How to Find Jobs Working From Home

Working from home is an attractive option for many.

For many it may seem like a pipe dream: the opportunity to do what you love from the comfort of your home while being paid for it. For others, it may seem that too many "opportunities" of this sort turn out to be scams. However, working from home can work for you as long as you know what to look for.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Telephone

Instructions

Finding Work-at-Home Jobs

1. Utilize what you already know or have expertise in. If you have experience in sales and communications, then start looking for home-based jobs that focus on communication and telecommuting (using the telephone, computers and Internet to conduct and facilitate business). If you are more of a hands-on person, consider making and selling crafts or homemade gifts. There are home-based jobs in medical transcription, freelance editing and writing, digital design and other areas, so look for work that calls for the skills you already possess. Not only will this save you valuable time, it will also give you confidence during your job search.

2. Search the Web and contact local companies. The Internet is great place to start looking for jobs that can operate out of your home, but don't limit yourself to the Web. Many local companies may offer telecommuting opportunities that you'll never know about if you don't ask around. If you live in a large city, chances are there are large companies nearby that occasionally offer work to telecommuters. Contact human resources departments with your polished resume ready and let them know you're interested in working for them from home. You can also visit websites like Virtual Vocations or Telecommuting Jobs for legitimate work-from-home job listings.

3. Avoid the traps of work-from-home scams. According to the article "Work-at-Home Schemes" by the Federal Trade Commission, you should always stay away from jobs that promote envelope stuffing, processing insurance or medical claims or crafting parts or pieces of equipment or machinery. Be alert for any opportunity that requires you pay them for a chance to do a job. When working from the Web, be on the lookout for poorly designed work-from-home job sites with bad grammar and spelling. Legitimate job posting websites and companies will have professionally designed sites that clearly state their contact information and encourage you to get in touch if problems occur.

References

• Telecommuting Jobs: "Telecommuting Jobs"
• Virtual Vocations: "About Us"
• Federal Trade Commission: "Work-at-Home Schemes"