If you have just started their work at home search, it is likely to feel confused and overwhelmed by all the options out there. How do you know what is legitimate? How to avoid scams? Are there really jobs you can do from home? Yes!

Many people are happy working from home, and you can too. Just know where to look. This article explains the types of work you can do at home, which basically fall into four categories:

Working for an employer - (This is often called "telecommuting.") There are many legitimate companies that hire people to work from their headquarters, and that number is growing every day. Employers are seeing the benefits of having employees work remotely, and many more will join these ranks in the future. (See our list of companies that hire telecommuters. ) Some companies hire an employee to be real, must be filled out tax formS and employer taxes will your paycheck, just as if you worked at the site. Other companies hire an independent contractor. They will send you a 1099 at year end, and you are responsible for paying their own taxes. The employer may require you to work certain hours every day, or a specified number of hours a week. Payment can be hourly, weekly, biweekly, or piece (as in work input data type). Some telephone work paid for "minute talk" - in other words, you pay only for the time you are actively talking with customers.

Freelance - An "independent journalist" is someone who rents their skills to different companies for a specific project. Skills are generally of a professional, such as writing, computer programming, web design and graphic arts, secretarial assistance / administrative and virtual. Some popular websites are freelance and http://elance.com http://guru.com. You can browse available jobs and bid on them. If your bid wins, you get the job. Note that these jobs are often temporary, for a single project. However, if you build a reputation for good work and meeting deadlines, which are often offered other jobs.

Home Business Opportunity - You can also start your own business as a representative of an existing company. Most of these companies are direct sales or network marketing / MLM (Multi-Level Marketing). You've probably heard of many companies such as Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Avon and Pampered Chef. There are thousands to choose from. (See our list of home business opportunities.) There are many advantages to this type of work at home. You are your own boss, setting your own hours, and you are in total control of how much income you earn (instead of winning a fixed amount of money each week for an employer). There are also some tax breaks for big business at home.

Create Your Own Business - The last option is to build your own company. The possibilities are endless. Almost any skills that can be converted into a home business. Dog walker / pet, virtual help, restoration, bicycle repair, child care, crafts and artwork, etc. The most important thing to consider: Is there a market for what you can do? Do people pay for products or services you can provide? If you set your mind to it, I bet you could get dozens of great ideas for businesses you can do.

Avoid Scams
The number one thing to remember about scammers is that they want their money or personal information. Never, ever pay a "fee" to begin working for a company. (Business opportunities are often required to buy a starter kit, however, I'm talking about real jobs telecommuting here.) No matter how large they do a sound job, do not pull your credit card and send money. This is a scam. In rare cases, some legitimate companies may charge for training, but more often will be deducted from their paychecks on the first. If you're not sure if a company is legitimate, ask! Working visit the message boards at home and ask about the company. People have probably heard of them, or can you tell if genuiune work or not. Unfortunately, scam artists are new every day, so even if you can not find anything negative about them, proceed with caution.

Similarly, if you are not sure if a company is legitimate, do not give your social security number, address, or other banking information (direct deposit). An employer does not need this information unless this contract really. I encourage people to leave the fields blank when applying for a job. If the employer likes your qualifications and want to hire (and you are absolutely sure they are legitimate), then you can provide that information. Real employers to understand their care.

The best way to avoid scams is to listen to your instincts. There are always warning signs. Even if everything seems to be on the up and up, and his instinct is giving a signal that something is not right, listen to that. I can not tell you how many times I've heard people say, "I had a bad feeling, but I really wanted him, so I took the chance." Do not do that. You have a great integrated alert. We all do. It's called intuition. Use it. Fool the scammers.

Professionalism, patience and persistence
Finally, remember that working from home positions have a lot of demand. Thousands and thousands of people applying for these positions are. Make sure your resume is in top form and clearly the details of your experience and qualifications for the job you are applying. Consider investing in a professional resume and cover letter. Worth the money if you land the job!

If you have not received a response after a week or two, why not continue with the company and check the status of your application? Send an email asking nice, or call them. (Only if the company has not requested that you do not.) Do not complain or beg, be professional about it. Express your genuine interest in working for them. Persistence can pay as long as you do not mind your potential employer.

Patience is important, like finding a job in his position can take many months. If you can not wait, why not consider starting your own business? Do not let lack of experience stop you. You can learn anything you do not know. Talk to other business owners who do what you are considering. Ask them how they started. There are a lot of great people out there who would be willing to help guide you in the right direction.

Think about what you really want in a career from home. Do you prefer being your own boss or work for someone else? Need a flexible schedule, or would you rather have a fixed schedule? Like the work by telephone or internet based? Make a defined list of what you want, and what does not. That will make your search much quicker.

Believe in yourself. You can create the perfect career for you. Many others have done, so why are not you?