Written By: Michael Gardon
Working from home offers perks an office job just can't match, but if you want to take advantage of these, you need to know how to get a remote job in the first place. There are more virtual work opportunities than ever before: Forty percent more U.S. employers offer flexible work options now compared to five years ago, according to Global Workplace Analytics, but there are more options in some states than others.
There's also more interest than ever in remote positions and that can lead to stiff competition. Below, we'll look at where you can find some of the best remote jobs available today and what you can do to help your application stand out from the crowd.
If you’re ready to land a remote job, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click. Before you start applying for roles, make sure your resume is up-to-date. You can get resume help by checking out the top resume writing services.
What Is A Remote Job?
A remote job is a job that you can do from just about anywhere. You communicate with your team and clients via email, video calls, and other online tools, but you usually don't have to set foot in an office.
Not all remote jobs are advertised as such. Some may be referred to as work-from-home jobs, virtual jobs, or jobs with a distributed workforce. Keep an eye out for all these terms when searching for a remote position.
Steps To Land A Remote Job
Here are the basic steps you'll follow when looking for a remote job:
1. Decide if a remote job is right for you
Remote work isn't the best fit for everyone. If you're outgoing and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with an office environment, you may prefer to stick to a traditional workplace or look for a job that offers a hybrid work model. The same goes for those who have trouble managing their own time or avoiding distractions.
But if you're looking to ditch the commute and feel confident in your ability to work from home, a remote position might be a good fit for you.
2. Know the kind of remote job you want
Think about the line of work you're in or want to be in and what remote positions might be available in that field. Use this as your starting point when seeking out remote work. But remember to stay open. You may stumble across jobs you never even knew existed.
When thinking of the type of job you want, you could also consider freelancing. For more resources check out our guide on how to become a freelancer and the best freelancing courses.
3. Begin searching for jobs
Use some of the resources listed below to look for jobs that match your interests and skills. Be sure to check for new jobs daily and apply as soon as possible. This increases the chance that the hiring manager actually sees your application. If you wait until the job's been posted a month or more, it may already be filled by the time you apply.
4. Tailor your resume to the job
No matter what kind of job you're applying for, it's smart to tailor your resume, using the language and skills that appear in the job description whenever possible. But with remote work, there's an extra layer to it.
In addition to proving that you know how to do the work, you need to show that you're able to work remotely too. Highlight any previous experience working remotely or managing a remote team. Mention any remote working tools you're familiar with as well. This will help you stand out compared to a candidate with no prior remote working experience.
If you don't feel confident writing your own resume, consider employing a resume writing service to help you.
5. Prepare for the interview
Most remote work interviews will take place via a phone or video call. With video calls, it's especially important to ensure you have a secure internet connection and a professional background. Make sure you choose a quiet place for the interview where you won't be disturbed by others. For more tips, check out our guide to video interviews.
This is a great time to ask about any aspects of the job you're unclear about, including how the remote position works. You might ask about whether you'd be required to come to the office under certain circumstances or whether the company plans to move its team in house in the future.
6. Follow up
After the interview, follow up with the company via email to thank them for their time. This leaves a good impression and shows your interest in the job. It also keeps your name at the forefront of the hiring manager's mind.
For more information, check out our guide on how to write a thank you email after an interview.
7. Enjoy the new job
Join The Break Community
Once you've landed the job, you can relax. The hard part is over. Now you can settle into your new position as a remote worker. Check out our best remote work tips to start things off on the right foot.
Where To Land A Remote Job
Here are a few places to begin your search for a remote job. For additional options, check out our guide to the best job posting sites.
Remote Job Boards
Job boards are the most popular place to look for remote jobs. Here are some of the best:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a traditional job search site, but it contains quite a few remote jobs for those who know how to find them. Try adding "virtual" or "remote" to your search.
Pallet
Pallet is a personalized platform that focuses on community-based hiring. Pallet job boards are curated, with the job seeker in mind.
CareerCloud’s Executive Editor and Podcast Host, Mike Gardon, curates jobs that are fully remote, upwardly mobile tech positions, or tech positions located in growing mid size cities with lower cost of living.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is one of the best-known online job sites for flexible and remote work. It has a monthly fee for job seekers, though.
JustRemote
JustRemote is a job board that focuses exclusively on remote positions. It too has a small monthly fee, but users can cancel at any time.
Slack Remote Job Communities
Those familiar with the online communication tool Slack can also turn to some of its remote job communities to find new positions. Some of the best are:
Facebook Groups
Facebook also has a number of groups where you can find remote job postings. Here are a few of the most popular:
Additional Remote Work Resources
Here are some additional remote work resources to help you out.
- Companies Hiring Remote Workers
- Highest Paying Remote Jobs
- Remote Data Entry Jobs
- Best Sites For Finding Remote Work
- Part-Time Work From Home Jobs
- Work From Home Nursing Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to get a remote job?
Getting a remote job can be challenging, but you can increase your odds of success by tailoring your resume for each position and highlighting prior remote work experience.
What is the easiest way to get a remote job?
The easiest way to get a remote job is to tailor your application to the position, using keywords from the job posting whenever possible.
Can remote employees work from anywhere?
Remote employees can usually work from anywhere with an internet connection, but this varies by employer.
Is working remotely worth it?
Remote working can be worth it for independent workers who don't need a lot of interaction with others. But it's up to each person to decide if it's right for them.
The Bottom Line
Searching for a remote job can feel intimidating at first. But once you know where to look and how to make your application stand out, it's really no different than applying to a traditional job. When you're ready to get started, head over to ZipRecruiter or any of the other job boards listed above to see what's out there for you.
