You've heard everyone say it – getting a remote job is the way of the future!
You can work from anywhere you want, get paid well, and have the time and freedom to travel the world.
It sounds like a dream right? Getting your dream job is already hard enough, but when you add in working remotely it makes the challenge even greater. I know this firsthand because I tried for a couple of months before landing my first remote job in customer service at a Travel Agency in the United States. So I understand how difficult it can be!
This article will walk you through the steps of finding a remote job, focusing on what you should do and where you can find them.
Finding a traditional physical office job (which sounds strange to say) is not the same as finding a remote job, it has its own set of rules and tricks.
How to apply for a remote job
When applying for a remote job, there are some steps you should take to increase your chances of success. Here are a few ideas:
Look in the right places
As stated previously, there are numerous job sites available. Make sure that you are searching for your dream job in the right place.
If you've spent hours searching on a website with no luck, consider "expanding" your search by searching on other platforms as well. Do not limit yourself to a single job site.
Read the entire job description
Employers frequently include a specific word or phrase in the job description with the instruction that you quote that word or phrase at the top of your proposal.
This is especially common in job descriptions on upwork.com. The employer is only trying to ensure that you have thoroughly read the job description before applying for the position.
They receive a large number of applications for each advertised position; these phrases are inserted between the application as a way of shortlisting candidates who do not follow the specified instructions.
So, It's extremely important that you do not skim through the job description; instead, ensure that you read and understand everything.
Treat your job hunt like a full-time job
Most of these job applications can take a few hours to complete. One application could take up to an hour or more to complete.
So, to be successful in landing these jobs, you must create a schedule for yourself. Determine how many hours per week you want to spend looking for jobs, applying, and attending interviews.
Keep track of your time and give it your full attention. If you are serious about finding work, you should devote 20 to 40 hours per week to the job hunt process.
Giving up or becoming discouraged after submitting one job application is not the best way to proceed. You must be persistent and keep applying until you get what you want. If you approach this as if it were a job, you will have a better chance of getting hired. It's a numbers game, and the more you apply and get better at the process, the better your chances of landing a job.
Go the extra mile
Don't just fill out the application; go the extra mile to ensure that you're giving it your all and portraying yourself exactly how you want the employer to see you. Here are some ideas to help you improve your application:
- Before you submit your job proposal, double-check your spelling and grammar. Use tools like Grammarly to help you spot incorrect spelling and grammar. Your application and resume must be both properly formatted. And everything must be neat, eye-catching, and professionally written. A sloppy resume gives the impression that you are disorganized and do not pay attention to details.
- Make your job application relevant to the position you're applying for. Don't be tempted to use the same proposal for every job application. Also, do not use a job template from a friend. Examine the job description and tailor your proposal to it; this shows the employer that you are dedicated and have done your homework. Not only that but using keywords from the job description will help you catch the attention of the employers. If there are any links in the job description, make sure you visit them and tailor your proposal accordingly.
- Be honest about your abilities. Do not claim a skill or experience that you do not possess and cannot deliver on.
- When writing your proposal, use the appropriate tone. Maintain a professional yet friendly demeanor.
- Don't just list your experience and accomplishments; tell the employer what you can do for them. Tell them how you intend to use your skills and experience to benefit them. If possible, make a short video introducing yourself and explaining what you will do for the employer if hired. This provides the employer with additional information about your personality. Personalizing your job application can help you get noticed.
- Make the most of your connections. If you're applying for a job at a company, look them up on LinkedIn and see if any of your LinkedIn connections work there and can introduce you or make a referral for you.
Network
Network with people in your niche. If you are a content writer, for example, look for content writers' groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Participate in any seminars or live events that the groups organize. This will broaden your horizons and expose you to new opportunities within your niche. Developing strong connections is essential for advancing in any career.
So let's talk about where you can apply for remote jobs. There are different job sites but I have mentioned just a few of them in this article. If you do a google search, you will find more.
Where To Look For a Remote Job
Because there are various job sites, each one is excellent depending on the type of remote job you seek, I have tried to categorize the job sites for you.
In my previous article, where I discussed the most popular remote jobs, I stated that you can work as a full-time employee for someone else. Or you can work as a freelancer with a more flexible schedule. I classified the job sites using these two criteria.
Where to look for a Remote Job as a full-time Employee
If you want a more permanent remote job i.e you want to be employed remotely as full-time staff of a company then you should be looking for jobs on job sites such as
Where to Find Freelance Jobs
For freelance jobs, these are some of the sites you should explore for job opportunities
Let's take a look at Upwork.com.
Upwork.com is Nigeria's most popular remote job site. Upwork is a freelancing platform based in San Francisco, California that accepts international freelancers.
It is a website for employers and freelancers looking for full-time contracts for a short period or to complete a specific project with defined milestones.
Employers post job listings on upwork.com with a proper job description, and the type of people they are looking for.
A freelancer who meets the job requirements can then apply for the position.
When an employer finds your proposal appealing and believes you are qualified for the job, they will contact you via Upwork's internal messaging system to schedule an interview. If the interview goes well and you are hired, the employer will send you a contract outlining the terms of the job.
Chances are you'll find your dream job on one of these platforms, but if not, I'd recommend turning to Google.
Since the pandemic, several companies have transitioned to remote workspaces, and you can easily find such jobs by searching on Google. You can also set up Google alerts for the type of job you're looking for. You will get an alert in your mailbox every time a new position is listed in that category.
Everyone I know who has successfully found a remote job had one thing in common: they made it happen.
Therefore, I encourage you to put yourself out there and use the advice provided here to increase your chances. And if you approach your job search with the belief that you would eventually find work, then you will!
Start your new career. Attend our tech support training for remote jobs.
If you haven't found your remote job yet, don't give up; keep looking and keep an open mind. The path to a remote career may take some unexpected twists and turns along the way; just don't lose faith in yourself, your dream of working from home, or the possibility of finding a job that better suits your needs.