Common Obstacles You’ll Encounter While Looking for Online Jobs – And How to Overcome Them

Entering the workforce today as a fresh graduate can be a daunting prospect.

While the growth of online jobs offers many new opportunities, it also presents new challenges.

To help you overcome these common job hunting obstacles, here’s an in-depth look at each one – and how to deal with them.

The Reality of Job Hunting in the Digital Age

Today’s fresh graduates find themselves in an era of increasing interconnectivity, rapid technological advancements, and constant change.

Improvements in the country’s internet connection mean that geographical boundaries are no longer an issue in finding telecommuting roles.

However, this also means that your competition has significantly increased; even freelance gigs can attract dozens of applicants with similar skill sets.

Then there’s the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Aside from screening resumes via Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), companies also use AI to perform certain tasks like data entry and customer service.

To stand out, you’ll need to hone not just your work-related skills but also your soft skills as well. Furthermore, you’ll still need to build connections with industry peers for referrals and promising remote work opportunities.

Ghosting: Why Employers Don’t Respond

Unfortunately, ghosting isn’t exclusive to the dating scene.

Ghosting in the context of online jobs happens when a prospective employer suddenly stops communicating with you. This can happen either after submitting your application or during the interview process.

Just like in a relationship, this results in wasted time and effort – as well as frustration and anxiety due to a lack of closure.

Reasons Why Employers Ghost Applicants

Employees often ghost applicants for the following reasons:

• High Volume of Applications:
  • Some employers (particularly those offering work-from-anywhere jobs) receive dozens of applications for a single role, making it difficult to respond to every single applicant.
• The Position You’re Applying for is No Longer Available:
  • The role may have already been filled, canceled, or frozen due to internal changes like budget constraints or organizational restructuring.
• Shifting Priorities:
  • Hiring needs can change rapidly as employers shift their priorities to other positions or projects, leaving you in limbo.
• Lack of Communication Processes:
  • Smaller companies or those without a structured hiring process might not have systems in place to follow up with their candidates.
• Negative Perception of Candidates:
  • If a candidate performs poorly during their interview or their credentials don’t match the role, some employers opt to not provide feedback and leave them hanging.
• Unprofessionalism or Lack of Accountability:
  • In worst-case scenarios, some companies simply don’t bother following up on your application.

Tips to Overcome Ghosting 

Nobody likes being ghosted.

Here are some ways first-time jobseekers can deal with it better – and also reduce the risk of it happening:

Tailor Resumes for Each Role

Always modify your resume for the online jobs you’re applying for.

Doing so helps you highlight your most relevant skills for the role and also demonstrates your attention to detail – a trait that’s prized in any job. 

Furthermore, having a customized resume with relevant keywords from the job description helps you pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs) most companies use to filter candidates.

For tips on writing a compelling resume, click here.

Follow Up 

Next, you can also send a follow-up email.

Of course, don’t send one immediately after your interview. Give it about one to two weeks first.

When writing your follow-up email, keep it brief (3-5 sentences) and express your gratitude for the opportunity while reiterating your interest in the role.

Aside from this, remember to mention a specific topic or insight discussed during the interview to reinforce engagement.

Finally, end your email with a call to action to your potential employer, such as offering to clarify any further questions about your CV or skills.

Utilize Platforms That Prioritize Responses, Like Web-Based Employment Sites

Looking for cyber jobs?

One of the best ways to start your internet-based career is by working with a trusted web-based outsourcing company like Remote Staff.

Working with us means you no longer have to search for clients alone, as we’ll help match you with suitable ones. 

Furthermore, we also vet our clients to protect you from scams and have measures in place to protect you in case they go AWOL.

Coping With Rejection and Building Resilience

Rejection is part of the job hunting experience. 

No matter how well you constructed your resume or answered your interviewer’s questions, sometimes you’re just not the right fit for a prospect’s needs.

Here are some tips and strategies to help you cope with rejection and bounce back better and faster.

Dealing With the Frequency of Rejections in Job Hunting

According to research, jobseekers who applied for 21 to 80 jobs have about a 30% chance of receiving an online job offer.

That said, the research also noted that if you target more than 80 job applications, your chances of getting a job offer drop to just 20%.

