Remote work: 9 tips to find and keep the perfect job

Remote work has been growing in popularity over the past few years and it seems like everyone’s doing it these days. When you don’t have to commute to an office, you can do whatever job you like, whenever you like, and wherever you like!

All this freedom does come with some restrictions though and if you aren’t careful, remote work could wind up being more trouble than it’s worth. Before taking the plunge into remote employment, make sure you read through these 9 tips to find and keep the perfect remote job.

Decide where you want to work

The first step in finding a remote job is deciding where you want to work. Do you want to work for a specific company, or do you want to be your own boss? There are pros and cons to both options, so it's important to weigh your options before making a decision.

This will determine what type of companies you'll apply to and how much you'll need to invest upfront. If you're looking for an established company with benefits like health insurance, then traditional employment might be best. If you want more freedom but also more responsibility, starting your own business might be the way to go.

Prepare your resume

Your resume is your first impression on a potential employer, so you want to make sure it's a good one. Here are a few tips:

• Use clear, concise language and action verbs to describe your experiences.

• Highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

• Tailor your resume to each individual job - don't just send out the same generic resume for every opening. 

• Always include links to your social media profiles where appropriate. 

• Double-check your email address and contact information before submitting your application. 

• Do not list personal details such as age, marital status or children in your resume unless they specifically apply to the position you're seeking (such as parental leave policies).

Get online

The internet has revolutionized the way we connect with others and find information, so it’s no surprise that it’s also changed the way we look for jobs. In fact, more and more employers are looking for candidates online.

To take advantage of this, create a professional profile on social media sites like LinkedIn and make sure your resume is posted on job boards like Indeed. You can also use online tools to research companies and specific positions.

Network, network, network!

The number one way to find a remote job is through networking. Get connected with as many people as possible in your industry, attend industry events, and follow companies you’re interested in on social media.

The more connections you have, the more likely you are to hear about open positions. And don’t forget to let your network know you’re open to working remotely – you never know who might have the perfect opportunity for you!

Choose carefully between full-time and part-time

The first step is to decide if you want a full-time or part-time job. If you're looking for a steady paycheck and benefits, then a full-time job is probably the way to go. But if you're looking for more flexibility, then a part-time job might be the better option. This will allow you to balance your work with other commitments like family, school, and other jobs. For example, if you work at night (such as a bartender), then it may make sense to have another job during the day (such as working in customer service).

You also need to consider how much time each week you'll spend on your remote job versus non-remote jobs like doing errands, spending time with friends and family, going out with friends, etc.

Visit recruiters in person

While job searching, it's important to not only use online resources but to get out there and talk to people in person. That's why visiting recruiters can be a great way to find a remote job. This is especially helpful if you're interested in a company that may not have many open positions. 
Recruiters are always looking for talented candidates so they'll appreciate talking with you and finding ways to help you achieve your goals. It's also a good idea to ask what types of jobs the recruiter is actively recruiting for because this will allow you to tailor your resume specifically for those types of jobs that interest you most.

Have a great interview strategy

It is important to know your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Try answering these questions in a mock interview setting with a friend or family member. What are your best qualities? What are your weaknesses? Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you? These questions will help prepare you for what could be asked during an interview. They also allow you to think about any issues that may arise during an interview and come up with how to respond.

Ask about culture early on in the process

When you're looking for a remote job, it's important to ask about company culture early on in the process. You want to make sure that the company is a good fit for you and that you'll be able to work well with the team. This can help weed out any companies that don't match your values or personality as quickly as possible. For example, if you're someone who prefers face-to-face interaction, this might not be the best type of role for you even if it pays more than another role at a different company.

Don’t wait for an offer before applying again

The job market is constantly changing, which means that the jobs you’re applying for today may not be available tomorrow. So, if you don’t get an offer right away, don’t wait to apply again. The sooner you start looking, the better your chances of finding a great remote job. This will also help ensure that your resume stays fresh and up-to-date as well.