Wondering how to get a remote job? As an international remote recruiter, I’ve seen firsthand the explosion of remote work in recent years, and it’s only getting bigger.
With the pandemic forcing companies to embrace remote work, it’s likely that more and more companies will continue to offer remote work opportunities in 2024 and beyond. So, whether you’re a digital nomad or just looking for a change of pace, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to snag that perfect remote job.
But with so many people jumping on the remote work bandwagon, how can you stand out from the crowd?
Don’t worry; I’ve got your back. In this article, I’ll be sharing some practical tips on how to navigate the remote job market, including job boards, networking, and interview strategies.
With a little bit of my expert advice and a whole lot of hard work, you could be well on your way to snagging that remote job you’ve been thinking of. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
☆ You might be interested: Look at the best items for remote work and digital nomads, and be ready to kick ass your WFH journey.
1. Understand The Remote Job Market In 2024
Remote work has become a hot topic in the world of work, and it’s likely to continue in the coming years. Understanding the current state of the remote job market is crucial to learning how to get a remote job in 2024.
Let’s look at the current state of the remote job market.
According to a recent report, remote work grew by 159% from 2005 to 2017, and as of the end of 2021, 45% of U.S. employees are working at least part of the time remotely (Gallup), and there’s no sign of slowing down.
It’s projected that remote work will continue to grow in popularity, especially in industries such as technology, healthcare, and customer service.
Which Remote Jobs Are Available In My Industry?
It’s important to understand the types of remote jobs available in YOUR industry.
While many people associate remote work with tech jobs, there is actually a wide range of remote jobs available in various industries, including marketing, finance, writing, and more.
☆ Get more remote job ideas by looking at this list of the best digital nomad jobs.
Here is how you should research and understand the remote job market in your industry:
- Research remote job listings: Start by searching for remote job listings on job boards and websites that specialize in remote jobs. Look for job titles and descriptions that match your skills and experience to get an idea of what types of remote jobs are available in your industry.
- Look at companies that offer remote work: Research companies in your industry that offer remote work opportunities. Check out their job listings to see what types of remote jobs they are currently hiring for. You can also check out their company culture and values to get a better idea of the types of remote jobs they offer.
- Reach out to remote workers in your industry: Connect with remote workers in your industry through LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Ask them about the types of remote jobs they have held and what their experiences have been like. They may be able to offer valuable insight into the remote job market in your industry.
- Check industry associations and groups: Industry associations and groups can be a great source of information on remote jobs in your industry. Check out their job boards and forums to see what types of remote jobs are available and to connect with other professionals in your field.
Remote Job Boards and Websites
Researching and utilizing remote job boards and websites is a key component of understanding the remote job market.
You will soon find here a very extended guide on remote job boards, but for now, I suggest sites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, or Remotive, which specialize in remote job listings and are great places to start your job search.
These are mostly generic remote job boards, so you should also look for the ones targeting professionals in your niche.
In addition, general job search sites like Indeed, Angel List, and LinkedIn can help you find remote job opportunities. You need to filter your search only to show remote opportunities and tailor it to your specific skill set and industry.
Even if you are not applying, look at the job listings with a critical eye. Search for common skills and tools they mention. What titles are they using? How many years of experience do they need? Are these jobs remote and hiring worldwide, or do they need you to be based in a specific area?
2. Tailor Your Resume And Cover Letter For Remote Positions
If you’re looking to land a remote job, you need to make sure your resume and cover letter stand out. Here are some tips to help you tailor your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of getting a remote job:
Highlight your remote work experience, if applicable
If you’ve worked remotely before, or even hybrid, highlight this experience in your resume and cover letter.
Mention the tools and technologies you’ve used for remote collaboration and any successes you achieved while working remotely.
This shows potential employers that you have experience working independently and that you’re familiar with remote collaboration tools and processes.
Emphasize relevant skills for remote work
Working remotely requires a unique set of skills, such as strong communication, time management, and self-motivation.
