Finding a remote job is the dream for so many people, who wouldn’t want flexibility, comfort, and independence? Despite the consistent increase in non-traditional workplace opportunities, landing a remote job can be a challenging process. There are more applicants per job post than ever before, and the remote work world is a highly competitive and fast-moving environment.

Dealing with endless rejection can be exhausting, I recently shared my guide to rejection recovery but the TLDR is simple: don’t give up. You can learn more from a rejection than a success, and when it comes to remote job opportunities, there are so many mistakes to be corrected.

Keep reading to learn:

1. Where to Find Remote Jobs
2. Skills for Remote Work
3. 10 Remote Work Mistakes
4. Real Remote Side Hustles (with no experience)
5. Common Remote Work Myths

Where to Find Remote Jobs

The key to finding your ideal remote work opportunity is to know where to look. Many companies do continue to advertise new positions via traditional hiring sites like Indeed.com or LinkedIn, however, this represents only a small fraction of the remote opportunities available to you.

Luckily, there are many sites specifically designed for those looking for fully remote opportunities.

Five Remote Work Job Boards

• WeWorkRemotely
• FlexJobs
• Remote.co
• NoDesk.co
• Working Nomad Jobs

It’s also important to remember that not all companies advertise positions on these job boards. Research fully remote companies that you are interested in working for and make sure to check their careers page regularly for new opportunities.

A great additional tip is to use Google to your advantage. Try searching terms like “project manager fully remote” and use the tools function to limit results to those posted in the last 24 hours. Applying within the first few days of its posting can heighten your chance of getting hired.

Skills for Remote Work

Whilst all roles will require some specialised skills, qualifications, and experience, there are several skills unique to remote positions that you need to have perfected and listed on your resume.

Self-Discipline

5 Easy Habits to Improve Self-Discipline for Freelancers

Whether you’re working from home or as a digital nomad on the road, there are going to be distractions all around you. From your bed, a new adventure, or friends calling for a chat, learning to block out the noise and focus on work can be a challenge.

Multitasking

How to Seamlessly Work and Travel at the Same Time

I love working remotely from cafes, planes, and even hostel sofas. The flexibility of freelancing means that as long as I have my laptop, anywhere can be my office for a day. This is an incredible privilege, but does not come without the pressure to multitask. Learn how to work and travel at the same time without making a sacrifice to either.

Independence

Remote work employers need to know that they can trust you to get your work done without constant supervision. Find a way to convey evidence-based success when it comes to using your initiative.

Communication

If you’re working remotely, there’s a good chance you’ll be interacting with people across different time zones and even countries. As a result, it’s so important to have exceptional communication skills, ideally with experience liaising with teams all around the world.

10 Remote Work Mistakes

Have you been applying to remote positions with little to no luck? Then there’s a high chance that you’re making one of these mistakes. Keep reading to learn what they are, and how you can avoid them in the future:

1. Not Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customise your application to the role and company. You should address them directly and demonstrate the skills required in both the resume and cover letter. Make sure to state why you’re a great candidate for a remote role specifically.
2. Lack of Remote-Specific Skills: Consider ways you can demonstrate the above skills with evidence-based examples. Even if these are not mentioned in the job posting, it’s important to let the recruiter or hiring manager know that you have these additional skills.
3. Ignoring Networking Opportunities: Almost 1/3 of roles are filled by referred candidates. Look at your network to see if any of your peers are working for remote companies and reach out to them for a conversation about their work and potential vacancies in the future.
4. Underestimating the Importance of a Professional Online Presence: The best-case scenario is for a recruiter to find you. The better your online professional presence, the more opportunities will find you. Share your achievements, invest in a website, and put in the extra effort to stand out online.
5. Not Researching the Company’s Remote Work Culture: Not all remote companies work the same. If you’re applying solely to a remote role, you should know what the company’s expectations and day-to-day life are like.
6. Failing to Prepare for Remote Interviews: Being able to complete a successful remote interview demonstrates your ability to work remotely for a company. Ensure you have good lighting, sound, and video quality, with reliable wifi and a location where you will not be interrupted. You want to make a professional first impression.
7. Applying to the Wrong Jobs: Don’t waste your time applying for positions that you aren’t a good match for. Research the role and company and ask yourself honestly if you are qualified for the role, and if you actually want it. Being remote might be a priority, but it shouldn’t be the only factor when it comes to choosing a job.
8. Ignoring Time Zone Differences: Before working remotely, you might be open to working in whatever time zones the company requires. In reality, working outside of the normal 9-5 can be a real challenge. It limits social hours and affects your sleeping pattern, leading to an impacted work/life balance. Think critically about what hours you are able to work in the long term and stick to those time zones.
9. Not Investing in Tech: A great selection of both hardware and software tools is essential for remote work success. A company may or may not provide you with a laptop, but you’re also going to need a stable internet connection and experience with PM tools. If your role is meeting-heavy, you may also want to look into investing in lighting and microphones to streamline your day-to-day experience.
10. Failing to Follow Up: Recruiters are busy and they can sometimes drop the ball. There is nothing wrong with following up after an application or interview to enquire into a decision or ask for feedback following a rejection. Feedback is one of the best possible tools for improving your chance of success in the future so do not miss out on an opportunity to learn how you could have done better.

