Are You Cut Out For a Telecommuting Position?

The idea of being able to work from your own home office holds a lot of appeal. It enables you to spend more time with your family and less time with the hassles of getting to and from work. It also helps cut down on some of your living costs by saving on gas money and work clothes.

But, not everyone is really cut out to be a telecommuter. Some people see working from home as an easy way to make money. That's a myth and those who believe that will probably find themselves without the job they had worked hard to get. So, here are some questions to ask yourself to see if you qualify to be a successful telecommuter.

Do you have a home office set-up?

Since most jobs will require you to work on a computer or at least send and receive emails; you should have a computer with a high-speed internet connection in your home office. If you're thinking about applying for a position where you might need to use a phone, then you should also look into a business line.

Someone looking to hire you to work for them will expect you to have at least some of the equipment needed on hand. This would include computer software. Not too many companies will be providing it to you. Research the type of job you're looking to get into and see what kinds of things you will probably need to have in your office. Those who have what they need upfront have a higher chance of landing the job.

Are you able to work in a quiet area?

This is one of the biggest requirements most employers have. It can easily make or break your chance at the jobs you want to apply for. For positions like customer service, where you'll be helping them over the phone, a quiet environment is a must.

You would be representing the company you're working for. If a customer loses trust in you because of the screaming children in the background, then they lose trust in the company. If you're not prepared to be a good representative for the business you're working for, then telecommuting is not right for you or look into a position where the phone won't be needed.

Do you have a flexible enough schedule to work?

Each company will have their own schedules of what hours they need you to work. Some may leave that up to you, but a lot have specific time frames or a specific amount of hours they need you to perform the job.

It could be a straight 8-4 job, or they may want you to work a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours later on in the day. While you don't have to be available the whole day to work, at least have a good enough time frame set aside to where you could be available when they need you.

These are some of the things that are necessary to be a successful telecommuter. As long as you have the right attitude and the drive to perform your job the best way you can, your chances of making a success in the telecommuting industry increases.

Nell Taliercio has been working at home full time since 2004. She's worked as a telecommuter, virtual assistant and affiliate marketer. In 5 years she's discovered many secrets to finding legitimate work at home jobs and securing them. You can find work at home job information and tips at: http://www.justonlinejobs.com

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How to Have a Good Phone Interview For a Telecommuting Position

Summary: Phone Interviews are necessary in the world of work-at-home individuals. There are tips in handling the very stressful phone interview. With these tips any potential new hire can relax, knowing they are prepared.

Don't Be Scared to Answer the Phone

Telecommuting is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as, "...to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office." There are many telecommuting jobs online. These jobs are actual employment and not Independent Contractor positions. They offer benefits and paid time off. However to actually be hired by a business offering a telecommuting position, you may have to endure the dreaded phone interview. This interview will be more successful for you if equipped with knowledge.

Tips for a Successful Interview

* Rehearse what you might say before your interview. Get a family member to practice with you. Practice sample questions like, "Why do you want to work from home?" or "What attracts you to our company?"

* Have your resume in hand before the interview begins. Be prepared by also having a pen and paper to jot notes on during the interview.

* Make sure you allow yourself plenty of un-interrupted time for the interview. An hour should be enough time. You want to be in a quiet room where there is no noise.

* When the interviewer calls, stand up and talk with him. Your voice sounds stronger when you stand. Also, throughout the phone conversation, try and remember to smile. A smile can be heard on your voice.

* Be professional, courteous, and mannerly. Avoid speaking negatively about your former employer.

* Present yourself to be a good communicator.

* Speak in a clear voice, void of colloquialisms, such as, "Yeah... Uh-huh...you betcha..."

* Avoid yes/no answers and instead give answers in full complete sentences.

* Avoid mental pauses, such as, "Uh... um..."or the dreaded silence or dead air time.

* Do repeat or re-phrase questions or word choices. This lets the interviewer know you have listened to them while it also gives you a moment to think about your answer.

* Ask questions. Write down all questions you may have before the interview when you are not nervous. Check off each question as it is answered during the course of the interview. Ask any un-answered questions following the interview.

* Don't ask any questions about payment until the final stages of the interview process.

* Follow-up the interview with a thank you card. Make sure you thank them for taking time out of their schedule to speak with you over the phone. You may want to write something in the card which will jog their memory of your conversation.

Conclusion

Telecommuting is the act of working at home. Telecommuting phone interviews are much like face-to-face interviews in the fact that it gives the future employer a chance to get an impression of their potential employee. However, with a phone interview you do not have the chance to dress to impress or use facial expressions. You have to work harder in a phone interview to convey proper communication. Equip yourself with knowledge of interview skills to help you have a successful phone interview.

Learn about Working From Home and Start Your Own Work At Home Business at WAHCheck. Don't Work From Home until you do a WAHCheck!

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