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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

______

Angela is the editor of the At Home Workers Express, an
email newsletter packed with practical, hype-free tips
for people who want to start a work-at-home career.
Subscribe free by visiting http://homebasedwork.com/ .