Have you ever wanted to know what it’s really like to work from the comfort of your own home? Have you ever wanted to hear real-life experiences from those who have navigated the journey and gone through the application process?
In an upcoming series, we’ll talk to remote agents from several companies that hire to work from home. We’ll hear their motivations for choosing to live far away. We will get to know a day in the life of an agent in the virtual workforce.
Most importantly for many of you, we’ll hear from a recruiter or hiring manager in addition to the interviewing agent. They’ll give us some insight into what the application process looks like, how long they keep applications on file, and how soon you can expect that first paycheck after being hired.
Here comes our first interview NexRep. This company hires customer service agents to field calls from clients like Priceline, GroupHub, and more. I had the pleasure of interviewing two at-home agents and one company representative.
Rose Lynn B., Priceline Customer Service Agent
Why did you choose to work from home?
I was a full-time pastor and caregiver for both my parents. After my mother died in 2013, after 65 years of marriage, my father had a difficult time and began to develop symptoms of dementia. We always talked about nursing homes and care facilities and I promised her I would never put her in a facility. My father passed away on 11/29/16.
Have you applied to NexRep?
I researched several companies, but NexRep’s reviews appealed to me. Employees talked about how the company takes care of them and how being with family is more at NexRep.
How long have you been with the company?
I applied in February but due to upcoming foot surgery, I couldn’t commit to a training schedule. The person who interviewed me offered me the opportunity to sign up for the next training class in April, which I gladly accepted.
How has this position allowed you to meet your personal needs/goals?
After my 4th leg surgery, the NexRep fit perfectly. I couldn’t drive or put any pressure on my right leg and needed a source of income to supplement my retirement. I can schedule my doctor’s appointments during periods that won’t interfere with work.
What challenges do you face in this position?
As far as challenges go, my only challenge is elevating my feet while trying to type notes in cases where I help customers.
How is your typical week?
I usually schedule to start work between 4 and 5 PM and work until 10:30 or 11:00 PM. Again this allows me to make all my appointments, take care of my housework and tend to the needs of my wife and pets. Never had a problem with payment, every Friday my check is deposited into my bank account.
How is the application process?
The application process was simple, I listed my skills and work experience and was deemed a good fit for the Priceline position. NexRep has many job positions so when a person needs a particular skill, he/she is given the opportunity to apply/work for that specific department of NexRep.
Any tips for applying?
I would say that if you apply, you need to be a people person, meaning you can interact with all kinds of people from all walks of life. You should have a genuine desire to help the person on the other end of the line with the same customer service that you expect to be given to you.
Shari, GroupHub Customer Service Representative
Why did you choose to work from home?
I went back to college to get my bachelor’s degree, and one of my classmates talked a lot about working from home. So one day while working with him on a team paper I asked him what he does from home? I decided to check it all out and apply. I fell in love with the whole concept and how I was able to work around my class. I first thought I would work 20 hours a week and spend a little extra money. Then I started banking several good checks and Christmas became a whole lot easier (lol). When I was bored and had nothing else to do I found myself logging in to take calls. I really enjoyed it. My fiancé is a supervisor and travels to various nuclear power plants for his work, these are temporary assignments. Being able to work from home allows me to travel with him so we are not 3 or 4 months apart when he has to travel for his job. I am a grandmother of 4, soon to be 5 and this allows me to spend time with them and work while balancing my life.
Did you apply? Nex representative?
I was looking for work from home opportunities and a friend heard about NexRep. I went to their website to read about them and see what they had to offer. I have worked from home for about 12 years. They had several different programs to choose from and I applied for the one that best suited my needs and schedule. Their website is easy to use and provides a lot of information.
How long have you been with the company?
I have been contracted with NexRep for about 16 months now.
How has this position allowed you to meet your personal needs/goals?
In November, I was told that I had cancer inside my nose and that I would have to undergo treatment and surgery to remove it. It was a very scary time for me and there was a lot to deal with and worry about. However, it was great not having to worry about a job. Because I have compressed my time I informed them that I will not be offering my services for a while but I will be open for services again as soon as possible. It was truly a blessing not to have to worry about a job or if I was going to get fired for missing so much work. Being an independent contractor I have that flexibility.
