Like so many other aspiring computer programmers that are developing, improving, and honing their coding skills, I got the bug to earn money from home while I learn. I love being at my keyboard.

I have a strong desire to work with people that eat, sleep, and breathe code with the same voracious appetite for learning, working, and making a positive difference in this world as me.

Now that I've learned the foundational programming languages(or should I say, now that I've been introduced to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), I want to be around computer programming all the time.

My plan is to be hired into a company as a tech support person or customer service agent. This will allow me to continue improving my computer programming skills while working from home.

Working from my home office is comfortable and safe and it saves commute time, which gives me more time to work on my own digital content creation and b/vlogging endeavors.

Applying For Jobs

Hence, the reason for this article. I started applying for remote jobs utilizing job boards such as Indeed and CyberCoders.

I was amazed at just how many remote jobs exist. I was also baffled by how many fraudulent job schemes there are to capture your information(be safe! and do your research, I was fooled more than once!!!).

The other astonishing fact I've observed, is employers are looking at blogs. Now, I would assume an employer would look around social media to investigate your character and such...

But they are actually asking for links and using your blog, not your portfolio, as a hiring tool.

Use Your Blog Wisely

I have been an avid blogger for many years. My love of blogging began when my daughter started high school and asked for a Facebook account. This was back in the 90s when this online phenomenon was just getting started.

I wanted to make sure my daughter was safe online, so I agreed to allow her social media accounts if I could see what she was posting. That's when I got on Facebook and Twitter.

And it was also when I discovered blogging. I have always loved writing and doing it online was pure joy for me.

I've used my platforms to complement my current interests, life journey, and serious career endeavors. That's why documenting my tech journey and writing about serious topics in technology and business came so naturally.

So speaking from this perspective, I encourage you, if you haven't already, to write about topics that enhance what you're doing professionally.

The internet is an excellent opportunity to shine and let prospective employers get to know you.

The Internet is Also Your Tool to Investigate Potential Employers

Just as employers investigate you, you should use the same strategy to investigate potential places of employment.

I didn't think I'd ever have to deal with deceptive job postings, but this reflects how the job marketing is changing.

As wonderful as the internet is, and as terrific as advanced technology has become. The enhanced luxury of working from many different locations, demands that we take extra precautions.

Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Look for social media accounts: does the prospective employer have accessible social media accounts with current and historical posts

• Read their blogs: Does the company have values that are consistent with your beliefs reflected in their writings and digital media

• Do they have reliable ways to contact them: phone numbers, emails, and follow-up forms are good indicators of a reputable company

• Do they make their job hiring procedure clear: this lets you know what to expect and helps weed out potential schemes

I wish I didn't have to include such seedy matters in my writing, but this is the reality of the world and the internet. Stay safe and happy job hunting.

With these words, I bid you

Good morning...