If You Want to Work Remotely, Check Out These Tips From a Remote CEO

• Author: Monica Jackson
• Posted: 2024-07-12

For many people, the ability to work from home is a dream come true. You get to cut back on commute time, work in your pajamas, and enjoy a more comfortable environment. However, finding a job that lets you work from home is often easier said than done. To get the most opportunities, you need some help from the experts. Kevin Kirkpatrick, the CEO of We Work Remotely, offers some helpful tips on how people can find a good remote work job.

Actually Read Job Descriptions Thoroughly

Kirkpatrick notes that a lot of people tend to scan job listings and automatically ignore anything that doesn't have "remote work" in the title. This can work well in a city with a massive amount of jobs, but in smaller job markets, you can miss good options. Keep in mind that some companies may use other words, like "distributed" or "telecommute" to describe jobs that let you work remotely. Take a look at the description to consider how the company is run and whether the job requires you to go to a physical location or collaborate with others.

Make Sure You Display Stellar Communication Skills

According to Kirkpatrick, the number one skill all remote employers want is communication. Since they won't be talking with employees face-to-face, they need people who can communicate seamlessly over a variety of devices. The second you apply for the job listing, you are putting your communication skills on display. It's essential to spell things correctly, use proper grammar, and avoid any punctuation errors. You never want your online communications to make you seem confusing or unintelligent. Whether you're replying to a quick email or writing a cover letter, make sure you communicate well.

Emphasize Your Ability to Solve Problems Independently

Another major criteria for any remote worker is the ability to independently handle any issues on your own. Employers want to make sure they can count on you if anything goes wrong. How do you do this? Make sure your resume emphasizes what you have contributed in past jobs. Whether you're a student who excelled at an independent study or an experienced worker who solved a work crisis without input from a manager, there's something you can include.

Include Keywords That Appeal to Resume Sorting Software

Many companies use a type of software called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort resumes. These scan resumes quickly and flag good options for a hiring manager to look at. This sort of software is especially common at companies that hire remote workers since they prioritize efficiency and technological solutions. If you want the best chance of scoring an interview, try to write a resume that appeals to the ATS. Do this by reading the job posting and then sprinkling the same keywords through your resume. For example, if a job is looking for a "marketing specialist," make sure your resume lists your "marketing specialist" experience instead of your "marketing consultant" experience.

Be Specific

Remote employers get a lot of interest, so assume that the hiring manager is reading through hundreds of similar-sounding emails. How can you stand out from the crowd? A good technique is to provide specific examples of the value you can bring to a company. For example, instead of writing, "I'm attentive to detail," write, "I spotted a mistake in accounting figures and ended up saving my company hundreds of dollars on supplies."

Keep an Eye Out for Scams

Unfortunately, the increase in desire for remote work has also led to an increase in scams. In most cases, these scams just try to take personal details from you. However, some scams may go farther, charging you an application fee to apply. Even if you're savvy enough to spot these scams, they can waste your time by making you go through a lengthy application process before revealing sketchy behavior. To save time, exercise caution when approaching job salaries that offer high pay, require few qualifications, and are very vague about the company.

With these tips, it can be a little easier to search for remote work. By taking the time to find good postings and craft an appealing resume, you can improve your chances of working from home.