best home jobs tips

Searching for jobs you can do from home used to be a matter of scanning the Sunday classifieds for offers to get rich quick by stuffing envelopes.

Now, exposure to at-home employment opportunities has exploded, and a wide range of job ads are just a mouse click away. But so are the scams.

Two years ago, when The Rat Race Rebellion began tracking at-home jobs, there were 30 scams for every legitimate opportunity. Now, with 4,500 to 5,000 work-at-home job ads screened weekly, the Web site finds 57 phonies for every one that's for real, says Christine Durst, CEO of The Rat Race Rebellion.
Nevertheless, there's no shortage of people who dream of beating the odds and earning a living from home.

Durst, who is also CEO of Connecticut-based Staffcentrix, which develops home-based and virtual career training programs, says people interested in work-at-home jobs primarily are:

• Parents who say they want to spend more time with their children.
• Trailing military spouses who, according to Durst, by virtue of their spouse's career need to pick up and move every few years.
• Retirees needing supplemental income.
• People with disabilities.
• t's difficult to be a good parent and simultaneously work well at home, says Durst, because most jobs require blocks of uninterrupted time to accomplish tasks, and children's schedules are less than predictable. For those who do choose to walk the tightrope between paid work and parenting, consider deadline-oriented work. Durst says it's generally better for those with younger children than schedule-oriented hourly work.

  Steven Rothberg, president and founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, says "an increasing minority" of entry-level workers, are attracted to these gigs. He says he believes social introverts make good candidates. "They like working with people (but) they like interacting by e-mail and by being on the phone. They dislike working in person with a lot of others," he says, due to meetings and other "time-sucking problems" at an office.

  Self-motivation, discipline, job skills and independence are key characteristics for at-home workers, says Stephanie Foster of Poway, Calif., a former medical transcriptionist who runs the Web site Homewiththekids.com.

  A growing number of employers appear to believe telecommuting is a good deal for them as well. It reduces overhead expenses, allows access to talented workers who may not be available locally, provides off-hours support and helps retain employees, says Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of FlexJobs.com, a Web site that aggregates hand-screened telecommuting/work-at-home jobs. "We've seen a real broadening of the audience of both employers and job seekers."

  Consider these 10 jobs -- some rather traditional and others unexpected -- for interesting at-home work and good (if competitive) prospects.

  1. Virtual Assistant

  This is a field with much potential, in part because the title description covers many things. "You can fit your offerings to what you know how to do," says Foster. One can own a virtual assistant business or work from home for a company that makes you available to other employees or clients. Homewiththekids.com, for example, currently features a dozen such companies. Small businesses hire virtual assistants to help when they can't justify a permanent employee. The International Virtual Assistants Association, which Durst co-founded in the 1990s, began with 28 members and has grown to more than 600, who charge from $15 per hour to more than $100 per hour.

  2. Medical Transcriptionist

  As Foster knows, being a medical receptionist is a demanding job, and nearly every company listed on her site seeks applicants with experience and/or training from certain schools. The work involves listening to and typing up dictation from doctors -- some of whom have difficult accents, slur words together, and even "eat, drink, chew gum (and) talk to other people in the room" while dictating, she says. But hearing about medical matters can be interesting, and good transcriptionists are in very high demand. Expect initial earnings of less than $10 per hour, but some transcriptionists earn $20 or more per hour.

  3. Translator

  Those with fluency in more than one language translate audio files or documents, not just word for word but often with cultural differences in mind. "Companies can access home-based translators with hard-to-find language skills without being held back by geographic location," says Fell.

  Foster's site lists 15 companies that seek home-based translators. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-09, which groups translators and interpreters, notes a projected employment increase of 24 percent over the 2006-to-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

  The national mean hourly wage for translators and interpreters was $20.74, with a mean annual wage of $43,130 as of May 2008, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some industries pay significantly higher, with the highest paying jobs generally in the management, scientific and technical consulting services areas, in which the mean hourly wage was $56.50 and the annual mean wage was $117,530.

  4. Web Developer/Designer

  Information technology is the sector, Durst says, where most of the home-based hiring is being done. Terri Orlowski, a virtual assistant and Web developer based in Ledyard, Conn., offers services such as custom Web site design, template modification and redesigns, code updates, hosting, and usability reviews. She previously held administrative positions in a variety of industries, and makes a higher per-hour rate now. The job is in high demand. Of the more than 15,000 new monthly work-from-home job postings on Odesk.com, Web developers are in the greatest demand, says spokeswoman Elizabeth Gordon. A list of companies that post at-home tech jobs is available at ratracerebellion.com.

  5. Call Center Representative

  When you phone to order something from a catalog or infomercial, a big office with rows of cubicles may come to mind. But the person on the other end of the line is likely to be sitting in a home office. "It's a huge and growing industry," says Durst of companies that hire independent contractors to take calls from home. She says the "home-shore movement" started in response to complaints about the many companies that looked offshore for workers. While some Web sites, such as Alpineaccess.com, actually hire representatives, most use subcontractors. Just be aware that the pay may be by the minute rather than by the hour, so you may not be paid for time you spend waiting by the phone. A list of companies that hire call center reps can be found at Homewiththekids.com.

