Work At Home Data Entry Jobs

Work At Home Data Entry Jobs


Telecommuting and work at home data entry jobs provide a source of income for people who want the freedom to set their own work hours and avoid the hidden expenses of traditional employment. But the allure of freedom and self-employment needs to be tempered with reality. No one is going to get rich quick by filling in forms or doing other clerical work. The sheer competition for these kinds of positions keeps the wages low. In fact, it can be difficult for an experienced person to find relevant work at home jobs that pay enough to be worth the time and effort. Even so, there are tricks of the trade for setting oneself apart from the rest of the pack. For example, the aspiring job applicant should make as good an impression paper as she would in person. Both the cover letter and resume need to be appropriately formatted, excellently written, and carefully proofed. An email response also needs to look professional with correct grammar and punctuation. Even one typo may be enough to have the work at home data entry jobs application moved to the little trash can icon.



Another problem with these kinds of jobs is the difficulty of finding the legitimate positions amongst all the scams. Potential applicants should carefully research any company that they are considering, but especially those that charge a fee. Apparently, some legitimate companies require a type of membership fee so that applicants can view job opportunities. But this is also a way for illegitimate companies to make money without much effort. Consumer protection sites may provide information that can help the applicant decide if a particular company really provides the services that it promises. Research can also be done by going to job boards and as many posting sites as possible. Websites listing work at home data entry jobs that have poorly written copy those filled with unwieldy sentences, incorrect grammar, and riddled with typographical errors should be avoided. After all, if the Internet site isn’t professionally presented, it’s doubtful that the people behind the site are professional. By evaluating a multitude of sites, the potential applicant will develop an instinct for those that may be promising and those that need to be immediately left behind.



Of course, a person who doesn’t know grammar and punctuation rules may have trouble following the above advice. This person may be applying for work at home data entry jobs without facing the reality that such a position requires certain skills, education, training, and experience. Again, this is not a quick and easy way to make some cash. A professional knows how to write grammatical sentences, knows how to spell, is a fast and accurate typist, and is well-organized. Perhaps most important, the professional knows how and when to use such reference materials as a dictionary, thesaurus, and style guide. She pays attention to the details and completes her assignments on time. By building a track record of competence and professionalism, this individual will find it easier to get repeat assignments, add more lines to her resume, and build additional clients. Persistence and patience will reward the professional with as many work at home data entry jobs and assignments as she wants to complete.



The professional should have her home office set up with the proper equipment and supplies before accepting the first assignment. The basics are a desk and chair, computer system and printer, and a filing system. Since a typist spends a lot of time sitting, both the desk and chair should follow basic ergonomic principles regarding height and support. An ergonomic keyboard will reduce strain on the wrists and the monitor should be placed at an appropriate distance and height. Lighting should be carefully placed to avoid eye strain. The filing system should be close by and appropriately organized. The professional may also need a dedicated phone line and faxing capabilities. Anyone who is self-employed needs to keep well-organized records for tax purposes. Those with work at home data entry jobs, like anyone who is self-employed and has a home office, enjoy certain tax advantages, though it’s best to talk to an accountant or tax professional about one’s specific situation before deducting home office expenses from one’s income taxes. One of the Old Testament prophets wrote: “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?” (Micah 6:11). Solid record-keeping will enable the self-employed individual to prove all justifiable expenditures in case of an audit.



The Internet is not the only place to find work at home data entry jobs. The self-employed professional may find it easier to get that elusive first assignment by taking advantage of her past employment contacts. Either a previous employer or another professional may have assignments that can be completed at home. Local chambers of commerce, economic development centers, and small business organizations may provide additional leads to additional clients. Face-to-face encounters may give the professional the opportunity she needs to promote her services. Certainly, by accepting assignments from business acquaintances, the likelihood of falling for a scam is practically nil. Additionally, nonprofit groups often have the need for people who can provide data entry and other secretarial type services. Volunteering one’s services may lead to work at home data entry jobs that come with a paycheck. By passing out business cards and promotional brochures to the right people, the professional should be able to build a respectable clientele. No one will get rich quick doing data entry work, but money can be made by competent professionals who want the freedom and flexibility of self-employment.