10 Tips to Secure an Online Job Without Experience
Updated on January 24, 2025
The world of online jobs is an exciting and growing space, offering endless possibilities for those who are looking to work from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the world. The flexibility, diversity of opportunities, and potential for career growth make remote jobs a highly sought-after option for many individuals, particularly those in Kenya and other parts of Africa. However, for many beginners, especially those with little to no prior experience, navigating the process of securing an online job can seem like an overwhelming challenge. It can feel as if the competition is fierce and the pathway to success is filled with obstacles.
If you’re new to the world of online work, don’t be discouraged. With the right approach, a bit of persistence, and a willingness to learn, landing your first online job can be a very achievable goal. Even if you feel that you’re starting from scratch, you have more opportunities than you might think. By following a series of practical steps, you can make your way into the world of online jobs in Kenya and beyond, and soon start earning an income while building your skills.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you land your first online job, even if you’re starting without any experience.
1. Struggling to Get Started? Recognize What You Can Offer
If you feel uncertain about how to get started or what kind of online job to pursue, the first step is to take a moment and recognize the skills you already have. You might be surprised to find that even basic skills, such as organizing tasks, creating social media content, or writing, can be valuable in the online job market. While you might not yet have professional experience, many of these skills are in demand and can be further developed.
Begin by listing any skills you possess, no matter how small or simple they may seem. Even something like proficiency in using a smartphone or managing your personal schedule effectively can be applied to remote work. If you believe you lack certain skills that are highly valued in online job markets (such as digital marketing, web development, or graphic design), there’s no need to worry. There are many free and affordable resources available to help you develop these skills.
Free platforms like YouTube, Coursera, Skillshare, or Udemy offer a wealth of tutorials and courses on a variety of topics. Spend a few months learning and building expertise in these areas. Not only will this increase your chances of securing an online job, but it will also equip you with knowledge that can make you more competitive in the job market.
By recognizing and building on what you already know, you’ll be on the right track to entering the world of online work with confidence.
2. No Experience? Create Your Own Opportunities
It’s natural to feel discouraged by the lack of formal experience, especially
when job descriptions demand years of expertise. However, one of th
perience, but it can also boost your confidence.
Offer your services for free or at a discounted rate to family members,
friends, or local businesses. For example, if you are interested in socia
l media management, offer to help a friend or a local business increase
their online presence. If writing interests you, volunteer to write blog
posts or articles for websites that need content. These smaller, unpaid
or low-paid projects can give you real-world experience, which you can
later showcase in your portfolio.
Building a portfolio of work—even if it’s from personal or volunteer
projects—is one of the best ways to make yourself marketable to potential
employers. As you build your portfolio, you will also develop skills, gain
confidence, and create relationships with clients who may later offe
r paid work. The more projects you undertake, the more experience you’ll gain,
making it easier to land paying gigs down the line.
3. Unsure Where to Look? Focus on the Right Platforms
Finding legitimate and relevant job listings can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Instead of randomly applying to job openings everywhere, focus your search on platforms that specialize in remote work opportunities. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure you’re applying to positions that are more aligned with your skills and interests.
Popular job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and Toptal are all great places to find remote jobs. These platforms feature a wide variety of opportunities across different industries, from content writing and data entry to graphic design and software development. Additionally, sites like LinkedIn, We Work Remotely, and Remote OK specialize in posting remote job opportunities from verified companies.
Set up job alerts on these platforms to receive notifications about new opportunities. Each day, spend about 30 minutes to an hour checking and applying for roles that fit your skills and interests. By focusing your efforts on the right platforms, you’ll maximize your chances of finding the perfect online job.
4. Getting Rejected? Optimize Your Applications
Rejection is a natural part of the job-seeking process, and it’s something you’ll likely face early on in your journey. However, if you’re not hearing back from employers, it’s worth evaluating how you’re presenting yourself. Are you sending generic cover letters and resumes that don’t stand out? If so, this could be the reason why your applications aren’t getting the attention they deserve.
To increase your chances of landing a job, personalize each application you send. Take the time to tailor your cover letter to each specific role by highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a good fit. For example, instead of a vague statement like “I have experience in managing social media accounts,” try something more specific, such as: “I successfully increased the social media engagement of a small business by 40% within three months.” Use quantifiable results wherever possible to demonstrate your capabilities.