Real Remote Side Hustles (with no experience)

Not all remote jobs are full-time, in fact, there are countless side hustles you can do from home starting today. These are a great option to make a little extra money without having to find a second job or invest in new qualifications.

1. Freelancing: Offer your skills as a freelance writer, graphic designer, web developer, or virtual assistant. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great platforms to find freelance gigs and you can learn how to get your first order here.
2. Online Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, consider tutoring students online. Platforms like interview.io for tech, Cafetalk for languages, and Udemy for courses connect tutors with students and help you get paid.
3. Transcription: If you are fluent in English and excel grammatically, you can get paid to transcribe audio and video clips online. Websites like TransribeMe and Rev pay by the hour or minute respectively, although passing the application process can be tricky.
4. Social Media Management: Offer your expertise in social media management to businesses looking to enhance their online presence. You can help create content, manage social media accounts, and engage with followers. Jobs are often listed on Indeed or LinkedIn or reach out to smaller creators directly. Explore my client outreach tips with Digital Strategies.
5. Remote Consulting or Coaching: For those with expertise in a particular field such as launching a start-up, publishing, or fitness. In 2024, it is easier than ever to set up an online presence and start coaching clients remotely. Market your services through social media and LinkedIn, and ask friends and family to spread the word that you’re open for business.

Common Remote Work Myths

There are so many misconceptions when it comes to remote work. These only work to limit the opportunities you look for and apply to. The reality is that non-traditional work arrangements are becoming more and more common to accommodate the desires of a new and diverse workforce. There are more options than you may realise when it comes to working remotely.

Remote Jobs are Rare

Myth: There’s a common belief that remote jobs are hard to come by. Many think that the majority of companies are still rooted in traditional office settings and that finding a legitimate remote position is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Reality: The remote job market is expanding rapidly, covering a wide range of industries. According to this Forbes Article, 22% of the American workforce will be remote by 2025 due to a consistent shift towards non-traditional work arrangements.

Remote Work is only for Tech

Myth: The only industry offering truly remote positions is tech. You must have a tech career or transition into the industry in order to work remotely.

Reality: Although tech is the leading industry when it comes to remote opportunities, it is hardly the only option. Marketing and finance are close behind in non-traditional work arrangements with unexpected sectors like healthcare and even HR not being far behind.

Remote Jobs Pay Less

Myth: Many expect that transitioning into a remote position will mean accepting a considerable compensation cut. Remote jobs pay less and you have to factor this lower salary into the decision-making process.

Reality: This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many remote positions offer competitive salaries and benefits that are on par with, or even better than, traditional office jobs. Companies understand the value of attracting and retaining talent, and they offer packages to match.

Remote Work is Less Demanding

Myth: Some believe that all remote workers do all day is sit in their pyjamas and take naps. They see working from home as a lazy day at home instead of someone doing real work.

Reality: Remote work often demands even more self-discipline, time management, and communication skills than traditional office roles. Without the structure of an office environment, remote workers must be proactive in managing their time and staying productive. It’s a different kind of challenge, but one that can be incredibly rewarding with the right approach.

Despite the ever-growing remote work movement around the world, it’s important to remember that it has also never been harder to get hired. There are more applicants for a single job posting than ever before and finding the perfect opportunity is most likely going to take time.

Before applying to any position, ensure you’ve perfected your cover letter and resume and looked for ways to connect directly with the hiring team. Remember, you never know when the the right job offer will materialise, it could be just around the corner.

All that’s left to do now is to be patient.