Remote work offers flexibility and global opportunities. Graduates should research industry requirements, build relevant skills, and tailor resumes.
It’s obvious to everyone that remote work is getting more and more popular as technology advances, and many remote workers tell people to get into remote jobs because they have experienced it themselves.
For example remote jobs gives you more freedom to work at your own pace and you don’t have to commute long distances. You have more time to do what you love and enjoy life and stress reduces naturally.
Also remote jobs breaks geographical barriers and we can work for companies all over the world which not only opens up more career paths for us but also gives us more options to work.
As a recent graduate you might be wondering how to get into remote. Don’t worry there are plenty of opportunities to work remotely and in the meantime here are some very practical tips to help you get a remote job.
Before you start your job search do some homework and understand the basic requirements for a remote job.
Which industries are best suited for remote work and have more job opportunities? Industries with more demand for remote jobs also have more remote job opportunities for graduates. Tech industry is known for its flexible work arrangements and accepting remote work, many tech companies offer remote positions where you can work from anywhere in the world and jobs in high demand. While industries like healthcare may require more face to face work.
Graduates are advised to research the industries they are interested in to know the specific job requirements so you can adjust your job search strategy and expectations.
Remote jobs require a combination of technical knowledge and personal soft skills.
Technical knowledge is about technical skills specific to a job or industry, like programming, accounting and any technical skills specific to your field are a plus in the job search process!
Soft skills are valued more in remote jobs, self management, time management and communication skills. These skills allow you to work with a team and be productive even if you’re not in a traditional work environment.
In most cases a resume is an employer’s first impression of you so a clear, concise and visually appealing resume is crucial in the job search process and can make or break if you get an interview.
Before you start writing your resume define the position or industry you want to apply for. Tailor the content of your resume to the requirements of the position you are applying for, highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to the position.
If you have any form of remote job (maybe an internship or freelance work) highlight this experience in your resume and show how you can thrive outside of a traditional office environment.
But if this is the position you want to apply for and you don’t have any relevant experience....... it’s okay.Analyze what transferable skills can be applied to this job. For example you may have juggled school with a part time job and ended up with a 3.5 GPA which shows you can manage your time well under pressure; or when planning a campus concert, you communicated with all the bands and volunteers via email and online meetings to make sure the event went smoothly and ended up with more than 500 people attending the event which shows you can communicate. These skills are very useful when working remotely.
As a recent graduate your educational background is important. You can list your degree, major, relevant academic achievements or honors and grades (if they are good) in your resume.
A cover letter is also important. Your cover letter should do more than just rehash your resume; it’s your chance to express your interest for the role and show how ready you are for remote work. Talk about your passion for the industry and share any relevant experiences—like working on a virtual team project or using collaboration tools successfully. Show your excitement for the remote work environment and make it clear you’re adaptable and ready for the challenges that come with it.
In the search for remote work, navigating job search platforms is crucial.
Not all job search sites are equal especially when it comes to remote jobs. Here are some key platforms you should check out:
Jobsremote is a platform for finding remote jobs, managing remote job listings for various industries and ensuring that recommended jobs are scam-free. At jobsremote you can not only find more remote job opportunities but also learn more about remote job tips.
This site is a goldmine for remote job seekers. It categorizes positions by industry—customer service, marketing, healthcare and more—so you can find roles that fit your skills.
Known for vetted and legitimate remote jobs, FlexJobs has roles from entry level to executive positions. Their subscription model means minimal scam-job listings and includes resources like skills tests and webinars to help you with your job search.
With listings from around the world, this platform is simple and straightforward. It mostly features roles in tech, design, sales and marketing so it’s a favorite among digital professionals looking for flexible work.
Social media isn’t just for socializing; it’s a powerful tool for professional networking especially for remote jobs.
LinkedIn is a dual-purpose tool: it’s a networking site and a job search platform. Use LinkedIn’s job search function to filter positions labeled as “remote” and set up job alerts that will notify you of new postings that match your criteria. Engage with LinkedIn Learning to add skills and certifications to your profile and make it more attractive to potential employers.
In addition to LinkedIn, don’t forget about other social media platforms! Join relevant groups on Facebook or follow industry leaders on Twitter. Engage with their content, share your thoughts, and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice or insights. Building genuine connections with others can lead to job leads and mentorship opportunities, which can be incredibly valuable as you start your career.
Many companies post job openings or updates about remote work on their social media pages. Follow companies of interest on LinkedIn, Twitter and even Instagram or Facebook. Engaging with their content can give you insights on what they value and their company culture which can be useful in crafting your applications.
Once you get an interview, there’s one important thing to do: make sure your tech is good to go! Test your computer, webcam and microphone beforehand. A stable internet connection is a must too. Run a mock interview with a friend or family member to get familiar with the video conferencing platform you’ll be using. This will not only calm your nerves but also prepare you for anything that might happen during the actual interview.
Remote interviews have their own feel compared to in-person ones. First of all, dress professionally (even if it’s just from the waist up!). Make sure your background is clean and professional too. Pay attention to your body language and look at the camera. Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to the interviewer’s questions. Prepare a few questions to ask them and show you’re interested.
For most new grads entering the workforce, finding and landing an ideal remote job can be tough since you have no experience. You’ll face setbacks and challenges during this process. Don’t worry—remote work is abundant. Make a plan, be proactive and take every opportunity to explore.
For more info about remote work, JobsRemote is your go to. With jobsremote blogs you’ll learn more than you expected. Our remote-work-advice blogs have info and resources related to remote work such as tips to be productive while working from home, how to get a remote job and do it well.
Good luck with your remote job hunt, and remember: you've got this!