To All the Career Questions I Have Been Asked

It's amazing how this segment of the newsletter has grown. Every week, I welcome over 100 new subscribers. To our new subscribers, thank you for joining me on this journey! This newsletter is for young professionals navigating the job market and to those advancing their career development, and transitioning into remote work.

This week’s newsletter, our last for 2024, will focus on answering some of the most common career questions I’ve been asked this year.

Since I started my evangelism on career development and inclusive remote work, I have received thousands of inquiries on topics like resume tips, landing remote jobs, securing internships, LinkedIn optimization, managing a career alongside school, and much more. So, let’s dive in:

Q: "Can I get a remote job without any experience?"

A: Truth be told, the remote job market is very competitive, and it can be challenging to secure a role without experience. Entry-level candidates and fresh graduates with some experience often have an edge.

That said, I firmly believe that "no one is left without experience." You can leverage transferable skills from volunteering, coursework, or personal projects. Highlighting these in your resume and cover letter can make a significant difference.

For more on this, check out this article: How to Land a Job as an Entry-Level Candidate When Every Role Requires Experience

Q: "I’m scared to post on LinkedIn. I don’t even know what to say!"

A: It’s okay! Everyone feels some fear when posting on LinkedIn—some of us just get better at managing it. My advice? Create content for you, by you, and about you, but keep it valuable to your audience. Here’s a simple way to structure your posts:

• Content for Me: Celebrate personal milestones and share your journey. For instance: “This time last year, I struggled with imposter syndrome. Today, I’m proud of the confidence I’ve built........”
• Content for Value: These are contents that highlight your expertise and also make you attractive to employers, like: “How I helped a client secure a $200K/year remote job by optimizing their LinkedIn profile.”
• Content for Impact: These are contents that educate and inspire your audience with actionable tips, such as: “5 things to do in 2025 to land remote jobs", or "Here are 3 tips in creating an SEO article that ranks..."

Even if your post gets only a few likes, remember: you’ve impacted someone. Focus on showing up authentical

Q: "What do I do when I feel career-stuck?"

A: Feeling stuck isn’t just normal, it’s part of every career journey. Think of it as a pause, not a stop, and use this moment to reflect, refocus, and reignite. Start by asking yourself:

1. What excites me about my current role? If the answer is “nothing,” don’t panic. Look deeper. Are there small wins, connections, or tasks that light you up? If not, it’s okay to admit it—it’s clarity.
2. What skills do I want to develop? Sometimes, stagnation happens when we outgrow what we’re doing. Look into skills that excite you or could open new doors. Upskilling doesn’t always mean a formal course; it could be learning a tool, volunteering, or starting a side project.
3. Am I exploring enough new opportunities? Be honest, have you stepped out of your comfort zone recently? Sometimes, we feel stuck because we’re playing it safe. Attend a networking event, apply for a dream job, or schedule an informational interview with someone whose career inspires you.

Here’s a mantra I like to remind myself when I feel stuck: "This feeling is temporary. Growth happens in the pauses, not just the sprints.". Need actionable tips? Check out this article: From Stuck to Unstoppable: Strategies for Career Revitalization

Q: "How do I balance school and my career?"

A: If you are a student with a part-time remote job, balancing school and your career can feel like juggling flaming swords, but with a solid system, you can make it work. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Get everything out of your head. First things first: brain dump. Write down all your tasks, deadlines, classes, and work projects. Seeing everything in one place gives you a clearer picture of what you’re working with.
2. Use a system that works for you. Whether it’s Google Calendar, Notion, Trello, or even a simple notebook, pick a tool you enjoy using and stick with it. Color-code tasks if that helps (e.g., red for deadlines, blue for school, green for career).
3. Prioritize like a pro. Not everything needs to get done today. Learn to identify urgent versus important tasks. Ask yourself: What absolutely must get done now? What can wait until tomorrow or next week? What can I delegate or eliminate?
4. Break your goals into bite-sized chunks. Big projects can feel overwhelming, so divide them into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance: instead of “finish research paper,” write “outline paper,” “write intro,” and “proofread.”
5. Time-block your schedule. This is a game-changer. Allocate specific hours for study, work, and personal time. For example, 9 AM–12 PM: Work on job tasks; 12 PM–1 PM: Lunch (yes, schedule breaks too!) and 1 PM–3 PM: Class or study session
6. Learn to say no (and mean it). Learn to say no confidently and stick to it. You can’t do everything at the same time, so choose your extracurricular activities or extra work projects carefully to avoid overloading yourself. Focus on what truly matters and aligns with your priorities.

Q: "I keep failing interviews. How do I give the right answers?"

A: There’s no magic formula for the "right" answer in interviews—it’s about authenticity and alignment with the company’s values.

Here’s a simple approach:

1. Do your research. Understand the company’s culture, mission, and what they value in candidates.
2. Use the STAR method. Structure your responses to highlight the Situation, your Task, the Action you took, and the Result you achieved.
3. Practice, but don’t memorize. Focus on key themes like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability rather than trying to script perfect answers.

Finally, confidence comes from preparation. Walk in knowing you’re ready to share your unique story and how it fits their needs. For more tips, check out this article: How to Score Interviews for Your Dream Remote Job

Q: "How do I know which remote jobs to apply for?"

