The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 has resulted in a significant shift towards remote work worldwide. As businesses struggle to adjust to the new normal, many are realizing that remote work can be just as effective as traditional office settings. Working from home is becoming increasingly popular as it offers flexibility, comfort, and convenience for individuals. It also reduces the cost of overheads for businesses. In addition, it offers the opportunity to work with individuals from all over the world, irrespective of geographical location. Many companies have resorted to this working model to satisfy the needs and demands of their employees while keeping their businesses running. With the rise of technology and the maturity of collaboration tools, many employers are opening up to the possibility of remote work. This shift towards remote work has created an abundance of work from home opportunities worldwide, and individuals can take advantage of this trend to secure legitimate and sustainable work offers. In this article, we will explore the different types of work from home jobs available worldwide, tips for finding legitimate work from home jobs, ways to avoid scams, and the benefits of working from home.
Types of Work from Home Jobs
There are numerous work from home jobs individuals can choose from. Below are the most common ones:
Freelance Writing
– Writing blogs, articles, copywriting or news writing
– High demand for computer skills and a strong ability to write in concise and clear language
– Essential to have knowledge in the industry that one is writing about.
Virtual Assisting
– Management of social media platforms or email correspondence
– Administrative tasks like data entry or creating documents
– Good organizational and communication skills necessary.
Graphic Designing
– Creating stunning designs for websites, social media platforms or blogs
– Excellent proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
Online Tutoring
– Teaching and providing assistance to students online
– Essential to have knowledge and qualifications in a particular subject
– Must be able to communicate effectively and know how to manage students effectively.
These are just a few jobs that are popular for remote workers who want to work from home. Other work from home opportunities include, but are not limited to, blogging, accounting, customer service, and web development.
Tips for Finding Work from Home Jobs
Finding a genuine work from home job can be a daunting task. However, the following tips can help individuals in their search:
Network
– Spread the word amongst friends, family, and former colleagues that you are looking for remote work.
– Attend meetups and conferences related to your industry to build professional connections.
Consult Job Boards
– Job boards such as Flexjobs, We Work Remotely, and Remote.co offer up-to-date listings for remote work opportunities.
Look for “Remote” or “Telecommute”
– Search for roles advertised to be remote or telecommute. Companies that are willing to offer remote jobs often advertise for these specific terms.
Check Company Sites That Offer Remote Work
– Companies like Appen, Lionbridge, and Shopify often offer remote job options.
It is important to be aware that there are many scams out there. Individuals should never pay fees for job finding or employment opportunities, and should report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities. To help identify legitimate work from home job opportunities, Here is a comparison table between the top three recommended job boards:
| Job Board | Type of Jobs Listed | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexjobs | All Remote Jobs | $14.95/mth or $49.95/yr |
– Access to thousands of hand-screened remote jobs – Lots of opportunities for freelancers or those seeking part-time opportunities |
– A membership fee is required – Not everyone can afford the membership fee |
| We Work Remotely | All Remote Jobs | Pricing starts from $299 per job per month | – Operates in over 100 countries – Offers job postings across all industries |
– High cost for job posters – Larger companies with their HR departments may be keener to do their recruiting in-house. |
| Remote.co | Remote Jobs in All Industries | View job listings for free, Join Membership for $15/mth or $99/yr | – Curated from around the web to show only reputable roles – Covers all industries, including positions in law, education, and product management |
– Not all roles recommended to those that live in developing countries with sparse internet connection. |
Ways to Avoid Work from Home Scams
While work from home jobs can be a convenient way to earn a living, it is essential to be aware of work from home scams. Here are a few tips on how to avoid scams:
Research Companies
– Always research a company before taking a job. Check their reputation, reviews, and ratings.
Avoid Jobs That Seem Too Good to Be True
– If a job offer seems too good to be true; abundant pay, limited hours of work, and no experience needed, then it may be a scam.
Do Not Pay to Apply for Jobs
– Legitimate employers would not charge money upfront for job applications.
Avoid Secrets or Confidentiality Clauses
– Employers should not require job seekers to sign confidentially agreements, NDAs or other such secrets, especially ones that limit job seekers’ ability to disclose information about the company.
Report Scams
– Be vigilant and report any suspicious job offers or activity to the relevant authorities or hosting websites.
Sometimes, it can be challenging for job seekers to distinguish between legitimate work from home opportunities and scams. It is important to know the red flags of a potential scam, and to contact the hosting website or relevant authorities if you encounter such activity. By using reputable job boards like those we recommend in the previous section, individuals can increase their chances of finding legitimate work from home opportunities.
How do you avoid employment scams?
- Research the company- Check out their website, social media channels and online presence. Look for reviews from employees and customers.
- Don’t pay for the job- Any company asking for money upfront or requesting personal banking information should be a red flag.
- Avoid unsolicited job offers- If you receive an email or message from a company you have never heard of, be wary.
- Interview process- If the interview process consists of only email correspondence or an instant job offer with no formal interview, be cautious.
- Check the job description- A vague or overly general job description could be a sign of a scam.
Some helpful websites to determine if a job offer is legitimate include Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and the Better Business Bureau.
Conclusion
In conclusion, work from home jobs is a viable option for many individuals worldwide. Remote jobs offer flexibility, increased productivity, and the potential for a better work-life balance – especially during the current pandemic situation.
As technology advances, the range of work from home job opportunities continues to expand. This has also attracted scammers who prey on unsuspecting individuals. However, by networking and using legitimate job boards, individuals can find genuine work from home opportunities, like those listed in the previous section.
With careful research, job seekers can find work from home jobs that suit their skills, experience, and interests, allowing them to work in the comfort of their own home while earning a steady income. Whether you want a full-time career, a part-time gig or a side hustle, the world of remote work offers many opportunities for job seekers of all backgrounds.
So, if you are considering a new job, or looking for a career change, we recommend exploring the work from home options available, and don’t forget to follow our tips to avoid work from home scams. Work from home job opportunities are available now, so why not start your search today?
