The future of work is looking very different from what most of us imagined even five years ago. Employers worldwide are now well and truly on-board with the new normal of remote working, so there’s never been a better time to secure your dream remote job. But where do you start?
In the shakey aftermath of the pandemic, remote and hybrid working is fast becoming the new global norm. In fact, around 70% of the global workforce already working remotely at least once a week.
So if you are currently sitting at a desk somewhere – at home or in a workplace – with a desire to go full remote, where do you start?
Assuming you already know what your dream remote job entails, here are seven smart ways to push the ON button:
1. Secure your dream remote job by researching your industry marketplace and identifying the companies that hire remote workers
Your research will take many pathways, from looking at job sites, talking to recruiters, contacts and colleagues, phoning people in your industry etc. Your aim is to find out which companies engage remote workers. It’s that simple.
You’ll come across terms like ‘Distributed Companies’, where everyone in the company works remotely. You may also read of Partially Distributed Companies with one or more remote workers. These companies might also describe themselves as “remote-friendly” or “remote flexible”.
Go on a journey of discovery regarding your potential remote employment opportunities. Then find out as much as you can about them.
2. Secure your dream remote job by understanding precisely what employers are looking for
In addition to your skillset and experience, the majority of remote employers are looking for people they can trust and people who work diligently and methodically to get the job done.
How do you let an employer know you’re one of these? Try testimonials, references from former employers, character references, a results-based resume and anything else you think might be relevant.
3. Secure your dream remote job by tailoring your CV and application to fit the job description, as well as its ‘remote’ nature
Make sure that for each application you write a personalized cover letter and update your resume with relevant, tailored or tickled information. Relate your previous work results to what the employer is looking for in the role. If you have a portfolio of relevant work, share that too.
It’s also essential to make sure your resume is optimized for any applicant tracking system (ATS), with similar keywords to those in the job description.
4. Secure your dream remote job by creating a strong online presence
It may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how so many job seekers pay so little attention to this.
If you’re stepping into the world of remote work then you need a strong, impressive online presence. Consider your own professional website but do try to make it a bit personal too. There’s a human being inside every business suit and people want to ‘connect’.
A strong online presence represents a real investment in your future work opportunities as you can include links to it in every email or communication piece you send – to potential employers, recruiters, colleagues and influencers etc.
5. Secure your dream remote job by getting to know the best job sites for finding remote Jobs
Remote working is a fast-growing field. Here are just a few job sites that cater for remote working:
Flexjobs: Offers F/T, P/T and hybrid remote jobs. Candidates need to pay a small monthly fee, plus the site offers a range of free resources for jobseekers
Just Remote: Offers a wide range of job types. Again a small monthly fee is involved
Angel List: There’s no fee and new job postings are added daily. This particular site is geared specifically toward start-ups.
Other prominent remote work sites include Hubstaff Talent, Pangian, Remote.com, Remote.co, WeWorkRemotely, and Jobspresso. Check them all out.
6. Secure your dream remote job by sending out cold emails
Do it regularly. Go and wake up your luck. Send them to employers, recruiters and influencers. At the very least it can serve as a relationship starter with employers you want to work for.
7. Secure your dream remote job by building and cultivating your own professional network
Start building your network by making friends in the remote industry as well as in the industry verticals you specialise in. Build relationships and try to make friends, not just contacts. So often people get a ‘eureka’ email or a text out of the blue regarding a dream job opportunity from someone they know socially or professionally.
CXC has been matching employers with job-seekers, including remote workers, for 30 years now. We are recruitment, workforce management, tax, advisory and administrative services specialists. With offices and operations in over 50 countries, CXC has the resources and scale to help you find the ideal job, or the ideal employee, anywhere in the world. Contact us today!
