What to do: Rescheduled Skype Interview

This is actually an update of my previous post about my recent oDesk interview experience. After the first video chat interview over Skype, I was turned over for another video chat interview with the owner of the company who is based in Canada. The conversation went okay as I gave him a background of what I do and what I like to do as well as my long term goals. After that, he explained that it will be the first time that they will hire an academic researcher so, they will need someone who has access to online databases and university library which is actually my advantage over the other candidates. The owner also suggested a few management books that I might want to read about because I'll be writing articles similar to those printed in Harvard Business Review magazine. The work sounds promising, and I thought it was something I can engage in for a long time if in case I really need to leave my full-time job. He even asked how much I was earning in my full-time job though he said it was just out of curiosity. Although, deep inside I think he was assessing that if the project goes well then, they can pay me full time thus, matching the rate with how much I was earning currently. At the end of the interview, I was left with some assignments:


1. to email my curriculum vitae

2. to send him a list of online databases I have access

3. to list down management reference books dated 2010 onwards which are available in our university library


After that, I'll be scheduled for another round of interview so we can have more to talk about that is related to management or more like "getting down to the real business." So, I did my assignments and set another date for the second round of interview which I had to do online through a link that was sent to me. There were two major incidents which made me think thoroughly and left me in a dilemma. 

First, the skype interview kept on being rescheduled. I made major adjustments just to make it on time as we were on a different timezone. Even though I had my fair share of confusion with the timezone and missing out on the original schedule (just one time), I think to reschedule an interview which has been hanging for 2 consecutive weeks was way too over for me. The excitement about the potential project was there. It was actually something I was very interested in and something I am passionate about so, I was hoping that it was going to push through.

Second, the company owner sounds like a bit skeptical on how updated the university libraries here in the Philippines are. According to him, I may have access to online databases and reference books, but he needs updated materials (as if assuming that we just depend on second-hand books from western countries). I would have bragged about how updated our university library is but, I know it would mean nothing to him (unless he personally witnesses the newly built Henry Sy Hall Building in Taft) and I didn't want to lose this opportunity arguing about this stuff.

In the end, I decided just to let it go. Despite being told that I have great potential, our schedule just does not always seem to agree. On my end, it was a bit difficult because I already invested a lot of effort to adjust to his schedule. So, more than three (3) times of rescheduled interview is too frustrating. Lastly, if he tends to underestimate the educational system (or at least the capability of our schools to update the library materials), he might treat my work output in the same way. It was quite sad but, that's just how odesk application works.

Nevertheless, my online job hunting goes on....

Photo credit

oDesk Interview Experience

Skype Voice Calls Work on iPad with Everyman Headset (Photo credit: stevegarfield)

In my quest to finally land on a full-time online job, I've been applying to oDesk jobs recently. Most of the posts I refer to are about article writing, website content writing, research, and social media management. Luckily, there were a few interview schedules, and it inspired me to create this blog entry.

When you get an invitation for an interview on oDesk, clients have their own definition of "interview." It's either you are invited to chat, to video chat or voice chat only. So, it's important to clarify these things to the client so that you can prepare well especially if they require you for a video chat interview. Clients who invite you for an interview, ask for your Skype account and/or Gmail. 

The odesk client for this recent interview invitation for a research assistant post asked for my skype ID. She sent me a link to her online appointment calendar, and from there, I chose the time slot for my interview schedule. However, due to the confusion with the time zone, I missed out the interview schedule. Good thing she was kind enough to reschedule the interview just this morning. But, I had to file for a leave from the office to accommodate this Skype interview. Again, take note that Skype is critical so if you do not have a Skype account better create one now. It is one of the essentials when you are engaged in online jobs.

To cut the story short, I was asked for my resume after the Skype interview. It started with the usual "tell me about yourself" because she wanted to get to know me as a person. It was an orientation of the company I am going to work for and the like. I also learned that it is the first time that she will be hiring an academic researcher, so, I would consider this as a prospect for a long term online job which is actually my goal this year. If I have to quit my full-time job if everything goes well with this online opportunity. 

I was left with a few assignments, and I have to get back to her for another interview schedule. If the test project goes well, I will be paid for it and then get hired. But, if not, then the job hunt goes on...

Work at Home: A Realization

The past two weeks was really challenging for me because I experienced getting confined in the hospital for the second time (in my entire life!). When I was a kid, I would remember my parents convincing me not to be afraid of the nurse, doctor or the hospital, per se. But, up to this day, I do not like the thought of needles, oxygen, hospital bed and the whole idea of getting sick and being admitted. For the past two weeks, my fever had been shooting up and down so, I had to spend a few days in the hospital and underwent some tests. When I was finally released from the hospital, I felt so relieved thinking that I can finally go back to my odesk duties. Actually, it was a mixture of disappointment and rejoicing. Disappointment because a few days of additional rest would mean deductions from my sick leave which is convertible to cash at the end of the year. On the other hand, it was a day of rejoicing for me too because it would mean more hours on odesk! I must admit that the thought of staying at home and being able to get some odesk work done is a bit liberating and gives an absolute thrill. 

