| It can be challenging to find a good telecommuting job, | | | | 3) Resourcefulness |
| but more and more companies are jumping on board | | | | Working at home also requires you to be resourceful, |
| and establishing telecommute programs - which means | | | | much more than regular jobs. You need to be able to |
| increased opportunities for aspiring telecommuters. This | | | | think on your feet and handle any challenges that |
| article will share some helpful tips for creating and | | | | come your way. Your manager may not always be |
| maintaining a successful telecommuting career. | | | | available at the moment you need him or her, so you |
| 1) Professionalism | | | | will be expected to do your best independently. During |
| The most important quality you can demonstrate to | | | | the interview process your manager may even test |
| potential telecommute employers (and even once you | | | | your resourcefulness by asking pointed questions like, |
| have the job) is professionalism. It's not just about | | | | "How would you handle an irate customer if no one |
| behaving well during the interview, either. In every | | | | was available to help?" Your answer will reveal a lot |
| interaction you need to portray yourself as mature, | | | | about your ability to handle the job. |
| responsible, and business-like. The employer needs to | | | | 4) Communication |
| feel confident that you can be trusted. Avoid filling your | | | | Since you will be isolated from your manager and |
| correspondence with smilies or weird fonts, and try to | | | | co-workers every day, it's also important to stay in |
| minimize background noise as much as possible during | | | | contact frequently. This includes answering email and |
| telephone interviews or meetings. | | | | returning phone calls quickly, but also being proactive |
| 2) Dependability | | | | by asking questions and otherwise making it known |
| Also important is to show that you are dependable. | | | | that you are involved and committed to your work. |
| You can do this by making sure to be on time for | | | | 5) Teamwork |
| interviews, responding to email or phone calls quickly, | | | | Most telecommuters work independently, but |
| and of course once you have the job, "showing up" for | | | | sometimes you may be required to interact with |
| work on time every day. Telecommute employers | | | | others in a team environment (even if it's done by |
| really have to take a leap of faith when they hire you | | | | telephone or internet). Demonstrate your ability to work |
| to work at home because they can't stand over you | | | | well with others by behaving maturely and |
| to be sure your work gets done each day. It's up to | | | | professionally. If you have a disagreement with your |
| you to put them at ease by demonstrating your | | | | boss or a co-worker, handle it calmly rather than flying |
| commitment and dependability in every interaction. | | | | off the handle. |