These days, we need to stay at home as much as possible. The current stay at home initiatives help keep us safe from the pandemic. But, it can make finding work difficult for older adults.
One option is to look for remote work. These kinds of jobs are often very similar to work at a physical building, but they allow you to accomplish your tasks from home. Read on to learn about remote jobs and ways you may be able to land one.
What is remote work?
Remote work simply means any work you do where you do not have to commute to a separate office or location. Instead, you complete tasks from your home.
Many jobs that are done at an office can also be done from a computer at home. Employers sometimes encourage working from home as it can reduce costs associated with renting or owning a business office or other structure.
Working from home also offers many benefits to employees. Individuals who telecommute often enjoy more flexibility in their work and less driving miles.
How to find work-from-home jobs
Now more than ever, working from home is becoming a part of the “new normal”. But, how do you find the right remote job for you?
Whether you want to work part-time, full-time, or on a project basis, there are a variety of options available. Here are some tips for finding and applying for jobs you can do from home.
Know where to look
First, understand which industries fit well with remote work. You will likely need some computer skills in order to complete work-from-home tasks. The medical and health fields offer a large number of remote jobs on search engines.
Other top industries include computers and IT, customer service, education and training, sales, and accounting and finance. Think about how your past experiences can fit into and adapt to these categories.
You can find remote jobs listed online. Use a job search engine such as Indeed.com and choose the remote jobs option. You can apply for remote jobs just like you would for work at a brick and mortar business.
You might notice some listings’ locations are out of your town. That is alright because you can work from home without being located in the same place as the company’s headquarters.
Include technology in your resume
Technology is often a large part of working from home. Employers want to know that you will be able to use the necessary equipment to complete tasks. Including a technology section in your resume is key for demonstrating your computer skills, especially for older workers.
In the technology section of your resume, list any kind of application you know how to use. For example, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint may be great items to include, depending on the job you’re applying for.
Also, include any industry-related technology you have used. For example, if you previously worked as a receptionist, you may have learned how to use Outlook tools. Or if you worked in a finance position, you might know bookkeeping software.
Improve your skills
It’s always a good idea to continue learning in life, and very important if you are looking for a job. Across the board, industries are always evolving. Take a moment to think about your career goals and do some research on what skills are needed.
You have years of experience to build upon. Use this to your advantage and leverage your current skills for today’s workforce. There are many (often free) online resources for continued learning. Look for industry-recognized certifications on Linda.com.
You may also want to enroll in a training program to sharpen your skills. For example, the Senior Community Service Employment Program provides paid, hands-on training to adults age 55 and older in 38 Ohio counties. Currently, you can enroll and train from home through the duration of the pandemic.
Landing a remote job
A work-from-home job can be a great option for many older adults looking for work. When searching for remote jobs, stay patient and continue to develop your skills. Finding the right remote job may take some time, but could offer many benefits after landing the position.
Interested in training from home? The Senior Community Service Employment Program provides paid training to adults age 55 and older in 38 Ohio counties. Apply online today to get started on your next career path.
*The information in this article is intended solely to provide general information on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use. This article should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, medical, or other competent advisors.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.