With so many of the work at home opportunities seen on the Internet either suspect, or simply advertisements for how to start a business by ordering a 'system'; it is easy to lose sight of the fact there are legitimate work at home opportunities available. An important factor for a job seeker to consider when looking into work at home opportunities, is that with a legitimate position they will be taking on an actual job. There will more than likely be set hours, with set tasks to perform, and the worker will not be able to perform other tasks such as housework and child care. In addition, specific equipment may be required to perform the company's job functions.
Here are five companies who offer legitimate work from home opportunities. All of them require the job seeker to possess or obtain a computer that meets specific requirements, as well as Internet access through DSL or cable, land line phone service, and a corded phone that is not VOIP, satellite or cellular. These are primarily telecommuting positions.
In addition, some positions may have additional requirements, such as a USB headset for training purposes, as well as specific software or an attached printer or scanner. Another factor to consider when deciding whether to apply with one of these companies is that the pay scale is generally lower than what the same worker might earn in an actual call center. The employee ;eliminates the expense and hassle of a daily commute; however, they are generally using their own equipment to perform job functions instead of the company's as they would in an office. The employee is also paying for their own telephone service and Internet access; while in a call center those expenses would be paid for by the employer.
LiveOps operates a virtual call center environment with over 20,000 sales and customer service agents, and is the only one of the five companies featured here to not pay an hourly wage. Compensation for their agents is based on agreement between the client and the worker, and may be based on a per call or per minute amount. LiveOps agents are considered to be Independent Contractors, and as such they may work whenever they want, and as much or as little as they want. Agents can work as little as a half hour at a time, and must be residents of the United States. The company will run a background check on all potential agents, and a fee of fifty dollars is charged for the background check. Click here for LiveOps technical requirements and frequently asked questions.
Alpine Access/Sitel is a company based in Colorado with over 5,000 employees that provide virtual contact center services. Employees are trained to provide support to customers via phone contact, chat, email, text or social media. The company does require a background check, which the potential employee must pay for. Hourly compensation depends on the client the employee will actually be working with, and the job function they will be performing. Click these links for information on how to apply, company benefits, training, home office requirements, and common myths about working from home.
Convergys Corporation is different from many other work at home companies in that they do not require the employee to provide a land line telephone to utilize for the job, though the employee must have a telephone to use during training. The company uses voice over technology for it's customer calls. Job seekers may apply from forty eight states (Residents of Alaska and Hawaii are currently excluded from applying.). Click on one of these links for information on company benefits, job descriptions, frequently asked questions, computer requirements, and job requirements. Hourly compensation for most jobs with Convergys is currently set at $9. Click on this link to apply for positions with Convergys.
New Corp provides work at home opportunities for Customer Care Representatives. The company offers both full-time and part-time schedules, and has been consistently rated as a great place to work. Click one of these links for more information such as frequently asked questions, virtual job fairs, or to access a job description flyer. Pay rates can vary by position or location, but are generally set at $9.50 per hour.
Afni @Home currently hires at home agents in eleven states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas) who provide customer service via phone contact. In addition to computer and Internet requirements, Afni @Home agents must provide a paper shredder. Job seekers may click on this link to apply for open positions, and take this questionaire to help determine if this type of work is suitable for them.
How to earn money while working from home, Part One
How to earn money while working from home, Part Two-Surveys and Email
Contact your local Better Business Bureau to research a company you may be considering doing business with. You may also report a possible scam with the BBB through this link.
If you do believe you have been scammed, you may also report the company to the Federal Trade Commission by clicking on this link.
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