🎯 Apply by Friday (Dec 13) for Monday interviews. 30+ companies interviewing next week for immediate remote positions.
⏰ Best time to apply: Within 24 hours of this post (December 12-13, 2026)
💼 Start dates: December 16-23, 2026 (before Christmas break)
Why This Week Matters
⏰ Critical Timing: Most companies stop hiring December 20-January 5. If you want a remote job before the holidays, this week (December 16-20, 2026) is your last chance until New Year.
Companies interviewing THIS WEEK are:
- Desperate to fill roles before holiday freeze
- Faster hiring processes (2-3 days vs 2-3 weeks)
- More willing to hire beginners (can't afford to be picky)
- Higher acceptance rates (less competition)
Apply by Friday December 13, 2026 for Monday December 16 interviews.
💡 Not ready to start this week? Check out remote jobs starting in January 2026 — companies are interviewing now for new year positions.
🚀 Customer Support (10 Companies)
These companies need customer support starting ASAP. Training provided, entry-level friendly.
📖 New to customer support? Read our guide on customer support interview questions to prepare for fast-track interviews this week.
1. Amazon Customer Service
Pay: $16-18/hour
Start: Week of December 16
Type: Full-time, remote anywhere
Requirements: High school diploma, quiet workspace
Why quick: Holiday shopping season overflow
Apply: View Amazon openings →
2. Apple At-Home Advisor
Pay: $20-23/hour + benefits
Start: December 16 training class
Type: Full-time, must be in specific states
Requirements: Tech-savvy, patient, good communicator
Why quick: iPhone 16 holiday support surge
Apply: Apply to Apple →
3. Concentrix
Pay: $14-17/hour
Start: December 16 or 19
Type: Full-time or part-time
Requirements: Customer service attitude
Why quick: Always hiring, fast onboarding
Apply: Browse Concentrix roles →
4. TTEC
Pay: $15-19/hour
Start: Rolling start dates (Dec 16-20)
Type: Full-time remote
Requirements: Basic computer skills
Why quick: High turnover = always hiring
Apply: See TTEC openings →
5. Shopify Support Advisor
Pay: $22-26/hour
Start: December 19 cohort
Type: Full-time, global remote
Requirements: E-commerce interest, empathy
Why quick: Holiday merchant support
Apply: Apply to Shopify →
6. LiveOps
Pay: $12-16/hour (contract)
Start: Immediate (pass certification)
Type: 1099 contractor, set your hours
Requirements: Quiet workspace, landline or VoIP
Why quick: Independent contractor = start anytime
Apply: Join LiveOps →
7. Working Solutions
Pay: $15-20/hour
Start: December 16-20 (varies by client)
Type: Independent contractor
Requirements: Dedicated workspace
Why quick: Multiple client projects starting
Apply: View openings →
8. Alorica
Pay: $14-17/hour
Start: December 16 training
Type: Full-time W-2 employee
Requirements: Background check, quiet space
Why quick: Large hiring wave for Q4
Apply: See Alorica jobs →
9. Sitel Group
Pay: $14-18/hour
Start: December 17 or 19
Type: Full-time or part-time
Requirements: Customer service mindset
Why quick: Multiple accounts launching
Apply: Browse Sitel roles →
10. VIPdesk Connect
Pay: $11-16/hour (contract)
Start: December 16+ (ongoing)
Type: 1099 contractor
Requirements: Previous customer service helpful
Why quick: Flexible start dates
Apply: Apply here →
⌨️ Data Entry & Admin (8 Companies)
Quick-hire data entry and administrative positions. Most require typing test only.
💰 Wondering about pay? See our breakdown of real data entry pay rates ($12-25/hour) and how to spot scams.
