Craigslist is a great resource to finding jobs that you can do online.  But you have to beware of scams because more people than ever are looking to sucker you into fake and unrealistic make money opportunities.  Besides the scams, there are numerous real opportunities that can be found on Craigslist.

What to do

First go to craigslist.org and do a search in your local area.  Many times things you can do online come from people right in your hometown.

Check out the gigs section and you’ll find many people looking for article writers, web design, remote administrative work, etc.  The jobs section may have some good opportunities too, but be prepared to get your resume ready and to fill out an application.  Most of the people looking to hire for temporary/one time work just want to know that you are reliable, have good communication skills, and of course can do what they’re looking for well.

If you aren’t able to find anything local you might want to start looking in other major cities.  Many times you will be able to find an online job out of your area that offers the same advantages as local offers.  That’s the beauty of the internet.  As long as you do the work on time and with great quality, those hiring don’t care where you live.  Just keep in mind the differences in time zones and local customs if you find someone hiring from another country.

Avoid Scams

The most important things to look for during your craigslist job search are “data entry” work, “take surveys for money”, and “secret shopping” offers.  These are typically scams, although there are a few companies who are legitimate.  When the link looks funny and the posting seems like it’s made for a mass audience instead of it being aimed at a specific type of employee, stay away.  If you do click on one of these job offers, be sure to google the name of the company and read the important areas of the fine print at the bottom of their website to be sure that the company is real.