How to Start Remote Jobs in the Philippines without Experience
Work from home is one of the most trending searches in the Philippines during the peak of the COVID19 pandemic. Because the majority of the businesses here in the Philippines are forced to close their operation.
The Government formed the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to formulate guidelines for what type of business will operate based on the alert level. The business is also limited to how many clients can the business accommodate. As a saving measures business tends to allow a less number of their employee to go to work. This is done by businesses to avoid closure. As a result, many people lose jobs temporarily therefore there is no source of income for them to feed their families. people look for jobs that can be done remotely without going outside their homes.
What exactly is Work from Home Jobs?
It's a type of work where you do regular jobs without physically going to the office or work site. This is also called telecommuting. One of the benefits of working from home is this type of work will give you the freedom to work in the comfort of your own home. WFH becomes more popular among job hunters due to the benefits that you can get as compared to traditional jobs.
Traditional jobs will make you work eight (8) hours per day which is why it is called the 9 to 5 jobs. This type of work often makes you go to the office and endure the daily commute. Or if you have your own car experience the never-ending traffic that sometimes stuck you for long hours.
Before you begin choosing the path to remote work. Let's have a little bit of self-assessment and this will make you realize if this type of work will be the best for you. A little bit of disclaimer work-from-home jobs are not for everyone so let's manage our expectations.
Do you have the necessary skills to do work-from-home jobs?
With regards to this question, the very basic skills you should be at least a computer literate. Other jobs require more advanced skill sets. An example is jobs like Graphic Designer, and Image enhancement using photo editing tools, some remote jobs do not require previous remote work experience.
The beauty of work-from-home jobs is some remote work does not require high educational attainment such as being a college graduate or a degree holder as long as you are able to deliver the quality of work required by the employer you have nothing to worry about your educational background.
There are different types of work from home and this includes the following type of jobs:
- Data Entry
- Virtual Assistant
- Chat Support
- Graphic Artist
- Video Editor
- Web Developer / Programmer
- Social Media Manager
- Researcher
- Online Tutor
- etc.
There are other jobs that are not mentioned on the list but most of them require computer proficiency and others require more specialized skills. If you want to venture to work-from-home jobs a data entry job is good, to begin with. This type of job involves encoding and typing data into Google Sheets or databases.
What if I don't have the necessary skills?
Proficiency in relevant skills is crucial for securing clients and successfully completing your intended tasks. However, what if you lack the necessary skills for the job you desire? There's no need to fret, as numerous online courses are available for enrollment, provided you have the means to invest in them.
For those operating on a tight budget, self-directed learning through online resources such as YouTube tutorials can be immensely beneficial. Additionally, joining relevant Facebook groups can offer valuable guidance and support as you navigate your journey into online work.
A word of caution: refrain from embellishing your skillset by listing abilities you haven't mastered. Dishonesty about your credentials can lead to disappointing outcomes if clients discover discrepancies between your claimed expertise and actual abilities.
What equipment and gadgets do you need to work from home jobs?
1. Desktop or Laptop
Desktop or Laptop is the primary equipment you need in order to perform work-from-home jobs. Some employers give allowance to their employees to buy additional equipment like monitors or even laptops or desktops themselves. But most likely you need to have your own laptop or desktop.
If you are buying a Laptop or a Desktop it is important to consider what type of work you are doing. It is important to consider this in order to get the best value computer out of your budget and it must be fit the job requirements. If your online jobs are video editor, graphic artist, sound editor, and mobile developer it requires a little powerful processor, memory, and graphics card so you need a little budget for that.
Remote Job posting typically includes computer specifications so better pay attention to this before applying for the job. If you don't have any ideas on what computer to buy you can check this guide to understand some of computer terminologies.
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What if I don't have a budget to purchase a New Desktop or Laptop?
Budget is the number one constraint in buying a computer, even if you have the specification in mind one of the big factors in decision-making is the budget. You can purchase a second-hand computer for the reason that it is more affordable than a new one. But keep in mind that if you are not tech-savvy this approach is not advisable for you. But if you want to pursue this path this guide might help you how to select a second-hand computer.
If you don't have a budget to purchase your own laptop, there is no need to worry because some companies provide equipment like desktops or laptops for you to work remotely. Look for a company or job that gives these perks.
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2. Stable Internet
Internet connectivity is vital in work-from-home jobs. Most jobs require stable internet service from a Fiber optic or sometimes DSL connection. Some work requires certain bandwidth of the internet. Some employer requires a minimum of 10Mbps so you must check it before sending your application.
Critical type of jobs also requires additional backup internet connection. The reason for this is if the job you applied for requires you to answer inquiries from clients. This is a common requirement for service-oriented companies.
Aside from a fiber/dsl internet connection, you can also use a pocket wifi as a temporary internet backup. This is important especially if your area has severe power or internet service outage.
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3. Webcam
Remote work means talking to your employers via conference calls, therefore, it requires a webcam. Most laptop has a built-in web camera so you don't need to buy a separate web camera. But if you are already using a desktop computer you need to purchase a separate one. Webcam is also important in teleconference and client meetings.
Choosing the right camera is important in order to fulfill its purpose in your job. There are different types of cameras you can buy. There are cameras that have a built-in microphone and there is a camera that with a single function.
