Having the power of choice can be both a blessing and a challenge for jobseekers. The sheer volume of online job options can be overwhelming, especially if you’re keen on landing a job that’s specifically suited to your training, experience, or career aspirations.
But finding jobs in the Philippines can be a much quicker and easier undertaking if you can narrow down your options to the ones that match your needs best. Focus your efforts on high-quality openings, and you’ll be able to save time and energy as well as increase your chances of discovering the perfect online job—one that clearly aligns with your aspirations.
Here are some tips that you can use to efficiently pare down your online job options and zero in on the ones that fit you most:
1) Clarify Your Career Goals and Preferences to Yourself
It might seem counter-intuitive, but looking for the right online job often starts with a period of self-reflection. Before you start your search on job posting platforms, it’s essential to clarify your career goals and preferences to yourself.
Ask yourself what type of work arrangement aligns with your lifestyle and future plans. Do you prefer full-time, part-time, or freelance opportunities? Consider your working hours and the compatibility of your preferred time zone for remote work. It’s also a good idea to identify the industries or job roles that genuinely excite you.
If it’s always been your wish to work in the technology sector, for example, you can narrow your focus to remote full-time positions in software development or web design. Conversely, if you value a flexible schedule and have family commitments that you want to attend to while working from home, part-time remote roles in fields like media and the arts might be ideal for you. Clearly define your goals and preferences, and you won’t waste time looking at job opportunities that may already be mismatches for you from the beginning.
2) Carry Out a Targeted Job Search
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, your next step would be to carry out a targeted job search of remote opportunities that suit your profile. Now would be a good time to create or update your profile on your preferred job-hunting platform.
Many job posting websites enable jobseekers like you to refine your search based on job type, industry, location, and other specific criteria relevant to your preferences. There are also platforms and apps that will allow you to set up alerts so you can receive notifications if an employer posts a job that suits your interests.
Let’s say that you’re a graphic designer interested in remote work. You can set your search filters to “graphic design,” “fully remote,” and “creative industries” on your preferred job search platform. In addition, you can explore the platform’s “work arrangement” or “job type” filters to further narrow your options. This method will enable you to efficiently pinpoint jobs that align with your skill set and work arrangement preference.
3) Do Research on Your Chosen Network and Industry
Leveraging your professional network and conducting industry research can be invaluable when seeking remote job opportunities. Maximize this resource by connecting with industry peers on business networking platforms and joining social media groups or communities focused on remote work. Engaging in discussions and seeking advice from those who have experience with remote work can help you garner insight into job openings and industry trends.
While doing research on your chosen industry, explore companies and sectors that have embraced remote work. Consider the position of someone who’s in the field of digital marketing, where plenty of companies have implemented hybrid or remote work setups. If you were in this person’s shoes, it would be in your best interest to investigate which marketing agencies or tech companies have a strong remote work culture. Understanding which organizations have successfully implemented work-from-home arrangements can help you target your applications more effectively and align with businesses that are a good match for your career aspirations.
4) Examine the Company’s Culture and Values
Once you’ve identified potential employers, you’ll also want to delve deeper into their company culture and values. Aside from a prospective employer’s remote work policy, it’s also important to look at their culture and the kind of workplace environment that they can offer. These aspects, after all, can still impact your work and experience even if you have a remote position. If you know anyone who works or has worked with the said company, ask for their experiences and testimonials. It’s also worth it to examine any information available on the company’s official website.
Note that some companies prioritize a results-oriented approach and allow employees more flexibility in managing their work. Others may emphasize regular communication and collaboration even in remote settings. Assess these aspects carefully so that you can identify employers whose values resonate with your own and whose work culture promotes a positive and productive remote work environment.
5) Match Your Skills and Qualifications to the Job
Effective job hunting includes a careful evaluation of your skills and qualifications in relation to the job requirements. Knowing exactly what you offer prospective employers, in turn, can help you prioritize job openings that offer you a better chance of gaining employment.
Before applying, thoroughly review job descriptions to ensure that your background aligns with the specific position. Ideally, you should also customize your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight how your skills and experiences correspond to the job’s demands. Doing so can increase your chances of securing an interview and progressing in the hiring process.
6) Evaluate the Compensation and Benefits
Assessing compensation packages, benefits, and perks offered by potential employers is also an effective way of identifying hiring notices that you should be paying attention to. Beyond the base salary, consider factors like health insurance, retirement plans, and the flexibility of your working hours.
Evaluate how the entire package aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals. If work-life balance is a priority for you, a job that offers flexible hours and generous paid time off might be more appealing, even if the base salary is slightly lower. The opposite is true if you’re prioritizing financial gains. Carefully survey the overall benefits offered by the job and weigh in on whether they align with your financial and personal needs.
The strategies above can streamline your job-seeking journey and make it much less daunting than it initially seemed. Recognize the significance of clarity and direction in your search, and you’ll be able to bolster your chances of securing the ideal online job as well as pave the way for a more fulfilling and satisfying career.
