Work At Home Job Tip: Use Twitter To Job Hunt

The longer I’m on Twitter the more I discover how you can use Twitter to find a work at home job.

I’m often coming across tweets in my Twitter stream from various people looking for someone to complete a job for them. Not only are there independent owners looking for help, but corporate companies are also using Twitter to find employees or Independent Contractors.

First of all, create a Twitter account. It’s preferable to use your name as your Twitter username if your account is for job hunting. If you have a portfolio online add the URL to the website field and then sell yourself in your bio.

Upload a good and clear photograph of you. Forget the cutesy avatars. If you have time customize your Twitter background and use this added space to include your credentials or experiences.

Start following experts in your niche by using the search function in Twitter. Tweet about what you know so you add value, tweet about telecommuting job news you have read, share tips about your industry and help answer other people’s questions that relate to your field.

You have to be consistent in your networking efforts and you have to engage with your followers. Remain professional at all times and never say anything bad about a previous or current employer or company.

By combining social media sites with your other methods of finding a work at home job it can only be of a greater benefit for you.

~Sophia

Work At Home Job Tip: Beware Of The Job Fraud

Work at home job seekers have a lot in common. They want to know how to determine which telecommute job will pay and which ones are scams.

You can start your work at home job search right here on this blog. If that’s not enough, you can use job boards like Career Builder, Monster, Craigslist and many more as they are countless websites, blogs and job forums to help with your job seeking needs.

What’s happening often are people who are looking for home workers know exactly where to turn to. One very high ranking work at home forum will have several posts for work at home jobs. But don’t let your guard down. Usually these “employers” build a rapport with the community. They may offer an easy job and pay out several people. They will post again offering another work at home employment. People know now from a previous post that this employer is “credible” so it’s easy to jump right in and start working for this person.

But somewhere between accepting people to work for them and few and far between communication something is lost. Suddenly something goes “wrong” and before you know it you suddenly realize that you may not ever get paid from this person.

Be careful of easy jobs like posting ads on Craigslist.
Make sure you know exactly what you will be paid for.
Make sure you know how much and when you will get paid.

Stop working if you can’t get a hold of the employer.

Or

Don’t start working until you are absolutely sure all of your questions are answered. Anything stirring in your gut or second thoughts swirling in your head, follow them! Your doubts is your intuition kicking in.

~Sophia

Work At Home Job Scams: Look For The Red Flags

There are many different ways to figure out if a work at home job lead is a scam or not. Many of the tell tale signs come from the ad alone. For instance:

- You can make $300 in just two hours! No experience necessary.

- Part-time customer service, data entry job. Available for 2-3 hours per day. $30/hr. Minimum typing speed 25 wpm.

- Administrative Assistant, work part-time. Set your own schedule, earn from $15.32 – $19.22/hr.

You can see the scam pattern here because common sense says that’s too good to be true and it is.

Besides the obvious, I’ve come across a lot of legitimate sounding job leads. The rate per hour is decent, the required amount of hours expected is reasonable and the ad itself just sounds right. But it’s far from being reputable.

A blind ad is when the employer doesn’t mention the company name or any of its details. The email address where you apply is from the job posting board. So that makes it fairly difficult to do your research. Remember, once you send out your resume with your personal information, there’s no turning back. In this case, your name and email address is sufficient.

If you receive an email response be certain it is a legitimate job offer before you sign off on any documents or provide sensitive details. By now you should know the name of the company, the recruiter’s name and more of the job requirements. Common sense and intuition should always be your guide.

This is where your research may end because there’s just something not right in the job description or the recruiter’s name happens to be Casper Ghost and the CEO’s name is…Belcher Wack Wack. Okay, Belcher Wack Wack is way extreme and exaggerated, but this is what scammers come up with for names.

Location is a huge part too. Overseas locations are really iffy and I wouldn’t put a lot of trust in it.

Take your time to thoroughly research the company and its people. It will always pay off.

~Sophia

How To Successfully Answer Tough Telecommute Job Interview Questions

A job interview is a natural process in a telecommute job search. It doesn’t matter how many job interviews you’ve done it doesn’t get easier because every company have different questions to ask.

I’m assuming you have practiced for your most commonly asked questions like, “Why do you want to work from home?” I’m sure you have the answer down pat, but don’t get caught in complete silence when it comes to responding to other tough job interview questions that may arise.

What motivates you at a job?
Give an example that relates to a previous job. Is customer service your top priority? Was it to help solve a problem or overcome a challenge? Maybe it’s the job stability or the personal growth the company offers its independent contractors.

