Companies That Require Testing
September 30, 2006 | Leave a Comment
“When applying for jobs I noticed some of the companies require you to take a test. I never know what the test is going to be like so I don’t apply to those companies. Do you know what the tests are for?”
As with any company, online or not, they want to know you have the skills necessary to do the job you are applying for, therefore, many require you to take certain skills tests. These tests will vary with each type of work you apply for and with each company.
For example; if you’re applying for transcription, they may want to know your typing speed, accuracy and whether you have the ability to listen and decipher poor quality recordings.If a company says you need to be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point then chances are their skills tests will be related to those programs to see if you are indeed proficient. Some want to know you have good customer service skills and others need to check your data entry speed and accuracy.
I recommend you read up on the company, what they are really looking for, what they do, who they offer services to… anything to give you an insight to the company and the position. Then if you think you can do the job well, go ahead and test. If you don’t apply or take the test you have ZERO chance of getting the job but if you do apply and test, you’ve now upped your chances of landing the job to 50/50.
Giving Out Your Mailing Address
September 22, 2006 | Leave a Comment
“I am majorly leary of giving out my home address not knowing if these are legitimate companies and are safe. What is your suggestion?”
Even as a home-based business owner I am leary about giving out my physical address so instead I rent a post office box for all my business/online activity.
Before giving out any personal information you should do a little research on the company who is requesting it. One fairly easy way is to just Google the business name and read what you find. You can also add the word “scam” to the search (XYZ Company scam) and that should bring up any topics talking about if the company is legitimate or not. Remember though that new scams are popping up daily so just because you don’t find anything negative isn’t a guarantee that they are legitimate.
You can find more information on researching companies here,
Work at Home Job Scams
If you do some research and still can’t find any information on a particular company, post the company URL on the message board (in the scam folder) and we’ll see if we can help. http://www.telecommutingmoms.com/bb
Always Remain Professional
September 4, 2006 | Leave a Comment
When online visiting forums/message boards remember that anyone and everyone can view your posts and this includes employers.
Don’t take posting on forums lightly. Always watch your attitude and spelling.
Always remember that you are representing yourself as a potential telecommuting employee at all times even if you don’t realize it.
It only takes a minute to spell check and re-read your post to be sure it is appropriate and professional before you hit reply and your post is up for everyone to read – even employers.
Employers really do visit some of the large and popular forums and you just never know when someone is keeping an eye out for potential employees. You want to come across as a professional person at all times.
Overcoming Your Husband’s Objections to Telecommuting
September 2, 2006 | Leave a Comment
This if often a struggle many moms face when trying to work at home. Most people don’t get the concept of telecommuting and the same can be said of husband’s as well. Below you will find my article on this topic & I do hope it helps you show your husband or S/O why telecommuting is a great option!
If you are an aspiring work from home mom, you may have already heard these common objections from your husband (and perhaps that nagging mother in law):
We shouldn’t have to pay for an extra phone line.
We can’t afford to upgrade the computer.
The company should pay for the transcription equipment.
You will be wasting your time and not making a “real” income.
Why can’t you keep your “real job” / get a “real job”?
So how can you overcome these objections? It’s simple. The secret is in numbers. Men understand figures and costs. If you are presently working outside of the home, what kind of expenses do you have?
You may have car insurance on a second car you wouldn’t need. Add in the cost of routine maintenance, gas, repairs, eating out at lunch time, that coffee you grab on the way to work, professional clothing, dry cleaning, a second cell phone, and if you have children, DAYCARE! Note that these expenses are ongoing.
Now compare that to getting started with a telecommuting company as an independent contractor.
Once you have your home office set up, your only monthly expenses will be the added telephone line (if required), high speed internet (most people like to have that anyway), and the electricity you are using (which is a very minimal amount).
Not everyone has these figures readily available, so I thought I would ask my good friend to share her monthly expenses from when she worked outside of the home as compared to what her current expenses are.
Working Outside of the Home
Gas - $78 (drives an average of 30 miles a day, or 650 miles a month)
Insurance on second vehicle - $107
Car payment on second vehicle - $289
Maintenance allowance $7.00 (towards the cost of routine oil changes)
Daycare (1 kid) - $540
Clothing - $60 (towards a yearly budget)
Cell Phone - $80
Lunches - $130 (She ate out roughly three times a week)
Coffee – $76 (She stopped every day at Starbucks for a __mocha)
TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES - $1367
INCOME - $2080 at 40 hours per week and $12/hour
PROFIT – only $713 for an entire month!
Working from Home
The car was sold, so she eliminated the costs of gas, insurance, repairs, and the hefty car payments. Her son no longer went to daycare. She could go to work in her sweats, eliminating the need for work wear. She discontinued her cell phone service as soon as the contract was up and she eats lunch at home and makes her own coffee. She is saving a bunch of money!
However, there are a few expenses she now has to include:
High-speed internet - $39
Second phone line - $25
Coffee from home - $20
Lunches at home - $60
Now we will calculate her income at a slightly lower hourly rate, as telecommute jobs typically pay around $9/hour. To be realistic, we will also reduce the working hours to 30, as that is more typical of working from home.
TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES - $144
INCOME - $1170 at 30 hours per week
PROFIT – $1026 for an entire month!
What? More profit? Working less hours? What does that ultimately equate to?
A happier mom, which means a happier house because anyone who can work less and keep more of their paycheck will want to jump for joy!
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