What I Learned About Applying for Work at Home Jobs

Learning how to apply for work at home jobs makes a real difference! Read this story and learn a thing or two…

Chris De La Rosa from Obzokee.com recently posted a work from home position for a VA to help him with his online tasks. He included a brief overview of what that the qualifications were and what would be required.

His application submission instructions were rather simple:

Please respond to:

va@xxxxxxx with “VA App” in the subject line.

No attachments and any emails that does not follow the contact instructions will be deleted immediately.

Tell us a bit about your skills / experience and why you would make a great VA.

It seems he got numerous responses for his position, but about 35% of the applications were deleted…

Many forgot simple instructions like putting “VA App” in the subject line. Some sent their application as an attachment when “no attachments” was specified. Many didn’t even take time to greet him by name (Chris), and some simply failed to tell a bit our themselves. But, worst of all, some missed the very last point: “Why you would make a great VA”. You have to sell yourself! Why should they hire you? An employer wants to hire someone that can follow simple instructions, right? And, they need convincing that you’re the right person for the job!

There were lots of comments to his follow up post on this matter.  From another wahm forum that I visited, some VA’s felt his response was rather harsh or even rude.  I have to admit, they may be a bit justified in their claim.  Perhaps he was a little over picky and some applied from another site; and therefore; didn’t have all the details.  But, I for one, learned a very valuable lesson about applying for jobs online (or offline).

Important lesson learned: Listen to simple instructions and follow all details…and figure out “who” you’re communicating with if at all possible.

Managing Your Virtual Assistant Clients While Working at Home With the Kids

Managing Your Virtual Assistant Clients While Working at Home With the Kids

Virtual assistants are on the rise.  This is an excellent profession for the work-at-home mother.  Here are some tips for managing your workload while the kids are home.

What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is someone who provides businesses with services that aid them in the daily running of the business.  They perform tasks like word processing, web design, corresponding with business clients, and database management.

Advantages and Disadvantages for Virtual Assistant Moms:
Managing this business from home has advantages and disadvantages.  For one, a mom can keep her kids under her watchful eye instead of in a daycare center.  The family saves money on the cost of a sitter.  She can also work in her pajamas until noon if she chooses.
Moms with home-based businesses can experience scheduling issues though.  Children, especially small ones, don’t understand that mom can’t play because she has to work on the computer.  Infants are even less forgiving.  When they need something, there will be no relief for mom until she satisfies them.

With virtual assisting clients, the needs are varied and sometimes urgent.  How can a mom work her business and take care of the kids?  Planning is of the utmost importance.  Patience is a must as well.

• If you have an infant, schedule phone calls and net meetings during nap times.  Babies sleep several hours a day.  Use that time wisely to get client deliverables finished and sent out.
• If you have a toddler who can walk and get into things, he or she will need to be in the office area with you.  Toddlers do not sleep for long periods of time, so phone calls can be handled then, but other work will have to be managed with them awake.  Setting up a play area in the corner of the office will keep your toddler occupied.
• Place a few of their favorite toys, a blanket, and a pillow in the play area.  A small television with a VCR for tapes of favorite shows gains their attention while you work on the computer.  When they get tired, they can lie down and take a nap.
• If you have more than one child, you may consider hiring a nanny once or twice a week.  On these days, schedule conference calls, onsite meetings for local businesses, and other activities for which you need undisturbed quiet.  Make the most of those days to lighten your load on the days when you are the caregiver for the kids.

Managing a virtual assisting business can be done with the kids at home.  Setting a schedule and sticking to it will help you remain sane when the kids want and need your attention.

Ready to start and run your own Virtual Assistant business from home? Instantly access your guide to starting a VA business.