Be your own boss
Work when you want. Work for yourself.
As an independent contractor you set your own schedule and control your earnings.
Big brands are seeking Independent Contractors to provide virtual services to their customers across a variety of industries including Retail, Healthcare, Insurance and Tax Support.
As an Independent Contractor, you have flexibility to choose when and where to provide services.
Getting started is simple
Step 1: Apply for one of our open independent contractor opportunities.
Step 2: Self-fund and pass a background and credit check.
Step 3: Sign an Independent Contractor Agreement.
Step 4: Get certified and start taking calls.
What do you really need to get started?
Once accepted as an independent agent, there are a few things that you need to start working:
- A quiet place to work online. It’s critical to prevent background noise on calls by choosing a distraction-free area where callers can’t hear any sounds such as kids, barking dogs, traffic, doorbells, TVs, radios, etc.
- A computer with a wired connection to the internet
While most independent agents choose to work from home, you can choose to work from any location that meets the requirements for the opportunity you select.
Telephone and headset requirements
Some opportunities require a dedicated landline with telephone service and a corded headset, while others allow the use a soft phone (VoIP or a computer and a USB headset). We’ll provide additional information once you’ve qualified for an opportunity.
FOR A LANDLINE:
- Plain old telephone service (POTS) from your local telephone company, or digital telephone service from AT&T Uverse, Verizon FIOS, Comcast Digital Voice, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, or similar.
- A corded telephone (no wireless phones or cellular phones). Your phone does not need to be fancy as long as it is corded and can be plugged directly into a wall phone jack and has a place to plug in a headset. Many agents use a basic landline phone.
- A corded headset that is compatible with, and plugs directly into, your corded phone. Some agents purchase a corded headset phone in lieu of a separate phone and headset.
Important: If a landline is required by the client, VoIP (voice-over IP) phone services (such as Skype, Vonage and Magic Jack), cellular phones, or satellite phones are not allowed.
FOR VOIP ON APPLICABLE PROGRAMS:
- A USB headset that is compatible with your computer.
- If you do not wish to purchase a VoIP phone, you will need an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to convert your current home phone into a VoIP-optimized phone.
Whether using landline or VoIP service, all features, including call waiting and voicemail, must be disabled. You will not need long distance service to connect with callers. Some agents choose to use long distance service to dial into the virtual classroom learning sessions for certification instead of connecting via computer and VoIP (phone service over the internet), but this is not required.
Minimum computer requirements
Your work-from-home business will need a personal desktop computer or laptop that meets the following requirements and is connected to the internet via a cable connected to your DSL or Cable Modem (NO wireless connectivity):
- Processor: 1 GHz Intel Pentium P4 processor or better
- Memory: 1 GB of RAM Memory or more
- Operating System: Must be one of the following:
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 10 (Please note that Windows 10 is not compatible with all clients. Review the opportunity description for specific program requirements.)
- Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Firefox (latest version)
- Java: Java 8.121
- Monitor: Capable of displaying at least 1024 X 768 pixels
- Sound: Must have a sound card installed and be equipped with speakers or headphones. Sound cards are often included in computers and are needed to allow you to hear audio.
Optional tools:
- USB Headset: a headset that plugs into your computer may be used during conference calls and/or certification sessions.
- Printer
Important: Some clients and opportunities may have additional computer requirements such as different operating system requirements, a second monitor, or the ability to use client-specific software. If you are interested in providing services to these clients as an opportunity to make more money for your home-based business, you will be able to review the additional computer requirements during the application process. Requirements are subject to change.
Computer & virus protection
It is strongly recommended that you configure your computer system in accordance with Microsoft’s recommendations as outlined on their Protect Your PC website. These steps include:
- Enable and configure the Windows Update module to update automatically
- Enable Windows standard firewall
- Install Anti-Virus software and configure it to automatically update
- Install Adware software to protect from spyware, malware, etc.
Internet connection
Your internet connection should be via a DSL or cable modem connected to the internet.
Your computer needs to be physically connected to the modem by a cable. Wireless connectivity, such as connectivity via a wireless router, is not acceptable.
Important: Dial-up internet service is not supported. You must be using a high-speed internet connection.
