Tips for Landing a Remote Job
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores and many businesses had to transition to a remote workforce to stay afloat, it taught us that employees could work from home and still be as efficient as they were at the office. Now, with the pandemic mostly in our rearview mirror, companies in many different industries are sticking with their remote workforce in this new world of business.
Now, many employees only want to work for a company if they can do so in a remote capacity. However, there is a lot of competition out there, so you will need to prove to potential jobs that you have a proper work environment and that you can work independently to help their company succeed. Let’s talk about how to land the dream, in-demand remote job.
1. Realize the Benefits of Remote Work
Even before you think about what you can do for another company, you should consider the benefits of working remotely for your body and soul. Even the fact that you can skip the morning commute is essential for your mental health. These days, the average commute takes about 28 minutes, and there can be a lot of stop-and-go traffic and stressful moments during that drive, which leaves you feeling anxious once you get to work. It is also not healthy to commute and sit down for that long without some activity.
When you work from home, you can also find a better work-life balance, which is essential for minimizing your stress. You can take the time on your breaks and lunches to walk around the block, breathe in some fresh air, and return to work feeling mentally refreshed. It is not always so easy to do that when working out of a corporate office.
2. Create a Productive Workspace
The next thing that you need to do is to create a productive workspace so you can assure your next potential employer that you can work efficiently without distraction. In addition to a chair that provides proper posture, consider adding a standing desk that will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. Also, make sure there is plenty of natural light for that essential vitamin D.
Your home office should also be free of distractions. That means that you keep the television off except when on break, and you find a quiet part of the house where you won’t hear music or family members talking through the walls. If an interviewer asks about your work arrangements at home, then you already have this space set up so you can answer accordingly.
3. Prove That You Can Solve Problems on Your Own
Employers know that many employees require a lot of handholding in order to complete their work, which would make them unfit for a remote job where management depends on employees to solve problems on their own. You can prove that you are right for the job by explaining to the interviewer different times in the past when you have solved problems while working remotely or independently. Make sure to emphasize the results of your efforts.
You could further impress the interviewer by explaining exactly how you go about solving problems in the workplace. Consider demonstrating a root cause analysis, where you get to the root of an issue, like a decrease in sales, and find a way to solve that deficiency. Explain how once you have several possible root causes for the issue, you can come up with a solution for each, try each one out, and then monitor the results to see what works. If you are able to show that level of problem-solving prowess, then you likely have no problem showing your worth as a remote employee.
4. Explain Your Remote Experience on Your Resume
You can also give potential employers a hint that you are remote-ready before you even show up by adding some information to your resume. For instance, in the accomplishments section of a previous job, you can write that you helped increase sales or improved customer satisfaction and that you did so when working from home. That way, they can see that you have a proven track record of working remotely. If you don’t have remote experience, think of times that you have worked independently or used tech to help you accomplish your work goals.
You can also prove your worth in your skills section by mentioning skills that are essential in a remote setting, including time management and work ethic. Plus, you can list the fact that you are a self-starter, tech-savvy, and reliable. It’s always wise to mention in your objectives section that you are looking to thrive in a remote work environment.
5. Prepare for Remote Interviews
Finally, you can show that you are capable of using technology and being responsible during your remote interviews. Many HR teams will have the initial interview over the internet, so you can use this chance to prove that you are familiar with a remote setup. Do that by being on time with no technical hiccups, having a professional video background, and dressing professionally. This will prove that you have experience working from home and you can do it well with this new company.
As you can see, there are several steps that you can take to nail your next interview and land a remote job. Heed this advice, and you’ll find the job you desire.
Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book.
