7 Tips to Enhance your Remote Work Search
Updated: Jan 2
As pandemic-related working restrictions are being pulled back, more people are being asked to return to work onsite. This has caused a bit of turmoil in the American workforce. It seems that many folks who are currently working from home, would like to continue doing so. In fact, some people would rather leave their jobs than return to commuting. According to a Pew Research survey of 5,889 workers in January 2022, 61% of people working remotely reported that they will not be returning onsite due to work-life balance issues. As a result, 44% of the US workforce is reportedly searching for more work-friendly flexible jobs. As the Great Resignation continues, it appears that 2022 will have all-time high numbers of job openings. Many of those jobs are being advertised as remote. CareerBuilder has recently reported that remote jobs have 7x more applicants than in-person jobs.
Landing one of those remote positions requires different strategies than the traditional job application process. Failing to understand the differences could sabotage your job search efforts. Following are a few tips to increase your changes to land that remote job:
1. Applying for Remote Jobs Regionally
For tax reasons, all workers need to be identified with a 'home' state, city, or county. That's why some remote jobs appear to have a 'work location' on search sites. Additionally, a company may claim a job is remote, but require the worker lives within a specific mile radius of a physical office. Therefore, carefully check to see if advertised remote jobs have any location requirements. If you fail to meet them your application could be rejected.
2. Include Remote-Specific skills on Your Resume
Employers are now seeking a more specific set of skills for remote workers. They are looking for candidates that are self-directed, disciplined, and can manage themselves independently in a work-from-home environment. They also expect soft skills such as excellent communications, time management, and superior organizational skills, among others.
Making key changes to your resume may help you get noticed:
Designate you have worked remotely in your job title -->Procter & Gamble | Atlanta, GA (Remote). Do not put 'remote' in place of the 'city' as it will most likely not register in the ATS.
Place "Fully Remote Capable" in the skills section of your resume.
Identify how long you have worked remotely on your resume letterhead--> City, State, Zip / Working Remotely X+ Years
Within each section of your work history, prioritize bullet points that show how you’ve successfully worked with teammates or managers while remote.
When describing your work responsibilities, give top billing to skills or tasks that are clearly needed to work remotely. You can also document how you have worked with/interacted with others who aren’t physically in the same location as you.
Show your flexibility in going "above and beyond" while working from home. Perhaps you have trained workers remotely or onboarded team members.
If you’re applying for a management position, you’ll want to distinguish how you set expectations and monitor progress with employees you oversee from your home.
3. Remote Jobs Still Need Customized Resumes
If you are eager to find a remote job, you may be determinedly spending hours each day scanning job boards and submitting resume after resume. While these positions may sound more 'casual', every resume you send out will still need to be tailored to the job you apply for. You should also continue to apply for positions that meet your career goals and skill sets. Focusing on 5-10 targeted 'remote-friendly' companies that have jobs that match your career goals would be a far better use of your job search time.
4. Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Recruiters are now being asked to fill many remote jobs, so make sure your LinkedIn profile is also up to date for your remote-work job search. Any specific changes to your resume should also be done to your profile. Below are a few additional ways to show your remote work capabilities in LinkedIn:
Add that you’re specifically looking for remote opportunities in your page headline.
Note if you successfully performed online e-learning (degree, certification, remote classes, upskilling)
5. Network! Network! Network!
Over 60% of jobs are found through networking. While networking to identify potential new career opportunities, additionally seek information on how these jobs might be eligible for remote work. Recruiters may have some flexibility in that designation if they are having a hard time finding viable candidates locally.
6. Create Your Own Remote Work Opportunity
Many advertised jobs are not identified as 'remote' but companies are shifting this designation based on the person who fills the position. The more attractive the candidate, the more flexible the designation. Don't hesitate to ask about remote work possibilities further into the job search process. Alternatively, you could consider taking a job with a 'remote friendly' company but start out commuting. As you build credibility as an employee/contractor, you can potentially earn the right to more flexibility to work from home. Seek out these flexible companies by doing online research, talk to friends, family, and colleagues. Many of these companies have official 'work from 'home' policies that may look for:
A minimum number of years with the company
Satisfactory performance record
Organizational and time-management skills
Self-motivated
Ability to use technology effectively
7. Meet Technical Requirements
Be ready to set up a dedicated work area that meets all technical requirements of your potential employer. This company will most likely have a policy that clearly sets forth the data protection, cybersecurity, and productivity expectations of your job. Your company may/may not reimburse you for any associated costs. These technical requirements could include:
A PC or laptop that meets your company's minimum requirements for storage and/or processing speed.
The need to download certain business applications to your laptop or PC
The need to have a headset or headphones or other equipment
The need to have reliable high-speed internet with minimum upload and download speeds.
The need to have access to a mobile or landline phone
It could be very helpful to let hiring managers know that you have the technical capabilities to work from home during the job interview process. Additionally, clearly note if you have experience working with any of the technical platforms mentioned in the job description, like videoconferencing systems or collaboration tools.
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