It has been my ultimate goal to work at home on a full-time basis ever since I learned about people working on the same terms. I have been hearing about people working at home but did not fully believe that it can actually happen not until I started attending free webinars which presented actual people who are working at home and earning double or at times, triple than the routine office job. So, my recovery period became an opportunity for me to actually try out what it really feels like to work at home on a full-time basis. Luckily, I currently have three clients who have given me many writing jobs, and I made use of my so-called "rest days" to work on the projects they gave me. I have started this part-time virtual assistant career as a writer/blogger/researcher since October last year, and it has been very fulfilling. Now that I get to experience doing work at home tasks on a full-time basis (even for just a week) made me appreciate it even more.  

Honestly, I am now contemplating resigning from my full-time job at the university and just continue with this work at home set up. Don't get me wrong because I like my job in the university but at some point, I just get so exhausted from all the office politics and stressful bosses. There is something inside me that just wants to give up everything and continue with my work at home gig. It's just a matter of finding the right opportunity on odesk and the ideal client who can finally give me a full-time VA work. And I am going to find it in the next few days or weeks...I promise.

How to Get Approval for Google Adsense - My Personal Experience

Way back my college years between 2000 to 2004, I attempted to construct a blog site but I ended up writing one entry only for every new blog site that is introduced. The routine has always been like that, signing up for a new account for whatever blog site is most popular and blogging about stuff reaching up to only one page and then no more. 

When I started reading Bo Sanchez's blogs, I was exposed to different ways on how to earn money through the internet. Then, I stumbled upon names of people I have no idea of (back then) like the Philippine's Online Marketing Guru Mr. Jomar Hilario. I read about his blogs and participated in the free webinars he would give from time to time. In other words, I was convinced that I can really earn extra money through the internet. Back in the early 2000, I was reading all about how to make money from blogging and stuff. Then, I researched more on the topic and eventually learned about Google Adsense. When I started out taking jobs on oDesk, I had several projects wherein I was tasked to blog for different websites. Now, I get the whole picture why people from all over the world would take time publishing different articles online. 

I'd post about how to get approval for Google Adsense based on my own personal experience. As I have mentioned, it was several years back when I tried blogging but it did not work out. In 2011, along with my several applications on oDesk, I revived my blogging habit. I was thinking of keeping a blog site as a personal portfolio ONLY and not for public consumption. But, my hopes to get paid for blogging was rekindled. Day by day, I tried to fill up pages of my blogger account with different entries that I can think of. I mean, that was one tip I got --- for beginners who do not know what to blog about, just write anything under the sun; your experiences for the day, your favorite tv show, what you ate for lunch, an inspiring message or childhood memories. It can be about anything. In my case, I love to blog about my travel adventures and experiences from oDesk projects. 


However, if you are applying for Google Adsense, here are a few of my personal tips:

1. Your blog site should have a catchy title. The title/subtitle should reflect what the reader is about to read or what the site is all about.

2. The "About Me" section is critical for readers to know who is behind every article they are reading.

3. Start blogging NOW! Remember that your blog entries should point out a particular theme. There are many blogs on "How To's" and these are usually the ones who gain attention from readers. Actually, you can blog about anything as long as your site has a specific theme that caters to a particular audience. 

4. Avoid grammatical errors. Proofread your work before publishing it. Your site will increase more credibility if it appears to be professionally done and with limited mistakes.

5. Blog everyday for the rest of your life. This is something I had difficulty doing. But, I tried my best to maintain the site and write as often as I can. 

6. Keep your site as clean as possible. Include "gadgets" which are only crucial like email catcher and share buttons (i.e. facebook, twitter and other social media sites) to gain popularity. Do not include those that will just make your site appear confusing. 

7. On a more technical aspect, when you apply for google adsense, it is most likely that you are going to fill-up forms. Make sure that you declare information that pertains to yourself as correctly as possible.

8. If it is your first time to apply, most likely you will get denied of your application (just like me!). Do not lose hope, just continue writing and posting blogs!

9. Take note that your blog contents should tackle a particular theme and should keep up with google adsense guidelines.

10. Be PATIENT in trying to apply and re-apply (only if you get disapproved). 

It took me one year before my blog site was finally approved for adsense. I think the key is to keep on blogging and be patient with the procedures. Now, I can finally say that Adsense has inspired me to write more meaningful blogs. 

