How to Work From Home by Becoming a Virtual Customer Service Representative
Working from home as a customer service representative has never been more common or more lucrative, according to "Fortune." "Many companies, such as J. Crew, Express Jet, 1-800-Flowers, and even the IRS outsource customer service operations to third-party companies who then hire home-based workers or 'agents' to take calls and orders," according to "Woman's Day." These jobs typically pay $8 to $22 per hour and include incentives and bonuses. Some even provide benefits, including insurance and matching 401(k) plans.
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Things You'll Need
- Dedicated land telephone line
- High-speed Internet connection
- Quiet workspace
Instructions
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Choose the call centers you might most like to work for. Some of the better-known companies include LiveOps, Convergys, WorkingSolutions and Alpine Access.
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Determine if you have the office equipment required for the technical aspect of the job. You will likely need a dedicated land-line telephone and a high-speed Internet connection. Most companies have a no background noise policy. So a quiet work area is a must.
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Take personal inventory of your skills and determine if you meet the qualifications they seek in an applicant. Customer service jobs require great listening and communication skills, as well as problem-solving skills. If you do not have the necessary skills, seek training from your local community college.
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Tips & Warnings
Most customer service jobs require a high school diploma, but more companies are requiring a bachelor's degree for these positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Beware of work at home scams. Legitimate work from home companies do not require you to pay a fee to apply or join. They will explain how to apply, exactly what is required and what to expect up front. If a site you are interested does not conduct their business in this fashion beware and do a thorough investigation before giving them your hard earned money or personal information.
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