As for the goal, it’s been great. I started a campaign, Ontel, and then was asked if I wanted another campaign to come to GrubHub. I would have loved the opportunity to have more hours than them. I was glad to be a mentor that allowed me to help others if they needed some extra help. I enjoy what I do and the services I provide. Additional opportunities are available and attainable if you are willing to apply them to your business.
What challenges do you face in this position?
I think working from home is not for everyone. It’s easy to say or think hmm working at home that sounds great. Well, that’s great, but it takes discipline. There have been many times that I’ve wanted to go to lunch with a friend that calls, even my daughter-in-law. Or want to babysit the grandkids right now, but I’m committed to my business to provide service and be where I say I’ll be when I’m there. So for me, I think my biggest challenge comes from internet issues. It is your business responsibility to ensure your equipment is up and running. Updating your computer, cleaning and reading all your emails.
How is your typical week?
The schedule is great for me. We schedule 2 weeks at a time, but you have until the Thursday of the previous week to make any final adjustments. After that, if something comes up, you need to list your time and see if another contractor can take that time for you. When you start your day it’s a good idea to log in a little early to read emails to make sure you’re up to date on any changes, promotions and additional information to help your business run more smoothly and provide the best customer service experience possible. We are invoiced every 2 weeks, and I have direct deposit so no worries.
Periodic team meetings, recertification calls are offered to help your business better, and there are quality call audits to let you know how you’re doing on your calls. If you find that you have more time on a given day and you weren’t scheduled you can go to the shift board to see if there are any available shifts another contractor can request coverage for. So there is always the opportunity to add more time if you want it.
Any tips for applying?
Just log into the site, fill out the application, and submit, and I hope to see you on the other side!! It really is that simple.
NexRep application process
These answers were provided directly to us by NexRep.
How is the application process?
The application process is an online experience that is very user-friendly. We capture simple personal information, and want to know what makes you amazing! We want to know that this makes you a strong candidate to provide professional service to our third-party clients’ customers, and have fun doing it. Once the physical application is submitted, and as long as you meet the qualifications, you will be invited to a live assessment with a NexRep expert who will conduct a series of questions and exercises, as well as answer any questions you may have. Together, we’ll determine if you’re a good fit for NexRep’s clients!
How long do you keep resumes on file?
Resumes are kept on file for five years. Prospective candidates are reviewed from time to time to identify those who may be a good fit for a new opportunity that may present itself.
What time frame can be expected from receiving the first paycheck?
Once all contracts are signed, an applicant is invited to join a program. (Note: A background check is required after acceptance and costs of $25 which are the responsibility of the independent contractor.) The next step is to certify the contractor for service. This is done inside NexRep’s learning platform and is program specific. Once a contractor is certified to NexRep’s third-party client requirements, they are eligible to receive a schedule of services sponsored by our clients. The certification process can last from three days to two weeks.
Is this a good job for someone who needs a flexible schedule and/or is still working full-time?
Flexible scheduling is NexRep’s number one benefit according to independent contractors serving our clients! NexRep receives a schedule of services from our third party clients and we release that schedule to our independent contractors. It allows independent contractors to provide weekend, weekday, evening and overnight services. There is flexibility in even one day! Contractors can service a cluster for hours in the morning, go to another job in the afternoon or pick up their children from school, and return the same evening to service another cluster. NexRep is perfect for stay-at-home moms, students, those in careers, and those looking for a career!
Can you give us an average hourly salary or an average salary range?
NexRep has different payment methods, which are program specific. This includes pay per minute of talktime services, hourly production services, commissions and various combinations! Averages range from $10 to $25 per hour of service!
Any tips for applying?
Yes! Apply and take the time to fill out the application thoroughly and share relevant information and experience. Please “sell” yourself on why you would be a good fit to best represent NexRep’s clients Also, if you are one of the elite and receive an invitation for an evaluation with one of our experts, please take that phone interview from your designated at-home workspace so we can make sure it meets NexRep standards!
Interested in applying to NexRep? Check out their Agent Opportunities page.
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