Remote work is not a new concept, but it has become more popular and accessible in recent years thanks to advances in technology and changes in work culture. Working remotely means that you can perform your job duties from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection and a suitable device. Remote work can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, cost savings, and increased productivity. However, finding and landing a 100% remote job can be challenging, especially if you are new to this mode of work. In this blog post, we will share some tips and strategies on how to get a 100% remote job, based on our own experience and research.
Identify your skills and interests
Before you start looking for remote jobs, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of work you want to do and what skills you have to offer. Remote work can be done in almost any field or industry, but some are more common than others. For example, web development, graphic design, writing, customer service, marketing, and teaching are some of the most popular remote jobs. You can use online platforms like LinkedIn or Skillshare to showcase your portfolio and skills, or take online courses or certifications to improve your qualifications. You should also think about what kind of remote work suits your personality and preferences. Do you prefer to work independently or collaboratively? Do you need a fixed schedule or flexible hours? Do you want to work for one company or multiple clients? These factors will help you narrow down your options and target your job search.
Update your resume and cover letter
Once you have identified your skills and interests, you need to update your resume and cover letter to reflect your remote work readiness and suitability. Your resume should highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and projects that demonstrate your ability to work remotely. You should also include any tools or software that you are familiar with or use regularly for remote work, such as Zoom, Slack, Google Drive, etc. Your cover letter should explain why you want to work remotely and how you can add value to the company or organization that you are applying to. You should also mention any previous remote work experience that you have, or how you have adapted to remote work during the pandemic (without mentioning covid-19 explicitly). You should tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application and use keywords that match the job description.
Search for remote jobs on various platforms
There are many ways to find remote jobs online, but some are more effective than others. You can use general job boards like Indeed or Monster and filter by location (remote) or keywords (remote, telecommute, work from home, etc.). However, these platforms may not have many remote jobs or may have outdated or scam listings. You can also use specialized platforms that focus on remote jobs only, such as Jorcus, FlexJobs, Remote.co, We Work Remotely, etc. These platforms may have more quality and variety of remote jobs, but they may also charge a fee or require a subscription to access their services. Another option is to use social media networks like LinkedIn or Twitter and follow hashtags (e.g., #remotejobs) or accounts (e.g., @remotiveio) that post remote jobs regularly. You can also join online communities or groups that cater to remote workers or specific fields or industries and network with other members who may share job opportunities or referrals.
Prepare for the interview process
If you get invited for an interview for a remote job, you need to prepare well and show that you are a good fit for the role and the company culture. You should research the company and the position beforehand and prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. You should also test your equipment and internet connection before the interview and make sure that you have a quiet and professional background. During the interview, you should dress appropriately and maintain eye contact with the interviewer. You should also communicate clearly and confidently and showcase your skills and personality. You should also ask about the expectations and challenges of working remotely for the company and how they support their remote workers.
Follow up and negotiate your offer
After the interview, you should send a thank-you email to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position and the company. You should also follow up with them regularly until you hear back from them about their decision. If you receive an offer for a remote job, you should review it carefully and negotiate any terms that are important to you, such as salary, benefits, hours, equipment, etc. You should also ask for a written contract that outlines all the details of your employment agreement.
Build your online presence and network
As a remote worker, your online presence and networking skills can greatly influence your visibility and credibility in your industry or field. You should have a professional website or portfolio that showcases your work and experience, as well as social media profiles that reflect your personality and values. You should also engage with other professionals and potential clients or employers on social media, forums, or blogs, and share your insights or ideas about your industry or field. You can also attend online events or webinars that cover relevant topics or trends and connect with other attendees or speakers. The more you participate and contribute to your online community, the more likely you are to attract or refer opportunities for remote jobs.
Consider freelancing or starting your own business
If you can’t find a 100% remote job that fits your needs or preferences, or if you want more control over your work and income, you can consider freelancing or starting your own business. Freelancing means that you offer your services or expertise to multiple clients or projects, usually on a project-by-project basis. Freelancing can offer more flexibility and variety in your work, as well as higher income potential, but it also requires more self-promotion and management skills. Starting your own business means that you create and manage your own products or services, usually with a niche or target market in mind. Starting a business can offer more creative and strategic freedom, as well as higher growth potential, but it also requires more investment and risk-taking. Both freelancing and starting a business require great organizational and communication skills, as well as a strong network of clients or customers.
