Remote work has become increasingly common over the past few years, with many companies offering work-from-home options to their employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the shift, pushing more companies to convert traditional jobs into remote work opportunities. These changes have opened up endless possibilities for individuals who are new to the job market or seeking to transition to remote work. However, with so many options available, it’s essential to know which remote entry-level jobs are available and what skills are required to land them. In this blog post, we’ll discuss in-depth the best entry-level remote jobs available, and offer tips on how to succeed in them.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative is usually the first point of contact for customers who have questions or need assistance. Job duties may include answering phone calls, responding to email inquiries, or chatting with customers via an online chat tool. The ideal candidate for this job should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be patient, and be able to work independently. Many companies require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others prefer some college-level coursework in customer service or a related field.
Soft Skills for Customer Service
The key soft skills of a customer service representative include:
- Active Listening: It is essential to give your full attention to the customer and truly understand their concerns.
- Empathy: Being able to understand and connect with the emotions of the customer is important for building trust and rapport with them.
- Patience: It is common for customers to be confused, angry or frustrated, so being patient is essential to provide a positive customer experience.
- Clear communication: Clear communication is essential to ensure the customer understands the solution provided and any follow-up steps required.
Technical Skills for Customer Service
Technical skills for a customer service representative includes:
- Experience in using customer service software and support tools like Freshdesk, Kayako or Help Scout.
- Proficiency in typing and data entry to record customer information for future reference.
- Knowledgeable in using Microsoft Office Suite or Google Docs to draft responses to customer queries.
Salary and Career Growth
According to Indeed, the average salary for a customer service representative in the United States is around $15.09 per hour. Entry-level positions typically have room for growth, including advancing to a senior customer service representative, supervisor, or account management position.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative support to businesses or busy individuals from a remote location. A virtual assistant’s duties may include managing calendars, scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, and data entry. The ideal candidate for this job should be organized and detail-oriented, have strong communication and writing skills, and be able to work independently. Many companies prefer a high school diploma or equivalent, along with some experience in administrative support or customer service.
Soft Skills for Virtual Assistant
The key soft skills for a virtual assistant include:
- Organizational skills: The ability to manage time efficiently, plan priorities accordingly, and multitask is a must.
- Attention to detail: A keen eye for details is essential for tasks like data entry and scheduling appointments.
- Good communication skills: Being able to communicate well through both verbal and written channels is essential to collaborating with clients from varied locations and backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently: When working remotely, being able to work efficiently without close supervision and stay motivated is a requirement.
Technical Skills for Virtual Assistant
Technical skills for a virtual assistant includes:
- Proficiency in using basic video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.
- Strong familiarity with cloud services – DropBox, OneDrive, Google Drive – to store, organize and share files.
- Experience with project management software like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com for managing project workflows and deadlines.
Salary and Career Growth
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a virtual assistant in the United States is around $22 an hour. With time and experience, it is possible to progress to a more executive-level virtual assistant position which pays approximately $70,000 annually.
Data Entry Clerk
A data entry clerk enters and updates information into a database or spreadsheet. Data entry may involve a high volume of numeric or text data, and accuracy and attention to detail are crucial. The ideal candidate for this job should be able to work independently, be detail-oriented and accurate, and have excellent typing skills. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically a requirement for entry-level positions.
Soft Skills for Data Entry Job
The key soft skills for a data entry job include:
- Attention to detail: This job requires a high level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy when entering data.
- Patience: Due to the repetition involved in data entry, patience is essential to maintaining accuracy.
- Dependability: It is crucial to be reliable and responsible, as data is critical to business operations.
Technical Skills for Data Entry Clerk
Technical skills for data entry clerk includes:
- Proficient in typing and data entry.
- Understanding of Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar spreadsheet software for data entry and manipulation.
- Familiarity with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which automates the data entry process and reduces the workload.
