Legit work from home jobs are more widely available now than in decades past, due at least in part to the Internet.  Potential employees are much more accessible and easier for employers to recruit because of Web accessibility.  The Web has also made it easier for home job-seekers to find those positions.  Plus, today’s sluggish economy is leading more companies to outsource work to people’s home offices because it’s less expensive.  This is all good news for those currently searching for real work at home jobs.

While some work at home jobs require specialized skills or equipment, there are many that don’t.  Here are three of the most popular and widely-available real work from home jobs, along with what you’ll need to get started:

1) Phone sales/customer service: More companies are contracting out their telemarketing and customer service calls to people working from their own homes.  It costs them less than contracting with a call center.

What you’ll need: Many companies provide all of the equipment that you’ll need to perform this job, which usually includes a computer and a phone or headset.  Other employers may ask their employees to use their own computers.

2) Data entry: The employee merely enters data into a computer program.  It may involve filing customer orders, answering emails or maintaining employee files or anything in between.

What you’ll need: Employers look for typing proficiency.  Employers usually look for a typing speed of 50 to 95 w.p.m.  You may also need to supply your own computer, although some companies provide this for you.  Most employers supply you with any needed software.

3) Direct selling: This kind of home employment has been around for decades, much longer than the Internet.  Today you can choose to sell almost anything, from gourmet food to pet spa products to candles.

What you’ll need: You probably won’t need any special equipment, although it usually helps if you own a home computer.  You’ll probably need to be prepared to make a small investment up front of between You’ll also need to make a small financial investment up front, usually between $150 and $1000, depending on the product you’re marketing.50 and You’ll also need to make a small financial investment up front, usually between $150 and $1000, depending on the product you’re marketing.000 for demo and/or stock products.