How to find real online jobs

When considering online employment, there are two ways you can be hired. 

First, you can be selected as an employee of the organization.  As an employee, you may be mandated to work specific hours.  You will receive a guaranteed hourly or yearly rate, and you will receive a paycheck where taxes will be withdrawn before payment.  You may or may not receive benefits.

Secondly, you may be selected to work as an independent contractor.  As an independent contractor, you cannot be mandated to work specific hours.  You may or may not receive a guaranteed rate of pay.  You may be paid based upon your completion of a certain task (i.e. the amount of phone calls you made or the number of words you wrote/edited).  You will receive your full pay, without having taxes withdrawn.  At the end of the year you will receive a 1099 form from the employer, which you will be required to submit to the IRS.  You are then responsible for paying your own taxes.

There are certainly online businesses which hire employees, but it is far more common to be hired as an independent contractor for an online position.

Before you begin your job search, you'll want to consider the type of employment you are willing to accept.  Will you only work with a business who will hire you as an employee?  Are you willing to be an independent contractor?

Next, consider the type of job for which you are looking. 

Do you have experience in web design?  writing?  data entry?  customer service?

Make a list of your skills.  Then list the types of positions that interest you.

Finally, begin a search for jobs that may be a good fit for the skills you offer.

Begin by visiting the job web sites below or the companies listed to the right for your job search.

You may also try searching a search engine, such as Google.com.  Put the search words "telecommuting jobs" in the search box for other web sites that may offer legitimate jobs.  (Search words such as "work from home" and "work at home" tend to offer a number of work-at-home scams as results.)

You'll probably want to avoid Craiglist.com as well.  While there are legitimate job postings on Craigslist, there tends to be more work-at-home scams listed because it's a free bulletin board.

Many companies hiring online employees now have online applications.

When you have selected several possible positions for which you would like to apply, fill out the corresponding job application and attach a resume if requested.

Remember --- you may have more competition when applying for an online job (afterall, you're essentially competing with qualified applicants around the world).  Make sure your application is complete and all words are spelled correctly.  Ensure your information is correct and accurate.  Attach all information required for the job application.

Some companies may require additional information after receiving your initial application.

For instance, some call center agencies will require a "voice audition."   A blog may require a sample of your writing.

Be sure to follow through on any requests made to you by an interested company.  Waiting too long to respond --- or worse yet --- not following directions for requests --- could result in not getting the job.

If you are accepted as an employee or independent contractor for an online job, be sure to complete any training required in a timely manner.

If you are hired as an employee, your training may be paid.  If you are accepted as an independent contractor, your training may not be paid.  (You may have to conduct the training on your own time).  Be sure to ask the company if you have any concerns.

If your hard work has paid off, and you've found your online job, begin your work with motivation and follow through on your responsibilities in your new role.

Job Hunting Tips : How to Find a Job Online