Thinking about working from home? You’re not alone! More and more Filipinos are choosing digital careers, and it’s easy to see why. The flexibility to work from home, avoid long commutes, and have more time with family sounds like the ultimate lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re interested in becoming a virtual assistant, social media manager, or freelancer, there’s no shortage of opportunities in the online world.
But we get it, you’re probably thinking, “How do I even start? What if I don’t have any experience?” It’s a common concern, but here’s the good news: you don’t need a ton of experience to get started. You’d be surprised at how many skills you already have — like being organized, great at communication, or skilled at multitasking — that can easily translate into an online job.
So, don’t worry about having zero experience. Everyone starts somewhere, and with the right approach, you can find an online job that’s perfect for you.
How To Get A Work-From-Home Job With Zero Experience
Starting a remote career can seem overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked online before. But don’t let that stop you! Many online jobs don’t require previous experience, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to build the skills you need along the way. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to help you get started and confidently apply for online jobs at home.
Ready to take the first step? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Know Your Strengths And What You Can Offer
Before jumping into the world of remote jobs, take a moment to assess the skills and experiences you already have, even if you’ve never worked online before. Life itself teaches us a lot of valuable lessons, and the skills you’ve gained through personal experiences can be highly relevant to online roles.
Even if you’ve never worked in an office, there’s still a wealth of transferable skills from personal experiences that you can offer employers. Being organized, a good communicator, or even tech-savvy in using apps to manage tasks can all serve as a solid foundation for an online career.
Think about your day-to-day life. For example, you might have:
- Coordinated a community event (event planning, communication).
- Managed the finances of a project (organization, attention to detail).
- Helped with the schedules of a small organization (time management, multitasking).
Once you’ve identified what you can bring to the table, you’ll feel more confident as you start exploring the online job market. You might be closer to landing your first remote role than you think!
Step 2: Highlight Your Transferable Skills From Past Job Roles
Now, let’s talk about your professional experience. Even if you’ve never worked online, any job experience you’ve had in the past is valuable and can be applied to a remote role. Think about your previous roles — whether as a McDonald’s crew member, a cashier at SM, or even an office assistant. These jobs helped you develop key skills like customer service, team collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are highly relevant in remote positions.
When applying for online jobs, be sure to highlight these job-related skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews. Show how your previous roles have prepared you to handle tasks in a remote setting.
By emphasizing your transferable skills, you’ll show potential employers that you have the core abilities needed to succeed in remote work, even if you don’t have direct online experience yet. It’s about showing them that you have the foundation to thrive in any WFH job you take on.
Step 3: Level Up With Free Online Courses & Certifications
If you’re eyeing a remote job but feel like you’re missing a few skills, don’t worry. You can always learn them. Whether you’re aiming to be a virtual assistant, social media manager, or customer support pro, there are plenty of free or low-cost online courses available that can help you get the skills you need.
While many would tell you to head over to YouTube for some free learning materials, we suggest going for certifications. Getting certified shows you’re serious about your career and you’re committed to learning and growing. It’s a digital badge of honor that demonstrates you’re ready to take on remote work.
Platforms like Coursera offer courses in various areas, from project management to digital marketing. Many courses provide certificates that can boost your resume, such as the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, which is a great starting point for a career in data analysis. Tip: Apply for financial aid if you can’t afford to pay for the certificate.
Grow with Google is another great resource, offering Google Career Certificates for roles in IT support, data analytics, and project management. You can also explore Skillshop to master Google products like Ads and Analytics, which are essential for remote marketing jobs.
Meanwhile, The University of the Philippines Open University offers free massive open online courses (MOOCs) with certification for anyone interested (you don’t have to be an UPCAT passer!). Alternatively, you can check out the TESDA Online Program for some courses that can help you boost your online career.
Step 4: Build Your Online Portfolio (Yes, Even If You’re A Newbie!)
Okay, let’s talk about something that can be a game-changer when it comes to applying for online jobs: your portfolio. A portfolio is like your digital resume but with a more visual and hands-on representation of what you can do. It’s a collection of work samples that showcase your skills, abilities, and style.
You don’t need to have “official” work experience to have a portfolio. Practice projects, like creating mock reports, sample client communication, or mock-up social media plans, are more than enough to get started.
Also, a portfolio doesn’t have to be huge, but it should show your potential employers that you have the skills to do the job and that you’re serious about providing quality work. It’s like saying, “Hey, I may be new to this, but I’m ready to do the work!”
