Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Virtual Customer Service Agent

Each Thursday, I will highlight a work-from-home opportunity.


Position: Virtual Customer Service Agent

Education: No formal education required, although some companies offer preferences to candidates holding bachelor's degrees.

Skills: The ability to process inbound customer calls for companies and expertise in customer service.

Job outlook: Varies, depending on location and skill set. Posted hourly rates range from between $8 and $15, which is tied to your experience, accounts handled and call volume. Most companies require a minimum of 20 hours a week.

Possible employers: Companies like Custom Loyalty Concepts, Alpine Access, LiveOps, Arise, Working Solutions, Accolade Support, West at Home, ACD Direct and HirePoint.

Preparation: You will reliable high-speed Internet access, a landline, and a working computer. Practice talking in a pleasant voice, such as smiling when saying your greeting. Also make sure your office is in a quiet location, as you need to be able to work without distractions. Consider taking an online course in customer service if you have no direct experience, i.e., a job in retail or one that required interaction with customers.

Get your foot in the door: Visit the above sites to see what specific requirements are needed. Ask about a trial period to see if this job is a good fit.

Until next time,

Sarah