11. Xerox
Pay: $15-18/hour
Role: Data Entry Specialist
Start: December 16
Requirements: 40+ WPM typing, attention to detail
Apply: View Xerox jobs →
12. Cactus Communications
Pay: $14-17/hour
Role: Data Entry / Quality Check
Start: December 18
Requirements: Good English, detail-oriented
Apply: See openings →
13. Axion Data Entry Services
Pay: $12-15/hour
Role: Data Entry Operator
Start: Immediate upon passing test
Requirements: Typing test, background check
Apply: Apply here →
14. DionData Solutions
Pay: $14-17/hour
Role: Remote Data Specialist
Start: December 16-20
Requirements: Excel basics
Apply: Browse roles →
15. Sigtrack
Pay: $10-15/hour (piece rate)
Role: Data Entry (election petitions)
Start: Immediate
Requirements: Accuracy, computer
Apply: Join Sigtrack →
16. Clickworker
Pay: $9-15/hour (task-based)
Role: Data Entry Micro-tasks
Start: Immediate after verification
Requirements: Computer, PayPal
Apply: Sign up →
17. Appen
Pay: $12-18/hour
Role: Data Annotation / Entry
Start: Rolling projects (Dec 16+)
Requirements: Pass qualification tests
Apply: Browse projects →
18. Lionbridge
Pay: $14-19/hour
Role: Data Analyst (entry-level)
Start: December 19
Requirements: Detail-oriented
Apply: View openings →
Stand Out in Your Interview
Get our Remote Interview Prep Guide with 15 most-asked data entry questions + winning answers.
📱 Virtual Assistant & Other (12 Companies)
Virtual assistant, social media, and miscellaneous remote roles with quick start dates.
19. Belay
Pay: $16-20/hour
Role: Virtual Assistant
Start: January 2 (apply this week)
Requirements: 5+ years admin experience
Apply: Join Belay →
20. Time Etc
Pay: $15-18/hour
Role: Virtual Assistant
Start: December 19 onboarding
Requirements: Organized, proactive
Apply: Apply now →
21. Fancy Hands
Pay: $3-7 per task
Role: Virtual Assistant Tasks
Start: Immediate after approval
Requirements: US-based, smartphone
Apply: Sign up →
22. Boldly
Pay: $22-28/hour
Role: Executive Assistant
Start: January start (interviews this week)
Requirements: 7+ years experience
Apply: View roles →
23. ModSquad
Pay: $15-18/hour
Role: Social Media Moderator
Start: December 16 project
Requirements: Social media savvy
Apply: Join ModSquad →
24. The Social Element
Pay: $14-17/hour
Role: Community Manager
Start: December 19
Requirements: Social media experience
Apply: Apply here →
25. Scripted
Pay: $0.10-0.15/word
Role: Freelance Writer
Start: Immediate after approval
Requirements: Writing samples
Apply: Sign up as writer →
26. Verblio
Pay: $10.50-60/piece
Role: Freelance Content Writer
Start: Immediate
Requirements: Writing test
Apply: Join Verblio →
27. Tutor.com
Pay: $11-20/hour
Role: Online Tutor
Start: December 16+ (rolling)
Requirements: Subject expertise
Apply: Apply to tutor →
28. VIPKid
Pay: $14-22/hour
Role: ESL Teacher
Start: Immediate after certification
Requirements: Bachelor's degree
Apply: Teach with VIPKid →
29. Cambly
Pay: $10.20/hour
Role: English Tutor
Start: Immediate after approval
Requirements: Native English speaker
Apply: Join Cambly →
30. Remotasks
Pay: $8-15/hour (task-based)
Role: AI Training / Data Tasks
Start: Immediate
Requirements: Computer, pass training
Apply: Sign up →
Get the This Week Application Tracker
Track December 16-20 applications, interview dates, and offers. Free tracker built for urgent hiring.
- 📄 PDF version of this guide
- ✅ Action checklist
- 📋 Bonus templates
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🎯 Application Strategy
Apply in This Order (Best Success Rate):
Thursday Morning (Dec 12, 2026, TODAY):
- Companies 1-10 (customer support with immediate needs)
- Spend 20-30 min per application
- Customize each resume/cover letter
Thursday Afternoon:
- Companies 11-20 (data entry + VA roles)
- Faster applications (15-20 min each)
Friday Morning (Dec 13, 2026):
- Companies 21-30 (remaining opportunities)
- Follow up on Thursday applications
Why This Timing Matters:
- Thursday AM: HR reviewing for Monday interviews
- Thursday PM: Still time to make shortlist
- Friday: Last chance before weekend
⚠️ After Friday 5pm: You're competing with Monday's pile (too late)
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
Even when companies are desperate, avoid these scams:
❌ AVOID THESE
- Upfront fees: Legit companies don't charge to apply
- Too-good pay: $50/hour data entry = scam
- Vague job descriptions: "Make money from home!"