How do you deal with gossip at a workplace?
Even though you work in a virtual environment there is still workplace gossip. You will eventually hear it through the grapevine or it’s talked about on a work at home forum. Explain how you feel about gossip, how you would handle it and what you would do.

What can you bring to our company?
If the company is focused on team work and creativity then let the interviewer know you possess those skills and you have the personality traits to complement the company.

Why do you want to work for us?
Of course you can’t say because they pay more than ABC Company. Make sure you have researched the company thoroughly. Was there something the company did or accomplished that made an impression on you? Or did you find you liked where the growth of the company was headed?

Why should we hire you?
It may seem obvious to reiterate your strengths, skills and experience, but it’s not necessary. Tell them what they don’t know about you.

Are you a leader or a follower?
You don’t want to imply negatives in either role so be aware of what you’re saying. The best is to give examples of when you were in a leadership role and explain how you work well in a team environment.

If I called your previous employer, what three things would he say about you?
Tell your interviewer about an accomplishment or idea you came up with and they used.

Explain what this job entails.
Keep it brief and list the responsibilities and tasks of the position.

What goals have you set and accomplished?
If you don’t have a professional accomplishment, then think of a personal achievement that relates to your skills or experience. It may be something you taught yourself how to do or you had a successful fundraising event.

Why did you choose to work in this industry?
Tell them how you became interested and how your skills, your commitment and professional goals match what they are looking for.

Preparation and knowledge is the key. These can be some of the tough job interview questions you’re faced with. If you really know yourself, these questions should be easy to answer. Take the time to review them and expect other similar difficult questions that may pop up on your next job interview.

S McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com, a free work at home resource focusing on work at home companies, daily telecommute job leads, articles, business resources and other work at home related topics.

Work At Home Job Seekers: Reading Is Important

It never ceases to amaze me why people refuse to completely read and comprehend a job listing.

I’ve said it so many times finding a telecommute job is so hard and I know people realize it, but they don’t really get it and they wonder why they don’t get a response or offered an interview.

“You never know until you try” isn’t applicable to everything. If you’re applying for a job, it’s so important to read the job listing from top to bottom. If you don’t qualify in any given requirement, do not apply! The qualifications are there for a reason. Don’t waste your time or the employer’s time. Not only would you be wasting their time, you would like an incompetent job seeker who can’t follow instructions.

Take the time to read the job listing and not skim through it. If you want to work from home, then you have to take finding a job seriously.

“Oops, I didn’t know I had to live in the North Pole or have a bachelor’s degree. Darn, I just applied!”

It really doesn’t work too well when the employer reads you live in Timbuktu…that is if it doesn’t hit the trash first.

Ways To Get Work At Home Job Experience

I think it’s one of the most frustrating things a person can go through. How are you suppose to get job experience if no one will give you a chance?

What I have found when you are looking for a telecommute job, you really do need some skills and or experience. Even if the ad says, “No experience necessary.” you still have to have something.

If working from home is really what you’re looking for, here are some suggestions on how you can gain more experience if you have little or none.

1. Get more education. You have to invest in your learning if you want to get ahead and get good paying work at home jobs. It’s more competitive when you’re looking for a telecommute job because there are not enough jobs and they are many people who are more qualified than you.

Look to your community colleges, community centers or search online. Be careful with the online schools if you’re looking out of your home town.

2. If it’s possible work outside the home for a year. You can count volunteer work as job experience. Keep in mind the job position so you can use this experience for when you start searching for a work at home job.

3. Writing jobs are really out there and you can start in the lower paying companies. I understand that getting paid $5 for an article is very cheap, but you may want to rethink this if you’ve never had anything published before and you’re brand new to writing. Writing is a good way to get experience in something.

4. People hear transcription and they start to freak out. General or legal transcription is your aim and you don’t need any specialized training. You need to have a good ear, fast typing speed and accuracy. It’s something to look into and I recommend having at look at AccuTran Global.com.

5. You can also apply for jobs that don’t require a lot of skill or experience. Granted you won’t be paid big bucks, but you will get experience. Use your own judgement as you don’t want to be working 40+ hours for less than minimum wage.

I always say keep an open mind. There are a variety of ways to work in the comfort of your own home. The question is how open are you to other ideas? Some people are adamant that they don’t want a home business. A home business doesn’t mean you have to sell someone else’s products or services. What are your passions or interests?

Take the time and think about it.

