According to conservative estimates, approximately 50M+ U.S. workers work from home – at least part of the time. This number is only increasing as baby boomers and Gen Y workers seek freelance, contract, and part time jobs that support their flexible, mobile lifestyles. In order to find these alternative positions some job searchers have navigated their way onto a unique job board called Flexjobs.com. Founded by Sara Sutton-Fell, a leading Boulder based Mompreneur who created the site for herself and work-from-home individuals. The site posts entry level to executive level job positions across 50 different career categories.
What Makes Flexjobs Different?
Flexjobs posts legitimate telecommuting, part-time, and/or alternative jobs. A membership to Flexjobs is $14.95 a month which pays for their staff of researchers to scour the internet (blogs, employer career sites, niche job boards, etc.) looking for legitimate telework, part-time or freelance listings. Once Flexjobs finds a suitable job posting they will investigate the company to verity and authenticate the position and then custom write a new job description including information about the company and its accomplishments.
Why does this matter? As of 5/13/2011, RatRaceRebellion.com reported that that for every one legitimate job there are sixty scam jobs. It is hard enough to find a regular job in today’s competitive job market, much less a valid flexible job.
My Experience with Flexjobs
I set up a profile on the Flexjob’s site (it took about 45 minutes) and then I started looking for jobs. The site allowed me to search using keywords, job flexibility, job type, level of telecommuting, location and country. Applying was like on any other site, some applications were easy, while others were excruciating.
Unlike other sites, Flexjobs offers free skills testing to assess your knowledge, skills and abilities. Your scores will show up on your profile and are accessible to interested employers. By the way, if you don’t score well you can re-take the same test after 24-hours; and if you receive a score of lower than 70%, the test results will not be shown on your profile. Additionally, the Flexjobs system generates email notifications regarding job opportunities, but your best bet is to check in regularly for new job postings.
5 Helpful Tips to Finding a Telecommuting Job
1. Determine if the work you do is appropriate for telecommuting
2. Check out Telecommute Friendly Companies at flexjobs.com, 2work-at-home.com and virtualvocations.com (other great sites)
3. Make a list of the Top 10 companies you are targeting and send them your resume and cover letter
4. Remember that many companies are telecommute friendly, even if they don’t post it in their ad
5. When interviewing for a telecommuting job, focus on communication, professionalism and the job responsibilities
A Few Final Thoughts from My Interview with the CEO of Flexjobs, Sara Sutton-Fell:
Where do you see the job market going? “I believe flex work is here to stay. People are much more mindful about green initiatives and mobile technologies that allow employees to work from anywhere at any time. Savvy companies are embracing flex opportunities for employees and ensuring work-life balance.”
What advice would you give your son or daughter if they were looking for a job? “I would tell them to remember that your next job is rarely your best or your last. They are stepping stones on a path. I would encourage them to choose jobs that they can learn from or grow into.”
Fun Fact: Telecommuters are also referred to as "nomad workers" or "web commuters."
Marilyn Maslin is Chief Job Strategist for Resume Footprint, and Senior HR Consultant for the Maslin Group. She helps companies with their people, and people with their companies. As an expert HR Consultant, Professional Resume Writer, LinkedIn Profile Writer and Interview Coach, Marilyn Maslin has a 360 degree view of the hiring process that produces a synergy where both Marilyn's commercial and individual clients achieve their objectives faster and at a greater value. You can read more of Marilyn Maslin's advice as the Denver Job Search Examiner. Please feel to contact Marilyn Maslin on Twitter or Facebook.
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