A Practical Guide To Find Remote Work (2024)

Table Of Contents

• Choosing a remote-friendly career path
• Preparing for the remote work search
• 5 most popular sites to find remote work
• Networking tips to find remote work
• Tips on a cover letter for remote work
• Tips on winning your remote work interview

If you’re gearing up to search for a remote job search, remember this. A successful remote job search is first and foremost about following best practices when it comes to job searches, whether those jobs are remote, hybrid or in-person. Then, once you have a solid foundation laid in terms of following these principles, you can layer in some remote work terminology and practices.

This guide is about providing tangible tips that you can action in your search for remote work. Let’s get started.

Choosing Your Path: Popular Remote Job Categories

While many roles can be done remotely, some roles are particularly well-suited for this setup. Here are a few popular categories to explore when looking to find remote work:

• Tech & Engineering: Software developers, web designers, data scientists, IT support specialists
• Creative & Marketing: Content writers, graphic designers, social media managers, SEO specialists
• Customer Service & Sales: Customer support representatives, virtual assistants, sales representatives
• Healthcare & Wellness: Telehealth providers, medical transcriptionists, health coaches
• Education & Training: Online tutors, course creators, instructional designers

Remember, the key is to choose a field that aligns with your skills and interests while also offering remote work flexibility. If you're unsure where to start, consider taking online assessments or seeking career counseling to identify potential paths.

Lay The Groundwork: Prepping For Your Remote Work Search

Before you get going on your journey to find remote work, nail the fundamentals of a job search. Identify which jobs your pursuing and tailor everything - your resume, your skillset, even your cover letter - to target those specific jobs.

Polish Your Application

• Revamp Your Resume:
• Proofread your resume. It’s so basic, but it will immediately set you ahead of 20% of applicants.
• As long as you have 2 related roles under your belt, omit less relevant career experience and highlight skills and accomplishments directly applicable to remote roles. You’re applying for a job in data science? Ya you can omit your experience as a lifeguard when you were in high school. In fact - I’d even recommend removing that from LinkedIn.
• Sprinkle in those essential remote work keywords where applicable (e.g., "remote," "virtual," "telecommute," "distributed team," "self-motivated," "independent," "results-oriented," specific remote work tools and software).
• Consider using a clean, modern resume template to make a strong visual impression. Canva has some great templates.
• Make Sure Your LinkedIn Is Dialed In:
• Make sure your LinkedIn matches your resume exactly. If there are any discrepancies in dates or position titles between your LinkedIn and resume, it could trigger distrust from the interviewer.
• Cover Letter Craft:
• Tailor each cover letter to the specific company and position you're applying for.
• Clearly articulate your passion for remote work and how your skills align with the company's needs.
• Keep it concise, engaging, and free of typos.
• If you are limited on time, I recommend including cover letters only to job applications you’re qualified for. And put the time into those cover letters to make sure they’re spectacular.
• AI-Powered Resume Review:
• Upload your resume to a service like Ask Your PDF to get a list of potential interview questions tailored to your experience.

Skill Up and Stand Out

The remote work landscape is competitive, and sometimes the difference between you and another candidate can be a certificate or course you’ve taken.

• Pinpoint In-Demand Skills: Research the skills and certifications that are sought after in your targeted remote field. This means going to the LinkedIn profiles of people who have your dream job, and see what certifications they have.
• Online Learning Platforms: Once you’ve identified certs you need, check out platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare to ramp up your skills or get new certificates.

Submit Your Resume To Company & Industry Talent Pools Along With Recruiter Databases

Don't wait for recruiters to reach out to you - you should take proactive steps to get your resume in front of them.

• Talent Hubs: Upload your resume to platforms like Indeed Resume, LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature, and other industry-specific talent hubs (for example - Creative Circle for creative and marketing services).
• Company Career Pages: Many companies allow you to submit your resume directly through their website, even if they don't have specific openings listed.
• Network with Recruiters: Send recruiters who handle job openings in your desired field an InMail on LinkedIn and let them know you're actively looking for remote opportunities in your targeted field.

