I can say that getting a solid telecommuting opportunity is not an easy task. They're out there, but locating them can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. Even with all the e-books, reports, and telecommuting packages you've probably purchased, it just doesn't happen overnight.

What Can I Do?

The best way to break into a telecommuting situation is to locate an office job that can be performed anywhere. This will help you develop a reputation as a self-motivated, reliable, professional worker. Information-based jobs with a minimum amount of required face-time are good prospects. Also, look for jobs that are physically portable---that is, whatever the telecommuter needs to do the job can be accessed over a phone line.

A few of the job categories best suited for telecommuting include: Advertising & Marketing, Architectural and Computer Aided Design, Artists and Writers, Billing and Collections, Credit and Collections, Customer Service, Clerical and Secretarial, Data Entry and Transcription, Engineering, Photography, Programmers and Database Administrators, Sales, Telemarketers, Translators, and Web Designers and Developers.

How Do I Smell?

Whether you're face-to-face or over the Internet, your cover letter and resume are essential. In fact, they're your only tools when locating and applying for jobs on the Internet!

The cover letter can make or break the possibility of getting a job. It gives the employer an idea of what you can do for them and what you're looking for in an opportunity. Remember, what you want and what they offer have to match or you're out. Your objective is to find a job you want to do, not something you feel that you have to do.

Once they get past the cover letter, they will usually read the resume. Employers want to hire people who can do the job. Make sure that your resume is complete and reflects your abilities to handle the position. To enhance the presentation, tailor the resume to the opportunity to show an employer what you know and what you can do. After all, you're going to get a job---it's just a question of which one.

Locating Opportunities

Locating a job is easy. Just go to one of the thousands of sites that are out on the Web and start looking. It should only take you about three or four years to search them all. I'm sure you have that much time!

The best way I've found to search for a job is to follow these steps:

1. Make a task list that outlines your daily job-search activities.
2. Find several well-known job sites and post your resume. Search the lists of jobs and prepare the site's job agents to help you locate various jobs.
3. Keep track of all employers you contact, the date of your contacts, people you talk/e-mail with, and special notes about the contacts.
4. Apply to multiple companies on a given job site to save time.
5. Always have a resume and cover letter ready to upload whenever a lead comes your way.
6. Follow-up leads immediately. If you find out about a job late in the day, contact them right away.
<>Tell everyone you know that you are looking for job that you can do from home. Stay in touch with friends and contacts. Follow-up new leads immediately.