One of the most interesting jobs is an online chat job. For instance, it gives you an edge to work from home. The reason, why chat jobs are interesting, is because they provide customer service support from the comfort of their own house. Note, that online chat jobs often include responsibilities beyond simple chat functions.
For example, you might be required to be available for phone or email support if a customer wants to increase the discussion beyond the functionality of a chat message. Or, perhaps your role is a customer support agent, and online chat support which is simply because it is only one channel you monitor. Therefore, explore the requirements for each role before applying to ensure that you have the appropriate work environment in place.
Also, if you are wondering what industries you can support through a remote chat job, don’t worry again because in this article we are going to unveil some of those companies that do hire work-from-home chat support jobs. Hence, you can find online chat agent jobs that fit your experience and your interests.
What Is A Chat Agent?
Firstly, for you to become a chat operator you must understand what is a chat agent. Hence, online chat agents are those chat agents that provide customer support via text-based chat discussions.
For instance, a successful live chat agent should enjoy a fast-paced environment with little downtime in between. Therefore, they should be able to multitask since they’ll often have multiple conversations going on at once.
Online customer service jobs require that you be able to communicate professionally using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
How Do I Become A Chat Operator
To become an online chat operator, most companies require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED, excellent written communication skills, and a fast and accurate typing speed.
Also, for you to become a remote chat operator you must at least have specific knowledge of the business you’re supporting and the chat platform. Therefore, as you’re researching online chat jobs, look for companies that provide training and don’t require previous experience.
Firstly, all you physically need to be an online chat agent is a reliable internet connection, a computer, and possibly a phone and headset depending on the position. Secondly, you must be over the age of 18 with an internet connection.
Finally, no prior experience is required but prior experience is preferred.
Then, you’ll also find it easier to concentrate in an area that isn’t noisy.
Is Being A Chat Assistant Legit?
Yes, being an online remote chat assistant is very legit because you must do customer support like answering emails and fulfilling orders.
Note that a virtual assistant also make appointments, order supplies, or manage social media accounts. Meanwhile, an online chat agent’s primary responsibility is to provide customer support.
What Does A Remote Chat Agent Do?
As a remote online chat agent, you are required to provide the following services:
1. Assist with customer complaints and questions about specific products or services
2. Modify and escalate complaints across some communication channels
3. Respond promptly to customers’ inquiries, requests, orders, or applications
4. Be the first point of contact and advocate for customers
5. Handle a high volume of customer support requests via email, phone, and chat using empathy to answer questions and troubleshoot problems.
13 Online chat jobs You Can Do From Home.
Plenty reputable companies offer online jobs for virtual chat agents. Meanwhile, you might need specialized knowledge to work for tech companies, while others may only require excellent customer service skills and an internet connection, even if you have no prior experience in the role.
1. ModSquad – Mods
ModSquad contributors specialize in digital engagement, such as moderating content, chatting with customers, managing communities, handling customer support, and updating social media accounts.
. In this role, you’ll work as an independent contractor.
. Also, you can create your own schedule and pick the projects you work on.
.Here, according to Glassdoor.com, the average pay is $19 per hour.
2. The Trevor Project – Chat and Text Counselors
The Trevor Project is a resource for LGBTQ youth who need emotional support. Hence, they hire online chat and text counselors to help LGBTQ youth around the clock.
For these positions. You must:
. Have excellent, fast, and assertive communication skills.
. They hire in the United States and Mexico and are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
. These are W2 positions that come with benefits
3. OutPLEX – Customer Service Rep
OutPLEX occasionally hires online chat support agents in the US, Columbia, and the Dominican Republic. However, agents may need to make phone calls to resolve issues. For these positions, you should:
. Be able to type 30-50 WPM with zero errors.
. You’ll need a high school diploma and a Windows Operating System.
. Must have excellent spelling, grammar, and communication skills.
. The average pay is $16 per hour, plus benefits.
4. Site123 – Sales Chat Specialist
Site123 hires US-based remote sales chat specialists to assist customers via chat and email. Nevertheless, To apply for these roles, you’ll need to submit a resume to careers@site123.com.
. Must be tech-savvy and understand the website builder field.
. You need to have proven experience in sales and customer service.
. Must be knowledgeable of social media p latforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
5. SiteStaff – Chat Host
SiteStaff hires experienced chat hosts who are able to handle 3-4 ongoing conversations at the same time.