5 Most Popular Job Sites To Find Remote Work

Now that you have your resume and LinkedIn ready to go, it's time to explore the vast world of remote job opportunities. Here are some tips for finding remote work:

Top 5 Websites to Find Remote Jobs

• Indeed: The go-to giant for job seekers.
• How to find remote work on Indeed:
• Type your desired job title in the "what" field.
• In the "where" field, type "remote" or select "Remote" from the location options.
• Use advanced search filters to refine your results by experience level, company, and more.
• Save your searches and set up job alerts to receive notifications of new postings.
• LinkedIn: More than just a networking platform, LinkedIn boasts a robust job search function.
• How to find remote work on LinkedIn:
• Click on the "Jobs" tab.
• Enter your desired job title and location (use "remote" or select "Remote" from the dropdown).
• Apply filters to narrow down your search.
• Leverage your network by seeing if any of your connections work at companies with open remote positions.
• We Work Remotely: A curated platform dedicated to remote jobs.
• How to find remote work on We Work Remotely:
• Browse job listings by category or use the search bar.
• Pay attention to the company profiles and culture descriptions.
• Apply directly through the platform.
• FlexJobs: Another platform specializing in flexible and remote work options.
• How to find remote work on FlexJobs:
• Requires a paid subscription, but offers access to hand-screened remote job listings.
• Search by keyword, category, or company.
• Utilize career coaching and resume review services (additional fees may apply).
• Remote.co: A resource hub with job listings, company profiles, and remote work guides.
• How to find remote work on remote.co:
• Explore job listings by category or location (select "Remote").
• Read company profiles to get a sense of their remote work culture.

Networking Tips To Find Remote Work

Just because it’s a remote job doesn’t mean there’s no networking that goes into it.

LinkedIn: Your Digital Rolodex

• Optimize Your Profile:
• Highlight remote work experience and skills.
• Use keywords relevant to your desired remote roles.
• Craft a compelling headline and summary showcasing your value.
• Connect Strategically:
• Reach out to people in your desired field and companies to connect.
• Personalize connection requests with a brief note explaining your interest.
• Engage in conversations and build relationships.
• Join Groups and Participate:
• Find groups related to your industry or remote work in general.
• Share insights, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.

LinkedIn Networking Outreach Template

Feel free to adapt this template when reaching out to connections on LinkedIn:

Subject: Connecting with [Your Name] - Aspiring Remote [Your Desired Role]

Hi [Connection's Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

I'm reaching out to connect as I'm actively exploring remote opportunities in the [Your Connection's Field] field. I'm currently developing my skills in [Specific Skills] and am looking for ways to grow and to learn more about roles in this field.

Would you be available for a 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Beyond LinkedIn For Remote Work Networking

• Attend Virtual Events: Conferences, webinars, and workshops offer opportunities to connect with potential employers and learn about remote work trends.
• Engage in Online Communities: Participate in forums, Slack groups, and social media communities relevant to your field.
• Reach Out to Your Network: Let people know you're looking for remote work and ask for informational interviews or introductions.

Cover Letter: Show You're Remote-Ready

Your cover letter is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for remote work and why you're the ideal candidate. Now if you’re applying to ~30 jobs a day, writing a customized cover letter for each of those may not be feasible. You should still send a more or less templated cover letter out to those jobs you’re less sure about, but for the jobs you feel like you’re the perfect fit for, take your time to create a real, authentic cover letter that;

• Addresses your interest in remote work and the company's remote culture.
• Highlights your relevant skills and experience for remote work.
• Demonstrates your understanding of the challenges and benefits of remote work.
• Conveys enthusiasm, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

Lights, Camera, Confidence: How To Ace Your Remote Interview

You've landed an interview - congratulations! Now it's time to prepare and present your best self, even through a screen.

Preparation is Key

• Research: Learn everything you can about the company, the role, and the interviewer (if possible).
• Tech Check: Double-check that your internet connection is stable, your camera and microphone are working, and you're familiar with whatever video conferencing platform you’ll be using.
• Good Lighting: You should appear on your video call like you “do this a lot” (have video calls like this), so your face should be illuminated.
• Clean Background: Again, you should appear on camera like you’ve done this before. Make sure your background is clean and not distracting.

Rehearsing for Success: Common Interview Questions

Practice answering these common interview questions, tailoring your responses to highlight your suitability for remote work:

• "Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge while working remotely."
• "How do you stay motivated and productive when working independently?"
• "Describe your ideal remote work environment."
• "What tools and strategies do you use to communicate effectively with remote team members?"
• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working remotely?"

Presentation Matters

• Dress Professionally: This is actually one of the easiest ways to separate yourself from the pack. Even though it’s a remote interview, dress as you would for an in-person interview.
• Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact with the camera, and smile.
• Project Confidence: Speak clearly and enthusiastically. Let your personality shine through!

Finding Remote Work In 2024

Finding and thriving in remote work requires preparation, persistence, and a proactive approach - much like any traditional job search. We really hope this guide provides you with actionable, practical steps you can take to find remote work and carve out the career of your dreams.