There are several reasons why an employer might reject your application. These include:

• High Competition:
  • Many online jobs receive hundreds of applications, making it harder to stand out from the crowd.
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs):
  • If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords for the position, it may get automatically filtered out.
• Mismatch in Skills or Experience:
  • Employers may be looking for specific qualifications that you lack.
• Cultural Fit Concerns:
  • Some companies may reject your application if you don’t appear to align with their work culture or values.
• Changing Hiring Needs:
  • Sometimes, the open position gets filled internally, canceled, or postponed indefinitely.

Psychological Impact and Strategies for Resilience

Constant rejections often cause feelings of failure and inadequacy, which could lead to lower self-esteem and anxiety.

In addition, the pressure to succeed often leads to stress and frustration, which can lower your chances of getting hired.

To soften the blow, here are some strategies that can help:

• Reframe Rejection into a Learning Experience:
  • Instead of viewing each rejection as a complete failure, you can treat them as an opportunity to improve your resume, interview skills, or job hunting strategy.
• Seek Constructive Feedback:
  • If possible, ask hiring managers for insights on how to strengthen your future applications.
• Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care:
  • Job hunting is mentally exhausting; thus, taking breaks helps you regain your strength for your next one and avoid burnout.
• Set Realistic Goals for Yourself:
  • Instead of focusing solely on immediate job offers, aim for daily small wins like submitting 3 well-constructed applications instead.
• Stay Connected With People Who Support You:
  • Talking to your friends, family, and mentors can help you regain your confidence and gain new insights that can help your job applications.

Exploring Alternative Paths:

If employers constantly reject you, maybe it’s time to consider changing your approach towards job hunting.

Here are some alternative paths you should consider besides traditional jobs:

Freelance Gigs

One way to gain more experience while also getting extra income while looking for full-time work is taking freelance and side gigs.

Many freelance positions offer lower barriers to entry than full-time work, which helps you hone your skills and portfolio. 

Additionally, your employer can even make you a full-time employee if they’re impressed with your work.

Popular freelance work for fresh graduates includes virtual assistance, content writing and editing, online tutoring, and even e-commerce jobs.

Digital Nomad Positions

Are you an avid traveler? If so, consider becoming a digital nomad.

Digital nomad positions offer freedom and flexibility, allowing you to work anywhere and give you better control over your work-life balance.

Furthermore, these roles help you develop your communication and time management skills, which are highly in demand in today’s job market.

Finally, since this setup lets you work with international clients, you can find more opportunities and higher earnings here.

Online Business Opportunities

Finally, instead of waiting for a company to hire you, why not start your own small business or side hustle?

Doing so allows you to scale your income based on the growth of your business. Additionally, being your own boss lets you tailor your work based on your lifestyle, not the other way around.

Running your own business also teaches you valuable skills like time and money management, marketing, and negotiation skills that’ll make you a more desirable candidate.

Dealing with Long Response Times from Employers

Speaking from personal experience, one of the worst parts of job hunting is awaiting the status of your application. 

This can make you feel stuck in limbo, reducing your motivation and self-confidence, and potentially make you miss out on other job opportunities.

Possible Causes of Delayed Responses in Online Job Applications

Common reasons for your prospective employer’s delayed responses include:

• High Volume of Applications:
  • Companies today receive dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes, and sifting through all of these takes time, particularly if their HR teams are small and haven’t mobilized AI to take care of the grunt work.
• Lengthy Hiring Processes:
  • Some companies follow multi-step hiring processes, which include several interviews, skill assessments, and background checks.
• Internal Delays and Budget Constraints:
  • In some cases, companies can pause hiring due to sudden budget changes, restructuring, or leadership decisions.
  • This means that although the job posting remains active, the company isn’t actively hiring anymore.
• Unclear Hiring Priorities:
  • Companies sometimes post job listings that aren’t super urgent and can thus take months to finalize decisions.
  • Additionally, some listings are merely exploratory, as some companies just want a list of potential candidates but don’t have any immediate plans (or need) to hire.
• Automated Resume Screening (ATS Screening):
  • Many companies use ATS to scan and filter resumes and if yours doesn’t contain the right keywords it may automatically be rejected or delayed in processing.

Strategies to Handle Delays:

Here are ways to proactively deal with long response times while job hunting:

Apply to Multiple Opportunities Simultaneously, Including Internet-Based Careers and Cyber Jobs

Instead of waiting for one job opportunity, you should use this time to apply for other online jobs.

Doing so helps increase your chances of getting hired and helps relieve the anxiety of waiting for a single prospect’s response.

