Even before the pandemic, remote jobs have slowly been gaining popularity, as they allow you to work from the convenience of your own home. You won’t need to deal with traffic or commuting. You can even work in your pajamas if there’s no video communication involved.
But before you start your search for a remote job, it’s important to understand it better first and to see if it suits you.
What is a Remote Job?
It’s a type of job that doesn’t require reporting to a physical office space. This enables you to complete work tasks without leaving your home and to collaborate with your co-workers or employers even if you’re all based in different places.
Because there can be time and energy saved from not having to drive or commute to work, remote jobs usually allow for greater productivity. People are able to maximize their working hours better. Remote workers also experience less stress compared to when they were reporting to the office. They also cite greater savings since they no longer have to spend on transportation. Moreover, they get to enjoy better quality-of-life, as they’re able to sleep longer, exercise more, and eat healthier.
On the downside, a remote job may make you feel isolated since you’re not seeing your co-workers in person. Also, depending on your work ethic, you might end up overworking or underworking, and you’ll be personally responsible for your own progress. If you usually have difficulty staying focused and keeping to your schedule, a remote job may not be ideal for you.
It’s best to narrow down your choices to jobs that actually interest you. There’s a wide range of industries opening up for remote work, and you’d most likely be able to find one that suits you.
How to Find a Remote Job
As with any job, finding a remote job hinges on both opportunity and preparation. To increase your chances of landing a remote job that’s right for you, you may want to follow these tips:
1. Beef up your portfolio.
While some job postings don’t require work experience, the ones that pay better usually do. What employers want to know is if you have the skills that they’re looking for. If you don’t have any previous experience to put in your résumé, you can supplement it with a stocked portfolio of your self-directed projects or your educational background.
2. Polish your pitch, cover letter, and résumé.
When delivering your pitch, you should be able to clearly establish who you are, what you’re good at, what sets you apart from the other candidates, and why you’re a good fit with the company. The same goes for your cover letter and résumé. It’s best to research on the company you’re interested in beforehand, so you can tailor the content of these documents accordingly and increase your chances of getting hired.
3. Use Search Remotely.
Of course, the most effective way to find a remote job is to go to trusted job boards.
Search Remotely is one of the leading online platforms that connect remote job seekers with employers looking to hire remote workers.
What Remote Employers are Looking For
Since employers won’t be able to supervise remote employees in person, they want to hire trustworthy candidates. They need to see that you’ll fulfill your commitments and deliver the required output at the agreed time. Remote employers are also looking for people passionate about the job, especially because passion often translates to better work quality and higher productivity.
Taking a remote job is convenient in a lot of ways, but just like any job, landing it requires preparation and searching. Knowing what type of job you want and being genuine about your interests can go a long way in helping you secure remote work that fits you.