A: Remote jobs often come with location requirements, and it’s crucial to pay attention to those. Applying to jobs outside the specified location is usually a waste of time unless the company explicitly states they can make exceptions.

Here’s the truth: it’s not about companies being unfair—it’s usually due to work permits, tax laws, or time zone preferences. So, before hitting “apply,” always check the location terms. Here’s a quick guide:

• Remote, USA/US: Only for candidates based in the USA who have the legal right to work there.
• Remote, Europe: Open to candidates eligible to live and work in Europe.
• Remote, LATAM: For candidates in Latin America who have the right to work.
• Remote, EMEA: Open to candidates in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with the legal right to work.
• Remote, MENA: For candidates in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Remote, APAC: For candidates in the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like India, Australia, and Japan, with the legal right to work.
• Remote, Africa: Only for candidates from African countries who have the right to work there.
• Remote, Worldwide/Global: The jackpot! These roles are open to candidates from anywhere in the world. To find more worldwide and inclusive remote opportunities, check out: Inclusivelyremote.com

Paying attention to these requirements saves time and helps you focus on roles where you’re eligible and competitive!

Q: "I just graduated and don’t know how to get a job."

A: Transitioning from school to the job market can feel overwhelming, especially when rejections start rolling in. But here’s the thing: rejection doesn’t define your worth—it’s just part of the process. Everyone starts somewhere.

Here’s how to kickstart your journey:

1. Identify industries and roles that excite you. What sparks your interest? Think about the kind of work you’d genuinely enjoy and start narrowing your focus.
2. Build a strong LinkedIn profile. Highlight your achievements, internships, volunteer work, and skills. A professional headshot and a compelling “About” section can make all the difference.
3. Network intentionally. Reach out to alumni from your school, professionals in your desired field, or connections at companies you admire. A simple, personalized message can open doors.
4. Tailor your resume for every role. One size doesn’t fit all. Align your experience with the job description to show you’re the right fit.
5. Consider internships or volunteer work. If you’re struggling to land a full-time role, an internship can help you gain experience, build connections, and prove your potential.

Remember, this stage is about exploration and learning. The right opportunity will come—just keep showing up! For additional tips, check out this article: Top Job Market Tips for New Graduates

Q: "I keep getting rejections every time I apply for remote jobs."

A: The remote job market is no joke—it’s competitive, especially for global roles where you’re up against candidates from all over the world. But rejections don’t mean you’re not qualified; they just mean you need to stand out more. Here’s how to stay ahead:

1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters often check this before anything else. Make sure your headline reflects your skills, and your experience section is polished and specific to the roles you’re targeting. Add a professional photo and include keywords relevant to your desired job.
2. Tailor your resume for each application. Don’t use a generic resume. Align it with the job description by emphasizing skills and achievements that match the role.
3. Reinforce your interest with a follow-up. After applying, send a quick email to show your enthusiasm for the position. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Here’s a sample follow-up email:

Subject: Follow-Up on Remote Job Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills in [specific area] to your team.

If there’s any additional information or documents you need, please let me know. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background aligns with your needs.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Rejections are tough, but each one brings you closer to the right opportunity. Keep refining, keep applying, and don’t give up. Your next “yes” could be just around the corner!

Q: "How can I transition from an onsite role to working remotely?"

A: Transitioning from an onsite role to remote work isn’t just about changing where you sit, it’s about reshaping how you work. Start by looking at your current role: could it be done just as effectively from home? If the answer is yes, don’t be afraid to initiate a conversation with your manager. Frame the discussion around how remote work could benefit both you and the company. Think fewer distractions, save commute time, and the ability to focus better on delivering results. Managers are more open to the idea when it’s presented as a win-win.

Next, consider upskilling. Remote roles demand strong communication, time management, and comfort with tech tools like Zoom, Slack, or Asana. The goal is to show that you’re not just ready for remote work but you’re ready to excel in it. Take small steps to prove your adaptability, and you’ll be well on your way to working from wherever you choose!

Q: "How can I make my LinkedIn profile stand out?"

A: Making your LinkedIn profile stand out is all about presenting your professional story in a way that’s authentic, impactful, and tailored to your goals. Here’s how to craft a profile that grabs attention:

1. Start with a professional headshot. A clear, approachable photo builds trust and creates a great first impression.
2. Write a compelling headline. Go beyond just your job title. Use your headline to reflect your skills, goals, or unique value, such as: “Marketing Specialist | Helping brands grow through data-driven strategies”
3. Craft an engaging “About” section. Share your professional journey, your passion, and what sets you apart. Keep it conversational but focused on your achievements and goals.
4. Showcase measurable achievements. Highlight accomplishments in your work experience section using numbers and results. For example: “Increased user engagement by 35% through content optimization and targeted campaigns.”
5. Incorporate relevant keywords. Think about the skills and terms recruiters in your field search for and naturally weave them into your profile.
6. Request recommendations. A few thoughtful endorsements from colleagues, managers, or mentors can significantly boost your credibility.

This year has been interesting and as we close out 2024, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for being part of this journey. Get ready for 2025 because I have a lot of amazing articles to share. See you next year!

Your Career Cheerleader,

Mary-Esther Anele