Tips for Obtaining Remote Work in 2020
Wednesday, December 25, 2019, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Once upon a time, there was no such thing as remote work. In this age of technology, things are changing and work can now be done anywhere as long as there’s an internet connection and a mobile device.
This is good news for people who prefer to work independently, need flexible working options, or want to travel and work simultaneously.
It’s also a life-saver for those who want to be formally employed but want control over their time. If you’re one of these people, you may be thrilled that opportunities for remote work are continually on the rise.
Employers are realizing that allowing employees to work remotely can also have immense benefits for them. It can result in financial gains and happier as well as more productive employees which is good for business.
The question is, how do you go about pursuing a career as a remote worker? It often requires research and a slightly different application process.
This article will look at how to research and apply for remote positions as well as the benefits it has for employers.
Image Source: Unsplash
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Benefits of Remote Work
As mentioned earlier, remote work can be beneficial for businesses and employees and both seem to be embracing this flexible way of working. From 2005 to 2012, telecommuting increased by 79% and presently, around 3.2 million workers telecommute daily. This could be because employers are becoming more open to the idea and have realized it could result in significant savings. A single employee working from home could save an employer up to $10,000. Employees aren’t being left out in the financial benefits of remote work as they can also save at least $6,800 annually.
Telecommuting is especially beneficial for employees and employers because it can help boost productivity. This is because telecommuters don’t have the distractions one may find in a traditional workplace setting. They also don’t have the trouble of having to commute to and from work on a daily basis.
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How to Research Remote Positions
If remote work is something you see yourself doing, it’s time to look at how you can find remote positions. Firstly, understand that when looking for remote jobs online, you’ll find different types that fall into this category. Remote work could refer to working home for just a few days a week to never actually having to see your employer in the flesh.
To research remote jobs, use phrases such as “work from home”, “telecommute”, “flexible”, or “virtual”. For example, if you were looking for a job as a graphic designer, you could type in a phrase like “remote graphic design jobs” in a job search site like Indeed or Monster. Alternatively, there are targeted search engines that will help you find remote jobs like Remote.co, Flexjobs, and Working Nomads.
Another idea would be to inquire about remote work when applying for existing jobs. You could do so during the initial application process or when pitching. However, keep in mind that not all companies are open to or ready for remote workers just yet.
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How to Apply
When applying for remote jobs, you need to elucidate skills, experience, and characteristics that would make you a good remote worker. A key quality that employers will look for when hiring remote workers is reliability. In fact, according to Chris Wallace’s article on Medium.com, 73% of employers have said dependability is something they look for in remote workers.
When applying for remote jobs, other skills you should emphasize are organization, self-motivation, and time management. Being tech-savvy is another big one as you may need to use software for collaborating on projects or do regular video calls. You can include them on your resume and provide examples of how you’ve used those skills within your covering letter.
Aside from making sure you have attractive skills, work on your web presence too. When you want to land a remote job, having an online presence can help you build trust. Having an active LinkedIn account that has enough information, regular status updates, and a solid profile picture could make you more appealing.
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Examples of Remote Jobs
Not every job is suitable to do remotely, so it’s important to establish that early on. For instance, if you wanted to be a retail store manager, it may not be ideal to work from home. Tasks like engaging with customers or training staff could require your physical presence. So, what jobs can be done remotely? Below are a few to consider.
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Locum Tenens Physician: If you’re looking for flexible working arrangements, becoming a locum tenens physician could work. You would take up for a physician when they’re absent or hospitals and practices are short-staffed. You could also potentially make more money than you would working in a hospital full-time and can even choose your shifts.
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Customer Service Representative: Another flexible job you could do is customer service representative. This is ideal for those who enjoy talking to people but would rather do so outside of call centers. You would get phone calls routed to a home office or use your internet connection and computer if you’re a live chat representative. A tip for you as a remote freelancer or employee is to set up a home office that gives you the peace, quiet and comfort needed to focus.
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Software Designer: If you want work that allows you to work from project to project or doesn’t require your presence in the office daily, try software design. While some choose to work on an on-call-basis, others may prefer intense periods of work during the launching of new products and long breaks in between. Not only would you have flexibility, but you could also earn good money as the median salary is around $83,130.
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Remote work is proving to greatly benefit individuals and organizations alike. As a result, it’s a trend that doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon. Hopefully, this article has given you the knowledge you need to make your remote work dreams come true.
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