~Sophia

7 Job Ideas For Teenagers To Earn Money Online

More teenagers are turning toward the Internet searching for online jobs to earn extra money from home. Despite the age requirements, teenagers can find real money making opportunities. If your teenager is looking for ways to work at home online discuss with them their interests, commitment and goals.

All of these work at home job ideas will require some help or involvement from either parent. Here are seven online job ideas for teenagers looking to expand their wings and or to explore their entrepreneurial side.

1. Surveys and focus groups are simple, fun and one of the easiest things to do. It doesn’t require any experience, just a teenager’s opinion. The types of surveys vary from topics about video games, movies, fashion, music, and other teen interests. Your teen may be compensated with money, Amazon or retail gift certificates, or points redeemable for cash or products. Signing up is always free; don’t ever pay! Monetary payments are usually paid out to a PayPal account or by cheque.

2. Many teenagers have their own blogs and they can use it as a way to promote their affiliate programs or get referrals from survey companies they have joined. They can sign up with Clickbank, a marketplace with merchants who offer digital products for people to sell. These commissions are set anywhere from 1% to 75%. LinkShare and Commission Junction are other affiliate marketplaces.

3. If one or both parents have their own home business, you can hire your teenager and delegate some of the monotonous and time consuming tasks. These simple tasks could be typing and printing out address labels, submitting articles to article directories, link checking and so forth. Parents can also help their teenager get the word out to others who may have limited budgets, but need to outsource some work.

4. Some kids like to follow in their parents’ footsteps, so if your teenager is interested in owning their own home business, you as a parent will have to be a co-signer.

5. Teenagers are very computer literate and savvy. Many are also artistic and creative. Becoming a web designer is a lucrative and rewarding career. Your teenager could be designing websites, creating blog templates, designing Twitter and MySpace backgrounds, buttons, logos etc. for anyone who can’t or don’t know how to do it themselves.

6. Open a lemonade stand; not a traditional one anyway. At Lemonade.com your teen can create an e-commerce online lemonade stand by recommending products that they love like music, sports, clothing, food, movies, video/electronic games and more.

7. If your teenager enjoy making crafts or he builds model airplanes, with the help of a parent they can open up their own online store at Etsy.com.

These are all worthwhile job ideas for teenagers who are interested in working at home and earning an income online. With a little help and support from you, your teenager can start earning their own spending money and maybe even put some away for college.

S McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com where you can find jobs for teens, work at home companies, daily telecommute job leads, articles, work at home and business resources and other work at home related topics.

Quick Cash Work At Home Jobs

Christmas is around the corner and I’ve noticed some people are starting to panic especially the ones who aren’t currently working.

While these jobs won’t roll in the big bucks they will roll in some extra money. Writing has been really prominent so it’s no doubt on my list here. Not a lot of these writing gigs will pay enough, but if you really need something and you can produce quality content then it’s better than nothing.

So while you’re looking for a more income producing job, these are great side savers.

Shopping Assistant Guides
IMShopping – You are paid for every question answered and you also get bonuses if your answer is marked “useful” or “best answer”. Minimum age is 16 years old.

Transcription
QuickTate – Transcribing voicemail messages, memos, letters, and other documents.

Various Short Tasks
Cloud Crowd – If you’re familiar with MTurk this is similiar. You complete short tasks for pay. The pay amount varies with each task. Each task could be only $0.05 or up to a dollar figure. You are required to have a Facebook page.

Writing
Associated Content – This one doesn’t pay very much either.
Bukisa
Demand Studios
Examiner
eHow
FireHow
Suite101
Textbroker – While it doesn’t pay a whole lot maybe $1 – $2, it can add up.

*Demand Studios, Examiner and Suite101 pays more.

Look here for other Non-Phone Jobs

~Sophia

Preparation Is The Key To A Successful Work At Home Job Search

Too many people rush into searching for a work at home job that they really aren’t prepared for. Before jumping in with both feet, it’s important to know where to start so you’re not wasting time and doing things twice. Take your time and follow the three steps outlined in the article below.

Preparation Is The Key To A Successful Work At Home Job Search

Before doing any work at home job search, you must have a clear career plan if you want to be successful in finding a telecommute job.

When you hold a business meeting, give a home presentation, have a job interview or a catering gig what is the one thing you do? You prepare weeks in advance or the night before. Preparation is a definite must-do.

Here are three important steps to conquer before you set forth on your work at home job search.

Step #1:
Assuming you already have a home office or a dedicated work space, the next step is deciding what you want to do. Many people know they want to work from home and they want to make money online, but they have no idea which direction they want to go in.

