Landing a Remote Job: The 6 Stages
The allure of remote work has captured the attention of many job seekers. But many people struggle to find a remote job.
Mostly because they just apply blind.
Finding the perfect remote job isn't just about sending out countless applications and hoping for the best. "Spray and pray" is fine, but you must plan and iterate as you go.
It's about having a strategy in place, one that involves careful planning and continuous iteration. And that’s what we’ll discuss here - the six stages of landing a remote job.
1. Identify Your Target Role
The first step is to identify your target role. Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to reflect on your skills, experience, and past work.
Just ask yourself questions like:
- What skills do I have?
- What do I have experience doing?
- What story can I tell about my past work?
- What companies will that story resonate with?
- What technical tests can I actually succeed at?
Finding answers to these questions will give you a clearer understanding of the type of remote role that suits you best.
2. Pitch Your Skills and Experience
Saying "Uh, I've been a software engineer for 3 years" is so empty.
We know it's quite a standard, but you can do much better to convey important information and build a connection with your interviewer.
Tell a story instead. About your skills and experiences…
Craft your pitch in a way that not only conveys important information but also connects with your potential interviewer on a personal level.
3. Make Job Opportunities Come To You
Don't wait for remote job opportunities to come knocking on your door.
Be proactive in your approach. The easiest way to start with this is to optimize your LinkedIn profile for SEO to increase your visibility to recruiters.
But there are other ways you can get seen by recruiters who are hiring role that require your skills/experience, such as:
- Blogging
- Open source contributions
- Networking
4. How to Apply to Remote Jobs
When it comes to applying for remote jobs, don't limit yourself to just applying to the openings on job boards.
Take the initiative to be seen and heard.
Go around to the hiring manager and reach out on LinkedIn. Drop an email.
Make yourself seen, and you'll increase your odds.
5. Remote Interview Best Practices
Remote job interviews may seem intimidating, but they can be simplified by understanding that most interview questions revolve around three key areas:
- Is your experience relevant to this role?
- Do you meet the most important requirements?
- Have you previously worked in a company similar to ours?
Prepare for these questions by thoroughly researching the company, tailoring your responses to match the job's requirements, and showcasing your relevant experiences.
6. Contracts Types and Salary Dynamics
Once you nail the interview, you’ll hopefully be offered the job.
Remote work can encompass a wide range of arrangements, including full-time employment, contract work, or even freelance opportunities.
Be prepared to negotiate and carefully evaluate the terms of the job offer to ensure it aligns with your expectations and financial needs.
Just keep in mind that the first remote job pushes many to work as contractors, which can be daunting.
Landing your first remote job can be a transformative experience, and while it may come with its challenges, it's well worth the effort!
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