Are you looking for a better work-life balance, more flexibility, and less stress? A remote career might be ideal for you.
However, finding a good remote job among the thousands of job ads posted online requires a lot of work. These tips will help you navigate the remote job search from start to finish.
Use A Job Search Platform For Remote Jobs
When you’re looking for remote work, one of the best ways to find suitable job opportunities is to use a job search platform dedicated to remote jobs. This way, you won’t waste time scrolling through dozens of traditional job postings that may not offer fully remote positions.
These specialized platforms typically allow you to narrow down your search by using filters designed to help you filter out positions that don’t match your preferred employment type, industry, or experience level.
Before you entrust any of these websites with your CV and personal information, however, make sure it’s trustworthy. Look for legit remote work sites like ThinkRemote, Indeed or RemoteJobs.io that vet the companies they allow to post job ads on their platform. Otherwise you risk falling victim to remote job scams, a phenomenon which is becoming more common as the number of remote jobs increase.
Tailor Your CV To Remote Positions
At a time when more and more people want to work remotely, ensuring that your CV is tailored specifically to remote roles is essential for standing out in this competitive landscape.
The first thing you should do is highlight any previous remote experience in your CV introduction. If hiring managers see immediately that you’re already used to dealing with the communication challenges and other issues that come with working remotely, they’re more likely to view you as a qualified candidate for the position.
In your experience section, list hybrid or remote roles you’ve held in the past. Even if you’ve only worked on a few freelance projects on the side, it’s worth including them on your CV. Anything that shows that you’ve successfully worked remotely before will help convince employers you’re reliable enough to hire for a remote position.
However, if you haven’t worked remotely, don’t worry! It doesn’t mean you lack the skills needed for a remote role.
For example, if you’re familiar with online collaboration tools like Slack and Trello, or video conferencing software like Zoom and Teams, mention these skills throughout your CV. This tells employers that you’ll require less training and are ready to hit the ground running.
Examples of other remote skills to emphasize on a remote CV include:
- Time management
- Self-discipline
- Tech-savviness
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Organization
- Cybersecurity awareness
Include these remote skills throughout your resume, in both the experience and skills sections. One way to really make them stand out is to use a professional template with skill bars. These help you effectively demonstrate your level of skill to employers.
Curate Your Online Presence
Curating your online presence is key when seeking remote jobs because it serves as a digital representation of your professional identity and capabilities.
A good first step is to update your LinkedIn profile to ensure it accurately reflects your current skill set and experience level. Additionally, use a professional headshot and craft a compelling introduction that highlights your expertise. If you have them, you can also include testimonials from previous clients or colleagues to reinforce your credibility.
Next, if you work in an industry where a portfolio is either a requirement or a bonus, create an online portfolio or website to showcase your work. Use this platform to demonstrate your expertise in your field, highlight previous remote projects, and provide insight into your professional interests.
Another thing to be mindful of is your activity on social media. These days, reviewing a candidate’s social media presence is common practice among employers, so make sure your public posts and interactions align with the professional image you want to portray.
Finally, conduct a quick audit of your online presence to identify any inconsistencies or red flags that may detract from your professional reputation. Update any outdated or irrelevant content, and ensure that your online profiles are consistent across different platforms.
Prepare For Remote Job Interviews
Remote job interviews require a bit more preparation than traditional interviews.
Start by testing your technology setup well in advance to avoid any issues on the day of your interview. This includes checking that your internet connection is good enough, that your microphone and webcam are using the correct settings, and that you’re able to confidently navigate the video conferencing tool the employer will be using.
If you haven’t picked a room for the interview, you should do this too. Choose a location that is quiet and free from distractions. The room should be well-lit, and an ideal video conferencing background is as neutral as possible. An empty wall is ideal. It’s best to avoid coffee shops and other public places as these environments are difficult to control and may be too noisy.
You don’t want to be stressed right before your interview, so pick out an outfit at least a day in advance. Even if you’re attending the interview from home, you must still be dressed appropriately. Choose clothes that you’re comfortable in and meet the level of professionalism expected from someone in your target role at the company you’re applying for.
Find Your Dream Remote Job
Taking the first steps on your remote career journey might seem daunting, but if you follow the tips above, finding your dream job will be much easier.
By targeting the right job opportunities, perfecting your application, and practicing your interview skills, you maximize your chances of quickly finding a remote job.