But this work-at-home offer is legit and it's part of a growing trend.
More and more major businesses are trading brick and mortar customer service departments for outside customer care professionals who work from home in what are called virtual call centers.
It's bad news for customer care workers who get laid off when their employer decides to close its call center. But the trend is good news for people looking for a full or part-time job they can do from home.
Anthony McKeever of Seattle started working from home as a customer care professional nearly three years ago for a virtual call service provider called Alpine Access -- a company we first told you about in March of 2009.
"I actually started with Alpine Access thinking it was gonna be something temporary until I found a better job," said McKeever.
His entry-level customer service job soon led to a string of promotions and pay raises. Now he's a lead trainer for the company and he's helping get the word out that Alpine Access is looking for more people to work from home.
"We are currently looking to hire 1,000 employees nationwide. And we are definitely looking for people in Seattle, and the surrounding area of Seattle. It doesn't matter where you live, what we're looking for is your skills and how you would take the calls as a customer service agent," McKeever explained.
Here's what you need to know:
* You must have a Windows-based computer with wired internet capability- DSL or cable. You must have a wired telephone.
* You must have strong speaking and writing skills.
* You must have good interpersonal skills.
* You must apply online.
* You'll have to pass a test.
* And don't expect to get rich. Try minimum wage during training.
"After you've graduated from training and you're on the production line so you're taking your calls, you’re going to make typically $9 an hour depending on the program," McKeever continued, explaining the typical wage, including raises, runs from about $9-to$12 an hour.
Working at home for Alpine Access also means you have a set schedule. And there are strict guidelines about noise. Your work environment must be noise free: No televisions, music, kids, or pets in the background.
Unlike other virtual call center companies jobs that hire you on a contract and base your pay on the number of calls you handle, Alpine Access offers benefits after 90 days of employment.
"You can get medical, you can get dental, vision, we have a 401(k) plan," McKeever said.
It's a work at home option that really does let you work from home. But if you're looking for a cushy job where you can set your own hours and come and go as you please- forget it.
The company closely monitors your time, allowing for breaks and meals, and conducts regular performance evaluations. It's just like going to work at a brick and mortar office, except there's no commute.
"We call it the 'bunny slipper' commute," said McKeever. "You can work in your pajamas. You just get up and log into our virtual private network. It takes maybe five minutes at max. And then you are ready to work."
Alpine Access says it has about 100 people working from home in our state. The company plans to hire 1,000 full and part-time workers nationwide by the end of 2011, for corporate clients ranging from cell phone companies, medical companies -- even hotels.
Alpine says its at-home employees include college students, senior citizens and people with disabilities who have the skills needed for interacting with customers and conducting other technical customer service duties.
Just remember, it's a call center job. Typical annual earnings range from about $20,00 to $28,000 depending on the position and length of employment.
For More Information:
alpineaccess.com
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