Between October 2020 and April 2021, eight out of ten US employees worked remotely. Of the full-time employees surveyed, 35% want to keep working remotely.
Many of the remote jobs brought in by the pandemic are here to stay, which is great news if you're looking for remote work.
But how do you choose the best remote jobs out there? If you've never looked for remote work before, there are a few important strategies you need to keep in mind.
If you use these strategies, searching for remote roles you’ll love doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our guide below tells you all you need to know about how to find the best remote jobs for your career goals.
Use Job Boards
Instead of adding the word "remote" to each of your manual job searches on job searching websites like LinkedIn, try using a remote job search site. Job boards are an excellent way to look for remote work because you can make use of the search filters.
These filters include location (so you can stay in the same time zone), job type (employee or freelance), career level, and job title.
Plus, you can look for job boards that are specific to remote workers, which already narrows down your search and saves you time.
Tips for Job Boards
To set yourself up for success with a job board, you need to keep a few tips in mind.
First of all, make sure that you create a profile on the job board if you have the option. This makes it easy for potential employers to find you. Also, make sure the resume you apply with on the job board is aligned with your LinkedIn resume.
Next, make sure to use industry-specific language in your application to show that your knowledge is up-to-date. You want your work from home resume to match some of the language in the job postings you're applying to so that employers can see that you match the skills and qualifications they're looking for.
You also want to use this terminology so that your resume gets past any software that filters resumes before the hiring manager reads them.
You can also look for jobs by degree, which will help you find the jobs that are best suited to your expertise and the type of work experience you're looking to build.
Finally, make sure to check the job listings of the company you're applying to. You never know if you'll find another job that's even better suited to your work experience.
Know What Remote Employers Look For
If you're looking for work-from-home jobs, chances are you haven't worked with the companies you're applying to before. This is why it's vital that you show potential employers that you have what it takes to be successful in a remote position.
One of the biggest differences between applying for remote work and in-office work is that you not only have to show that you have the skills for the job at hand, but that you can stay focused and get projects done on your own.
A few examples of qualities and skills that remote employers might look for include:
- Effective time management skills
- Clear and prompt communication skills
- Being comfortable with technology
- The ability to stay focused
- Self-motivated to get work done
Remember to keep these skills in mind during your interview as well. Be ready for potential employers to ask you interview questions such as why you want to work from home and how you stay focused when working on your own.
Find Out What Motivates You
As a remote worker, even if you go to co-working spaces or the library, you'll still be the only one there from your job.
And with the number of distractions around us these days (from your phone to social media), you need to stay focused while you're working.
Many jobs these days use time tracking apps to keep track of what their remote employees are doing during work hours. Starting off on the right foot, focused on your work will help you not lose trust with your employer the moment you land your new job.
Without co-workers or the office's espresso machine to motivate you, take the time to consider what does. You can take a Work Style Quiz online to find this out if you're not sure.
When you find out what motivates you at work, you’re more likely to succeed in a remote setting that’s prone to distractions.
Watch for Red Flags
No matter how good a job looks on paper, you need to learn how to spot remote job red flags if you see them.
Some of these red flags apply to any job: high employee turnover, getting vague answers when you ask a question, or the job description being unclear.
Some red flags for remote jobs include the promise of very high earnings right away, not asking for qualifications, and not giving any sort of interview or test. Another huge red flag is if a company asks you for money upfront for any reason such as licensing.
If you don't see some of these red flags in the job application, make sure to watch for them in the interview.
On the other hand, some good signs to watch for in work from home jobs include maintaining a positive company culture, focusing on honest feedback, and trusting employees to do their jobs.
Keep Track of the Best Remote Jobs
Between having a flexible schedule and being able to spend more time with friends and family and your personal interests, remote work is a great option for many people.
But with today's competitive job market and the sheer number of remote jobs out there, you need a reliable way to track all of your job applications and stay organized.
This is where Teal's Job Application Tracker comes in. While spreadsheets can be confusing and difficult to navigate, Teal's job application tracker helps you bookmark, save, and manage follow-ups so you can apply for the best remote jobs.
Ready to land your dream remote job? Keep your job search organized with Teal's Job Application Tracker today.