How Older Adults Can Find Work-at-Home Jobs During the Pandemic

You might also try this website that links to dozens of job boards that specialize in remote jobs.”

Also, know which industries are most likely to have remote work opportunities. The medical and health category (which includes jobs in insurance, case management and social work, as well as care providers) leads in remote-job listings on FlexJobs. Other top job categories for remote work: computers and IT, customer service, education and training, sales, and accounting and finance. “And all of these areas are being called on more now because of what’s going on,” Reynolds says.
 

2. Highlight your remote work experience.

Working from home comes with a unique set of challenges that can take getting used to, and employers want to know you can hit the ground running. So be sure your résumé, cover letter and LinkedIn profile include your remote work experience. “And it doesn’t have to be a formalized program,” Reynolds says. “It can be really casual experiences, too.”

For example, you might note instances in which you brought work home to finish at night or over weekends or times when you’ve worked from home while waiting for the plumber or cable provider. Having taken classes online or completed other remote training can showcase your tech skills and ability to work independently. Even experience working from your office with colleagues and clients in different buildings, cities and time zones can prove your long-distance communication and collaboration skills.

3. Add a technology section to your résumé.

Unfortunately, ageism may lead some employers to assume that older job seekers may not have the technological capabilities to handle working from home, which includes not just the day-to-day use of digital tools, but also the ability to teach yourself new programs and troubleshoot any problems. “Being able to showcase your technology skills and your comfort with technology can be really helpful for that age group, and really for anybody applying for remote work,” Reynolds says.

One way to do that is to clearly list your tech skills on your résumé. That might include proficiency or familiarity with certain operating systems, software, databases, programming languages and even social media. “An actual technology section on your résumé can be a really good thing that can stop an employer from thinking the wrong thing,” she says.

4. Expand that tech section of your résumé.

If the pandemic hasn’t made you a Zoom expert already, you still have time. In fact, you can take this time to get familiar with any and all digital tools that might come in handy for remote work and add those skills to your résumé. In addition to Zoom, that might include other web conferencing software such as GoToMeeting and Skype, messaging programs like Slack and Google Hangouts and document sharing platforms such as Google Docs, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox. “That’s one of the biggest things you can do pretty easily and quickly,” Reynolds says.

5. Be patient.

As an experienced professional, you might be hoping for a work-from-home job that’s relatively high up the ladder. The good news is you’ll find some opportunities. “Most of the remote jobs out there require at least some experience and oftentimes require managerial-level experience,” Reynolds says. “It’s kind of the flip of what most people assume.”

Just remember that it typically takes longer to fill those higher positions, regardless of whether it’s for a remote job. Employers tend to do more vetting and require a more extensive interview process to fill that level of employment. Be patient, and use the extra time to build your skills.

Editor’s note: This article, originally published on April 24, 2020, has been updated with a link to online job boards that offer remote jobs.