Furthermore, more options will prevent you from relying on just one prospect.

Leverage Professional Networking Platforms

Another way to minimize delays in your job search is by utilizing your network and connecting with potential employers on networking sites like LinkedIn.

This helps improve your visibility and allows you to directly message them about your interest in an open position.

Also, expanding your network helps you remain updated on job opportunities and even referrals, which can improve your chances of landing a job as companies often prioritize employee referrals from within.

Consider E-commerce Jobs for Quicker Hiring Cycles

E-commerce roles like virtual assistant jobs and digital marketing positions often have faster hiring cycles than traditional roles, since e-businesses hire on demand.

In addition, most e-commerce jobs don’t require extensive experience, making them ideal for first-time jobseekers like you.

Navigating Competitive Markets in Online Job Hunting

Today’s workforce is highly competitive, particularly for online jobs. Thus, standing out can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time to apply.

The Intense Competition for Remote Work Opportunities and How to Stand Out

Unlike traditional on-site roles, distance isn’t a factor in a remote setup. This means that the number of your competitors now includes anyone with similar skill sets worldwide.

In addition, many popular remote roles, such as online transcription jobs and online writing jobs, don’t require advanced degrees.

Thus, you’ll need a more strategic approach to stand out, such as:

Crafting Standout Resumes and Cover Letters

Immediately attract your potential employer’s attention by constructing a personalized resume and cover letter for the telecommuting roles you’re applying for.

Begin by scanning the job description and incorporating relevant keywords in your resume. This will help it pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs).

If you’re applying for an online design job, for example, include keywords like: “graphic  design,” “Adobe Photoshop,” and “social media graphics.”

Next, highlight your most relevant skills and experience for the role by placing them up front in your resume.

For fresh graduates, these could include your academic projects, online certifications, and internships. Remember, even unpaid work counts as work experience.

Finally, always use quantifiable numbers and results when mentioning your achievements to create a stronger impression to potential employers.

Although they’re not as necessary in work-from-anywhere jobs, having an excellent cover letter remains beneficial as it helps you make a positive first impression.

To construct one, start with a strong, personalized opening by addressing the hiring manager by name (if available). 

Next, show enthusiasm for the role by mentioning specific job requirements and how you meet them. 

Finally, end the letter by inviting your potential employer to continue the discussion in an interview.

Overcoming Lack of Experience in Online Jobs

Since you’re just starting your career, it’s perfectly understandable that you don’t have a lot of experience.

That said, in today’s highly competitive job market, having little to no work experience can be a significant disadvantage.

Challenges Fresh Graduates Face Due to Limited Experience

First off, many entry-level online jobs require at least 1-2 years of experience, making it difficult for fresh graduates to qualify.

In addition, having the right skills is one thing; having proof of it is another. Without real-world experience, some employers might doubt your ability to apply your skills in a professional setting.

Aside from real-world experience, many fresh graduates also have limited interview experience and are also vulnerable to low-balling.

How to Gain Experience:

To help you overcome these challenges, here are some ways to hone your skills and gain relevant work experience:

Take Online Courses

Looking to improve your current skill sets or learn new ones? The best way to do so is by enrolling in online courses on legitimate sites like Coursera and Udemy.

Doing so helps you gain practical knowledge for your industry, and after finishing one, you’ll receive a certificate to further boost your credibility.

Furthermore, some online learning platforms offer mentorship and networking opportunities, helping you connect with industry peers.

Pursue Internships or Entry-Level Web-Based Employment Roles

For those seeking hands-on experience in their field, you can apply for internships and even entry-level positions while searching for a full-time job.

These roles are often stepping stones to full-time careers, as adding even a few months of internship experience to your resume increases your employability.

Furthermore, depending on your performance, your current employer can promote you to a full-time position.

Build a Portfolio Through Freelance Projects

An increasingly popular career starter for many fresh graduates today is becoming a freelancer.

Unlike internships, going freelance provides better schedule flexibility and allows you to earn money while developing in-demand skills.

In addition, freelancing also helps you build a solid portfolio of previous projects as proof of your qualifications.

Finally, freelancing teaches you self-reliance, as you’ll be responsible for setting up your pricing structure and finding clients.

Red Flags in Online Job Listings

As the demand for online jobs continues to grow, so too does the number of scams preying on first-time remote workers.

