If you want to work at home, you have to get to know Craigslist.org. This site was originally designed to be an online version of those local bulletin boards you used to see in grocery stores. It was a place to post about a boat for sale, a dog walker wanted or a notice about a garage sale. Since then it has grown to an incredible networking goldmine while never losing its “local bulletin board” style.

When you visit Craigslist.org you should begin with the city that is closest to where you live. Most large US cities are covered as well as a few in Canada, Europe, Asia and around the world. I say “begin” with your city because you’ll want to expand your search — you are looking for online work after all so it doesn’t really matter where you live.

Work on Craigslist are divided into Jobs and Gigs. Gigs are generally short term project while jobs are continuous or long term. For freelancers, gigs is best but check both because they’re often misfiled.

Computer, Writing, Creative, all have jobs that can be done from home. They range from the normal blogging and web design type gigs to more unusual gigs such as researching uses for animal dung. It’s truly a mixed bag on Craigslist.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF CRAIGSLIST

— Review listings everyday (twice a day if you’re really hungry for work) and answer ads as soon as you see them. People get hundreds to thousands of replies so get it in quick.

— Respond to all the questions asked in the ad. I’ve been on the receiving end and it’s very frustrating to ask for entertainment experience only to have a reply such as “I’m a good writer. Hire me.” Make your case and let your personality show through.

— If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Sadly there are many scams on Craigslist. Never pay money to anyone for job leads. Never give our your home address and phone number on the first contact and seriously folks, if they ask for a photo of you for a secretarial job — run, fast.

— Try, try again. Don’t give up if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Keep at it. And answer ads that you’re even marginally suited for if you want the job. They may want a college grad to write their blog for $5 a day but they may not get one.

If you take the time to go through Craigslist, you’ll find it really is a treasure trove of possibilities. In the past eight years, every great gig and even full time job I’ve ever had came from Craigslist, so I’m not only a fan, but I’m proof that it really works.

Give it a shot then come back here and tell me about your Craigslist experience.

Tags: craigslist

Add this post to: del.icio.us Digg it Earthlink Furl iFeedReaders ma.gnolia Maple.nu Netvouz Netscape RawSugar reddit Scuttle Shadows Simpy Spurl StumbleUpon Wink Yahoo MyWeb