6 Steps: How to Get a Remote Job This Weekend (The Ultimate Guide)
If you’re dreaming of the days that you can put the daily commute and office time behind you, a remote job may be a worthwhile option. This article will discuss some important nuances of remote work and help you decide whether a remote job is right for you.
As companies focus more on increasing employee satisfaction and helping staff achieve a work-life balance, remote opportunities will become more common. If your current employer has not embraced this new trend, it might be beneficial to start exploring and researching the types of remote jobs available outside of your company.
If you decide that this is an option worth exploring, you will need to do some research. Start with the six tips below and you’ll be on your way to finding a remote job this weekend!
- Make sure working remote is right for you
It’s easy to say you’d be happier working from the comfort of your home. However, this type of work has some real and serious pros and cons that you need to be aware of. Think of your lifestyle and family situation – will working remotely allow you more time for the things and people you love? You’re giving up commuting and office distractions, but if you’re an extrovert, being alone at home may not be the ideal environment for you. If that’s the case, is there a local office share you can use a few days a week? There are lots to consider when making this switch!
- Getting a remote job can take more time
Before you start your job search, remind yourself that finding a remote job can be more time consuming than a traditional office job and the competition can be more fierce. Typical job posting sites will have limited remote job postings, so don’t stop your search there. Find job search sites specifically dedicated to remote jobs and maintain an active presence on them.
- Decide what motivates you
You have to view your remote job like any other and accept that while you may find it more enjoyable on the whole, there will still be less than exciting tasks to complete. You have to stay on schedule and focused, otherwise the distractions of being at home (like staying in bed a little longer, the urge to clean just one room, or deciding what’s for dinner) can take over. Underworking can catch up to you if you know you function better with supervision or being in a neutral space like an office. The reverse situation of overworking is also common amongst remote or home-based workers. If you can’t divide up your brain space to balance home and work life, burnout becomes a reality very quickly.
- Search on sites dedicated to remote work
Since you’re already narrowing the job search by looking for remote work, stay away from traditional sites like Indeed and even LinkedIn. Focus on navigating the sites specifically designed for remote work and you’ll be using your time effectively. A Google search will help you find sites specific to your industry or you can start with this list of sites.
- Market yourself
Employers hiring remote positions are looking for employees who are trustworthy and highly competent. They are taking a leap of faith in trusting that they can count on you to deliver so show potential employers that you have the right mix of skills and attitude to do the job. Be honest in the interview process and share the strengths you bring and the passion you have for the job. Show them your versatility and problem-solving skills. Depending on the time zones, you may be working at different times from the company or your team so you need to be ready to resolve issues on your own or with little input from others. Above all, demonstrate to a potential employer what makes you unique among all other candidates out there.
- Change up your resume
A different job market requires a different type of resume. In this competitive market, a professionally written resume tailored to this style of work can be the edge you need to stand out. Show them your experience with remote team tools like Skype, Basecamp and GoToMeeting and other software you have used in your career. Share the times you have been a “self-starter” and don’t be afraid to share the results of those projects. This will show them you can work effectively on your own and problem solve. An online portfolio and a great LinkedIn profile can separate you from the crowd.