There are many reasons why people may consider working from home. Flexible schedules, cosy clothes and minimal time spent commuting may be on your list if you’re weighing up your options. Many people around the world are also opting for work-from-home jobs because for some it’s the perfect way to create a better work-life balance.
If you’re considering giving up your job at the local police union or ditching your corporate office job, it’s important to know what skills you’ll need to make work-from-home a success.
Common Skills That Are in Demand For Online Jobs
The internet is abuzz with a wide range of work-from-home jobs in Australia. However, snagging one may be more challenging than you think!
There’s a theory out there that “anyone can work-from-home” because, how hard can working in your pj’s be? The reality is that, like any job, certain skills are required to qualify for a work-from-home job. This is especially the case if you’re setting out to work for the first time, or you’re making the transition from a regular 9 to 5 grind.
Are you aware of what these skills are? Fortunately, our experts are eager to share a few tips to get you ready for your first work-form-home (WFH) applications.
1. Above Average Typing Skills
Almost all online, WFH jobs involve some degree of typing. That means good typing skills are a must. On average, a prospective data entry employer may expect you to type a minimum of 50-60 words per minute, depending on the type of work you’ll be doing.
If you’re not currently a good typist the good news is that it’s something you can practice. Here are a few tips to improve your typing skills:
- Familiarise yourself with your keyboard—practice correct hand placement.
- Start by typing often—it’s as simple as opening an MS Word document and typing a couple of pages from one of your favourite books or magazines which you’ve opened next to your laptop or desktop.
- Sign-up with free typing apps to test your speed and accuracy.
2. Technical Skills
The types of technical skills you’ll need will depend largely on the type of work you’ll be applying for. WFH can be as basic as typing up MS Word documents to as complex as working directly with company documents and programs.
With this in mind, it’s an excellent idea to brush up on your computer skills. Practice navigating different software programs and learn to troubleshoot simple problems. You can practice these skills when you’re practising your typing skills. Keep in mind that you can always revert to Google or Bing to help you with a few basic troubleshooting tips!
3. Ensure You are Self-Sufficient
Potential WFH employers always look for self-sufficient employees. This means you need to be a self-starter and be able to get a reasonable amount of work done daily without a supervisor or boss checking in on you every half an hour.
4. Be Proactive
Whether you’re applying for an online marketing position or a simpler data entry job, you will need to practice being proactive. You must be able to plan your work and your schedule as well as be prepared to deal with last-minute changes. Self-starters who don’t need another person to tell them it’s time to work will do well here!
5. Practice Your Independent Problem Solving
If you’re the type of employee that’s willing to solve any problems on your own, you’ll be an excellent candidate for a WFH employer.
Working in a regular office environment means you’ll be surrounded by other employees who you can rely on for assistance. This won’t be the case when you’re working at home. You’ll work alone and get the required amount of work done—which includes solving problems and reaching deadlines—on your own.
6. Check Job Postings
One of the easiest ways to familiarise yourself with the criteria potential employers are looking for is to check vacancy posts in the field you’re interested in. For instance, if you want to try your hand at data entry, review vacancies to see what employers are looking for. This will help you identify skills that you need to learn. Skills such as typing, technical and even some software programs are easy enough for you to learn in your spare time.
If you’re currently employed, it may be a good idea to invest in a few courses that will make it easier for you to qualify for your dream job.
Final Thought
Although WFH jobs can take some adjusting to in the beginning, they can be quite rewarding—especially if you’re trying to balance factors such as kids’ daycare and travelling. By using a few simple tips, you’ll be able to learn the skills that remote employers are looking for and find the dream job!