Salary and Career Growth
According to PayScale, the average hourly pay for a data entry clerk in the United States is $14.33. Entry-level positions in data entry typically have room for advancement to positions such as data analyst or administrative assistant.
Content Writer
A content writer creates written material for various websites, blogs, and social media platforms. The writing may include articles, blog posts, product descriptions, or social media posts. The ideal candidate for this job should have experience writing, be self-motivated, and have excellent written communication skills. A bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or a related field may be preferred, but experience in writing can also compensate for it.
Soft Skills for Content Writing
The key soft skills for a content writer include:
- Creativity: Being able to craft innovative and engaging content for various platforms.
- Strong research skills: Research skills are important for creating informative, compelling, and SEO-optimized content.
- Time management: Being able to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and deliver quality content on time.
- Adaptability: Being able to understand and switch between different writing styles, tones, and genres.
Technical Skills for Content Writing
The technical skills for a content writer include:
- Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and syntax rules.
- Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Magento, or Joomla to publish and manage online content.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) expertise, including keyword research and optimization.
Salary and Career Growth
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay is around $48,000 a year for a content writer in the United States. With experience and expertise, content writers can advance to positions like senior content writer, editor or copywriter across companies or as a freelancer.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager creates, schedules, and manages social media content for a business or individual. The ideal candidate for this job should have experience managing social media accounts, be up-to-date on social media trends or new features, and have strong written and verbal communication skills. While having a bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Communications is an advantage, experience in relevant field along with strong portfolio and certifications can qualify for the role.
Soft Skills for Social Media Manager
The key soft skills for a social media manager include:
- Creativity: The ability to create engaging and interesting social media content, that can connect with the audience
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt strategies and messaging to match the dynamic nature of social media platforms and staying relevant to trends.
- A client-centric approach: Being able to understand the client’s needs and execute social media strategies to achieve their goals.
- Strong communication skills: Being able to communicate with clients and team members effectively, through social media channels or team collaboration tools.
Technical Skills for Social Media Manager
The technical skills for a social media manager include:
- Experience with Social Media Management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social to schedule and publish social media posts.
- Ability to create visually appealing and brand consistent design deliverables, including infographics and social media visuals.
- Familiarity with analytics and social media metrics, to be able to measure the success of social media campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
Salary and Career Growth
According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a social media manager in the US is $51,000. With experience, social media managers may advance to roles like social media strategists, digital marketing managers or vice presidents of communications.
Tips for Success in Remote Work
Establish a routine
Working from home can blur the line between work and personal life. Establishing a routine can help you separate the two and stay productive. Set specific work hours and stick to them to ensure you have a good work-life balance.
Maintain Communication
Communication is crucial in any remote job. Stay in touch with your supervisor or colleagues regularly, check your email and messages, and participate in conference calls or video meetings as needed. Keeping the communication consistent will help in maintaining a positive working culture.
Create a dedicated workspace
Creating a dedicated workspace in your home helps to maintain focus and improve productivity. Choose a quiet area in your home, free from distractions and where you have a comfortable chair and table. Decorate it with plants or things that inspire you so that you are motivated to work effectively in this space.
Stay organized
Organizing your work tasks and schedule can help you avoid missed deadlines and provide a sense of accomplishment. Use digital tools like calendars, project management software, or to-do lists to help you manage your workload. Setting reminders and agendas will help you to complete the task at hand without missing out on anything.
Continuously improve your skills
To stay competitive in the remote job market, it’s important to develop new skills and stay up to date with industry trends. Take online courses, attend webinars or workshops, and seek out mentorship or guidance where possible. There are multiple free online courses and workshops which provides certifications as well, freelancers can consider taking up them to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
With so many remote work options available, job seekers can certainly find a job that suits their skills and interests. Customer service representative, virtual assistant, data entry clerk, content writer, and social media manager are all lucrative options for people new to the remote job market. These jobs require specific skills, but with hard work and dedication, individuals can excel in them. We hope the tips offered in this blog post help you succeed and thrive in your new remote job.