. You must be located in Denver, Colorado.
. Must be able to type 65-75+ WPM.
. have excellent punctuation, grammar, and spelling
6. Robert Half – Customer Support Agents
Robert Half is a staffing agency that has remote job openings for customer support and social media agents who always handle inquiries via chat, email, social media, and text. For most jobs, you’ll need excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and good time management skills.
. Positions are location-dependent.
. Robert Half has remote temporary, permanent, and contract positions.
. Salary varies based on many factors.
7. Wayfair – Chat Sales Agents
Wayfair hires remote workers from the US, Canada, Germany, India, Poland, the UK, China, and Ireland. For these remote chat jobs, you’ll need:
. Typing speed of 45 WPM.
. Two years of sales or service experience.
. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment handling multiple chat messages at once.
. The position comes with hourly pay and monthly bonuses, and your equipment is provided.
8. InboxDone – Inbox Managers
InboxDone hires US-based freelancers to manage email, social media, help desk tickets, and other administrative duties. For these part-time positions, no experience is needed, but you should have excellent communication skills, be detail-oriented, and have a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence. In these roles, you can work from wherever, and you’ll have a flexible schedule.
. Starting pay rate is $16-$17 per hour, plus paid holidays and bonuses.
. You’ll need to provide your own laptop and internet connection.
9. Upwork – Chat Support Specialist Jobs
Upwork is a freelance marketplace where freelancers can connect with companies that need their skills. For instance, with Upwork, you can create a profile that showcases your skills and expertise, and you can also browse freelance assignments on the site and submit bids for gigs that you’d like to work on.
One chat agent job that I found was for a chat agent to answer questions about insurance via text, email, and through their app, and the pay rate was $12.50-$22.00 per hour.
Note, that Upwork does charge a fee for using their platform, and rates can be seen below:
. $0-$500 in earnings – 20% service fee
. Also, $500.01-$10,000 in earnings – 10% service fee
. And, $10,000.01 or more in earnings – 5% service fee
Since Upwork isn’t the hiring company, be sure to educate yourself on common work from home scams. That means, you should never pay for equipment (check-cashing scam), buy gift cards, accept payments off of Upwork, or give out personal information.
10. Accolade support
Accolade support hires customer service agents that work as independent contractors. This means they don’t get paid benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or a 401(k) plan.
Instead, they have the flexibility to choose which hours they want to work. It’s not clear what the pay is or how many hours are required per week.
Agents must have:
. An American accent
. Excellent customer service, written, and oral communication skills
. Attention to detail
. Technical support skills
Here are the technical requirements:
.A headset
. A PC with Windows 7 to 10 (Macs aren’t eligible)
. Your computer needs to be hardwired to the internet.
11. Apple.
Apple At Home Advisors answer questions and provide online chat support to Apple customers. Therefore, Apple provides an iMac and headset to its at-home advisors. You’ll need internet access and a quiet place to work. However, the company will reimburse part of your internet costs.
To succeed in this job, you need to have some experience with Apple products like iPhones and iPads, but it’s not required. Apple provides training on the technical aspects of the latest Apple products and on the Apple approach to customer service.
The Apple At Home Advisor program also offers paid time off, product discounts, and free career development resources. Apple offers part-time and full-time At Home Advisor roles. You’ll learn more about the pay and benefits during the interview process.
12. Asurion
Asurion is a phone insurance company that hires work-from-home customer service agents to help customers process claims and answer technical questions. Employees make $13.50 an hour starting out. The job requires:
. A high school diploma or GED
. Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
. Six months of experience in customer service
. Ability to pass a background check or drug test
You also need to have a quiet working background and high-speed internet. Asurion will provide the rest of the equipment. There are also bilingual customer support positions, but the pay isn’t listed.
13. Best Buy
Best Buy hires full-time client service and customer support agents to troubleshoot customer issues via phone and chat. Sometimes you may respond to customers via social media platforms or the Best Buy forum. Customer issues might include technical problems, questions about their local store, or issues with item delivery. Service agents should be comfortable speaking to customers over the phone and via chat. At least one year of customer support experience is ideal.
However, Best Buy customer support agents should be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. It prefers to hire agents who have experience working with and troubleshooting consumer electronics.
Agents work in an office or retail store, not from home. Pay isn’t mentioned in the job posting, but the average reported pay for Geek Squad employees is around $11-$12 per hour.