Additionally, make sure your resume and online profiles (such as LinkedIn) are up-to-date, professional, and reflect the skills and experience you have gained so far. By making your applications more targeted and engaging, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed.
5. Not Familiar with Remote Tools? Learn the Basics
Many online jobs require the use of various remote tools, such as Slack, Google Workspace, Trello, Zoom, and others. These tools are essential for effective communication, project management, and collaboration in a virtual environment. If you’re unfamiliar with these tools, it’s important to take the time to learn how they work before applying for jobs.
There are plenty of free tutorials available online that can teach you how to use these tools. For example, Google offers free tutorials on how to use Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.), while platforms like Trello provide instructional content for beginners. You can also find YouTube tutorials on almost any tool or software, so you can learn at your own pace.
If possible, practice using these tools on mock projects or by collaborating with friends or family members. The more comfortable you are with these tools, the easier it will be to transition into your new online job.
6. How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market? Build Your Personal Brand
With many experienced professionals vying for remote job opportunities, it can be difficult to stand out. One effective way to differentiate yourself from the competition is by building a personal brand. Your personal brand is a way to showcase your unique skills, experiences, and perspective in a way that resonates with potential employers or clients.
Start by creating a strong online presence on professional platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram (depending on your niche). Share insightful content related to your field, engage with industry experts, and participate in discussions. If you’re a writer, consider sharing articles or blog posts on platforms like Medium, where you can build an audience and showcase your writing skills. If you’re a designer, create a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble, where you can showcase your work.
Regularly posting relevant content and engaging with others in your field will increase your visibility and help you connect with potential clients or employers.
7. No Laptop? Use Your Smartphone
While having a laptop or desktop computer is often considered ideal for remote work, it’s not always necessary to get started. Many online jobs can be done entirely on a smartphone. In fact, with today’s advanced mobile technology, you can manage a variety of tasks such as writing, social media management, graphic design, and even video editing using just your phone.
For example, Google Docs, Notion, Canva, and other popular tools work seamlessly on mobile devices. You can also use apps like CapCut to edit videos or Hootsuite to schedule social media posts. While it’s definitely helpful to save up for a laptop in the long run, don’t let the lack of one hold you back from starting your online job journey today.
8. What Jobs are Legitimate? Find Your Niche
The online job market is vast, and with it comes the possibility of encountering scams. To avoid falling into the trap of fraudulent job postings, it’s important to focus on legitimate job opportunities. Do your research on companies and platforms before applying. Stick to well-established platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, where you can find verified and trustworthy job listings.
In addition to that, finding a niche can make you more competitive in the job market. Whether you’re interested in content writing, graphic design, web development, or social media management, focusing on a specific area will help you tailor your skills and profile to meet demand. Finding your niche allows you to stand out and attract clients or employers who are specifically looking for your expertise.
9. How Do I Get Paid? Explore M-Pesa-Friendly Platforms
One of the biggest concerns for people seeking online work in Kenya and other parts of Africa is how they’ll receive their payments. Fortunately, many international platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer payment options that are compatible with M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money service. PayPal and Payoneer are two popular payment processors that can be linked to your M-Pesa account, making it easier for you to receive payments from clients abroad.
To get started, make sure to set up a PayPal or Payoneer account and link it to your M-Pesa account. This will allow you to receive payments quickly and easily without having to deal with complicated international bank transfers.
10. Need Quick Income? Start with Gig Work
If you need quick income, freelancing or gig work can be an excellent way to get started. Platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer offer plenty of opportunities for small tasks, such as writing articles, doing research, or creating simple graphics. These gigs might not pay much at first, but they offer valuable experience and a chance to build your reputation in the online job market.
As you complete gigs and build a portfolio of completed work, you’ll start receiving reviews and feedback from clients. Positive reviews will help you attract higher-paying gigs and eventually open doors to more long-term opportunities.
In conclusion, securing an online job without experience may seem intimidating at first, but it’s definitely possible with the right approach. By identifying and building on your existing skills, taking advantage of free resources to develop new ones, and using strategic tactics to stand out from the competition, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful online career. Stay consistent, be proactive, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself enjoying the flexibility and freedom that come with working online.
