Finding a Telecommuting Job

If you want a telecommuting job, one of the worst things you can do is ask for one. To a prospective employer that will probably translate into being more interested in working at home than working.

If that happens, you'll get no further. Instead, focus on the job you want first. Then, pursue the telecommuting aspect.

Make your resume and your presentation at the interview emphasize your suitability for telecommuting.

Self-motivation isn't just an asset; it's a necessity if you want to work at home.

Other attributes you need to get and keep a telecommuting job:

Time management skills
Ability to meet deadlines
Working with minimal direction from others

So, where are all of the telecommuting jobs? They're everywhere; they're usually just not advertised.

For the same reason it's not a good idea for a job-seeker to ask for a telecommuting job, it's an equally good idea for an employer not to advertise for one.

For every qualified applicant, there would likely be many more, not qualified, but attracted to the work at home aspect only.

Many companies have jobs with an unadvertised telecommuting option. Other companies are open to telecommuting, depending on the worker and the
specific job.

Many large corporations have formal telecommuting programs. In the absence of one, a smaller business can be more flexible where corporate red tape isn't an issue.

Among smaller ones, home-based businesses provide a wealth of opportunities. Many home-based entrepreneurs don't have the space for employees. Zoning laws also prohibit most from having employees on the premises.

Companies of all sizes that are growing faster than they can physically expand may be especially receptive to a telecommuting arrangement.

You are providing them with two valuable commodities in one:

office space they don't have
office space they don't have to pay for

In this case, suggesting telecommuting for their benefit could be a good move. Just make sure that you present it strictly as a problem-solving option for them.

One of the best routes to getting a telecommuting job - or any other for that matter - is to think in terms of employer benefits.

Reduced overhead and increased productivity are just two of the reasons why telecommuting jobs can be as beneficial to the employer as to the employee.

Flexible scheduling is another. You may be expected to adhere to regular working hours as a general rule. However, working at home allows for some flexibility that can be to your prospective employer's advantage.

Growing companies with customer bases that are expanding from local to regional to national, even international, face a problem that a telecommuter can solve: serving customers in many different time zones.

To be competitive, a company has to accommodate its customers and their schedules, not vice versa. (That's particularly true with business-to-business companies.) Telecommuters can be a very cost-effective solution.

Turn Your Job Into a Telecommuting Job

Nancy Richardson
CreateYourMarket.com publisher

Need a writer?

Quick Tips:

Enclose a business card promoting your website with each piece of outgoing mail.

Ask customers who frequently do business with you for a testimonial.

Promote your website URL offline on everything from bumper stickers to your answering machine message.

Want to reach the highest percentage of your target market?

Advertise in specialty publications including newspaper supplements devoted to a specific topic.

Marketing is crucial, but it doesn't always have to be serious.

Some of the most effective advertising campaigns rely on humor. Don't be afraid to make your customers laugh!

Site Map | Email | Need a writer?

create your market .com