How to Give Yourself an Advantage in the Work-At-Home Job Market

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?

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.
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.
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.

This article may be reprinted with permission on your website or in your opt-in newsletter, provided that it is reprinted unchanged and in its entirety, and the resource box remains intact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angela operates the Home Based Work website, which offers practical tips and articles for people seeking a way to work from home. Visit www.homebasedwork.com for more information, opportunities, and useful resources.