If you’re an IT professional, remote work might not be entirely new to you. Working from anywhere has been on the rise long before COVID-19 became a major catalyst for the digital shift. The workplace has expanded with technology shaping the way we work. As companies call for employees to return to the office, you might want to explore remote job opportunities or retain the flexibility it provides. Here’s all you need to know on how to land a remote job today.
2022 Guide to Landing a Remote Job
A sea of opportunities continues to be available for remote job seekers in 2022. However, before jumping in the waters, we’ve come up with this guide on everything you need to know to navigate the current market and land a remote job.
1. Set Requirements to Refine Your Search
First, figure out what kind of remote job setup is right for you. Below are some considerations you can use to assess remote job opportunities as you prepare for your search:
Stability
You can choose what you prefer from these remote opportunities: full-time employee roles, contract jobs, and freelance work. If you’re looking for maximum stability, a salaried full-time position is your best choice. However, if you only want to commit to work for a few months, contract jobs are for you. If you wish absolute freedom and flexibility, look into freelance work, which is project-based work and allows you to work for any number of clients.
Schedule
Set your work schedule preference early on. Remote work schedules may range from structured eight-hour positions to absolute freedom. How much of your day can you dedicate to work? Do you want to work at night? Do you want to work whenever you want? Setting your preferences and using them to filter your search will help you find the best-fit role faster and set boundaries and expectations regarding your availability.
Culture
Think about the company culture and environment you’re after. Check to see how a company structures its work culture. Is it 100% remote? Are you looking to have social circles with colleagues? Figure out what kind of remote situation is ideal for you and your needs.
2. Search for Remote Jobs
Now that you know what you want out of a remote job, it’s time to go looking for one. Here are some strategies you need to know to help you with your remote job search.
Remote Job Websites
This is one of the keys to finding and landing a remote job. Due to the popularity of remote work, remote-specific job sites are also quickly gaining popularity. Here are some of the sites you can check out:
These are great places to start. However, if you want to cast a wide net, as you should, try these next options.
Connect With Specialized Recruiters
Specialized candidate solutions firms often know of new job opportunities before they’re advertised. If you want a hassle-free job hunt, these firms can advocate for you in the job market and help identify the right remote opportunities for you and your needs.
Network Your Way to Remote Work
Networking is a proven and tested way of finding career opportunities. The concept is not new at all, but with remote work, the avenues for networking are tremendously expanding. With LinkedIn being one of the most popular networking sites for professionals, it’s a wise move to update your LinkedIn profile.
There are many other ways you can go about it through other social media platforms as well. For a wider reach, here are some specialized sites and pages on Facebook and Twitter worth checking out:
- Facebook Groups
- Remote Jobs
- Digital Nomad Jobs
- Remote Work & Jobs for Digital Nomads
- Twitter Accounts
- @Jobspresso
- @WeWorkRemotely
Tap Into the Hidden Market
Pro tip: There is a hidden market of jobs with limited accessibility, which you can maximize aside from public job posts! Here are some ways to tap into that otherwise limitedly accessible pool of opportunities.
- Cold Messaging. If you have your eye on a specific company, reaching out by phone or email is a good idea.
- Subscribe to News Alerts. Stay in the know when changes happen with the industry or company you’re interested in working for. These alerts may not be all about job opportunities, but this insider information can help you be in the front of the line before active hiring starts.
- Reach Out to Your Alumni Association. What easier way to network than start with professionals whom you already have something in common? There’s a lot of potential in checking out this pool.
- Attend Industry Conferences and Events Online or On-Site. You can never go wrong with starting conversations in places where people are actively networking. Even if you end up not landing a remote job right off the bat, you grow your network and engage in professional development when you attend these industry events.
3. Educate Yourself in Remote Tools
Remote work comes with its own unique set of challenges that are notably different from traditional working skillsets. Especially in the IT profession, being tech-savvy is part of the job. Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest tools and software for your industry.
Since you’re looking to do all of your work online, knowing a lot of ways to work efficiently is a big plus for organizations. These include standard communication tools, virtual spaces, project management tools, and cloud-based software.
4. Create an Irresistible Resume for Remote Work
Now you know where to connect with remote organizations, it’s time to market your work experience and skills to seal the deal. Tailor your resume for remote work by understanding what organizations look for in remote workers. This will help you pitch and market yourself accordingly.
According to Kevin Kirkpatrick, CEO of the job posting site We Work Remotely, remote companies don’t necessarily look for remote experience but for skills that are essential in a remote context. These skills may include resourcefulness, working well independently, excellent communication skills, taking initiative, and organizational skills. If you have these skills, highlight them in your resume, alongside your measurable work successes and achievements.
Lastly, incorporate keywords into your resume and cover letter to make sure it reaches the hands of an actual person. Many companies employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help sort through job applications. When you don’t add relevant keywords to yours, you might end up being filtered out.
5. Prepare for Remote Interviews
Expect that companies hiring for remote roles will employ remote hiring techniques, too. Here are some tips on how to prepare for remote interviews.
- Do your homework and get to know the company.
- Avoid disruptions caused by technical issues by testing your devices and internet connection ahead of time.
- Choose a neutral and quiet location.
- Dress smart – don’t let professional standards slip just because it’s not an in-person interview.
- Be authentic and honest about your skills and job expectations.
6. Beware of Online Job Scams
Pro tip: Practicing good cyber hygiene is imperative for IT professionals. However, as remote work rises in popularity, scammers are getting more creative as well. According to CNBC, job scams have significantly increased during the pandemic. If you’re new to the remote job market in 2022, here are some of the best practices to avoid getting scammed.
- Never give out confidential information.
- Be wary of high pay with little qualification requirements.
- Do not ever pay a fee to apply.
- Do your research before you apply.
LAND THE BEST REMOTE JOBS WITH ACS PROFESSIONAL STAFFING
Partner with ACS Professional Staffing today and get professional help to land your dream remote job. We aim to build meaningful and lasting connections between great IT professionals and great teams. Our team of specialized recruiters will advocate for you in today’s competitive job market to make sure you land the best remote work that’s tailored to your needs. Contact us today!