These days, finding work from home companies that are legitimate and established is a rather easy task. Many of these companies hire home based employees to do such things as data entry, freelance web and graphic design, medical transcription, work from home customer service and much more. The real challenge- if you don’t already have an idea- is finding a position for which you are well suited. Those with previous experience and skill in a position will have a much easier time finding a work from home job; however, a good number of companies will offer training to those who have no previous experience at all.
The vast majority of work from home companies are looking to fill positions in customer service and may entail any of the following:
· taking orders- for catalogs, flower companies, home shopping channels, etc.
· sales
· multiple types of data entry
· technical support/assistance
· handling business/administrative tasks for CEO’s
· bookkeeping
· medical transcription
· survey research
· general research
· online concierge services
Because so many businesses have chosen to hire employees that telecommute, any of the above may be for pharmaceutical companies, the retail industry, the hospitality industry or even well-known financial institutions. Obviously, skill and experience requirements will vary for each company and position, as will the rate of pay.
As you will be working online in some capacity, other things that work from home companies may require is high speed internet, a dedicated phone line, headsets, a printer and the ability to type a minimum of thirty five words per minute. In some positions, you may be required to know how to read and work with Excel and other types of computer programs. On the other hand, there are some companies in which the work is quite basic whereupon all that is required is a computer that runs Windows 98. Other requirements may include background checks, drug tests or typing tests.
To make your search easier, there are a number of websites that list legitimate work from home companies and the positions offered. As there are many looking to telecommute, these websites do not guarantee that the position will still be open by the time you read about it or that you will be hired. They simply list companies that hire work from home employees, any positions they may be offering at the time and let you take it from there. Many times, the job listing will state the position that is open and provide a link that takes you to the company’s website.
Once you have your full or part time position as a telecommuter, don’t forget a few basic guidelines to ensure your success such as sticking to a schedule; having a quiet, out of the way place to do your work; and taking time to get up and take yourself a break. Working from home, though less formal, can still be like working in an actual office from time to time. By doing these things, you can ensure your success with work from home companies for years to come.