Make sure to emphasize these skills in your resume and cover letter, BUT not by writing: “I’m self-motivated and a strong communicator”. That doesn’t really say much.
Instead, you can provide specific examples of achievements and initiatives, mention how many projects you were working on at the same time, how you improved completion times and productivity or other examples that will implicitly say that you work autonomously and can prioritize tasks.
Use the right formatting and content
When learning how to get a remote job, you’ll notice that applying for remote jobs can look very different from applying to a traditional job.
It’s important to use a clean and modern resume design that is easy to read and understand.
Use bullet points to highlight your relevant skills and experience, and use the right keywords for the job you’re applying for.
In addition, customize your cover letter to show your enthusiasm for the company or why you are interested in that industry if you are making a change. You can also use the cover letter to specify relevant information about time zones or relocation if applicable.
Many companies are no longer asking for cover letters or keeping them optional. In this case, you can choose to send it or not, depending on the role.
If you are applying for a copywriter position, this would be your time to shine. On the other hand, Software Engineering candidates may not see much of an impact with their cover letter.
Position yourself as a good fit for their culture
Finally, it’s important to demonstrate your alignment with the company values, especially for 100% remote companies.
These companies have different values than traditional on-site companies, and their foundations are often based on trust, autonomy, space for errors, diversity, decision-making, and other values that are important for asynchronous work.
For example, if you are a manager applying to a fully remote company that values autonomy, you might write something like “Empowered team members to make decisions and work independently, resulting in increased productivity and improved team morale”.
To research a company’s values, check its careers page or its social media accounts for information on its mission, vision, and values. Briefly mention your own values and how they’ve made an impact in your previous jobs to demonstrate that you share the company’s values and are a good fit for their culture.
Use AI in your favour
Use free AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your resume and cover letter and save tons of time writing them.
One way you can use it is by entering the job post and prompting it to write a resume tailored to it. You can use the result as a template or inspiration to add your own achievements and experience.
Another way is to enter the resume you already have and prompt it to adapt it better to a specific job post or position.
Create a cover letter in seconds by adding only a few elements you want present and let the tool do most of the work.
3. Use networking and referral strategies
Networking and referral strategies can be an effective way while learning how to get a remote job.
Here are some actionable tips to help you expand your network and connect with remote workers and companies:
Connect with remote workers and companies through social media
LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with remote workers and companies in your desired field. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and highlights your relevant skills and experience.
Connect with professionals in your desired field and engage with their content by commenting or sharing their posts.
Consider reaching out to individuals who work at companies you’re interested in and ask if they’re willing to chat about their experiences.
Other social media platforms, such as Fishbowl and Twitter, can also be valuable for connecting with remote workers and companies.
Follow companies and individuals in your desired field and engage with their content. Join Twitter chats or Facebook groups related to your industry to expand your network and engage with others.
Reach out to former colleagues, friends, or acquaintances in your desired field for referrals
Referrals can be a powerful way to get your foot in the door of a remote company.
Don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues, friends, or acquaintances who work in your desired field and ask if they know of any remote job openings or can provide a referral.
Most companies have a referral program in place, so if you end up getting hired, they win too.
You can also ask for advice on how to make your application stand out for that particular company.
Online communities and forums for remote workers can be a valuable resource for expanding your network and connecting with other professionals in your industry.
Check out websites like Reddit, Slack groups, and Facebook for communities related to your field.
Engage with others by asking questions, sharing your experiences, and offering advice. By participating in these communities, you can gain valuable insights and make valuable connections that can lead to potential job opportunities.
Some active remote work communities where they discuss how to get a remote job:
- Remote Woman – Slack Group
- RemotelyOne – Slack group
- EU Remote Jobs – Facebook Group
- Digital Nomads Around the World – Facebook Group
4. Showcasing your ability to work remotely during the interview process
Remote job interviews can be a bit different from traditional in-person interviews.
Not only do you need to make a good impression on your potential employer, but you also need to demonstrate your ability to work remotely effectively. Here are some tips for nailing your remote job interviews.
