8 Hacks for Finding Remote Work

In the past five years, the number of remote jobs increased by 44%. Working remotely allows you the freedom to work where and when you want to. Without the constraints of an office, remote work allows you to create a work-life balance that is best for you, whether you have a family or want to travel. 

The global pandemic has given more people the opportunity to try working remotely, as more companies adapt their policies to align with the current state of the world. Some of the biggest increases are within the tech industry as employers recognize most of the work can be completed online and the value of offering remote work as a benefit.

Despite the rise in opportunities, searching for a remote job can be difficult and frustrating, as the path to success looks different than finding an in-person role. The following tips will make your journey to finding a job as painless as possible.

Identify Companies That Hire Remotely
It’s not just small companies that allow employees to work from home. Many large corporations, especially in the tech industry, are now hiring numerous remote workers each year. Identify companies looking for remote workers, bookmark their career pages, and check back for updates periodically. This allows you to choose organizations you’re excited to work for.

Use Different Search Terms
When searching for a job, it is helpful to know alternative words and phrases that companies might be using to describe remote work. These can include “virtual,” “work from home,” “partial remote,” “completely distributed,” and “telecommute.” They may also say they have “flexible policies,” which could mean that you have room to negotiate for the position to be fully or partially remote. 

Focus Your Resume 
Identify positions you are qualified for, that offer remote work options, and tailor your resume to fit the position. Showcase your skills that are beneficial for telecommuting, such as flexibility, reliability, and being a self-starter. Additionally, make sure to highlight any remote work or relevant experience you may have.

Networking
Networking is how 70% of the workforce finds their next job. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to find out if they know of any remote work positions available. Having someone you know in common can be a powerful factor when an employer is making a decision about whether to hire you or not. 

 
Freelancing and Contract Work 
Freelancing allows you to be your own boss, work when you want, and choose companies and projects that you want to be involved with. These jobs lend themselves to telecommuting, as companies may not have office space to accommodate a contract worker. Freelancing also gives you the flexibility to try a number of different positions in order to gain relevant remote work experience and find out what you are best at.

Social Media 
Social media can be a great way to find work from home jobs. LinkedIn is one of the best ways to make connections and track down opportunities that you might be suitable for. Additionally, there are numerous Facebook Groups for remote work as well as Twitter accounts. @WomenWhoCode is a great place to start, as many companies we work with have remote opportunities in tech. 

Slack is another great tool for sourcing remote job opportunities. Find and join channels that are based on topics that are relevant to the role you are looking for. Recruiters will often post jobs to these groups, and you’ll be able to message them directly, resulting in more immediate communication.

Geographic Factors
Even though remote work can be done from anywhere, geographic location is an important consideration. 

If the company you are applying to is in a very different time zone then you may end up having to work late at night. Some companies may require you to come into an office location one or more times a year. Many companies specify that you live in a specific geographic area even if you are working remotely in order to be in the same time zone, for taxes, and/or being more comfortable hiring a remote worker if they live in the same city or area.

Reverse Engineering the Job Search
Take a true and accurate inventory of yourself. When you look within and understand the complete breadth of your skills and abilities, you won’t be limited to looking for a single role. Instead, you will be able to approach the market with the full knowledge of what you have to offer, allowing you to be more mindful about every aspect of the process, from choosing which jobs you apply for, to describing why you would be the best fit for a position.

———–

If you are looking for a remote role because you want greater flexibility, freedom, and choice, then a remote job might be the perfect fit. With more companies offering these remote options, or even going fully remote, more opportunities are available for you to find a work from home position that is right for you.