Starting your career, whether it is in an office or online, is never easy. There are so many items and papers that you need to have that it can be overwhelming. If only you had a checklist of which online work prerequisites you should prioritize first, this would be simpler, right?
Well, you’re in luck! Here is an article on all the prerequisites you need to have before starting your online work here in the Philippines. These include which items you need and which required documents and IDs to submit so you will have a smoother time starting your remote career.
A Personal Computer/Laptop.
Before you even consider doing online work, you need to have a computer or laptop you can use to do your job. This may sound like a no-brainer, but Remote Staff had incidents where remote contractors lied about having their own personal computer/laptop.
Aside from having your own personal computer/laptop, you should also ensure your computer’s specs are up to the task. The computer specs you need for non-CPU intensive work such as content writing and data entry jobs are very different from a multimedia specialist job.
But how do you check if the computer or laptop’s specs you’re buying are fit for your needs? For reference, here’s a sample of the minimum requirements for remote work for a non-CPU intensive job and a CPU-intensive job:
Non-CPU intensive specs:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 and above, AMD Ryzen 5 and above, and Apple M1.
- Internal Storage: 256 Gb and above SSD.
- RAM: 8 Gb and above.
- An optional graphics card.
- Monitor: 13 inches.
CPU-Intensive specs:
- Processor: Intel Core 17 and above, AMD Ryzen 7 and above, and Apple M1 Pro and M1 Max.
- Internal Storage: 512 Gb and above SSD.
- RAM: 16 Gb and above.
- A graphics card for your tasks.
- Monitor: 13 inches.
Stable Internet Connection.
To work online, you need to have a reliable and fast internet connection. Good internet allows you to better do your job and communicate with co-workers and clients. To know how fast your internet is, you can go to speedtest.net to check.
That said, how difficult this online work prerequisite to acquire depends on where you are in the country. If you’re close to major urban centers, it’s easier to avail of reliable, high-speed internet. If you’re not, then getting a fast internet connection may be a challenge.
Fortunately, the government is taking steps to rectify this problem. But for those who want to be extra secure, getting yourself a pocket Wi-Fi isn’t a bad idea. Aside from serving as a backup source of internet, pocket Wi-Fi also enables you to work while traveling.
Have Your Resume Ready.
One of the most crucial online work prerequisites you should have before applying for a job is your resume. A great resume immediately tells your potential employer why you’re the right person for the job clearly and concisely.
To beef up your resume, ensure it is constantly updated with the latest skills and experience you’ve gained. Include examples of your achievements, such as a portfolio or list of your accreditations. Don’t forget to include any letters of recommendation you may have.
To further improve your resume, remove any hobbies or skills you may have put in there unrelated to the job you’re applying for. And unless your potential employer requests, you should avoid including your professional photo in your resume.
Get All the Other Work Documents You Need.
Besides your resume, there are several other documents that you will be required to submit. These include your SSS, PAGIBIG, and PhilHealth papers. Without these, you won’t be able to start your work. As your employer’s HR department needs these documents to give you benefits.
But thanks to the shift online of many government procedures, most of these processes can be done online. To help you accomplish these forms, Remote Staff has a guide that will very much help you.
When filing for these documents, you will need a valid ID to complete them. If you’re unsure where to get them, here is a list of the easily-obtainable valid IDs you should get.
Your Preferred Payment Method.
Since your client is most likely based abroad, one question that’s probably in your mind is: “how do I get paid?” Well, there are several ways you can get paid, most of which could be done remotely.
The most popular method of payment by far is through Paypal. This payment method is available in two-hundred countries and could be pegged in twenty-six different currencies. The only issue with this method is it could get rather pricey.
Another popular payment method is through Western Union and MoneyGram. The advantages of using these are you don’t need to have a bank account to get your money, and you can receive your money within minutes.
But probably the best option for money transfers is Transferwise. It offers competitive rates both for processing fees and currency conversion rates. Conversion rates are at the market value, so you’ll receive a higher Peso value for your salary. In addition, Transferwise is also transparent with the amount you receive.
Other Miscellaneous Items You May Need.
Besides the ones mentioned, there may be career-specific online work prerequisites you need to get before starting your work. An example of this is drawing pads for graphic designers and illustrators.
And an often overlooked item every remote worker needs is a headset with noise cancellation. Having this makes your and your co-workers’ experience in online meetings that much better.
Readying Yourself for Online Work Made Easier.
Having all the necessary online work prerequisites before applying for work is a great way to gain an edge over your competitors. It allows you to put your best foot forward and show how committed you are to get the job.
And by following the contents of this checklist, you won’t struggle to find which item or document you should prioritize first. If you think you’re ready, head to Remote Staff to see the company’s list of available positions you can apply for with your skills and experience.