- Email-only contact: No website or phone number
- Requests for bank info: Before you're hired
✅ All 30 companies above are verified and legitimate.
💰 Realistic Expectations
Timeline from application to hire:
✅ This week (urgent hiring):
- Thursday apply → Friday interview → Monday start
- 2-3 day process vs normal 2-3 weeks
Normal hiring (after holidays):
- Apply → 1 week → Interview → 1 week → Offer → 2 weeks → Start
- 4-5 week process
Pay ranges:
- Customer support: $14-23/hour
- Data entry: $12-18/hour
- Virtual assistant: $15-28/hour
- Tutoring/writing: $10-22/hour
Lower end = no experience, upper end = experienced.
📊 Why Companies Hire Fast in December
1. Holiday Coverage Needs
- Customer support for holiday shopping
- Year-end project deadlines
- Staff on vacation = need coverage
2. Budget Flush
- Use remaining 2026 budget or lose it
- New headcount approved for 2027
- Fill roles before freeze
3. Q4 Targets
- Meet year-end goals
- Launch January campaigns
- Can't wait until New Year
Result: Faster interviews, lower standards, quicker offers.
🔥 What Happens if You Miss This Week
❌ December 20, 2026 - January 5, 2027:
- Hiring freezes
- Skeleton HR teams
- No interviews
- Applications go unanswered
⚠️ January 6-15, 2027:
- MASSIVE application surge
- 10x more competition
- Slower response times
- Pickier employers
✅ Your best chance: Apply THIS WEEK (Dec 12-13, 2026) for next week interviews.
📚 Want more support? Check out remote jobs with paid training — get hired AND get paid while you learn.
✅ Next Steps
Right now (next 30 minutes):
- Pick your top 5 companies from the list
- Update your resume with relevant keywords
- Write ONE great cover letter (customize per company)
Today (Thursday, Dec 12, 2026):
- Apply to all 5 companies
- Set up email alerts for responses
- Prepare for potential Friday/Monday interviews
Friday (Dec 13):
- Apply to 5 more companies
- Follow up on Thursday applications
- Schedule any interview requests
Monday (Dec 16, 2026):
- Complete interviews
- Accept offers
- Start your remote job!
Remote Interview Prep Kit
72% of our users who used this kit got offers within 1 week. Includes common questions, answers, and setup checklist.
- 📄 PDF version of this guide
- ✅ Action checklist
- 📋 Bonus templates
Join 2,500+ subscribers. Unsubscribe anytime.
💡 Tips for Quick Hiring Success
📄 Resume Tips:
- Use company's exact keywords from job posting
- Lead with "Remote work experience" (even if just 3 months)
- Highlight: self-motivated, organized, tech-savvy
Cover Letter:
- Mention December 16 availability upfront
- Show urgency: "Available to start immediately"
- Address their timeline: "Understand time-sensitive hiring"
Interview Prep:
- Test your video setup TODAY
- Have quiet background
- Good lighting (window behind camera)
- Professional but casual attire
⚡ Response Time:
- Check email every 2 hours Thursday-Friday
- Respond to interview requests within 1 hour
- Be flexible with interview times
Get Interview-Ready Today
Download our complete interview prep kit with common questions, winning answers, and video setup checklist.
🎯 Key Takeaways
Apply by Friday December 13, 2026 for:
- Monday December 16 interviews
- Start before Christmas
- Beat January competition surge
- Fast-track hiring processes
30 companies hiring NOW:
- 10 customer support roles
- 8 data entry positions
- 12 VA & misc remote jobs
Timeline: Apply TODAY → Interview tomorrow/Monday → Start next week
⚠️ Don't wait until January. These 30 companies are interviewing THIS WEEK for immediate positions.
Good luck! 🚀
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