Invest in your continuous learning and development
As a remote worker, you need to continuously learn and develop your skills, knowledge, and mindset to stay competitive and effective in your work. You can take online courses or certifications that cover the latest tools or trends in your industry or field, or that enhance your soft skills, such as time management or emotional intelligence. You can also attend online conferences or workshops that provide practical insights or networking opportunities. You should also seek feedback and mentorship from other professionals or remote workers who can help you grow and overcome challenges. By investing in your continuous learning and development, you not only improve your value to your clients or employers, but also your resilience and adaptability as a remote worker.
Be open to different time zones and cultures
Remote work often involves working with people from different time zones and cultures, which can be both challenging and enriching. You should be flexible and adaptable to different work schedules and communication styles, and be respectful and curious about cultural differences. You can read about cultural norms and etiquette in different regions or countries, or watch videos or podcasts that feature remote workers from diverse backgrounds. By embracing diversity and inclusion, you can bring new perspectives and insights to your work and enhance your cultural competence and empathy.
Demonstrate your reliability and professionalism
As a remote worker, you need to demonstrate your reliability and professionalism in all aspects of your work, from meeting deadlines to communicating clearly and respectfully. You should hold yourself accountable for your work and deliverables, and communicate proactively and transparently with your clients or employers. You should also set clear boundaries and expectations around your availability and workload, and avoid over-committing or under-delivering. By building trust and credibility with your clients or employers, you can establish long-term relationships and referrals that support your remote work career.
Learn about the legal and tax implications of remote work
Remote work also involves legal and tax implications that you need to be aware of, especially if you work for clients or employers in different states or countries. You should research the laws and regulations around remote work in your location and your client’s or employer’s location, and consult with a legal or tax expert if necessary. You should also keep track of your income and expenses related to your remote work, and report them accurately and timely to the relevant authorities. By complying with the legal and tax requirements of remote work, you can avoid penalties and fines that can affect your reputation and income.
Stay connected and engaged with your remote team or community
Remote work can be isolating and lonely, especially if you are used to working in an office or with colleagues. You should make an effort to stay connected and engaged with your remote team or community, and foster a sense of belonging and collaboration. You can use online tools like video conferencing or instant messaging to communicate with your team or colleagues, and set up regular virtual meetings or social events to build relationships and trust. You can also join or create online groups or forums that share your interests or goals, and participate in discussions or projects that generate value and feedback. By staying connected and engaged with your remote team or community, you can enhance your remote work experience and productivity, and overcome the isolation and loneliness that can affect your mental health and motivation.
Be proactive and take initiative
As a remote worker, you need to be able to take initiative and be proactive in solving problems or identifying opportunities. You should not wait for your client or employer to tell you what to do or how to do it, but instead show that you are capable of taking ownership and leadership in your work. You can suggest new ideas or strategies that can improve your client’s or employer’s business, or offer to take on additional responsibilities that align with your skills and interests. You can also learn about your client’s or employer’s industry or field and share your insights or research findings that can add value to their work. By being proactive and taking initiative, you can demonstrate your value and potential as a remote worker, and earn trust and respect from your clients or employers.
Keep yourself healthy and productive
Remote work can offer more flexibility and autonomy, but it can also lead to poor habits and lifestyle choices that can affect your health and productivity. You should take care of yourself both physically and mentally, by setting up a comfortable and ergonomic workspace, taking breaks and stretching regularly, and practicing self-care activities like meditation, exercise, or hobbies. You should also maintain a healthy work-life balance, by setting clear boundaries between your work and personal time, and prioritizing your relationships and passions outside of work. By keeping yourself healthy and productive, you can sustain your motivation and creativity as a remote worker, and avoid burnout and stress that can derail your career and wellbeing.
Learn from your successes and failures
Remote work is a continuous learning journey, and you will encounter both successes and failures along the way. You should not be afraid to fail, but instead learn from your mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. You should also celebrate your successes and acknowledge your accomplishments, and use them as motivation and inspiration for future challenges. You can keep a journal or record of your remote work experiences and insights, and reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. By learning from your successes and failures, you can build resilience and adaptability as a remote worker, and ensure that you are always growing and evolving in your career.
Final Thoughts
Getting a 100% remote job can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice if you are prepared and motivated to succeed. By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of finding and landing your dream remote job. Remember to be patient, persistent, and positive throughout the job search process, and learn from any rejections or feedback you receive. Remote work can offer many benefits, but it also requires discipline, communication, and collaboration skills. As long as you are willing to learn and adapt to this mode of work, you can thrive and succeed in a 100% remote job.