Telecommuting and Jobs Tutorial - Part 5 - Finding a new job
 

Sometimes, when seeking a telecommuting lifestyle, it is beneficial to start fresh. There are a number of employers all around the country that are ideal places to start. Here’s what to look for and how to proceed.

Look for employers that already have a practice of employing telecommuters. CNN has a great article that covers the top employers around the country and if they employ telecommuters. You can find that article here - http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2008/benefits/telecommuting.html

Additionally, search online for telecommuting positions. Be wary of the “work at home scams.” They are abundant and put a dark cloud over the work at home concept. How can you tell if something is a legitimate opportunity or a scam? If the employer asks for any money, it’s a scam. There is no possible reason an employer would need you to pay for anything up front. It just doesn’t make sense.

The number one rule of thumb is if you have to pay any money for the job, it’s a scam. Common scams include envelope stuffing, email processing, and assembly.

You can have some level of assurance that the opportunity is legitimate if the interviewer or employer is actually interested in your education, credentials, and skills.

There are many telecommuting positions available and finding them and applying for them is much like finding and applying for any other on-site position. In fact, Monster.com lists almost 1300 telecommuting positions at any given time and these are with well known and reputable companies. Telecommuting as we’re defining it isn’t freelance or contractor. A telecommuter is a full time employee of a company who works off site, in their home.

If you feel like freelance is more up your alley and you’re ready to consider taking that particular plunge visit our guide to freelance success and take a look at our job listings, http://internetbasedmoms.com/bb/ibmoms-job-listings-f150.html

Back to telecommuting…

Applying for a telecommuting position works in much the same way as applying for an on-site position. Employers will want to see a cover letter and resume. You can expect to be interviewed, though it may be over the phone if the company is in a different state, and it is common for there to be a trial period. What differs between a telecommuting position and an on-site position is that employers of telecommuters will be looking for previous telecommuting experience and/or the skills that are required for a telecommuter.

Namely, good organization skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to use technology available to make telecommuting a success, and superior time management skills are all basic requirements of a telecommuter. Being able to demonstrate your skills in these areas on your resume is a positive step in the right direction.

You’re not limited to telecommuting specific positions. Consider looking for positions that match your skill set or exploring your network of professional associates and look for telecommuting opportunities. For example, if you see a bookkeeping position at ABC Company and you’re qualified for the position, approach the employer with a telecommuting option in mind. Remember, some employers may be skeptical at first so be ready to tell them what’s in it for them.
Be patient, the right telecommuting position is right around the corner. More and more companies are opening up to the idea and as they do, more opportunities will come your way.


Telecommuting Tutorial Part 6 - Setting up your home office and work space.