A remote job comes with a lot of advantages that you would like to experience, and you feel ready to take the plunge. And the good news is there are quite a number of remote positions to help you make your next career move. How can you find the right position and make yourself marketable for the remote job market?
Here are a few tips to make it happen.
set clear goals and expectations.
As a first step, list out what you require and expect from your remote job. This will help you understand the true value you hope to get from your move, and identify the right roles and employers.
Factor in your core needs — salary, career development and progression, work-life balance, flexibility, learning, etc. There is a multitude of options emerging in remote work models— such as flexible hybrid, remote-only, remote day, etc. — and it is therefore important that you are clear about the model that will align to your aspirations.
skill yourself in remote tools.
As a remote worker, your toolkit will be different from traditional working skill sets. Besides the transferable skills to work remote, you also need to be proficient in the use of popular remote tools — such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack etc. Get yourself certified in these tools and platforms, and they will look impressive on your resume.
adapt your resume for a remote-work specialist.
Presenting your skills for remote positions is very important. You will need to adapt your skills to reflect the demands of remote work in general — and the specific role you are applying for. Move these skills to a prominent position at the top of your resume.
Be outcome-based in your presentation of your capabilities. Talk about the positive impact you have made, and the value you have created with the quantified results you have delivered.
build an impactful online presence.
It goes without saying that hiring teams will run a Google search on your name. Ensure the results represent you well — update the details, and present them in a compelling manner. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and professional in a manner that will speak the right volumes about you.
If you are searching for a remote job in a technology-led area — such as content, graphic design, web development, etc. — build an impressive digital portfolio of your work so that prospective employers get the right sense of your skills. On your social media accounts, verify the accuracy of all that is said about you, and change the visibility permissions for anything that may be adversarial.
prepare well for remote interviews.
Be prepared for organizations to use remote hiring techniques, such as video interviews. Even if you are confident about acing an interview, take the extra effort to participate in video interviews. From being well-versed in the technical requirements of remote interviews, to presenting your best face in appearance, communication, body language and the right backdrop – make sure you pay attention to all the details.
Like in any other job search, present yourself in a manner that sets you apart as the perfect candidate for remote work. Work on the tips given above, and here is wishing you all success as a remote work specialist.
If you’re looking for your next career move or want a confidential chat about movements and opportunities in the market, contact Randstad's specialist consultants here.