Learn about Remote Work with Mellesia Lewis from Pineapple Jobs

At The Career Doc, we believe in talking with experts across the globe and then sharing their career insights for our readers to learn from.?

This week, we chatted with Mellesia Lewis, co-founder of Pineapple Jobs.?

Pineapple Jobs believes in the transformative power of connecting talent with opportunities.?

Their mission is to bridge the geographical gaps and unlock the potential of job seekers across the Caribbean and Latin America (LATAM) by connecting them with global companies that foster a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).?

Pineapple Jobs specializes in matching job candidates with global job opportunities, emphasizing roles in Creative, Digital, Software, and other fields that can function remotely.?

Their commitment to upskilling candidates ensures they meet the top selection criteria for competitive remote positions worldwide, making Pineapple Jobs a trusted source of top talent.

In this interview, Mellesia shares advice for job seekers who want remote jobs and HR professionals who deal with remote workers. In addition, she talks about personal branding and so much more.?

Here’s what she had to say.?

Why did you name the company Pineapple Jobs??

Our logo is more than just a visual representation; it embodies the spirit and values of Pineapple Jobs. It stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering connections in the modern job landscape while staying true to our Caribbean roots.?

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Resourceful, Visionary, Loyal

Why was it important to you to connect job seekers in Latin America and the Caribbean with remote work??

For the past 3 years, we've been simmering an exciting idea, a platform dedicated to showcasing the incredible talents of Caribbean creatives. This dream simmered on the back burner as we juggled other projects, but then, in January 2023, it burst back to life, fueled by the aftermath of the global pandemic.

The pandemic's impact was like a wakeup call. It revealed that finding opportunities in our respective fields had grown increasingly challenging. We spoke with fellow creatives from across the Caribbean and Latin America and found that they faced the same uphill battle. In a twist of fate, we crossed paths with global recruiters scouring the globe for creative brilliance. They were tapping into talent from the Philippines, Canada, and other far-off lands. As we conversed and saw the remarkable potential right here in the Caribbean, our initial idea evolved, and Pineapple Jobs was born.

What advice do you have for job seekers in the Caribbean who want to work remotely??

Upskill and Self-Development:

• Continuously improve your skills and knowledge, especially in areas relevant to remote work.
• Take online courses and certifications to stay competitive in the global job market.

Demystify Negative Beliefs:

• Challenge stereotypes by consistently demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and excellence in your work.

Leverage Digital Platforms:

• Use LinkedIn to create a strong online presence, connect with professionals, and showcase your skills and achievements.
• Build an outstanding portfolio of your work to impress potential employers.

Remote Work-Specific Skills:

• Develop skills like effective communication, time management, and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.
• Highlight previous remote work experience to show your ability to excel in a remote work environment.

Seek Mentorship and Peer Support:

• Connect with experienced remote workers and mentors for guidance and valuable insights.
• Join local professional networks focused on remote work for support and job opportunities.

What are the top mistakes job seekers in the Caribbean and Latin America make when seeking remote opportunities abroad??

Job seekers in the Caribbean and Latin America often encounter several common mistakes when pursuing remote opportunities abroad. One of the most significant pitfalls is settling for less-than-ideal positions due to a lack of self-belief. Many talented individuals underestimate their abilities and, as a result, may miss out on better-fitting roles.?

Additionally, inadequate professional positioning can hinder their chances, as it's crucial to present oneself as a competent and experienced candidate. Failing to thoroughly research the prospective company is another blunder, as it's essential to align personal goals with the organization's values and culture. ATS-unfriendly resumes can easily be discarded, so job seekers must ensure their resumes are optimized for applicant tracking systems.?

Lastly, neglecting networking and online visibility can limit access to valuable connections and opportunities in the competitive remote job market. These errors underscore the importance of self-confidence, professionalism, research, resume optimization, and online engagement in the pursuit of remote work opportunities abroad.

What are some of the top skills employees need to thrive in their remote jobs?

To thrive in remote jobs, employees need a range of critical skills:

• Time management is essential for meeting deadlines, and a strong work ethic and can-do attitude help maintain productivity and motivation.?
• A hunger for knowledge and adaptability are vital for keeping up with technological advances and evolving work practices.?
• Effective communication, both written and verbal, ensures clarity in remote interactions, and problem-solving skills enable individuals to address challenges independently.?
• Tech proficiency, initiative, emotional intelligence, and teamwork and collaboration skills are crucial for fostering productive remote work relationships and contributing positively to the team.?
• Finally, cultural sensitivity and resilience are essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of remote work, while maintaining security awareness helps protect sensitive data in a remote setting.

How important is personal branding for aspiring remote workers?

In today's digital and social world, personal branding is highly significant for aspiring remote workers. It allows them to stand out by sharing their beliefs and positions on relevant issues affecting their work, industry, and the people they serve.

Do you have any personal branding tips?

Be authentic and consistent in your personal branding efforts.

What are the biggest misconceptions about remote work?

A common misconception about remote work is that it leads to lower productivity, and another is that it's all fun and leisure.

What do you wish more companies understood about remote work?

I wish more companies understood that remote work can be successful with the right technology and cultural development. Additionally, it's essential to dispel the misconception that remote workers are hard to track. With the right tools and transparent communication, companies can effectively monitor and measure remote work performance, which can enhance trust and accountability in remote work arrangements. Furthermore, exceptional talent may be found outside their local areas, broadening their talent pool and promoting diversity.

How can HR professionals support remote workers?

HR professionals can support remote workers by creating and implementing effective remote work policies, advocating for mental health policies that incorporate remote or hybrid work, and sharing best practices, including what's working well and areas for improvement.

What books, podcasts, or resources do you recommend for job seekers?

I recommend job seekers take a productivity course that focuses on managing burnout to enhance their skills, performance, and work-life balance.

At the end of your life, what do you want people to remember about you?

I hope to be remembered for the positive impact I had on the average person, helping them overcome imposed barriers, live on purpose, and transform their lives for the better.

Ready to Transform Your Career?

The Career Doc offers a wide range of career support resources for individual job seekers, entrepreneurs, and corporations. Our services include a resume rehab, a career vitality package, and career counseling options for corporations. Reach out to us if you’re ready to transform your career at The Career Doc: https://thecareerdocx.com/

Stay tuned to The Career Doc for more articles and interviews that will help you thrive in the job market.?

If you missed our last newsletter, Interview with Arianne S. Richardson from A.Rich Culture about the Orange Economy and Creative Entrepreneurship, you can check it out for practical advice about being a creative entrepreneur in the Orange economy.