How to find a work-at-home job as a military spouse

I know how hard it can be to find a job when you are a military spouse. Quite often, even when you do not tell employers you are a military spouse, they can tell by looking at your resume and the places you have lived that you are a military spouse. Military spouse resumes often read like a job-hopper's nightmare - going from job to job to job, so employers think you are not viable for long-term employment. But if you're like most military spouses, all you want to do is find a good job and stay with it for as long as possible. Work-at-home positions are particularly appealing to the military spouse, but it takes some skill and knowledge to find reputable work-at-home or work-from-home positions. The steps below will outline the steps you need to take to find a work-at-home position as a military spouse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Resume
• Email address
• Writing or work samples
• Office software such as Microsoft Word or excel
• A computer
• Internet connection

1. Create a resume. You can write either a functional resume (search for it on Google and you will find dozens of sample functional resumes) or you can write a chronological resume (sample chronological resumes can also be found through Google searches). For military spouses who have changed jobs frequently, you may want to consider a functional resume as it focuses more on your abilities than your time on each job. Make sure that your resume includes your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top, centered, with your name in bold. Also include your relevant skills (for example: type 50 words-per-minute; proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator or Dreamweaver). You should also include relevant work history with bulleted entries. Make sure that you write each bullet in the past tense unless it is a current position. If you are applying for a position with a non-profit organization, I have found it is particularly helpful to have evidence of active volunteer work listed as bullets at the bottom of your resume, as well.
2. Proofread your resume. Make sure to use spellcheck! For the first proofing, read it aloud to yourself. I have found that I catch the most mistakes when I read it aloud. Next, have someone else read through it for you. More than one set of eyes on a resume really helps. Finally, let the resume sit for a day or so before you re-check it. I have found that if I step away from the resume for a little while and then come back and reproof it, I catch other mistakes.
3. Write your cover letter. There are plenty of cover letter samples that can be found through Google, as well. At the very least, your cover letter should have an opening paragraph listing the position you are interested in and where you found the position posted. The body should include a brief summary of your relevant skills and experience. The final paragraph should include a conclusion with your contact information and an invitation for the employer to contact you with any questions or an invitation for an interview. If possible, in your salutation, include the hiring manager's name, if you know it.
4. If you are applying for a freelance writing position, attach relevant clips. If you are applying for a graphic design project, attach relevant samples or direct the employer to an online portfolio.
5. To find freelance jobs or work-from-home jobs, it may be necessary to do an extensive search of the Internet. I have found wahm.com and Craigslist to be excellent resources for freelance work or work-at-home jobs. Check the Better Business Bureau. You may find revealing information about the company there.
6. Apply and wait! Follow-up with a phone call or email after two weeks if you feel you are particularly suited for the position but have not heard back from them.

Tips & Warnings

• Make job searching your full-time job...sometimes it takes a while to find a job, but the more resumes you get out, the better your chances!
• Don't forget to proofread everything you submit. Typos can be the kiss-of-death, particularly if you are applying for a writing position.
• Ask about how you will be paid, how often you will be paid, what the terms of the financial agreements are, and about rights to your work (who owns the rights?)
• Check the reputation of the company you want to work for. Check the Better Business Bureau and post on message boards asking if anyone has experience with particular companies.