Prior to the pandemic, the number of workers who worked from home was quite small. Some reports suggest that fewer than 4 percent of all workers enjoyed remote work positions. But that changed dramatically over the last 2 years. A recent survey conducted by Bold Business showed that 93 percent of all workers prefer to work from home in some capacity. Other polls have found that more than a quarter want positions that are fully remote. Given this and notable worker shortages, many companies are now offering more work-from-home opportunities. But getting these positions aren’t necessarily a sure thing. Just like in-person employment offerings, preparation is essential for remote work as well.
There are a number of important tips for getting a remote job in this post-pandemic world. Individuals who wish to work from home must therefore make a few adjustments in their approach. This requires redesigning your resume in some cases while highlighting specific skills related to remote work. It also demands doing a bit of research about available work-from-home job opportunities. And in some instances, it may even be helpful to demonstrate a bit of autonomy and creativity. Like any pursuit, preparation is the key. With that in mind, the here are six important tips for getting a remote job in today’s current climate.
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Tip #1 – Redesign Your Resume
Because work-from-home job opportunities aren’t the same as in-person ones, employers will be looking at different criteria. As a result, one of the key tips for getting a remote job involves changing up your resume a bit. Specifically, it is important to highlight all past remote work experience as often as possible. Include this information not only in individual positions but also in your executive summary. Likewise, be sure to comment about any successes and achievements you had virtually, like virtual hires or onboarding. And demonstrating continued excellence and productivity in remote positions also look favorable. Each of these techniques let an employer know you’re well equipped to work from home.
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Tip #2 – Highlight Key Skills and Experience
Notably, redesigning your resume can boast specific skills and experience relevant to work-from-home job opportunities. But it is also important to go into greater detail about specific remote working talents. For example, identifying technical skills and soft skills important to remote work help employers recognize your potential. This includes prior tasks related to digital collaboration platforms, videoconferencing tools, and other pertinent software. (Read more about how videoconferencing innovations have shaped remote work in this Bold story.) Because working from home demands increased technical and communication abilities, this information must be repeatedly promoted. This is among the important tips for getting a remote job because it shows key you meet essential qualifications. This could make a difference in determining whether or not you are even considered for the position from the start.
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Tip #3 – List Online Education and Training
Most employers find workers who invest in their own education attractive. This demonstrates not only a high level of initiative and autonomy but also a desire to improve. When it comes to work-from-home job opportunities, this remains true. However, the type of education and training you pursue can matter. If you’re seeking remote work where you’ll be using virtual tools, your experience with online learning systems should be documented. This may be formal online education programs associated with a university or e-learning systems that provided certifications. Both highlight your capacity to engage remotely in various platforms and excel. This is often one of the tips for getting a remote job that is often overlooked.
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Tip #4 – Promote Creative Endeavors
Another one of the important tips for getting a remote job involves your ability to showcase your innovation and creativity. Employers offering work-from-home job opportunities want someone who’s passionate about their job. The more they love what they do, the more autonomous they are. And creative endeavors that demonstrate this passion make candidates more attractive. Examples of such projects include blogs, podcasts, or even websites related to your primary career interests. These types of creative expressions are virtual in nature, again showing your comfort with online tools. Plus, they show once again that you’re willing to be independent and autonomous in pursuing your interests.
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Tip #5 – Prepare for a Virtual Interview
If you’re planning on pursuing work-from-home job opportunities, then you’ll probably be asked to conduct a virtual interview. Not only do these interviews offer convenience, but they allow employers to test out your remote technical and social skills. As a result, one of the tips for getting a remote job requires that you plan ahead for this type of interview. Be sure your camera and headset are optimally working and select a neutral yet professional background. Hand gestures should also be limited during a virtual interview. Also, allowing for extra pauses in the conversation can prevent streaming delays from ruining the give-and-take. These techniques as well as some practice in advance can go a long way in helping you land the remote job.
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Tip #6 – Research Specific Companies
While many reputable companies now offer more work-from-home job opportunities, scams still exist as well. Because of this, it is important that you do a little research before applying and pursuing a remote job position. Many such scams involve multilevel marketing or claims processing. Or even worse, they request you invest your own money to get started. If such offers are too good to be, they probably are. Therefore, one of the most important tips for getting a remote job that’s worth your while involves doing some homework. Reputable companies will demonstrate professionalism and legitimacy in their communications and social media. And if possible, talking with some of the company’s current employees in advance may also help.
Making the Right Career Choices
When it comes to work-from-home job opportunities, not all careers are the same. Some fields, like digital marketing and customer service, are quite conducive to remote settings. Others may be more challenging when it comes to potential openings. Regardless, if you were successful at remote work during COVID, there’s no reason you shouldn’t pursue the job you desire. It might just require a little longer for your search for the right career position. But by following the above tips for getting a remote job, you’ll eventually have success.
Bold Business has a wide range of job openings–check them out here!