Back in the early days of the work-from-home boom in the Philippines, Onlinejobs.ph was one of the places I looked for clients aside from Upwork. As a platform created to connect foreigners with Remote Filipino Workers, Filipinos have an advantage in using Onlinejobs.ph because the employers who post there prefer hiring Filipinos.
Whether you’re new or experienced in doing online work, I can tell you that learning how to find and get clients is the most important skill for people like us. This is especially true if you want to turn online work into a secure, stable livelihood.
However, getting hired on Onlinejobs.ph, or OLJ as it is popularly called, has its own nuances that might not be obvious to the applicant.
So, in this guide, I’m going to share with you what I do when I apply on Onlinejobs.ph. So, you can increase your chances of getting hired and maximize the use of your limited daily messages.
To have the highest chance of getting hired when you apply on Onlinejobs.ph, you have to:
Step 1: Know what value you can deliver to your clients
Step 2: Make a shortlist of jobs that fit you
Step 3: Do research on your target client’s company
Step 4: Update your Onlinejobs.ph profile based on your research
Step 5: Prepare your resume and portfolio for sending
Step 6: Send a message to your target clients
Step 7: Prepare for the interview or exam
Before diving deeper, you need to learn about how Onlinejobs.ph works for employers.
Get Hired on Onlinejobs.ph | Photo by Antoni Shkraba from Pexels
Table of Contents
Video Guide: How NOT to Apply on Onlinejobs.ph
What You Need to Know about Applying to Employers on Onlinejobs.ph
To understand the best way to apply on Onlinejobs.ph, you have to learn how their system works on the side of the employer.
First, you need to know that there are two categories of employers: 1) Free Users or employers that aren’t paying a subscription and 2) Paid Users or employers that are paying for a monthly subscription, either Pro or Premium.
- All types of users can post jobs, but only Paid Users can reply to applications. OLJ did this to significantly decrease the number of scammers on the website.
- Paid Users are highly likely to post legit jobs on Onlinejobs.ph compared to free users, since they paid for a subscription, and they have been verified by OLJ.
- Once their subscription ends, paid users can stop their subscription and can no longer reply to applications.
How does this system affect you when you apply on Onlinejobs.ph? It means you should prioritize applying to online job posts from paid users.
I know how disheartening it is when you apply to a job and you get no reply. So, don’t waste your limited amount of messages to free users who can’t even reply to you. With that in mind, it’s time to learn the best ways to get hired on Onlinejobs.ph.
How to Apply on Onlinejobs.ph: 7-Step Job Application Sample
Step 1: Know what VALUE you can deliver to your clients
Before you even get to the ‘Job Application’ page on OLJ, you need to do a bit of self-evaluation to increase your chances of getting hired.
Below is an example of what NOT to do:
I see this very common mistake among Filipino job applicants, especially students and fresh graduates. Beginner job seekers have a very ‘self-focused’ approach when applying on Onlinejobs.ph where they just list down their skills. Some even try to appeal to sympathy to get themselves hired.
Now, this might sound harsh, but clients won’t care about that. Clients care most about the VALUE you can deliver to their business.
For example, when clients say they are looking for an SEO writer, they don’t really just want someone who can write and follow instructions. They “need” someone who can help them reach a goal, such as ranking first on Google.
This “need” is what you need to match when you apply on Onlinejobs.ph.
Whatever your profession is, you have to know exactly what value you can deliver to your clients that they would be willing to pay for. As long as you communicate that up front in your profile or messages, then you can stand out from the competition.
There will always be a ‘value’ that is needed by clients. It’s up to you to find out what that is for your industry. And do whatever you have to do, whether it be to upskill or to build your portfolio, in order to communicate confidently that you can deliver that value to your potential clients.
Step 2: Make a shortlist of jobs that fit you
Armed with the ‘value’ that you can deliver, you can now browse through OLJ’s job board with a clear purpose: “To find clients that need that value from you”.
Remember to prioritize paid users. You can usually distinguish them because they have complete details and a business logo. You can also visit OLJ’s employer search page and input the employer or company name. The page will tell you if the employer is a paid user or not.
It’s okay to apply to some free users on Onlinejobs.ph but only if you can directly contact them through email. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother. I also stay away from employers who ask to make contact through Whatsapp or Telegram due to the increasing number of scammers on OLJ.
Also, I make it a point to create a spreadsheet where I copy the links to each of the job posts I’ve shortlisted so I can go back to them easily later.
You can check the article “Find Part-Time Jobs on Onlinejobs.ph: Easy 6 Step Guide” for search keyword ideas. However, more often than not, the search terms will probably be industry-specific so it’s up to you to find out what those search terms are.
Step 3: Do research on your target client’s company
Aside from job posts, you can better understand your client’s needs by researching them outside of Onlinejobs.ph. You can check their website and social media pages if there are any. This is also a healthy habit to have if you want to avoid online job scams.
