Work at Home as a Customer Service Rep

Many companies, such as J. Crew, Express Jet, 1-800-FLOWERS and even the IRS, outsource customer service operations to third-party companies that hire people to work from home. When you dial the number of a company that outsources their customer service, your call is automatically routed to a customer service rep working at home.

Alpine Access is a major call center service that currently employs more than 7,500 work at home customer service agents who take inbound calls for dozens of companies.

Alpine Access and other companies that hire virtual call agents hire people to do customer service/sales work from their home. Don't let the sales part scare you off, it's not "real" or pressure sales, you just need to offer customers additional products and services. It is part of the scripts and there is no serious pressure to "sell" anything other than offering customers these additional options.

The application process can be short or long, depending on the hiring needs. The first process is to complete the pre-interview screening, if you pass this part you will need to complete a voice audition so your voice can be evaluated. Don't have kids screaming or dogs barking in the background and be sure your environment is quiet during this voice audition and any interview for that matter. This is a customer service job and you will need to have a quiet work environment in your home. If you pass the voice audition, you will be scheduled for an interview.

After the interview, if the call center has opportunities that fit your skills and availability you will be offered a job. You can choose your own hours based on the needs of their particular clients. Training can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so be prepared.

If hired you can expect performance evaluation on calls, which means they monitor your calls and evaluate your performance. This is another reason why you need a quiet environment, if the company or any company you are doing phone work for can listen to your calls, they can hear external noises.

Interested applicants should have a strong sense of customer service and communication skills, be self-motivated, enjoy working independently and possess basic computer skills. This is a great opportunity for seniors.

There will be equipment requirements which include an up-to-date, reliable computer in your home. A broadband internet connection (Cable, DSL, T1, ISDN, Satellite) is required. Call center projects also require a telephone line, telephone headset, working printer and without exception, a quiet, uninterrupted work environment during all working hours.

Some companies that hire virtual call agents are: www.alpineaccess.com, www.LiveOps.com, www.Arise.com, www.WestatHome.com, www.WorkingSolutions.com, www.RepsforRent.com and www.ACDDirect.com.

Related jobs. Call centers may also hire telemarketers.