How to Find a Virtual Job

How to Find a Virtual JobHow to Find a Virtual JobIf youve always worked in an office, the idea of striking out on your own and finding a virtual job can be exhilarating- and scary. The good news is that looking for a remote job is not very different from any other type of job hunting.Here are five tips to help you find a virtual job youll love.Do what you love. Most likely, youve clocked in the majority of your career in a traditional in-office position. So take the opportunity of potentially working from home to pursue a career that you truly love. Figure out what would make you happy, even if no one were paying you for your services. That passion will help lead you towards what you should be doing at this moment in your career.Analyze your position.If youre planning to continue in your current career, its a good idea to analyze the parts of your position that can be done remotely. Then search for jobs with those same responsibilities. Of course, it might also mean that youll have to look for another position within your area of interest that will allow you to work virtually. By doing a little research, it will be easier to find something within your field that will also allow you to telecommute.Target your search. Now that youve decided to join the 1 in 5 Americans working virtually at least one day a week, its time to jump-start your job hunt. But before you start clicking and applying for any job, make sure youre selective when youre searching. Use keywords like virtual job or remote job to pull listings that specifically state you can work at home. While you might be able to negotiate a part-time, work-from-home situation later, if a job doesnt automatically state that you can work from home, you might not be able to.Connect with companies.Almost any company can benefit from virtual workers. Some of them might not realize it though, so its your job to enlighten them. You can start small with your search by visiting local businesses to find out if they nee d any work done remotely. You should also apply for both national (and international) businesses. After all, the joy of working a remote job is that you can be based in Burbank, CA, and work for a company in Bombay, India.Prepare yourself. When youre thinking of becoming a virtual worker, you should set the scene for success- literally. Stage an office within your home and make sure your computer equipment is in good working order. Your Internet should be fast (no dial up) and reliable. That way, when you finally find a virtual job you love, you- and your home office- will already be prepared for the next (and exciting) phase in your career.Finding a virtual job is the first step towards getting your work-life balance in, well, balance. Once you know the steps, working virtually will become your own professional (and profitable) reality.Readers, have you worked in a virtual job before? Let us know about your previous experiences in the comments section below