Preparing for the Work from Home Job Interview
It may seem to be a misnomer, but just because you are interested in a work from home job, doesn’t exclude the fact that you will most likely need to prepare yourself with some traditional job seeking strategies. These include preparing a great resume, brushing up on trade related skills, and preparing for your work from home job interview.
Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular and many highly qualified workers are taking the plunge and working from their home offices. This not only means that in the future, many more companies are likely to outsource their work, but also that the number of workers vying for jobs is increasing.
To succeed in your work from home job, you will need to ensure that you will stand heads above the competition. Since you won’t be attending your work from home interview in person, but either through Email or the telephone, it is essential that you present yourself with professionalism every step of the way.
The first step is to ensure that your resume or CV is in great shape. It isn’t uncommon for many tele-workers to have more than one resume, depending on the nature of work from home jobs they have experience in. For example, I am a customer service representative as well as a freelance writer. Because of this, I have two distinct resumes showcasing my work in both fields. Obviously, a customer service or sales recruiter may be impressed with my grant writing skills, but it may not be the deciding factor in cinching an elusive sales job.
If you need help developing a resume or cover letter, there are many templates available on the Internet (as well as samples) that will help point you in the right direction. Microsoft Office offers a number of templates available for free download. Another choice that is gaining in popularity is to use a CV. CV stands for Curriculum Vitae and is a more thorough then a resume. A CV is typically used when applying for jobs that are of a scholarly or academic nature, however when applying for jobs overseas, you should send a CV rather than a typical resume. CVs cover more detailed background information when compared to a resume.
Brushing up on skills is a great way to ensure that your resume or CV will be noticed. Thanks to the Internet, there are a number of different trade oriented classes, tests, and certifications that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Whether it is enrolling in an online class or determining your typing speed online, these certifications can enhance your work from home interview experience.
No matter what field you are in, you should always double check the grammar and spelling of your resume and CV as well as any Email correspondence that you have with your potential employer. A good rule of thumb is to read everything out loud before you hit send. A typo can mean the difference between landing that dream occupation or continuing your job search so be sure to use the spell check feature of your Word Processor and Email program.
Finally, when you have heard back from the recruiting or human resource department you may need to schedule a phone interview. One of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your phone interview is a success is to prevent any background noise.
Conduct your interview in your home office and make sure the door is closed. It is a good idea to schedule the interview at a time when you will have someone watching your children, or when they are in school. Pets, children, or other background noise (televisions, radios, etc.) can hinder your interview and may show your potential employer that you are not a good fit for the job.
Another important step that you can take to prepare yourself for your phone interview is to remind yourself of general manners. Words such as yes, please, thank you, you’re welcome, sir, ma’am, or by speaking to your interviewer using their name will speak volumes about your character. Remember to always smile while you are speaking. Using laughter when it is appropriate and keeping a smile throughout your interview will come across the phone and show that you have a good disposition.
If you are nervous, then try some practice question and answer sessions with yourself before your actual interview. In fact, you can even find some sample interview questions that are trade specific on the Internet. This is a great way to feel more confident before your actual interview. With a great resume, necessary skills, and great phone etiquette you are sure to secure that fabulous work from home job that you’ve always dreamed of.
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