An important step within the work from home (WFH) process is learning to market your skills for online services. TheRealWorkFromHomeMom can help you find information needed to learn new skills as well as fine tune existing skills that is used in the virtual environment.
What steps do you need to take to market your skills?
First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the current skills that you have. Here are some questions to consider when reviewing your existing skills:
• Are there things that you really enjoy doing that can be used in a WFH job?
• Are there skills that you would really like to learn?
• Are you good at using the computer overall, or do you also possess skills such as using Microsoft Office or other software?
• Do you like math skills? Do you like to make graphics?
• Do you like typing and creating letters, so on?
• Do you like to talk to people on the phone?
• Are you good with writing skills?
What transferable skills do you have?
Transferable skills are skills learned in life regardless of where they were learned. Such skills can come from work done on previous jobs, volunteer services, as well as from life experiences. Many individuals discount small things that they have learned in life that could apply to an existing skill set.
An individual can even look at existing hobbies for the evaluation of skills. Personal activities or group affiliations can also be considered when looking for skill sets. Here are some additional areas to consider:
Do you have good mediation skills?
Are you able to coordinate projects well?
Are you flexible and adaptable?
Are you able to multitask and collaborate?
Do you have the ability to delegate and manage projects?
What skills would you like to learn?
It is important to determine skill goals that you desire to learn or become skillful in. If there is an area that you have a strong desire to learn, it may be an area that would be good for you to learn and market your skills in. Here are some ideas to consider:
Are you interested learning Microsoft Publisher to make newsletters, brochures as well as a variety of other documents?
Are you interested in learning how to create effective presentations, for example, using Microsoft PowerPoint?
Would you like to learn how to type professional business letters?
Would you like to learn how to create effective articles with search engine optimizations?
Are you interested in learning how to build websites?
There are numerous possibilities in the area of skills that can be obtained. The internet provides a huge opportunity in learning new skills. Video presentations are available for learning software. Free online classes are available to help with learning writing skills. E-courses are available online for little or no cost in a variety of subjects. Local libraries also offer free computer classes.
How do I market skills for online services?
Once, an individual has evaluated and developed needed skills, it is time to market the skills for online services. It is important to be able to create a nice, effective cover letter as well as a resume. It should give information to the online employer that is relevant to the position being applied to.
Search job opportunities online and study the job descriptions you are interested in. It is time to start the application process. Choose keywords from the job descriptions that relate to your skill set when creating your resume. In your cover letter and resume, your objective is to let the employer know how your skills can help the organization. Remember, to them, it is not about you, but how your skills can benefit their organization.
If you are new to the online work from home process, apply to small job projects to gain “online experience.” Also, offer your services at a lower price in the beginning if you feel your skill level is lower than desired for most jobs.
What if I am applying and not getting any job offers?
It is important to remember, “Apply, Apply, Apply.” Be persistent and do not get discouraged. An individual may apply to an online job that also has 50-100 other people applying. It takes time to develop skills within the process needed to gain job opportunities.
With each online application process, marketing your skills will become finer. Patience is needed as well as consistent action. With each interview, you will learn how it could have gone better along with ways to improve. Improvements are an added value to each additional application.
If you need further assistance, Becky is here to help you in your journey. The Members Only Facebook Group is a great place to find support and gain skills.
