Finding Remote Work

The Future of Work Is All About…Finding Remote Job Work.??

The Work-From-Home Outlook in 2022 and Beyond found that about 30% of jobs will be hybrid and 15% will be fully remote moving forward. The report is a culmination of surveys and research conducted through the Instituto Technológico Autónomo de México, Stanford University, and University of Chicago. Couple that with a recent PEW Research study that found 9-17% of workers moved away during the pandemic from where their main office is/was located.?

Nonetheless, remote work isn't going away. And more and more employees are preferring to work from home.?

So, how do you find and secure a remote position??

Experts at FlexJobs, a job search site dedicated to flexible and remote opportunities, agree to eleven common missteps that can derail your remote job search. I agree. But as a career coach, there are three musts when applying for remote work.?

1. Begin your search with research. Not all companies will be keen to hire remote workers. Create a list of companies within your field that are remote-friendly. Begin your search within a 1-3 hour radius of your home. And FYI- FlexJobs found that 95% of remote postings include a location requirement – even when a position is 100% remote. Interesting, right?
2. Create a resume targeted towards remote work. The resume and cover letter serve as your formal introduction to the company. Show your future employer that you have specific skills to handle remote work including organizational and time management skills. Highlight how you use problem solving and communication or other soft skills in remote environments.?

Remember, remote work requires a fair amount of tech savvy to handle minor issues – as a remote worker, you are tech support especially when in a bind. If you can show potential employers you can handle a tech crisis mid-meeting with a big fish, you’ll score some brownie points.??

1. Reach out to your network. More than 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. Ask your network about remote work opportunities they are aware of that meet your requirements. Conduct informational interviews with other professionals or managers at companies you’re interested in pursuing. Use sites like LinkedIn to find recruiters and HR staff responsible for filling vacancies and get to know them. Ask questions about the company and what vacancies they’re looking to fill.?

And don’t forget to say “thank you.” Thanking your interviewer is an important part of the interview process. It gives you the opportunity to show you were listening, you’re grateful for their time, and to answer/resolve any issues they have with your experience or qualifications that arose during the interview.