  6. Tech Support Specialist

  Call centers also hire technical support specialists to work remotely. Kate Lister, co-author of "Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home," names it as one of her top three "best-bet work-at-home jobs." And according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs for computer support specialists (on-site and remote combined) were expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016 -- much faster than the average for all occupations -- with 71,000 new jobs.

  7. Travel Agent

  Scams abound in the travel industry -- particularly organizations that charge for information on how to break into the field. But operating a home-based travel agency can be an excellent business, says Tom Ogg of the Home Based Travel Agent Information Center. "Real home-based travel agents have experienced robust growth over the last decade, and there are probably around 35,000 of them and growing." A growing (although small) number of people earn $100,000 or more a year, he says. "A solid business concept and plan focused on profitability will take you a long way to achieving your monetary goals." There's also the joy of helping others enjoy their leisure time.

  8. Teacher

  From postsecondary education to elementary schools, there are opportunities for students to learn virtually. Along with that, come opportunities to teach (and tutor) virtually. While distance learning is not new, advanced technology, collaborative multimedia software designed for schools and high-speed Internet connections have created more opportunities for teachers and students to work together from afar, says Fell. Durst has also noticed more teacher jobs being posted, and she knows of one professor who works mainly online and makes six figures -- although income "depends on how many hours you're applying to it and the type of classes you're teaching." A resource center for online teaching jobs is available at GetEducated.com.

  9. Writer/Editor

  Yes, the print publishing industry has been suffering, but Durst is seeing frequent listings these days for writing, editing and proofreading, particularly for the Web. Even those without writing experience can join the blogosphere. Not only can blogging be lots of fun, Foster says, but also there's money to be earned blogging for someone else's site, getting paid to post on your own blog or through revenue-sharing arrangements. A list of blogging opportunities, for which the pay range is less than $5 per post to more than $20 per post, can be found at Homewiththekids.com.

  10. Franchise Owner

  It's a no-brainer: Owning a business can be the road to at-home work. For an initial investment, franchises may offer a ready-made business with brand awareness, a system and a territory, says Leslie Truex, founder of the Web site Work-At-Home Success. She advises considering businesses that target the over-50 crowd or the self-employed, involve health and wellness, relate to the "green" movement, or involve electronic or online devices (i.e., accessories, applications).

is your dream job worth it

With job security a thing of the past, you may be fantasizing about opening that doggie daycare business you've always dreamed of or training to become a pastry chef.

But before you give up your steady paycheck -- or sink your unemployment checks into training or startup costs -- you need to know what you're getting into.

"The biggest mistake a person can make is to jump into a new field because it 'sounds cool,'" said Alexandra Levit, author of How'd You Score That Gig? A Guide to the Coolest Jobs (and How to Get Them). "You have to do your homework."

Researching salary, job requirements, and employment outlook through sites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook and Path101 is just the tip of the iceberg, Levit said. Testing the waters to see if you even like wrangling dogs or baking cakes five days a week is also essential.

To try before you buy, "Look for a part-time internship or volunteer position in your new field, or sign up for an adult education class or workshop," Levit suggested. Other homework: Networking online and off to find people with your dream career who will give you the inside scoop over a cup of coffee (your treat!) or let you shadow them for a day.

While we can't help you with the field testing, we can jumpstart your research. Herewith, a sneak peek at some salaries, job outlooks, and insider details of seven of the most coveted careers.

1. Web entrepreneur. The beauty of starting a Web business is that you can do it on a shoestring. Just ask Michelle Madhok of New York, who founded the online shopping empire SheFinds.com in 2004. "I only paid $500 for the first website," Madhok said. "All in all, I probably spent about $20,000 on lawyers, insurance, trademarks, and government documents." And while Madhok isn't earning as much as she did in her last day job, the rewards of being her own boss are "more fulfilling than any corporate paycheck could ever be."
Web project manager, median annual salary: $63,182.

2. Winemaker. Cash-strapped consumers may be eating in more, but that hasn't stopped them from enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. A recent study by wine marketing firm VinterActive reported that U.S. wineries expect consumer sales to increase by 5 to 10 percent in 2009. For aspiring vintners, a love of the vine and taking some classes in the trade are a must. Most pay their dues by harvesting grapes at a winery or working in a wine-country tasting room before being charged with making more technical decisions that affect the flavor and quality of the wine. Winemaker, median annual salary: $57,723.

3. Doggie daycare owner. With pets living in 63 percent of all U.S. households, according to a Lifetime Networks survey, and many pet owners continuing to spend on their four-legged friends despite the recession, there's ample opportunity in pet care. But running a doggie daycare center is more than rubbing bellies, handing out treats, and wrangling the pack. "As much as you are working with animals for a living, you are also working with their owners," says Erika Teschke, owner of Erika's Pet Service, a pet sitting and dog walking company in Seattle. In other words, people skills are a must.
Dog sitter, median annual salary: $44,181.