You can use any information you find about the client later to write a personalized message when you apply on Onlinejobs.ph.
For example, let’s say you want to apply as a social media manager. One of the places you should definitely research is the employer’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other pages.
Let’s take the Remote Filipino Worker’s Facebook page as a sample. You’ll see that the number of likes isn’t very high. The engagement isn’t that good in their posts as well.
As a social media manager applicant, you can mention your observations and other stuff you’ve researched in your message on Onlinejobs.ph. You can then tell the potential employer that they can hire you to help them meet their objective.
So, by doing your research, you now have a very targeted message that will increase your chances of getting hired.
Step 4: Update your Onlinejobs.ph profile based on your research
Once you have a better idea of the needs of your target clients, you can now customize your OLJ profile so that you can match their requirements. This is a very crucial step to get hired on Onlinejobs.ph.
For a detailed guide on updating your Onlinejobs.ph profile, please see “How to Make a Winning Profile on Onlinejobs.ph in 9 Steps.”
Step 5: Prepare your resume and portfolio for sending
Aside from your Onlinejobs.ph profile, you also need to customize your resume based on what you’ve learned about your client. Your resume is a very important part of your job application and should be carefully made according to the industry’s best practices. By doing so, you can not only meet the requirements, but also stand out from the competition.
“I’ve been applying for months and I’m not getting any clients.” Sadly, this is a common story I see all the time in Filipino online work communities.
Unfortunately, making a compelling resume is also another skill you have to learn to land an online job. You have to research the industry’s best practices and apply them to the resume you’re making.
This is why we made the RFW Job Excelerator to help beginners like you.
It’s an Excel-based AI-powered tool where you simply answer a questionnaire and it can guide you through the whole job application process, from resume making to interview preparation.
And yes, it’s free. You can find details on how to use this free tool at “Free ChatGPT Resume Template: How to Land a Job Using AI“.
Depending on the job, a very customized portfolio can get your foot in the door faster. This is especially true for online jobs where ‘showing, not telling’ produces better results.
For example, as a freelance writer, this is what I do. If I want to work with a client who is a blog site owner, I check what kinds of articles are on their website. Next, I hand-pick some articles from my portfolio that will match the style or topic of their articles.
Basically, I make a curated portfolio showcase just for them.
And you can do the same for most results-based jobs, from graphic design to coding. I can assure you that the extra effort will be worth it especially if it helps you stand out from the competition and get to the next step of the job application process.
Step 6: Send a message to your target clients
To send a message to your target client, you need to go to their job post and click the ‘Apply for this Job’ button.
After clicking on the button, you’ll be taken to a page similar to below where you can type in a message for your target client. Here is an Onlinejobs.ph message sample that I use:
Note that there’s no single message template that can get you clients with a 100% success rate. But if you follow this Onlinejobs.ph job application sample, you can make an impactful message to increase your chances of success.
This example of an appealing Onlinejobs.ph message can be broken down into 3 important parts. Namely:
- First, you need to highlight what ‘value’ they get from you in the subject of the message. Remember, it’s not about you. It’s about what value they can get from you.
- Second, add a personalized introduction using the name of the job poster plus information from their website or socials. It’s more important to send a well-matched application than a rushed insincere one.
- Finally, add a link to a custom portfolio or resume that showcases the ‘value’ you can deliver to the client. If you are unfamiliar with using a cloud storage service to send files, please see the article “How to Attach Files on Onlinejobs.ph: 4 Easy Steps” for a detailed guide.
The next thing you have to consider is how many Apply Points you will be using. You can indicate the amount in the textbox as illustrated below.
Apply Points are used on Onlinejobs.ph to indicate how serious you are in your job application. You earn 10 points daily and can hold up to a maximum of 60. The higher the points you send with your application, the more likely it will be visible to your potential employer.
For my recommended strategies for using Apply Points, please see” What Are Apply Points on Onlinejobs.ph? Complete Guide.”
Other Reminders:
- Read the job post carefully before sending a message. Sometimes, they may require you to follow a specific format just so they know that you’ve properly read their post.
- They may also require special files, such as a screenshots or a video resume, as part of the message you send them.
- The client may also require you to fill up a form through an external link. Make sure to complete this first and send a confirmation to them as part of your message.
- Don’t forget to add the links to your resume or portfolio. This is especially important if you are applying to free users who cannot reply to you until they subscribe to OLJ.
- Lastly, proofread your message to avoid any embarrassing mistakes. Triple check the name since it’s the one that’s most important to get correct. You can then check for grammar or spelling errors through a free browser plugin like Grammarly.
Step 7: Prepare for the interview or exam
After getting a reply, what you need to do next is to prepare for the interview or exam. Every client has their own hiring process, so make sure to follow their instructions carefully so you don’t disqualify yourself.
Pro Tip: Test your webcam and mic before your interview to increase your chances of getting hired. Also, try to reduce the noise in your video call by using noise-cancelling equipment, such as the Logitech H340 noise-canceling headset.