Tips on Time Management Especially for those Working at Home

I must admit that taking projects on oDesk can be a bit overwhelming because you would want to earn as much as you can. However, if you are working at home on a part time basis (like me), you should be able to efficiently assess how many projects you can do. This can help you build up a good track record that you can finish projects on time rather than take on several jobs which you cannot complete. It is both a frustration for you and for the client. When I was just new to oDesk, I tried to engage in several projects but it did not work out well because I was thinking that I had to work double time to submit on time. It was too late when I realized that I have taken too much work and neglected some projects already. Hence, I was unable to produce the expected output for one of my clients. There were times when I took one project after the other because I felt that I CAN STILL handle it but, unfortunately I can only do so much. From then on, I learned my lessons well. I took projects which are appropriate for my skills so, I can give the best for my clients. Luckily, many of my oDesk clients have been satisfied with what I submit to them.

But, one of the most important things that I realized too is time management. I am not an expert on the topic but, I must say that I have learned my lessons the hard way. As an independent contractor in oDesk, TIME MANAGEMENT is essential. It is not wrong to take on several projects all at the same time as long as you know how to prioritize which task must be prioritized (considering the deadline). In this way, you will not sacrifice the quality of your work and at the same time, satisfy your clients by submitting quality work right on schedule.

If you are still struggling with time management, here are a few tips that I can share with you (especially for those working at home/oDesk):

1. Make a list of your "Things to do"

The typical employee always have a list of the things to accomplish for the day. Even if you are working at home, maintaining a line up of tasks that needs to be done will be helpful to identify what projects are needed ASAP and which ones can wait. By doing this, you save yourself from the stress of thinking about the projects all at the same time.

2. Avoid the feeling of panic. Just focus on one task at a time.

When you have enlisted what task needs priority, then put all your concentration on that job alone. Do not be anxious that there are numerous works waiting. Yes, there are multiple projects to be accomplished but you have to stick with what you have on hand --- the one that needs to be done ASAP.

3. Set a time frame for each project.

Think of how much time you need to finish one project and stick to the set schedule. This will enable you to make use of the time properly.  You know yourself well, so only you can tell how much time is needed or how quick of a worker you are.

4. Always aim to finish ahead of the deadline.

There will always be demanding clients especially for those working at home (oDesk, in my case). Whether you are working by the hour or working at a fixed-price contract, always aim to finish ahead of the deadline. This will provide opportunity for you to have spare time relaxing for a while and then, take on additional tasks which means more income.

5. Do not procrastinate.

This is usually the problem for those working at home. You have a lot of temptation to delay the job. Your bed is easily accessible for a quick nap (which ends up extending your sleeping hours); internet is just in front of you to check what's new on facebook; magazines and newspapers at your home to read; the television can be easily turned on and tune in to your favorite tv show. There are plenty of reasons to procrastinate and delay the accomplishment of your projects. So, try to be strong and well-disciplined as possible in getting things done (especially the most important ones).

I am glad to share with you my personal struggles ever since I started working on oDesk. I know I have a long way to go before I can make it my full time job. But, time management especially for those working at home, is one key to be successful in this unique career path.

How I Started as a Virtual Assistant

It was in October 2011 when I started my first online jobs through odesk.com. With my frustration and stress in the office routine, I turned to attend a series of webinars hosted by Mr. Jomar Hilario, a well-renowned online marketing guru in the Philippines. There were days when I wanted to participate in one of his live seminars/workshops on how to become a virtual assistant, but my schedule does not permit me to do so. Good thing he offered an audio version of his How to Become a Virtual Assistant seminar and I quickly purchased it online. After I finished the audio seminar and after I have read blogs of people who had the similar dilemma as mine, I got so inspired and confident that I can change my life 360 degrees and become a full-time Virtual Assistant.

Soon as I learned about odesk.com in 2011, I started out my profile but never really paid attention to how to improve it. I was not that determined. Thus, I left it hanging incomplete for quite some time. When I learned more about how to boost my "marketability" in odesk, I quickly overhauled my odesk profile and took the tests which will reflect my expertise in writing. Writing is my passion, and I was thinking that I ought to make a career out of it if I am going to pursue my Virtual Assistant career. 

My first gig as a Virtual Assistant (online writer) was to blog about a variety of topics. It was for an American client who is maintaining a sort of Wikipedia website (Usenet) hence, I started with the work in October 2011, and up until now, I am still writing articles for this client. Then, I realized I can manage to handle some more work perhaps, try out the fixed-price contract available in odesk. I did get a few and found it very fulfilling when clients are very pleased with the articles that I submit, and some would even pay me a bonus. Opportunities and job offer came in one by one, and I was definitely happy about how things are working out for me as a newbie Virtual Assistant. I admit that starting at a lower rate per hour was a stepping stone. So, as I gained more experience and confidence, I eventually increased my hourly rate. 

