The popularity of remote work has skyrocketed in recent years, and even more so in the wake of the pandemic. As a result, more and more companies are looking for remote candidates. But what do hiring managers look for in a remote worker, and how can you set yourself up for success in a distributed workforce? In this blog, we’ll explore the key traits and skills that hiring managers seek in successful remote candidates.
Self-motivation
Remote work requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline. Without the structure of a traditional office, it’s essential to be able to manage your time effectively, prioritize tasks, and stay focused without supervision. Successful remote workers are proactive and able to set realistic goals for themselves.
When you’re interviewing for remote roles, it’s important to demonstrate your self-motivation by highlighting your experience with self-directed projects or your ability to stay productive in a distracting environment. Share stories of how you’ve managed to stay on task and achieve your goals independently. Hiring managers want to know that they can trust you to work efficiently and hold yourself accountable.
Strong communication skills
Clear communication is key to any successful work environment, but it’s especially important in a remote setting. Without face-to-face interactions, it’s essential to be able to communicate effectively through written and verbal channels. Successful remote workers are skilled at adapting their communication style to different contexts and audiences.
As a remote worker, you’ll likely be communicating through email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and other digital channels. During the interview process, showcase your strong communication skills by being articulate, responsive, and professional in your correspondence with the hiring manager. Give examples of situations where you’ve used written or verbal communication to navigate complex issues or collaborate with your team.
Technical proficiency
Remote work requires a high level of technical proficiency, from understanding the software and tools required for your specific job to troubleshooting your own technical issues. Successful remote workers are comfortable using a variety of software and technology platforms, and they’re able to learn new tools quickly on their own.
When applying for remote roles, make sure to highlight your technical skills on your resume and during interviews. Provide examples of how you’ve used technology to streamline processes or achieve results in your previous roles. Hiring managers want to know that you can hit the ground running in a remote position, without needing extensive training.
Adaptability
Remote work can be unpredictable, with shifting schedules, changing priorities, and unexpected challenges. Successful remote workers are adaptable and able to roll with the punches, pivoting quickly when needed and taking on new responsibilities without missing a beat.
In your interview, demonstrate your adaptability by sharing stories of how you’ve successfully navigated change in the past. Whether it’s shifting priorities at work or a sudden personal emergency, talk about how you’ve been able to stay focused and productive despite unexpected roadblocks. Hiring managers want to know that you’ll be able to handle the flexibility and autonomy of a remote role.
Strong work ethic
Remote work can be an isolating environment, with no one to hold you accountable but yourself. Successful remote workers are able to maintain a strong work ethic, even when there’s no one looking over their shoulder.
During your job search, make sure to highlight your history of dependability and work ethic. Provide examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond in your previous roles, showing initiative and dedication to your work. Hiring managers want to know that they can trust you to stay motivated and productive, even when working remotely.
Collaboration
Although remote work can be an individualistic experience, it’s still an essential part of any team effort. As a remote worker, you need to be able to work collaboratively with others, even if you’re not in the same physical space. Successful remote workers are able to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with their colleagues, even if they’re communicating through digital channels.
During the interview process, emphasize your ability to collaborate and work well with others. Talk about your experience working on group projects or your ability to manage complex team dynamics. Hiring managers want to know that you’ll be able to contribute to a positive team culture, even if you’re working remotely.
Time management
In any job, time management skills are essential. But in a remote work environment, you need to be even more skilled at managing your time effectively. Without the structure of a traditional office, it’s easy to lose track of time and let distractions take over. Successful remote workers are able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.
In your job search, highlight your time management skills, and provide examples of how you’ve managed to stay organized and productive in the past. Hiring managers want to know that you’ll be able to manage your workload and meet deadlines independently, without constant supervision.
Flexibility
Working remotely requires a high degree of flexibility. You may need to adapt to different time zones, work outside of traditional hours, or be available for last-minute deadlines. Successful remote workers are able to remain flexible and adapt to the needs of their employer and coworkers.
When interviewing for remote roles, emphasize your flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Share examples of how you’ve been flexible in the past, and highlight your willingness to work outside of traditional hours or work on short notice.
Problem-solving
In a remote work environment, unexpected challenges are practically guaranteed. From technical issues to communication breakdowns, remote workers need to be able to problem-solve and find solutions. Successful remote workers are able to think creatively and find solutions to complex problems independently.
During the interview process, be sure to share stories of how you’ve tackled challenging problems in the past. Highlight your ability to think outside of the box and find creative solutions to unexpected roadblocks. Hiring managers want to know that they can trust you to handle unexpected issues and keep things running smoothly.
Trustworthiness
Finally, one of the most important traits employers look for in remote workers is trustworthiness. When you’re working remotely, employers need to trust that you’ll be responsible, productive, and efficient. Successful remote workers are dependable and able to work independently without constant supervision.
Emphasize your dependability and trustworthiness during the job search process. Share stories of how you’ve been a reliable and trustworthy employee in the past, and highlight your ability to manage your workload independently. Hiring managers want to know that they can trust you to work effectively and productively, even when you’re working remotely.
Conclusion
Remote work requires a unique set of skills and traits to be successful. By demonstrating self-motivation, strong communication skills, technical proficiency, adaptability, strong work ethic, collaboration, time management, flexibility, problem-solving, and trustworthiness, you can set yourself up for success in a remote role. With the right mindset and skills, you can thrive in a distributed workforce and stand out as a top candidate to potential employers.