The pandemic has changed the way we work and live in many ways. One of the most significant shifts is the rise of remote work, which allows people to work from anywhere with an internet connection. Remote work has many benefits, such as flexibility, autonomy, cost savings, and increased productivity. But it also comes with some challenges, such as isolation, communication issues, time management, and cybersecurity.
If you are interested in working remotely, you may wonder if it is possible to get a remote job in your field and how to go about it. The answer is yes, it is possible to get a remote job, but it may require some extra effort and preparation. Here are some tips on how to find and land a remote job.
Identify your skills and goals
Before you start looking for a remote job, you need to have a clear idea of what you can offer and what you want. Think about your skills, experience, strengths, and interests. What kind of work do you enjoy doing and what are you good at? What are your career goals and how does remote work fit into them? How much flexibility do you need and what are your preferred working hours? Having a clear vision of your ideal remote job will help you narrow down your options and tailor your applications.
Build your remote working skills
Getting a remote job is one thing; succeeding at it is another. Remote work requires specific skills and habits that may differ from traditional work. For example, you need to be self-motivated, proactive, and disciplined in managing your time and tasks. You need to communicate effectively with your team and clients, despite the distance and time-zone differences. You need to be proficient in using digital tools and platforms for collaboration, project management, and online meetings. You also need to be comfortable with solitude and able to manage the work-life balance without a clear boundary between them.
To improve your remote working skills, you can invest in training and learning resources that are tailored to remote work. Some examples are online courses, e-books, podcasts, blogs, and online communities that offer tips, advice, and best practices for remote work. You can also learn from other remote workers or mentors who have experience in your field or industry. Building your remote working skills not only enhances your value as a remote worker but also increases your job satisfaction and productivity.
Update your resume and portfolio
Once you have identified your skills and goals, you need to showcase them in your resume and portfolio. Your resume should highlight your relevant skills and achievements, as well as any previous remote work experience or projects. Your portfolio should include samples of your work that demonstrate your abilities and quality. Make sure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date, concise, and professional. You may also want to create a personal website or blog that showcases your work and personality.
Search for remote jobs online
There are many websites that specialize in posting remote jobs or have filters that allow you to search for them. Some examples are FlexJobs, Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and Remote OK. You can also use general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn and use keywords like “remote”, “telecommute”, or “work from home” in your search. Another option is to look for companies that are fully remote or have a remote-friendly culture and check their careers page for openings. You can find lists of such companies on sites like Remote Year or Nomad List.
Network and reach out
Networking is an important part of finding any job, but especially a remote one. You can use social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to connect with people who work remotely or in your field of interest. You can also join online communities and forums related to remote work or your industry and participate in discussions, share insights, and ask for advice. You can also attend online events, webinars, or meetups that are relevant to your field or interests and network with other attendees or speakers. Networking can help you discover new opportunities, get referrals, or learn from others’ experiences.
Prepare for the application and interview process
Once you have found some remote jobs that match your skills and goals, you need to prepare for the application and interview process. This may differ from a traditional job application process in some ways. For example, you may need to submit a video resume or cover letter instead of a written one. You may also need to take online tests or complete assignments to demonstrate your skills or fit for the role. And you will most likely have to do video interviews instead of face-to-face ones.
To prepare for these steps, you need to do some research on the company and the role, practice your answers to common questions, prepare some questions of your own, and test your equipment and internet connection beforehand. You also need to dress professionally, choose a quiet and well-lit location, maintain eye contact and good posture, speak clearly and confidently, and show enthusiasm and interest in the role.
Follow up and negotiate
After you have completed the application and interview process, you need to follow up with the employer and negotiate the terms of the offer if you get one. You can send a thank-you email to the interviewer or hiring manager within 24 hours of the interview, expressing your appreciation for their time and interest in the role. You can also restate why you are a good fit for the role and ask about the next steps in the process.
Final Thoughts
If you receive an offer, you need to negotiate the salary and benefits that suit your needs and expectations. Remote work may have different compensation structures than traditional work, such as hourly rates vs fixed salaries or different tax implications depending on where you live vs where the company is based. You also need to consider other aspects of the offer such as vacation time, health insurance, equipment allowance, training opportunities, etc.
In summary, getting a remote job is possible if you identify your skills and goals, update your resume and portfolio, search for remote jobs online, network and reach out, prepare for the application and interview process, and follow up and negotiate. Remote work offers many benefits, but also requires discipline, communication skills, and adaptability. With the right mindset and preparation, you can find a remote job that fits your lifestyle and career goals.