A pleasant conversation with you can mean the difference between you getting hired over your competition. So, use every advantage you can get. This is especially important for voice-heavy jobs such as virtual assistants and cold callers.
If you also find that your webcam is lacking, there are many cheap, but decent options on online marketplaces. However, if your budget is tight, you can use your phone as a webcam instead.
Regardless if there’s an interview or not, you have to make sure that when you get hired, all of the job’s arrangements are clear to both parties, you and your client.
Here are some questions that I usually ask potential clients:
- What is the salary? How will it be computed?
- How will the compensation be sent to me?
- What are the tasks involved in the job?
- What tools or training are provided to complete the tasks properly? Can I ask the employer for additional tools if they are necessary for the job?
- What are the expectations regarding the results of the tasks?
- How will the results be evaluated? Is there a feedback system in place?
- What is the working schedule?
- Will there be an onboarding process?
- What will be the regular channel of communication?
- What is the client’s management style?
While it’s important to match your client’s needs, you also have to remember that they need to match yours as well. Ultimately, it will be up to you if you will accept the job or not, so make sure not to shy away from asking as many relevant questions as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send a job application on Onlinejobs.ph?
You must view the details of a job posting before you can send a job application on Onlinejobs.ph. At the top of every job post page, you will find the ‘Apply for This Job’ button. Just click on this button and it will take you to the page where you can send a message to the hiring company.
What do I put as a subject on an Onlinejobs.ph message?
The subject is the first thing that your potential employer or client will see when they get a message from you on Onlinejobs.ph. If you’ve done your research beforehand, you should already know what value clients are looking for when they put up a job posting. So, as clearly as you can, tell them what value they can get when they hire you.
Here are some sample subjects you can use on Onlinejobs.ph for different professions:
1) SEO Writer – I can get your blog to the first page of Google
2) Social Media Graphic Designer – Helping you reconnect with your community
3) Virtual Assistant – Leave the admin tasks to me so you can focus on what’s important
4) Video Editor – Quality editing that gets you more views and followers
5) Cold Caller – Fluent & persuasive cold caller who can get you more sales
Of course, these are only examples of subjects that you can use for an Onlinejobs.ph message. You still have to customize them based on the research you’ve done on the client, as well as, the results you can deliver through your work.
I'm a student without any work experience. What do I do to improve my chances of getting hired?
Improving your chances of getting hired as a student with no work experience can be challenging, but it’s certainly possible. There are certain techniques or ‘diskarte’ that you can use since you don’t have any experience yet.
This includes using the ‘show, not tell’ technique to appeal to employers without the need to show your resume. For more details on this technique and other practical tips, you can check out “Onlinejobs.ph for Students: Get Hired with No Experience“.
What should I do if I get ghosted or my application gets rejected?
Even the best-crafted applications can get ghosted or rejected. It’s a normal occurrence when you apply on Onlinejobs.ph or through other job platforms.
Sometimes it’s due to other factors, but most of the time you just don’t match with the client. When you get ghosted, you get no feedback at all so it’s important to just shake it off and move on.
When you get rejected, you might have a chance to get actual feedback. Try to get that valuable information as much as you can so that you can adjust your future applications as necessary. “Take no as a REDIRECTION, not a rejection.”
After getting my first client, how do I get more clients?
Getting hired on Onlinejobs.ph is just the first step to a stable online career. That’s why you have to work with the mindset that your current clients will lead to more clients.
For example, if your project with them is done, you can ask them to recommend people that they might know who would require your services. Network as much as possible and always part with your clients on good terms.
You should also look for clients outside of Onlinejobs.ph. There are many alternatives to OLJ and you don’t want to be limited to just one platform. Getting clients is an especially important skill you need to learn if you plan to make freelancing as a career.
Next, always allot time to learn new skills that people would be willing to pay for. The skills you need to learn are different depending on your industry, so just do your research and ask around.
Lastly, don’t forget to invest in work-from-home equipment that prevents health issues. I learned early on that – it’s pointless to earn that online job money when it’s all going to hospital fees!
If budget allows, I highly recommend getting an ergonomic chair. The one I use, the Sihoo M57, is great for preventing back pain but it’s pretty expensive. It’s something I invested in after a few months of working but definitely worth the investment since it has significantly lowered my shoulder and back pain.
Since you’re just starting, I recommended getting a laptop stand at the very least. It’s cheap but can already do wonders for preventing wrist and neck pain.
What are the best payment methods on Onlinejobs.ph?
Since Onlinejobs.ph does not have a built-in payment system within their platform, you can choose anything you want that is available on the web.
I use Wise and PayPal myself for my different clients. Ultimately, it’s up to the arrangement you and your client will have. If you need more information on the best Onlinejobs.ph payment platforms, please see the article “How to Withdraw Your Money from Onlinejobs.ph to Your Bank“.
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