Preparation for remote interviews
Preparation is key to a successful remote interview.
Make sure you test your equipment and internet connection before the interview and familiarize yourself with the remote collaboration tools that the company uses. Most will use Zoom to Microsoft Teams for a video call.
You can also do mock interviews with friends to help you practice answering questions and communicating effectively through a screen.
Demonstrating excellent communication skills
Communication is crucial for remote work, and employers are looking for candidates who can communicate effectively through online channels.
Make sure you answer interview questions clearly and concisely but in-depth, and avoid rambling or getting off-topic.
Take the time to understand the question, ask for clarification if needed, gather your thoughts, and provide a thoughtful and relevant answer.
Highlighting your experience with remote collaboration tools
Employers are looking for candidates familiar with remote collaboration tools, such as Zoom, Slack, or Trello.
Make sure you highlight your experience with these tools and provide examples of how you’ve used them to collaborate with remote teams.
If you’re not familiar with a specific tool, let the employer know that you’re willing to learn and that you’re excited to work in a remote environment.
Nailing your remote job interviews
In addition to preparing for technical requirements, like testing your internet connection and equipment, it’s important to focus on presenting yourself as a qualified and reliable remote worker.
Show up to the interview on time, dressed appropriately, and with a professional demeanour. Since most remote interviews are conducted over video, non-verbal cues can be even more important in conveying your enthusiasm and positive energy. This is a key aspect of learning how to get a remote job.
Be prepared to answer questions about your experience working remotely, how you’ve dealt with challenges specific to remote work, and how you’ve adapted to a flexible and ever-changing work environment. This is another important factor in how to get a remote job.
Share concrete examples of your past successes, and be ready to explain how your unique skillset and experience can be applied to the role you’re interviewing for.
Finally, ALWAYS ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview to show that you’re invested in the company and the position.
You are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. It is important that you confirm that the position is a good fit for you.
Ask about company culture, opportunities for professional growth, and how the company approaches remote work. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job but that you’re serious about your career and have put thought into whether you are interested in this company.
5. Evaluating the benefits and culture of a remote job
So, you’re considering an offer? Or maybe even in doubt about applying? Before taking the plunge, it’s important to evaluate the benefits and culture of a remote job to make sure it fits your personal priorities. This is a key step in learning how to get a remote job.
Identify your personal and professional priorities
Do you prioritise work-life balance? Competitive compensation and benefits? Professional growth opportunities? Knowing what’s important to you will help you evaluate job opportunities with a critical eye.
Research the company’s culture
Another way to evaluate a remote job is to research the company’s culture and values. Check out Glassdoor reviews, social media accounts, Fishbowl forums, and company websites to learn more about their culture.
Are they aligned with your own goals and values? This can help you understand whether the company is a good fit for you and a good way to learn how to get a remote job.
Evaluate the benefits and perks of a remote job
Finally, evaluate the benefits and perks of a remote job. Remote jobs often come with unique benefits, such as flexible schedules, a professional development budget, health insurance, and a wellness stipend, among others.
Consider how these benefits align with your priorities and needs and their weight within the whole salary + benefits package.
Conclusion: How to Get a Remote Job in 2024
As the world becomes more connected, remote work is quickly becoming the norm. If you’re looking to take advantage of the benefits and flexibility that come with remote work, there’s never been a better time to do so.
By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to getting a remote job in 2024.
First, understand the current state of the remote job market and how it has evolved.
Second, tailor your resume and cover letter for remote positions by highlighting your remote work experience, emphasizing relevant skills, and using the right formatting and content.
Third, utilize networking and referral strategies to connect with remote workers and companies and expand your network.
Once you’ve landed an interview, focus on nailing it by preparing for technical requirements, presenting yourself as a qualified remote worker, and asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview.
And finally, don’t forget to evaluate the benefits and culture of a remote job to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional priorities.
With these tips in mind, I’m sure you understand how to get a remote job this year. So start exploring the remote job market and take the first step towards a more flexible and fulfilling career today!
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