Here’s how you can protect yourself from them:

Identifying and Avoiding Scams in Online Business Opportunities

On your next job search, keep an eye out for the following red flags:

• • Job Offers That Are Too Good to be True:
    • If an employer promises a big salary for seemingly minimal work, chances are, it’s probably a scam.
  • Unverified Job Postings in Social Media:
    • Avoid vague job postings that lack a company name, website, or official email.
    • In addition, never click unknown links from job messages, as they could be phishing scams.
  • “Jobs” That Require You to Pay First:
    • Scammers sometimes ask for upfront fees for “training,” “software,” or “membership” before employing you.
    • In contrast, legit online jobs provide a clear salary on their job descriptions.
  • Shoddy Sentence Composition:
    • Poor grammar, misspellings, and a generic greeting instead of your name in an email are common signs of online scams.
    • Additionally, scammers use fake video calls or text-based interviews to steal personal information; whereas legit employers schedule interviews via email and through official channels.
    • If scammers do email you, they’ll often use a personal or generic email instead of an official email address with the company’s domain.

• MLM Schemes:

• • Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes promise earnings for recruiting others to sign up, not through selling products.
  •  On the other hand, legit online jobs pay you for the work you’ve done, not for bringing new people in.

Tips to Verify Job Legitimacy

Here’s how you can ensure the job you’re applying for is legit:

• Research the Company Thoroughly:
  • Look up the company’s official website, social media pages, and online presence. Don’t proceed in the absence of such.
• Verify the Employer’s Email Address:
  • Legit companies use official email domains (i.e., hr@companyname.com). 
  • In contrast, job offer scams often come from free email services like: joboffers@gmail.com and hr_recruitment@yahoo.com.
• Check for Professional Job Descriptions:
  • A real job post includes:
    • The position’s responsibilities, and
    • Qualifications required.
  • Scams are often vague and filled with generic phrases like: “No skills needed! Work anytime, anywhere!” and “Just sign up and start earning today!”.

How to Safely Explore Opportunities in Cyber Jobs and E-Commerce Roles

When searching for jobs online, follow these tips for a safe experience:

• Check for Employer Reviews:
  • Look up your prospective employer’s reputation on sites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, or Trustpilot to ensure they’re legitimate.
• Avoid Unsolicited Job Offers:
  • Be cautious if a recruiter contacts you out of the blue on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, as there’s a high chance it could be a scam.
• Be Aware of Your Industry’s Standard Salary Range:
  • Look up the salary range for the role you’re applying for on sites like Payscale and Glassdoor Salary Insights.
• Look for Job Listings in Legitimate Outsourcing Platforms:
  • The best place to look for online jobs is through reputable job sites like LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Remote Staff.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by fresh graduates regarding job hunting:

How Can I Stand Out in a Crowded Online Job Market?

To stand out in today’s job market, start by creating a tailored resume with relevant keywords for each role you’re applying for.

In addition, optimize your online profile on sites like LinkedIn to connect with industry peers and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

Furthermore, you can also build your portfolio by applying for internships and freelance work.

Finally, invest in continuous learning via online courses and certifications to hone your current skill set and gain new ones.

What’s the Best Way to Network for Online Job Opportunities?

You don’t have to look far to build your network; reach out to your fellow alumni and old professors as they often have industry contacts and can refer you to job openings.

In addition, join industry-specific groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit and actively participate in discussions to build credibility.

Besides these, don’t be afraid to attend virtual job fairs, webinars, and networking events to help you build new connections with experts in your field.

What Industries Are Most Suitable for Fresh Graduates Seeking Online Jobs?

Many fresh graduates typically find employment in the following industries:

• Digital Marketing,
• Customer Support and Virtual Assistance,
• Information Technology (IT) and Web Development,
• Data Entry and Administrative Support,
• Graphic Design and Multimedia,
• E-commerce and Online Retail, and
• Online Education and Tutoring.

 

Starting a new chapter in your life is never easy, particularly if your future income depends on it.

Fortunately, by learning more about the common job hunting obstacles you’ll encounter, you can better prepare for them and maximize your chances of getting hired.

Speaking of maximizing your chances, one of the best ways to do so is by working with a trusted outsourcing company like Remote Staff.

Our jobs list contains plenty of positions, ranging from online writing jobs to even online engineering jobs.

Ready to start your online career? Sign up here. Good luck!