Payscale.com’s Carol Tice details how you can “ditch your cubicle and make money in your pajamas” due to the wonderful “advances in technology”.  High-speed internet, cheaper and faster computers, and WiFi “have brought work-from-home jobs to nearly every business sector.”

Are you ready to “trade your morning car-commute for a quick stroll over to your home computer”?  Then join the ranks of us who work-from-home with these seven “unusual possibilities”:

* Concierge – Videoconferencing has made this expanding career move possible. “Virtual concierges use [this] technology to ask hotel guests about their interests and provide them with sightseeing tips.”  You sit at your computer and remotely talk to guests who are in front of a flat screen TV in the hotel lobby.

* Catering manager – Don’t you have to be in a kitchen or at least near one?  No.  A national bagel chain has a job listing on FlexJobs for a telecommuting junior catering manager.  “The work involves coordinating banquet orders via phone and computer software, then traveling to job sites to oversee the actual events, with no office or commercial-kitchen time needed.”

* Online instructor — The popularity of online classes and universities created this new niche of teaching jobs you can do from home.  A friend of mine was a high school English teacher for years before she had her baby and needed to stay at home.  She got a job teaching English in a virtual classroom with the University of Phoenix where she and her students use videoconferencing and they turn in papers via email.

* Nonprofit executive director – Nonprofits are jumping on the work-from-home bandwagon too.  They are “hiring executive directors and letting them work wherever they are. If you have a management background and a passion for a cause, you may be able to combine them into a job that lets you do good — while also doing the laundry.”  In fact, it’s a win-win because a virtual office decreases expensive overhead.

* Patient champion/patient advocate — “Patient champions help ill people navigate the complexities of the healthcare system — calling doctors, obtaining copies of medical records, and accompanying patients on doctor visits.”  This is another “feel good” job that provides many families the much needed help.

* Virtual juror – You may cringe at getting summoned for jury duty, but you’ll take a second look at being a virtual juror.  “Virtual jurors help lawyers evaluate the strengths of their case before they take it to court. Some companies promise up to $60 a case — not bad for an hour’s work at your computer.  Major players in this space include Virtual Juror and Online Verdict.

* Virtual nurse – Nurses are constantly in high demand because it is such a stressful career.  Twelve-hour shifts, constantly standing on your feet, and stressful situations have made virtual nursing a booming industry.  “In teletriage, nurses staff phone lines and take calls from people with health emergencies, helping them evaluate whether they need an immediate trip to the ER.

The days when you had to be a graphic designer, consultant, or freelance writer to enjoy the benefits of working from your living room couch are over.  These new and booming career opportunities have opened the doors to many more work at home jobs.  For full details see 7 Unusual Work-From-Home Jobs.

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Job interviews can be quite nerve wracking and one for a telecommuting position can be even tougher.  With some proper preparation, you’ll boost your confidence and go into that interview ready to impress.  Here are a few tips to do just that:

Plan ahead.

This may seem obvious, but it’s extremely important.  An interview for a work-at-home job will most likely be over the phone so you need to think about your environment.  When the interviewer calls, it’s important to answer the phone promptly and make sure your phone reception is clear, and there are no distracting or loud background noise.  The interviewer will most likely be taking notes, so as a courtesy, don’t speak too quietly or quickly.  Not only will the interviewer be interested in your work history, he or she will also be paying attention to what his or her clients will be experiencing when dealing with you.

Do your homework.

Do your homework before the interview.  Learn about the company and the position you’re interviewing for.  Also, if you know who the interviewer will be, do a little research on him or her too. Most importantly, review your resume and be familiar with your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information about how the experience relates to the position you are applying for.

Make eye contact.

You’re probably wondering how this relates to a phone interview.  Eye contact is a sign of honesty and confidence, but it’s impossible to do that over the phone, so think about how your voice sounds.  By listening carefully to the questions and answering confidently and concisely, you will be able to make virtual eye contact with your interviewer.  A couple of common interview questions are “Why do you want to work from home?” or “Why do you feel you are qualified for the position?”  Think about these answers ahead of time and be professional.  A good answer would not be that you’re unemployed or want to stay home to take care of your kids.  Your answer should involve the position and how you will benefit the company.  The attitude you want to convey throughout the call, is the fact that you can get the job done and do it better than anyone else. Remember, the interviewer on the phone can only hear your voice so exude confidence through your voice and answers.  Any hesitation may result in a lost opportunity.

Tip:  Try role playing with a friend or family member.  It will give you good practice in answering questions concisely and calm your nerves.

Always ask the interviewer questions.

At the end of the interview, 99.9% of interviewers will ask you, “Do you have any questions for me?”  Your answer must always be “yes”.  Answering “no” to that question, basically translates to you not wanting the job.  The key to impressing the interviewer is having prior knowledge of the company and job.  It shows you are genuinely interested and took time to learn more.  Make the interviewer aware that you know your stuff by asking detailed questions related to your position.  For example, let’s say you read an article in the newspaper about a work at home initiative in four new markets the company announced 2 weeks ago.  Use that specific article in your question by asking, “I read in the Daily Times two weeks ago that you’re launching the work at home initiative in four new markets.  I’m curious to find out about the time frame for advancement while working from home.” This tells the interviewer that you understand the job and the company; while hinting at your interest in staying with the company long-term.

You are not alone when it comes to being nervous during an interview, but as long as you’re qualified and prepared, you have nothing to worry about.  Take this opportunity to sell yourself and learn more about the job.  The key is being confident, concise, and sincere.  Remember, pick your phone interview environment carefully, do your homework and be knowledgeable about yourself and the job, stay positive and confident, and you’ll get the job!

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