Whether you’re a new parent, nearing retirement, or just looking for a change of pace from the same old office job but still need a paycheck in the meantime, taking on an online job is one solution that many consider.
But how lucrative are these types of jobs, and can you still get paid well while working from home or in a remote location?
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According to Arturo Gallo, content manager at Monster Canada, yes.
“Online jobs are steadily growing in popularity as job seekers and employees are attracted to the benefits of remote and telecommuting,” he says. “Employers are also becoming more open and flexible about traditional work hours and locations, which helps them stay competitive and attract the right talent.”
But these jobs aren’t for everyone, Gallo said.
“Working remotely requires a certain level of discipline,” he says. “These types of jobs will appeal to people who are comfortable with technology, are confident, curious, and prefer working independently rather than in a team. You also need to be the type of person who can come up with innovative ways to make yourself visible within an organization without needing to be physically present.”
So to help you start your search, Gallo provides a list of today’s top online jobs for those considering a career change.
1. Graphic Designer
Average salary: $41,744
explanation: “Graphic designer jobs are already being done online, so they can easily adapt to working from home or remotely,” Gallo says. “If you’re comfortable collaborating over the phone or email rather than in person, this could be a great fit.”
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2. Recruiters
Average salary: $57,700
explanation: “Employment recruiters handle both sides of the hiring process,” Gallo explains. “With their extensive network of contacts, they can become lead recruiters and act as professional matchmakers, helping jobs and workers find each other and live happily ever after.”
3. Technical Sales Representative (TSR)
Average salary: $71,500
explanation: “If you’re comfortable working as a salesperson, selling products and leveraging technology, a career as a technical sales representative could be rewarding,” Gallo suggests. “Since TSRs spend most of their time on the phone, it’s easier to work from a home office.”
4. Software Developers
Average salary: $64,700
explanation: “Software developers’ jobs are ideal for working from home because they may not be with their end-user clients for long periods of time,” Gallo says. “They spend their days researching, designing, developing, implementing and testing.”
5. Information Technology (IT) Consultant
Media Salary: $72,100
explanation: “IT consultants serve the needs of new small businesses and large corporations,” says Gallo. “They might set up a VPN or implement a new database management system. Most work can be done remotely, so this profession could be a good fit for someone who wants to work from home.”
6. Freelance writer
Average salary: $57,200
explanation: “Most writers need peace and quiet to develop compelling stories and content,” he says. “From blog posts to technical manuals, I can spend days hard at work writing from the comfort of my own home.”
Tips on where to start and what to do
“No matter what job you’re taking, start with brands, companies, and organizations that you respect and identify with,” Gallo says. “Make a list of your expectations for how you’ll work online.”
Also, pay attention to how you communicate when applying for these jobs, Gallo says.
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“Make sure your language and tone are appropriate in any correspondence you’re sending to anybody,” he says, “and make sure there are no spelling or grammar issues in any emails you send to potential employers.”
Don’t forget to highlight the skills that would be beneficial to an employer looking to hire a remote worker: be responsive, accessible, willing to collaborate in unique ways, and trustworthy, Gallo adds.
“Employers can be wary of remote workers,” he says. “Because they’re not in the office, it can be harder to maintain a sense of responsibility. You need to demonstrate that you’re responsible.”
And lastly, make sure you organize your social media accounts.
“If the jobs you’re applying for are primarily online, your personal brand on social media will show who you are as a person and what you present as a potential employee.”
© 2017 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
