Until just 10 years ago, work-from-home was unheard of. Even five years ago, it sounded ‘scammy’ and ‘iffy’. Even today, our most frequently asked question is ‘Is it fake?’ or ‘Is this real?’. Not surprising, since people conjure up visions of working leisurely and getting a steady cash flow. No wonder then that it becomes the preferred prowling ground for scamsters. Some earlier favourites include check-cashing schemes and mystery shopping, as well as the ever-enduring data entry.
Fast forward to 2016 and the present day: The scammy jobs are still there, but technological advances and the advent of social media have ensured a boost in the quality and status of the work-from-home force. Most at-home jobs require some good basic skills and a can-do attitude.
Here goes a list of the top work-from-home employment areas, that are booming right now:
1. Data Typing
Offline typing jobs are perfect for the part-time worker with few or no special skills. This includes MS word typing, and frequently involves copy-paste work with typing. It may include writing articles, filling forms and typing out CAPTCHAs. Follow instructions and get paid for every page you type in MS Word.
What does it take?
Computer skills, familiarity with MS Word, typing skills and typing speed.
How can you get it?
SHEROES curates and verifies all jobs posted at our Job Board. Keeping in view the scam jobs lurking in this space, we have limited the number of jobs here. What you will find is this.
2. Content Writer
More than ever, writers are needed now to create content and come up with creative ideas to fill the pages of nearly every site on the Internet. A number of websites outsource their content and hire freelance writers and content creators.
What does it take?
Some writing experience is helpful, but what you really require is good grammatical skills, the ability to express yourself, originality and a unique take on the mundane and the ordinary. Most successful content writers are also good social media managers.
How can you get it?
Do add links to your work in your profile/resume, and if you don’t have any, start by writing everyday--start a blog and try contributing articles. You can also look at Intern/Volunteer roles to grow on the job. These jobs are aplenty and growing.
3. Customer Service Associate
Many businesses need workers who can assist customers, answer calls at all hours, and process orders and track deliveries. With more businesses operating online, a large number of jobs are going to customer service workers who work from home.
What does it take?
Being an at-home customer service representative requires strict adherence to time, good communication skills, a courteous disposition and good phone skills. Experience in customer service, a computer with specific software, and retail sales background helps.
How can you get it?
Most of our work-from-home force is unaware of this option. Nevertheless, it is among our top five work-from-home choices. The catch is that most applicants are unaware of the skills required.
4. Data Entry
There’s no getting away from this one! On a serious note, a wide range of businesses need workers to enter various data into their systems--whether to track inventory and shipments, create business plans or add measures of performance, etc.
What does it take?
Computer and typing skills are most important, as is vigilance on the job.
How can you get it?
It remains on our most wanted list, and also one that we are most wary of, given its high susceptibility towards scams. Here again, we have in the past blacklisted companies which we got to know were indulging in malpractices. Some curated jobs are here.
4. English Teacher
There's a growing demand for teachers in all subjects--especially core subjects such as English, history and science. Instead of standing in a classroom, you'll teach via Skype or in a pre-recorded session, or even over phone. This is a great option for teachers who don't want to or can’t keep a typical school schedule.
What does it take?
You have to be a qualified English teacher with the necessary degree in the subject and in education. Expertise and fluency in the language is required. There will be a background and reference check as well as interviews, so be prepared.
How can you get it?
You would need to have the time to work according to a schedule and an extensive knowledge of or expertise in the subject. Just a body of experience in home tuitions won’t do. You can find these jobs here.
5. English Trainer
Spoken English trainers’ sessions focus on things such as making professional small talk or running a meeting (trainers are provided with specifics on how to teach each topic, and are also trained themselves before starting the job).
Lessons take place either over the phone or live on Skype. Office experience is helpful since most students work in a corporate environment.
What does it take?
You will need good spoken English and communication skills; should be enthusiastic and articulate, as well as have an affinity for people. You would need your own computer and a high-speed Internet connection. If you're bilingual, that's a plus.
How can you get it?
This is a great option for those with expertise and experience. Look for these jobs here.
6. Recruiter
A freelance recruiter gets hired by businesses to help them find the best possible candidates for open positions in their organisation. The pay-scale will usually be a percentage of the income earned by the full-time employee that the recruiter places for the company--though, at times, you get a fixed salary. The prime factor is the flexibility to work from anywhere, with no obligation to remain in the same place.
What does it take?
You must have enough recruiting knowledge, and on-the-job experience as a recruiter. Since you are working independently, you must have the ability to deliver independently. A degree in HR is often a prerequisite.
How can you get it?
Choose your focus industry and stick to it to get expertise. We have openings for recruiters as well as IT recruiters.
7. Telecalling
This requires resolution of callers’ queries and giving plausible answers. Being a smooth, polite and calm communicator helps.
Go for this only if you can designate certain suitable timings, as you have to work according to a set schedule. You may be provided training in resolving queries. Good on-the-job performance is mandatory to stay on.
What does it take?
Good communication, listening skills, the ability to make a sales pitch, the ability to resolve issues and to be able to work uninterrupted. A computer/laptop with a good Internet connection and microphone by way of equipment.
How can you get it?
You can check out jobs here.
Besides the jobs listed above, other popular, legitimate work-from-home options include:
Software Developer
Web Developer/ UX,UI Designer
Graphic Designer/Web designer
Virtual Assistant
Business Development Executive
Social Media Manager/Digital Marketer
Travel Agent
Translator
Counsellor
Instructional Design Specialist.
The options just keep increasing as more and more companies discover the ease, potential and possibilities in the ‘flex’ format. There are openings for lawyers, chartered accountants, financial analysts, mobile app developers, cooking experts and interior designers as well.
Working from home is a win-win situation that is coming alive, thanks to technology. However, the bottom line is that you need to research the possibilities and develop the skills required for many of these jobs.
What are you waiting for? Fish out your resume, add to your skills and references. With a bit of effort, you could be off on a flourishing work-from-home career.
All the best!