First, you need to learn how to search the internet or a job site. These simple strategies will help you immensely. 90% of people on the internet do not know proper searching technique and this will give you the upper hand. Print these out and keep them next to you to refer to until you have mastered these techniques. You may mix and match techniques to suit you.  

1. Use WILDCARDS in your search. What is a wildcard you may ask? An asterisk * is a wildcard. How is it used?

Example 1: telecommute   Result: Only jobs that list telecommute verbatim

Example 2 telecommut*    Result: Jobs that list telecommute, telecommuting, telecommuter.

The asterisk is a wildcard when used with a word or partial word. The wildcard tells the search engine to match all characters after it and increases coverage by 50% or more. Not all search engines use wildcards.

2. Use NOUNS for key search words and put your keywords in order of importance.

Example: network*, computer, technology, telecommut*

Most search engines dispose of verbs and modifiers. The more keywords used in order of relevance can eliminate unusable documents by 99%.

3. Combine keywords into PHRASES when appropriate.

Example: “computer technology”

When selecting phrases you must enclose them in quotation marks. Phrases will restrict your return results to EXACT matches.

4. Use BOOLEAN query techniques. How do you issue a query in Boolean? By placing each keyword in a parenthesis; then use the operatives such as AND/OR to clarify your need.

Example: ("employ*") AND (telecommut* OR virtual) AND ("legal*")

5. Use the OR operator with synonyms. Link concepts with the AND operator.

Examples:         “legal assistant” AND “home office”

                                    “legal assistant” OR “legal secretary”

OR should only be used in likely descriptions when probably one or the other but not both would be used to describe the position.

AND helps glue the query/search together and makes certain ALL aspects of your search are covered.  

Keywords to Use for Work at Home Job Searches

When searching for telecommuting positions, try to avoid the common “scam” phrases “work at home” or “work from home.” Try some of the following search words. Do not forget to try your wildcard * with a truncated keyword to get more results.

• telecommut* for telecommuting, telecommute, and telecommute

• telework*

• virtual*

• (DSL) OR ("Cable Modem") OR ("High Speed")

• remote

• outsourc* for outsource, outsourcing

• freelanc*  for freelance

• 1099 employee

• independent contractor

• off-site

• self-employed

'Family Blueprint' articles may be reproduced in whole under the following provisions: 

1) A proper credit must be given to Julianne Bell at the end of each story, along with a link to http://www.familyblueprint.org 

2) Family Blueprint content may not be arranged or "mirrored" as a competitive online service, except where given written permission by familyblueprint.org.

3) Family Blueprint is based on an honor system between God, you, and us. Please pray and consider giving if you are using our resources to keep them available to ministries and families who are in the midst of struggles. If you are in a financial hardship, all resources on this site are free for your use and blessing. 

Site Map