Many people want to work from home, for a multitude of reasons. Regardless of why you want to obtain a telecommuting position,you need to be aware that the competition is fierce. It is not hard to understand that there are way more people looking for a work at home position than a typical 9-to-5 job. Before going out to find the work-at-home position that you want, you need to be ready and prepared for the competition you will run into.

Before reading any further, this article is not for the faint of heart. You will be asked to take a very long and hard look at yourself. You may feel somewhat insulted or even angry with me for making you aware of some of these issues....but do not fear, once you see the truth and honesty in what I have to say you will be happy that someone took the time to be honest with you.

Have the Necessary Tools

Don't even bother looking for a telecommuting position if you do not have an adequate computer system with the most popular/used software programs loaded (and the ability to use them), along with a dependable, full-time connection to the Internet.

Employers look for people that are willing to work at a moment's notice, are willing to buy the needed software and have a complete working knowledge of the software they already have. In a few rare cases an employer will provide you with the needed software and some training, but that is normally only done when it is software that was created specifically for the company's use.

• The normal minimal equipment is:

• Windows 95 or higher

• MS Office (including Access) Version 97 or higher

• Zip/unzip utility (like WinZip)

• Internet Browser (latest version of Netscape or IE)

• Low end graphics program

• Phone line dedicated to Internet access or Cable access

Have the Necessary Knowledge & Experience

Ok, you have a super computer system, access to the Internet, and know how to use the MS Office programs. You even know how to send e-mail, download and surf the Internet. So you must be ready to get started working, right? No Way!! In order to be competitive you need to:

• Master many of the popular software programs.

• Know your e-mail software inside and out. It is very important to master the usage of your e-mail program to ensure that you are certain to be able to send and receive messages in an acceptable format.

• Know how to download and open files.

• Know where to find answers to any technical problems you may have with your computer or software.

• Know where to find what you need online.

• Know how to use Search Engines and Directories.

• Learn everything you can when browsing online for jobs.

• Download and use Freeware and Trial Versions of software.Use the software until you are comfortable with it and then add it to your resume.

The more skills you have the more likely you will be to beat out all the competition you will run into. Use your time wisely by volunteering to work for a local charity or organization. Not only will you learn more but you will be making valuable contacts. Many good telecommuting jobs are the direct result of contact made through volunteer work.

Once you begin your online search be very aware that when using the following type of keywords in the Search Engines you will only find business opportunities and companies charging you to access their list of work at home jobs, the only place these keywords will produce you valid results is on job boards.

• Telecommuting

• Work-at-home

• Telework

• Work-from-home

Keep in mind that Employers that offer telecommuting positions do not advertise it. In their opinion it is just an added perk or benefit that they will bestow on a very qualified applicant or present worker. Often times the best telecommuting jobs come from a typical 9-to-5 job where you show your employer that you are capable of working from home.

Keep Your Options Open

Many people get frustrated and give up because they cannot find the one job they are looking for. Some jobs are harder to find than others (the ones requiring fewer skills are especially hard to find, this is why you want to MASTER as many skills as you possibly can), but they are out there. Do not limit yourself to one job. Look for different types of jobs. Keep your options open and try new things. There are plenty of great telecommuting jobs out there if you are willing to take on the challenge of learning something new.

Never overlook entry level positions. I know, you are saying that they just don't pay enough. We all would like to find a prestigious $20 an hour job but that just doesn't happen. Everyone one of us has had to start at the bottom and work our way up the ladder. Look at it this way, you are earning nothing right now. In an entry level job you may not make a lot of money initially but you will be proving yourself and abilities to your employer as well as gaining much needed experience. Also, keep in mind that it is rare to stay in a low paying, entry level position for long. Most employers use the entry level position to determine how capable you are before trusting you with a high paying job with more responsibilities.

With this knowledge you should now be well armed and prepared to get your own telecommuting career started.


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Betty Ann Wilkins, Publisher/Webmaster
New Business Start-ups - Working from Home
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