometimes create small tests and challenges within job posts to gauge your interest and ability. Some of these tests or questions may seem ridiculous, like asking about how you chose to name your pet, or asking you to write your cover letter in a certain font, font size, and color.
These tests may seem irrelevant but they serve a purpose. These tests help determine:
- If you really read the job post
- If you really have the knowledge/skills needed for the job
- If you can think on your feet and respond quickly
- If you’re not afraid to ask questions.
Don’t ignore these challenges. Look out for them. Complete and fulfill them if you can. Don’t be afraid to ask why they’re there. Show them that you’re really interested in the job and that you have the skills they need.
Don’t Cast A Wide Net
Looking for a job isn’t like fishing. Casting a wide net doesn’t increase your chances of finding a job. When you apply for too many jobs, three things happen:
- You look desperate which makes it easier for unscrupulous employers to take advantage of you;
- You look like you don’t really know what you’re doing and there’s really no point in hiring you.
- It would look like you’re spamming and you will be banned from the site.
You need to focus your efforts in applying for jobs that fit your skills. Focusing your efforts on jobs that you’re qualified for actually improves your chances.
Fewer applications means less work and fewer people to follow up on. You can focus on making your profile, resume, cover letter and portfolio perfect for each job. It’s easier to keep track of the jobs you have applied for. This also means shorter waiting periods in between job applications.
You don’t see engineers applying to become doctors. It’s the same for online workers. If your strength is in SEO, focus on job openings for SEO specialists or for VA jobs that involve a lot of SEO work. Focusing on jobs you are qualified for establishes your reputation as a legitimate jobseeker. That’s worth more than wasting your time getting rejected on jobs you’re not qualified for.
Always Be Courteous and Professional
Looking for a job is a frustrating process. Rejection after rejection can take its toll on your self-esteem.
It’s easy to lose your cool in situations like this, but keep in mind that employers talk. They have groups where they share their experience with Filipino VAs. If you show unprofessionalism at any point during the application process, other employers will hear about it.
Don’t let your frustration destroy your chances of finding work in the future. Always remember that you are a professional Filipino online worker. Act like one. We have a reputation to protect.
Invest In Yourself
Even with the tips above, there is no guarantee you will get a job quickly. It depends on the job market, jobseeker availability, and sometimes, plain luck.
Overall, the best thing you can do to increase your chances of getting a job is to invest in yourself. Learn from other jobseekers. Learn as much as you can about the job you want to have. Be ready when the opportunity comes. Be the professional you want to be, even before you get the job.
Last but not the least, don’t be discouraged. Remember that employers don’t just hire for skill. They also look at a jobseekers’ attitude and personality. They want the total package. So always put your best foot forward. Your dream job might just be around the corner.
About Jessica Madrazo
Jessica creates content and support for OnlineJobs.ph. She is also involved in different advocacies like climate revolution, local arts, internet freedom, women’s rights and more.
She dreams of a world where people are able to tap their inner heroism and work together for a better world.
She has a Dalek watching over her computer.
willing and interested to work hard
i am interesting and willing to work hard i am hoping to hired on job and thankful on tips i got more idea about the tips
Very helpful tip…
Thanks =)
I religiously applied all these tips when I signed up at OJ. After a month or so I think, I got a full-time client who is so generous to his superstar va Philippines. Kudos OJ!
Hi , good day, are you still working with OJ ? Thanks , 🙂
This is really what I need to do. A thorough guideline for my job hunting.
Very helpful and timely tips. For sure every single job seekers will find their dream job upon following these tips, plus the determination and will to find a good job. Thanks for sharing!
I am new to this online job, just a week ago. And I realy want to have a job. What had stated above are very helpful, specially to those who are new and dont have the idea what to do and how to start just like me.
Thanks for sharing the tips.
You’re welcome!
Hello, good day. i am new applicant in online jobs.i also want to have a job.I hope the tips that you gave me will help me to find a job.
Thank you and Best regards.
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of full-time, part-time and project-based jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
This is one great tip for a newbie and an aspiring VA like me who wanted to enhance my skills on the social media marketing and data entry field. More Power!
fax vobis,
I am new to this online job,just a while ago. What just stated aabove are very helpful for those who are beginners like me and dont have any idea where to start and what to do.
thank’s for sharing the tips.
I have to agree with those. As an employer who has posted jobs in the past, it does not look good when i get replies that:
– are obviously copy and paste of an email they sent over and over again (some will even have the wrong job position!)