Bonus tip: You don’t need to be a tech genius to create a simple online portfolio. There are tons of easy-to-use platforms (like Wix, WordPress, or Canva) that let you set up a clean, professional-looking portfolio with minimal effort. Start small, and as you gain more experience, keep adding to it.
Step 5: Find The Job That’s Right For You
The key to a successful remote career is finding a job that aligns with your interests, strengths, and skills. It’s like trying to find that perfect jigsaw puzzle piece. It might take a bit of time, but when it fits, it just clicks.
For example, are you the type of person who’s great with words and loves to express yourself? Then, content writing, copywriting, or social media management might be the perfect fit for you!
If you’ve been the unofficial “team organizer” in your group chats, managing schedules and making sure everyone’s on track, then roles like virtual assistant or project manager could be right up your alley. On the flip side, if you’re a stickler for details and have a knack for numbers or organization, consider data entry or other administrative roles.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The beauty of the virtual world is that there are so many different remote job opportunities, and it’s all about finding one that suits you best.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t aim too high too fast. Set realistic expectations for yourself. Starting with an entry-level position that allows you to build on your skills and gain experience is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Step 6: Rejection Happens. Don’t Sweat It, Keep Going!
Let’s get real for a second — rejection is part of the game. Whether it’s after an interview or you just don’t hear back, it’s part of the process and doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for the job or the industry. It hurts, but we move forward!
Competition for remote jobs is tough. There are a lot of skilled people out there, and sometimes, employers might go with someone who has a bit more experience. But don’t take it personally. It’s just business.
Here’s a little advice from someone who’s been through the same: when you get a rejection, use it as a learning experience. Ask for feedback, if possible, and think about what you can improve for the next application. Maybe your resume needs a little tweaking, or you need to sharpen a skill. No worries, you’ve got this.
And remember, don’t compare your journey to others. The online world moves fast, but you’re on your own path. It’s okay if it takes a little longer to get to where you want to be. The important thing is to keep going, keep applying, and keep learning.
The more you put yourself out there, the closer you’ll get to landing that first remote job. Each rejection brings you one step closer to success.
Avoiding Scams On Facebook & Other Platforms
Ever come across something like this while scrolling Facebook?
That’s 100% a scam.
We know job hunting can be tough, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience. Unfortunately, scammers also know this and target people who are new to the remote work scene or those who are desperate for any opportunity. These scams are everywhere — whether on job groups on social media, regular Facebook groups, job posting platforms, WhatsApp, Viber, and more.
While some offers might seem tempting, they can be traps. Stay alert and watch out for these common red flags when looking for legit remote jobs:
Too Good To Be True
Scammers will often try to lure you in with offers of easy, high-paying work. While there are legitimate high-paying remote jobs, they require experience or skills, and not all can be done in just a couple of hours.
No Company Information
Legitimate companies will provide clear information about their business. If you don’t see any details about the company, its website, or its contact info, there might not be an actual company to begin with.
Communication On Telegram Or Other Unfamiliar Platforms
It’s common for scammers to ask you to talk on platforms like Telegram, Viber, or WhatsApp. While these apps can be used for professional correspondence, legitimate companies typically use their business email or secure platforms for communication.
Unsolicited Private Messages
Ever had someone message you out of the blue on personal messaging apps about a job opportunity, even if you haven’t applied? It’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers will not reach out to you like this without prior interaction.
No Qualifications Or Requirements
If you see a job ad with no mention of skills or experience needed, that’s a huge red flag. Scammers often avoid listing any qualifications so they can target anyone desperate to land a job, regardless of their experience.
Request For Upfront Payment
Whether it’s for training, materials, or software, legitimate employers will never ask you to pay before you start working. If you’re asked to send money to secure the job, you’re dealing with a scam, period.
Unprofessional Communication Or Bad English
If the job ad or the person messaging you has awkward phrasing, poor grammar, or unprofessional language, that’s another red flag. Scammers typically don’t take the time to write proper, polished job ads.
No Experience? No Problem!
Starting your remote job journey may seem daunting, but remember — every successful freelancer or virtual assistant started somewhere. The key is to take that first step. Believe in the skills you already have, level up with new knowledge, and keep an eye out for legitimate opportunities. Don’t let the fear of rejection or the pressure to have experience hold you back.
Your first remote job is closer than you think. Keep pushing, stay cautious, and soon enough, you’ll find the right fit. Go ahead and start applying — you got this!