Tips for Your Telecommuting Job Search
by Barb Niehaus
I consider myself a seasoned telecommuter having
worked from home for sixteen years now. Additionally, as a publisher
of a daily telecommuting ezine, I spend hours a day searching for
"legit" work-at-home jobs to post for my readers 7/365.
Contrary to myth, most offsite jobs are never advertised. When an
occasional ad is posted, the response can range in the hundreds to
over a thousand for each open position.
With over 40 million folks working at least part
time from home now, it seems as if the search should be fairly easy,
right? Just ask the millions whose wah job hunt have averaged over
a year how easy it is. Are there any shortcuts? NO. Any *gimme* wah
jobs out there? NO. But can you find a telecommuting position? My
answer is yes, without a doubt, if you are tenacious, enterprising
and patient.
A few tips:
Begin with your present job. Unless it's a position
that requires meeting with the public or clients every day, it may
be feasible to approach your supervisor with a well-developed telecommuting
plan. Be able to overcome any objections or concerns that may arise.
Design an outline detailing how work will be transferred, who's responsible
for purchasing office equipment or necessary supplies, how often you
will touch base via the phone or in person with the office, etc Have
facts ready to present that show the yearly savings when an employee
works offsite.
Showcase and advertise your abilities. Web design
is a business that can be started with very little overhead. Contact
other small, local businesses that may be looking to expand their
business via the Internet. Many women have developed very successful
home businesses in web design.
When applying for a job that you feel may be a telecommuting
candidate at some point, never mention working from home at your initial
interview or even the first few months on the job. Get your foot in
the door,prove yourself to your superiors and then approach the company
about working offsite.
Subscribe to as many wah ezines as you find on the
Internet- the ones with NO fees to subscribe. If there are fees involved,
beware! I work p/t from home as a result of an ad that I was posting
for my readers. I faxed an updated, professional resume and was hired
within 48 hours. Please only respond to positions that your qualifications
meet.
Last but certainly not least: network, network and
network some more. Get the word out to as many contacts as possible
that you are available and seeking telework. Often times, wah jobs
are filled via word of mouth.
Hang in there- the wait is worth the outcome.
Barb Niehaus publishes two telecommuting ezines. To subscribe (at
no cost):
momsworkingathome-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
telecommuting101-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Visit Barb's site at: http://www.moms-home-work.com
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