Now, I am happy to be working on a part-time basis for several clients whom I am writing articles for website content and some as a research assistant. What I even appreciated more is the fact that I can use my background in Psychology for some projects I handled. I also get to have my fair share of demanding clients, and when they ask too much of my effort which I know I cannot accommodate, I just end the contract rather than carrying on with the project which I cannot deliver on their expected schedule. But overall, my Virtual Assistant experience is indeed an eye-opener that I can actually start a career by working at home as long I have the determination, motivation, and yearning for change. It is just a matter of time to hone my skills and brave the world of becoming a full-time Virtual Assistant. 

My First oDesk Contract Ended

My first two months of having a dull oDesk profile did not do me any good. I was waiting and waiting for jobs to come in but there's nothing, zero, zilch, nada! Sure, I got a few interviews here and there but did not make it simply because of my dull oDesk profile. Now, after realizing what I needed to do and that's basically dazzling up my oDesk profile with all the skills test and good scores, I finally got 4 contracts with different employers all at the same time. It was crazy and overwhelming at first. I'm on my second work week, by the way, and I am getting the hang of it. But, what I realized also is that if this is only a part time job, it's not good to have 4 employers all at the same time because it can be quite demanding of your time.And so, as a consequence of being "overly employed", one of my contracts ended --- the easiest one which is blog commenting job. I may have neglected it simply because I knew it was an easy task where all the rest of my job requires me to really write articles that will be used for website contents. After checking my oDesk profile and saw that notification that one of my employers ended my contract, I got a bit disappointed but realized it was actually my fault since I am a newbie, I got so overwhelmed and took the job but did not put much effort on it. Anyway, the remaining three contracts, I hope to retain because I really want a part time online job. oDesk is the most reliable source of online job I know. :-)

My First oDesk Dispute Ticket

It was just yesterday when I blogged about my first odesk writing jobs. I did not think I was going to be "reprimanded" by my employer THIS SOON like after a week and a half of working . Well, it was my fault in the first place. Currently, I have 4 employers for which I am writing up different articles altogether. So, with all the excitement and enthusiasm to finish all the necessary tasks, I did not notice when I logged into the time monitoring odesk feature, I clicked on the wrong employer and was charging hours on the wrong one! It was such a bad feeling because all my effort in writing this particular topic was lost. Apart from that, I received a sort of "memo" for the discrepancies in my log in time (which I honestly did not mean).




Ergo, I got my first "dispute" ticket from odesk. I felt bad but after that, I still felt thankful that for a newbie like me, everything was settled and I'm back to work! This time, I swear, I'm going to be more careful. Now, I have to get back to writing more articles! I love this part-time job!

Tips on How to Get Hired at oDesk.com

odesk.com

I have not written any blog post for the past few weeks now. I'm just so jammed up with all the office work plus the school requirements because I have a deadline to beat. Due to this busy schedule, my frustration to get a part-time online job as a stepping stone to flexible time, got me so hyped up. One of the most popular way of getting an online job is through oDesk.com. I have long signed up and maintained my account but never took the time to actually "overhaul" my public profile. It actually took me some time before getting the tricks on how to get hired by oDesk employers. Finally, last week, I had several job offers and job invitations coming in my inbox and got so giddy about it! I am very thankful that as of now I have 4 ongoing contracts with different employers which require me to do article writing, blogging and writing up for website contents --- something that I really enjoy doing.

Here are some tips on how to get hired at oDesk:

1. Create a profile by putting in a valid email address and a formal photo of you.

2. Take many oDesk skills test as much as possible.

3. Do not overcharge. Given that you are newbie to oDesk, do not expect that employers will pay you $10 per hour without any experience. For beginners, it is ideal to start at $1 per hour.

4. Having a personal blog site can help you get started. If you are up for writing jobs just like me, maintain a personal blog site which you can use as a reference on the level of your writing skills, in case the employer will ask for a sample article.

5. Reply promptly. Time is gold for these people seeking employees over the internet. So, if you can check your email regularly so that you can send your response right away to potential employers, that would be better.

6. Lastly, and I will repeat, make your resume concise and glamorous by taking A LOT of oDesk skills test and scoring very well on these exams. Believe me, this is your key to numerous job offers.

So there, I hope I have helped you in my own little way especially those who are like me, finding my way to a more flexible schedule by working at home on a full time basis. I'll post some more of my experiences on oDesk. But, for now, I have to get back on writing articles!