Review your financial situation by sitting down with a pen and paper, dig deep and be totally honest with yourself. How much are you looking to make per month or is it a supplemental income? How well do you know yourself and what are you capable of or qualified to do?

Name your top three choices for the desired job you want. I say three because being too narrow in a chosen field closes your options pretty quickly. You want to stay open-minded as this will open multiple doors for you.

Your first option should be the job you are most qualified for and have the most skills and experience. This is also the time to improve or brush up on anything you feel rusty in.

Step #2:
Next is drafting or updating your resume. Create several resumes that work with each of your three choices and allow for tweaking if necessary. If you have employment gaps, you want to choose a functional resume that highlights your skills, experiences and accomplishments rather than the where and when.

I don’t recommend posting your resume online on sites like Monster or Career Builder because from my experience you’ll get bombarded with emails or phone calls from dodgy “employers” who don’t offer real employment.

Create a cover letter template that you can fill in and tweak for each position you apply for because it should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. This is extremely important.

Step #3:
Organize your job research by gathering or visiting reputable work at home websites that offer free listings of genuine telecommuting companies.

Gather pertinent information about the company, job requirements or specifications, pay rate etc. and input them into an Excel spreadsheet. There are companies that are always accepting new applications so these are the companies you want to apply with first. Peruse the websites and look for resources and tips on how to conduct your job search, where to find them, and so forth.

Preparing yourself and completing each of these three steps will save you precious time. Now you are more efficient, focused, organized and ready to tackle your work at home job search in a highly competitive work at home job field.

Copyright Sophia McIntyre, All Rights Reserved

Sophia McIntyre is the founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com a free work at home resource offering reputable listings of work at home companies, job resources, articles, support and networking forums and much more.

She co-owns WorkAtHomeBusinessOptions.com that focus on providing work at home and home business solutions, resources and tips to anyone looking to work from home.

Work At Home Companies Exposed: Avoid Them

There is information upon information all over the Internet about certain unscrupulous work at home companies that are only out to take your money and run. It has been repeatedly said again and again, you should never, never pay to find a work at home job followed by, but “there are a few exceptions.”

Many people still have questions when it comes to finding a legitimate work at home job. While I can distinguish from the obvious scams, the scammers themselves are becoming more and more clever in disguising their scams. I have come across many through my work at home job searches because they really do sound legitimate.

Here is a brief list of what makes a work at home company a scam and red flags you should look for.

1. Extreme hype with blaring colours and unbelievable earnings.
2. No contact information or physical address on the website.
3. Free hosting websites. If they can’t afford to pay for hosting, how do you expect them to pay you?
4. Registration or training material fees.
5. Poor grammar and spelling, lack of professionalism and broken links on the website.
6. Sense of urgency and asking for personal information without making a job offer.
7. Being vague on questions you have asked them.
8. Declining to show proof they are a real company with a real address and location.
9. Posting an ad using all capitals.
10. Offering a high salary for very part-time hours or for little or no experience/skill.

Avoid these work at home companies or type of work at home companies.

1. Ad Typing Programs – Other titles they go by are Home Typist, Ad Typist, Clerk Typist, Home Processors, Order Processors, Email Processors and Data Processors. Typeinternational is a perfect example. They require one time registration fees as high as $300+ along with monthly fees. Any company that has a title with “typing” or “data entry” in it, you can bet it’s ad typing.

2. Transam Associates is a medical transcription company. Everything I have heard about them is negative. Around the Internet they are called and known as TranScam.

3. Legitjobs.com – Registration fees.

4. Michelle’s Work At Home Services – Hosted on a free web hosting and registration fees.

5. National Health Care Discount (NHCD) – Also known as ASI, ASP and Hot Potato Promotions. Owners of this company was arrested in August 2009.
Overland Park businessmen arrested, charged with stealing from elderly

6. Bassador and WAH Weekly – Once you provide your information to get more information about a job, they spam you to death and never offer you any position.

7. Voice Applied Customer Service – You are constantly bombarded by spam emails.

8. Absolutess.com – A few people who have worked for them have recently received bounced cheques.

9. Cash Gifting Programs – Cash gifting systems are illegal. No ifs, ands or buts.

10. Payment Processors – Never accept packages to your home or reshipped elsewhere via FedEx, never accept cheques to be deposited into your account and then transferred a portion to another account.

11. Cora Works – Many people were not paid.

It’s also common for companies to sell their domain names and as new owners acquire the domain they don’t necessarily keep running scam sites. For the future if you find one of the companies listed here that doesn’t belong on the avoid list, please let me know.

To your success,
Sophia

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