When choosing what web camera to buy you can check its Megapixel. The higher the megapixel the camera has the clearer the image it will produce. Select a camera with 1080p or 720p resolution because it is proven to provide better video quality.
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What if you don't have a budget to buy a good quality camera?
You don't need to worry, The answer might be pretty simple if you have already a mobile phone you can use that as a web camera. There are mobile applications that you can download to make it possible.
You can download Droidcam in Google Playstore and you can also search and download it on Apple Store. It supports 720p up to 1080p video quality. The installation was pretty simple and you can connect it via WiFi or USB cable.
But keep in mind that using your mobile phone as a camera is for temporary use only. You might still need to purchase a dedicated webcam once you have a budget to purchase one.
4. Headset and Microphone with Noise Cancellation
Customer service or customer support jobs require this equipment. Work From Home is prone to mixed noise from the environment, some employers require a microphone with noise cancellation. There are tons of noise-cancellation headsets that you can purchase online.
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5. Smartphone
Some platforms have a mobile application that lets you know if someone messages you or if there are important notifications. Mobile phones are essential since it is easy to know if there are some important meetings or messages from your client.
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If you have this equipment then the next thing will be a lot easier because it involves creating an account for an online jobs website.
6. Backup Power Source
If your location is prone to constant brownouts and power interruptions you should also invest in a backup power supply like a power bank or power station. Although this is not mandatory but it is a must for freelancers with power supply problems.
Powerstation can give your computer, modem or router with enough power to finish your work during power outages.
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What do you need in order to find work from home?
Before you register to any online jobs platform, you need to ready your resume first. Because your resume will serve as your guide when filling up the web registration form.
There are several platforms for beginners that offer remote jobs and this is open to all Filipinos. First things first you need to create an account on any of these platforms and to do that just click the link below.
To apply for jobs you need to send an application letter within the platform. Some jobs require a portfolio or sample work during application. This is most common in jobs like graphic artists, web developers, and video editors.
For jobs that require a portfolio, there is a higher chance that you will be hired if you can present one it can be in the form of a website or sample images of your work that you can attach to your application. In order to avoid others from stealing your portfolio you can put watermarks on videos of graphic designs that you made.
As much as possible avoid communicating outside the platform because you might encounter job scams. We have an article that helps you to distinguish if a job being offered to you is a scam.
What if I don't get any job from the above-mentioned platform?
Sometimes it takes a little patience and luck to get a job in these platforms since this is a global platform there are so many competitors that also looking for jobs. Aside from this platform, you can look for LinkedIn job Posting or Apply to Virtual Assistant Agencies you can easily google them and find tons of results. The advantage of going into an Agency, especially for people without experience is they provide training and sometimes equipment that will help you to perform the assigned task.
Always remember that no matter how desperate you are to look for an online job. Do not fall into simple jobs that promise a big salary all jobs are difficult and this is normal. There are Task Job Scam that is proliferating in social media and telegram platform and you can read about them here.
How do I get paid as a freelancer?
Getting paid as a freelancer involves several steps. Here's a general guide to help you through the process:
1. Set Up a Payment Method
Choose a payment method that works for you and your clients. Common options include PayPal, Wise, or via bank transfers. There are variations when it comes to fees using different platforms so make sure to find the cheaper but reliable one.
2. Discuss Payment Terms in Advance
It is important to clearly communicate your payment terms with clients before starting any work. This includes the payment amount, currency, and schedule (e.g., upfront, milestone-based, or upon project completion).
3. Create a Professional Invoice
After completing a milestone or the entire project, send a professional invoice that includes your contact information, the client's information, a description of the work, the agreed-upon payment amount, and payment instructions.
4. Include Payment Details in Contracts
If you're working on a larger project, it's advisable to have a contract that outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and any other relevant details. This can protect both you and the client.
5. Follow Up on Payments
If a client hasn't paid on time, send a polite follow-up email or message. It's essential to maintain professionalism while ensuring that you receive timely payments.
6. Consider Online Freelance Platforms
If you're using freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, these platforms often handle payments for you. Make sure to understand their fee structures and withdrawal processes.
When do I get paid as a freelancer?
It really depends on what you and your employer have agreed upon based on the contract that you agreed. Normally you will get paid either every 2 weeks or once a month. However, it is more advisable to be paid weekly when they are first hired to limit their risk of working with a new employer.
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What to do if there are some delay on payments?
This sometimes happened specially if you are new in freelancing. There are some ways to avoid this incident. One way is to specify it on the contract that there will be consequence if there are some delay on the payments. You can also halt working until such time that the payment is settled by the client.
In summary:
There is a better advantage in pursuing this type of work. One of them is you will have a longer time with your family. Avoiding the daily commute and earning much bigger without leaving the Philippines. Once you become a freelancer you need to pay your own SSS, Philhealth, and Pagibig as voluntary members. You also need to pay your own HMO for added protection when you get sick because unlike being employed this is already a perk that you can enjoy.
Some Online jobs or Remote Jobs require basic skills and some require advanced skills. The more complex the job is the higher the pay you get.
Starting this path requires a lot of patience and determination in applying for remote jobs. But when you get your first job. The succeeding application will become a lot easier. At the end of the day, you will reap the fruit of your labor once you persevere.
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