– they list everything they have done, even if it is not relevant to the posted job
– they don’t include what is required in their application; if i say “to apply for this job, please include X, Y and Z in your email”, i mean it, and if you don’t include it, it tells me that you are not paying attention to details, which will not help you get my attention
Out of every 20 applications i get, on average 19 of them will have one of those “issues” so thank you for listing those tips for jobseekers. It should help them and then help employers find the employees they need.
You’re welcome! And thank you for your feedback. Rest assured we’re continuously looking for ways to improve our services so that employers like you would have an easier time finding, hiring, and managing the best Filipino workers available.
Hi this is my first time to apply in online job, i signed up last September 2015 and i am currently looking for an employer that could give me a job suitable for my qualification. thank you for the tips, hopefully i can get one soon.
Good luck on your job hunt!
We appreciate your advice
Online jobs are better enough to earn money for me. I dont have to totally depend on my family for financial purpose.
That’s great!
Hello there!
Good day, here are my answers on your questionnaire.
— a) What is your current employment status?
My current employment status for now is unemployed.
— b) What are your top skills?
I know how to use microsoft powerpoint presentation, Microsoft word and excel, Dropbox, Researching using google.com, hootsuite, wordpress, zoho invoice, lastpass and google calendar.
— c) Tell me in no more than 100 words why you would be suitable for this position.
I’m qualify for the position because I can make a good contribution to your business.
— d) Tell me about yourself. Describe yourself, your life, what you like and what you dislike, what are your work expectations.
I’m 23 years of age. I was born and raised here in the Philippines. I have knowledge in some areas along the city. As a young age, I learn how to cook,clean,and work because we have to help in our family business. I love cooking especially baking it helps me to release my stress at work.I like to make people laugh.I also love music, singing out loud in the bathroom what I do just for fun. I read books and i write when i have my free time. I love learning new things because it can improve my work ethics. I don’t like to having a mistake while working because that’s make me upset during working hour. But eventually after apologizing i’m ready to work again.
— e) Why are you applying for this job position?
I’m applying for this job is because i want to learn, enhance my skills and I want to make your job easier and faster.
— f) What type is your computer (speed, memory, screen size, software, etc.)?
I have a my own laptop “Dell Inspiron”, speed is accurate, my memory is 2 gb, i don’t know the exact size but it’s an office laptop and the sofware are microsoft office,skype, adobe reader x,windows media player and a lot more.
— g) What type of internet connection do you have?
We have a broadband internet connection.
— h) Do you have any comments or questions?
Yes I do. Do you provide training? or I just have to follow your instruction during working hours?? What kind of payment method do you used? thanks.
HI Clarisa!
You can apply for any of the jobs posted here or on our website by signing up for an Onlinejobs.ph jobseeker account. It’s completely free and takes only minutes to apply. Having a jobseeker account also gives you access to thousands of new online jobs daily.
To start the registration process, just follow this link ===> http://www.onlinejobs.ph/register
Once you’ve completed your profile, you can start searching for the job that you want here ===>http://www.onlinejobs.ph/jobseekers/jobsearch/
You can find a wide variety of jobs there, from data entry, design, writing, programming, and more!
The job posts would contain all the information you need to apply for that position.
thank you Julia, written in a concise manner. very audible.
You’re welcome!
Hi Ms. Julia,
For job postings that do not tell the company’s name or the hiring officer’s name, what is the best saluation to use for a cover letter? Appreciate much your insight.
Regards,
Theresa
You can contact them in the process of applying and request for information so you can create your cover letter.
Hi,
I am a first time job seeker, What will be the exact message in email upon applying the job,is the cover letter enough or only a few message as a clarification for application process?
Regards,
Genidith
In most of cases, the job post would specify what the hiring manager or employer would want to see in your application email. It would be best to follow the instructions specified in the job post as different job posts would have different instructions on how to apply.
Hi. If someone message me through OnlineJobs and it links to my google mail, will he/she receives my message if I reply to him/her through my google mail account?
If someone message you through Onlinejobs.ph, you will also receive it in your official email (gmail, yahoomail). If you message him using your official gmail, it is possible that it will go to the employer/jobseeker’s official email Inbox or in his Spam folder.
For more information, please email support@onlinejobs.ph
Thank you so much for your response. This is helpful.
very informative post. very good site. I am looking froward with it. Thank you
Interested to have an online job ASAP
Eager and open to be trained
I just do not know how and when to start
#help
Hi, can you give me a sample screenshot of what Genidith asked? I’m confused on how to send a message format whenever I apply for a job post. Thank you.