18 Feb 2008 04:53:24 | Angela Wu
If you've spent any time searching online for a home based job,
you already know that the 'net is filled with scams. When you do
find a site that lists legitimate work-at-home jobs, you'll see
that these jobs listings typically have several things in common:
= They're often hiring workers who already have the skills
necessary to do the job.
= They're looking for experienced workers with proven track
records.
= Most of them state that although the position is a
telecommuting position, the worker must live in the same area as
the company itself.
= Many require the worker to periodically work in the office,
with telecommuting being an option.
'So what?', you ask... Thinking this over, you'll see that this
makes sense. If the company is offering a telecommuting
position, then naturally they would want someone who already
have the skills -- training is much more difficult to do when
you're at home!
Secondly... the company wants experienced workers with proven
track records. Again, this makes sense. With a telecommuting
position it's not quite as easy to 'check up' on a worker than
if he or she was physically on location. Plus the employer may
not even want to check up on the worker; he's likely looking for
someone reliable and able to work independently with minimal
supervision.
And finally, many employers still prefer that the worker lives
in the same area as the company. This way if there's a reason
why the employer needs the worker to come into the office, it's
no problem. Telecommuting is a benefit, not a right.
So what can you do to better your chances of getting a
telecommuting position?
1. BE FLEXIBLE.
Many telecommuting positions are offered to current employees
who have proven themselves to the employer. Are you willing to
start off in the office, and negotiate telecommuting days later?
Would you be willing to check in with the office regularly? Can
you handle the possibility of fewer or no health care benefits
in exchange for working at home?
Know what you're willing to do, or 'give up', in order to work
from home. Remember that not all employers will permit their
telecommuters to work their own hours; some of them will want
you to work the same hours as regular employees -- you just get
to do it from the comfort of your home.
2. GET EDUCATED.
Employers know that there are plenty of willing home workers;
they can afford to be choosy. If you have a degree, diploma, or
other certification, it may very well work in your favor. For
example, many telecommuting positions require candidates to have
excellent computer skills and familiarity with several types of
software.
3. BE PROFESSIONAL.
Applying for a job over the Internet is just like applying for a
job in the 'real world'. Follow application instructions. Take
the time to create a professional cover letter and resume, and
send your application to the right address. Attention to detail
counts; there's no reason why employers would want to hire
someone who can't be bothered to put in an effort.
Telecommuting is a wonderful option, but visions of easy days
spent chatting on the phone with friends or watching TV are just
myths. Just like in the 'real world', you are responsible for
getting a job done, and accountable to your employer.
Working at home is a goal. If it's something you really want,
then come up with a plan to achieve your goal and then work hard
to meet it.
About Author :
______
