My initial impression of job hunting online for a work-from-home position was that it would be easier.

In one aspect it is when it comes to commuting; there’s no running all over God-knows-where trying to get to a certain place, or worse, trying to find it when you have no clue where you’re at or don’t know the area. At all. And then there’s that hour-long (or more) stretch getting out there and then going home. Yecch!

But in all other regards, online job hunting is still a tricky process. Being positive you meet most, if not all, qualifications doesn’t mean you’ll get the job (and you should, or at least be a serious candidate). What exactly are employers and recruiters really looking for?

Here’s an example of some “qualifications” that are absolutely stunning in their complexity and complication. It’s for the position of Content Marketing Writer:

Responsibilities

• Working with all division consulting practices and industry vertical areas to write, edit, update and maintain the content, including: web content, emails, newsletters, online advertising, case studies, whitepapers, thought leadership works, research reports, bylined articles, press releases, social media posts, product brochures, datasheets, direct mail, video scripts, presentations, ads, internal communications and other materials as needed
• Integrating key messaging and positioning, and ensuring accuracy, quality, and consistency of corporate standards for thought leadership and marketing communications materials across all global regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC)
• Bringing and applying business acumen while working with practice marketing managers, subject matter authorities, and regional marketers as well as conducting interviews to gather information, write and edit content to support divisional content strategy
• Working with the Communications team to write, build content, peer review internal communications, leadership communications, external media pitches, press releases, external op-ed pieces, divisional media responses to evolving/emergent situations/crisis communications
• Representing the divisional marketing team in interdepartmental projects such as sales meetings, company intranet redesign, and corporate rebranding
• Other duties for this role will be assigned
• Bachelor Degree
• 2 years of related experience

Desired

• Marketing copywriting experience
• Experience in editing and proofreading all types of copy for all types of platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or related field
• Five to seven years of relevant experience in business-to-business (B2B) and/or consulting marketing, public relations, and/or communications
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent, customer-centric oral and written communication skills, with an emphasis on grammar, copywriting, and proofreading
• Writing samples demonstrating effective brand-sensitive marketing communications required
• Marketing copywriting experience

Skills & Experience

• Excellent writing skills, both technical and narrative
• Strong business acumen and ability to develop and articulate complex value propositions in the consulting space
• A creative mind with a strong design aesthetic
• Experience developing content for marketing programs that resulted in increased brand visibility and sales leads
• Experience gathering details on market dynamics, client needs, and technology, and demonstrating this knowledge to build compelling content that highlights the value of a product or service offering
• Equally strong communication skills working with subject matter authorities to produce articles and white papers
• Excellent time management & interpersonal skills
• Employee benefits and/or HR consulting industry experience strongly preferred

Personal Attributes

• Impeccable eye for detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic; able to operate independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to work and interact efficiently and optimally across multiple marketing channels in a collaborative environment
• Ability to handle pressure, prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and accurately, to meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to multi-task
• Analytical and creative problem solver with excellent time-management and problem-solving skills

U.S. Eligibility Requirements

• Apply online to be considered
• 18 years of age or older
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation
• Unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States is required. For U.S. employment opportunities, Gallagher hires U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees, refugees, and temporary residents. Temporary residence does not include those with non-immigrant work authorization (F, J, H, or L visas), such as students in practical training status. Exceptions to these requirements will be determined based on the lack of qualified candidates with a particular skill. Gallagher will require proof of work authorization
• Willing to execute Gallagher’s Employee Agreement or Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement which requires, among other things, post-employment obligations relating to non-solicitation, confidentiality, and non-disclosure.

What I find amazing is the sheer number of qualifications and responsibilities needed for this one position (it’s actually intimidating!). And I’ve often wondered: If you have several years of experience, why wouldn’t that be considered the equivalent of an Associate or Bachelor’s degree? And I’ve also wondered: Is this done to keep people out of a job? Or to discourage them from even trying? It could well be a combination of both.

Through it all, I always try to keep and maintain a positive attitude; it’s not easy, but there’s the saying, “Sometimes you have to get a thousand NOs before you get one YES,” “Sometimes you have to kiss a thousand frogs before you find a prince,” or something to that effect.

And for each accomplishment, whether it’s a major move or a “baby step“, give yourself a little reward (or a big one, if you prefer).

It doesn’t have to be food; rewards can vary from making time to catch up with your reading (a personal favorite) to taking 10 more minutes for a nap or checking out a new product from the store.

You’ll start looking forward to not only getting things done but also giving yourself rewards along the way.

“They” say that the best time to get a job is Wednesday morning (would that even apply if you’re online?). Personally, I’ve found that it makes no difference whatsoever as to what day or time, whether online or in person. Unfortunately, getting hired, even currently, can depend on a ton of variables that often have nothing to do with what should be the main and only factor: Your ability to get the job done.

A daily to-do list is still good, either online or written. I personally do a weekly one, because if I don’t get a task done that day, there’s still leeway to complete it within that week (and there’s less pressure!). Even online, it’s still a good idea to keep tabs on frequent updates as they happen (there could be a slow period; several weeks of nothing. Then suddenly, two days or a week of intense activity! You just never know; it’s the “variables” at work, so to speak.)

To Be Continued…