4. Voiceover artist. As with acting, the competition for the voiceover work you hear in commercials, radio, TV, film, video games, and corporate videos can be daunting. Honing your craft with a vocal coach or in an acting or voiceover training workshop is a must. So is creating a professional demo recording -- which will run you anywhere from several hundred to a several thousand dollars. While many voiceover artists boost their rate by joining the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists or the Screen Actors Guild, union membership is not necessary to work in the field.
Voice-over talent, median annual salary: $45,317.

5. Forensic scientist. Forensic scientists often work in crime scene labs, analyzing DNA, fingerprints, weapons, and other evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. At minimum, a two-year science degree is required, though a four-year degree will get you farther. According to the BLS, job growth in the field is on the rise. But don't be fooled into thinking forensic science looks anything like it does on CSI. Forensic scientists do far more paperwork than their TV counterparts, and they don't interrogate suspects or have holographic computer programs to do all their work for them.
Forensic scientist, median annual salary: $55,037.

6. Pastry chef. As with alcohol, sweets remain in high demand during recessions, according to the New York Times article, "When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls." If you're hoping to cash in on the country's collective sweet tooth by becoming a pastry chef, getting a solid education at a baking school or pastry chef college can help give you a competitive edge. Restaurants, bakeries, and hotels all hire pastry chefs, and some go into business for themselves. But the job isn't all frosted-pink roses: Pastry chefs are on their feet much of the workday. And depending where they work, their day may begin at 3 or 4 in the morning.
Pastry chef, median annual salary: $41,288.

7. Travel writer. Recent media cutbacks have made travel writing gigs much harder to find. But for those willing to hustle, "Freelance opportunities seem to be on the rise, as staffs dwindle," says freelance travel writer and instructor Amanda Castleman. "Many folks are creating their own platforms: blogs, e-zines, and online destination guides." That's not to say it's an easy life. "My typical itinerary for a 'leisure adventure' story may include 30 minutes of downtime from 6:30 am to midnight," says freelance travel writer Crai Bower. "We are also alone for a huge amount of our time so, six-course meal or not, it gets old. All this said, would I do anything else? No bloody way!"
Writer, median annual salary: $48,888.

best sales jobs tips

"I'm not interested in sales."

How many times have I heard that statement from job seekers in every industry -- even though, as business professionals, we're involved in some aspect of presenting (or "selling") ourselves and our ideas every day?

While I respect that not everyone is cut out to live the fast-paced, people-centric life of a sales person, just about every job candidate can benefit from a sales expert's insights, particularly when it comes to managing business relationships. By developing those skills yourself -- or by working with a recruiting service that understands the methods of successful selling -- you can make the most of your job-search process.

Here's a short three-step process to successful sales relationship management:

Prospect

To excel at sales, you first must know your product, and then search out the perfect customers for that product. As a job candidate -- your product is both you and your experience and skills. So the task here is two-fold:

• You must identify what you specifically can offer to an employer that sets you apart from other candidates, and
• You must identify the employers that would be a good match for what you have to offer.

In many cases, working with a recruiting service that helps you analyze your specific abilities and helps present your experience effectively can jumpstart your career search process. Try to create an engaging profile of yourself that goes beyond a simple resume, so that a prospective employer can get a sense of your style and your personality. In other words, make yourself memorable!

In addition, take advantage of services that allow you to narrow your search to the kind of companies who truly match your interests. You already know you don't want to work "just anywhere" -- so don't consider positions that aren't a good fit for you.

Contact

The second powerful tool for sales professionals is their contact process, or how they go about initiating a conversation with their prospective customers. This skill is also critical to your job search. Mass emailing your resume to every job available -- sometimes to multiple postings at the same company (I've seen it happen!) is not the recipe for success. Instead, each prospect should be considered individually -- whether it's a cutting edge online startup or a centuries-old bricks and mortar firm. By tailoring your message to match your prospect, you show respect and understanding -- and communicate that you value them as a partner in the search process.

Follow Up

Finally, the smart sales person is always "on" when it comes to conscientious follow-up. Similarly, a timely, thoughtful contact plan after each interview is essential for you to keep communication open with your key prospects -- particularly if you are considering multiple employers at the same time, which is frequently the case in today's job search process. At Climber.com, we provide candidates with a sophisticated contact management interface, but you can also set this up through your own email/calendaring service.

The Bottom Line: No matter what your field, when it comes to the job search process, you can give yourself an edge over the competition by taking a page out of the sales professional's handbook. Take the time to develop a true sales plan for prospecting, contacting, and following up with employers, or work with a job search service to help present you effectively. It can not only make a difference in how quickly you'll land a job -- it can help ensure you land the right position, as well.