How to Find the Right Remote Job for You

Not that long ago, work-from-home jobs were rare even as technology paved the way for a whole new attitude to work. Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, kickstarting the remote work phenomenon and cementing the new normal in employment. 

While working from home is certainly convenient, it also comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re looking to land a remote job but don’t know where to start, seek guidance from our career coaches. For now, let’s take a look at how you can find a great remote job.  

1. Network online

Networking with the right people can always help you land a job, and remote jobs are no exception. Networking allows you to establish relationships with people who can advance your career. Even if you can’t personally attend professional networking events, you can still network online with platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook. 

LinkedIn focuses on career development and making connections with other professionals. It allows users to list their skills, work experience, education, and other details on their profiles, creating something like a dynamic, digital resume. It’s easy to connect with other professionals because everyone on LinkedIn is keen to further their career. If you’re new to the platform, contact our LinkedIn experts for a tour through its myriad benefits.

Facebook is also a good tool for joining professional groups. In these groups, you can meet people able to offer valuable advice and maybe open new opportunities for you. Even after you land a job, continue networking to stay up to date with developments in your field. 

2. Search for jobs in multiple places

You may have some go-to job boards, but if you only search one or two sites, you’re inevitably missing out on a lot of great opportunities. 

Start with sites such as FlexJobs, Indeed, or Monster. Conveniently, such job boards let you filter the results to show only remote jobs. The more sites you browse, the more job opportunities you’ll encounter. Be careful, however, because some companies will post the same vacancy on multiple job sites. Keep track of which jobs you’ve applied for so that you don’t accidentally apply for the same one twice—you’ll come across as desperate and disorganized, and neither application will be successful. 

Next, look up specific companies’ websites to see if they have any job openings listed. If you’re interested in a job you find this way, apply directly from the company website. This will increase your chances of being considered for the position because it shows that you specifically sought the company out, implying initiative and passion for the job.  

Finally, you can search Facebook groups or LinkedIn posts to find vacancies. Since you increase your chances of getting a job when you’ve connected with someone at the company or specifically expressed interest in the organization, professional groups you’re active in can be a treasure trove for promising employment opportunities.

3. Evaluate your skills

If you’re transitioning from an on-site to a work-from-home job, you may realize you need additional skills to thrive in a remote work environment. You can enroll in online classes or in-person courses to brush up on your skills or acquire new ones. Whatever you do to develop professionally, continue even after you land a job—lifelong learning is the key to a successful career in any field.

4. Showcase your work

You probably won’t have a face-to-face interview for a remote job, so you’ll need new ways to showcase your work and prove your value to hiring managers. First, create a portfolio of your work. For example, if you’re looking into a remote writing job, have samples of your writing ready to show. It’s best to use published works if you have any, but if not, just pick samples that best demonstrate your writing abilities.

Next, if applicable to your career, create a website that highlights your work and gives employers an opportunity to check it out. Simply having a website also boosts your credibility because it indicates you’re truly committed to your career. You can create a website yourself for free or for a small fee with a website builder, or you could invest in professional web design services for a top-level website. 

Finally, a great way to accumulate work that you can showcase is to freelance. Most freelance gigs are project-based, so you can hone your skills as you churn out concrete pieces of work.  You can then display these projects in your portfolio to showcase your skills to employers, but make sure to ask your clients for permission first.

5. Create a remote-specific resume

You should always tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and the same goes for remote jobs. Additionally, there are some helpful elements to add to any resume for a remote position. Here are a few things hiring managers love to see on a resume submitted by a candidate applying for a work-from-home job:

• Self-motivation: Employers want to know you can get your job done and do it well without external motivation.
• Communication skills: In a remote job, communicating with your employer and co-workers is of the utmost importance. Since the non-verbal cues of in-person interaction are absent—especially if you communicate through text—your communication skills have to be top-notch.
• Tech-savviness: Most remote work is done digitally, so if you can’t work a computer, you probably won’t be able to land a remote job. Emphasize your tech skills to reassure the hiring manager you’ll be able to use their programs efficiently.
• Previous remote work: If you have worked remotely before, be sure to emphasize that on your resume.

In addition to these details, be sure to read the job description carefully and include the keywords and requirements listed. This is critical for passing the applicant tracking system (ATS). ATSs are the modern-day employer’s tool for dealing with the deluge of job applications that come their way, with the machines helping them filter resumes by scanning for keywords. Reach out to a resume expert to make sure you get the essentials right and submit a remote work resume that is ATS-proof and boasts an eye-catching format that’s easy to read. 

6. Prepare for a remote interview

The content of a remote interview is usually the same as that of an in-person interview, but the setup looks a little different—it’ll probably take place over Skype, Zoom, or another app. Whatever video call software the employer uses, familiarize yourself with it so you don’t have to figure it out during the interview. If your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unreliable, go to a place with a reliable connection (and make sure your Wi-Fi will allow you to do the remote job). You’ll also want a nice, quiet environment free from distractions.

When it comes to attire, wear something that makes you feel confident. Just because the interview is online doesn’t mean you don’t have to dress the part. Wear an outfit that conveys professionalism. The better you dress, the more confidence you’ll have during your interview. 

Be prepared to answer questions related to remote work. For example, the recruiter may ask about your knowledge of certain computer programs or your previous experience with remote work. Think through the elements on your resume and be ready to clarify or elaborate on anything there. 

Also, prepare questions that you can ask the hiring manager to demonstrate your interest in their company and the position you’re applying for.  Of course, the best preparation is to practice doing a job interview—consult our mock interview coaches for detailed feedback and advice to enhance your interview skills.

Working remotely offers huge benefits, and given the plethora of opportunities available today, you can easily find your dream job and do it from the comfort of your home. Need help constructing the perfect resume? Ask a professional resume writer for assistance.