Secure your dream remote job with these 10 simple steps!

Have you also had the thought like many others that life is too beautiful to be stuck in an office every day from 9 to 5? After all the dreaded commute, lack of family time, workplace induced stress, and long hours with low returns can make you want to pack your desk and leave. Moreover, the new normal of working from home during the pandemic has made many of us adjusted to these flexible hours. If this is the lifestyle you want, then read further to know the steps you can take to secure your dream remote job. 

Lured by flexible work hours and rules, many of us have fantasized about pursuing our dream remote job at least once. However, we often hold back due to the stigma a remote job carries with it. Society has perceived telecommuters as lazy and unproductive. But the revolution has come! 

According to a 2019 study carried by IWG, 50 percent of global employees work outside their office for at least 2.5 days a week. Moreover, 85 percent of remote workers can confirm that their productivity has increased, despite common perceptions. So if you are ready to make the changes to achieve your dream remote job, then keep on reading!

Evaluate your lifestyle and needs

In order to grab hold of your dream remote job, the first and most crucial step is to ask yourself if being a telecommuter will suit your lifestyle and needs. You need to figure out what you want for yourself in terms of your career. A simple way to do this is by outweighing the pros and the cons of being a telecommuter. 

The pros of getting your dream remote job are that you can follow your own schedule and working hours, and not be distracted by the variables situated in an office setting. It enables you to work literally from and spend more time with your friends and family. There is no commute involved, which drastically reduces your expenses in terms of transportation. 

However, the cons of getting your dream remote job can involve isolation, especially since you will have no water-cooler conversations with your colleagues. Being a telecommuter does increase your personal social life, but it reduces the chances of socializing with your colleagues. Depending on your personality, there are also chances of either being overworked and burnt out or underworked and distracted. 

Keep adding to your skillset

The beautiful thing about learning is that it never stops. Whether you are a software developer, content writer, or whatever your dream remote job demands you to be, you can always add to your skills. Keep taking online courses, get certified, and impress your employers by showing them you are worth it! Websites like Udemy and Google provide users with free courses. 

Underline what motivates you

Being successful at your dream remote job requires self-motivation and perseverance. That’s the thing about dreams; achieving them is the easy part, sustaining them and making it go further is where it gets tricky. As a telecommuter, no one will be supervising you. You need to make sure you are motivated to keep doing what you have selected. 

In order to achieve your dream remote job, make sure you are motivated by your passion and love for what you do, and not tempted by other reasons. As easy as it might look, being a remote worker requires a sense of self-discipline which originates from your goals and ideals. 

Familiarise yourself with remote platforms

Acquaint yourself with the basics of remote platforms, which will make you successful at your dream remote job. These platforms help in organizing the work you have done, maintaining a channel of communication, and keeping everyone in the loop. Some remote platforms include Google Hangouts, Trello, iDoneThis, Slack, and many others is important to give your dream remote job the boost it needs. 

Outline your strengths and weaknesses

In order to get a dream remote job that is best suited for you, make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Highlight your strengths in terms of technical skills and soft skills, and where the gaps might be. This helps you figure out the level of effort required in getting a remote job and the necessary steps required.

Once you have a crystal clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses, you can use them to convince a remote employer to take a chance on you, because you’re a great fit for the role despite the technical gaps. This also helps you understand the type of remote job which will suit you. 

Networking is key

Be it online or offline, networking does wonders when it comes to boosting your career. It can be difficult to look for your dream remote job. But with the right contacts and right information, you can achieve whatever you have set out as your goals. You can either network with people online via sites like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or go the traditional offline route. This includes staying in touch with your alumni, participating in community events and seminars, attending trade association meetings, and more. 

Attitude is everything

The mindset and attitude you develop relates to your chances of securing your dream remote job. Do not be afraid to spread positivity through the emails and texts you send to your colleagues. Despite being physically absent, make sure you set out boundaries to humanize the work you do and interact with the people you are (virtually) surrounded by. 

Once you do get your dream remote job, do not shy away from showing your worth. Be strict about the area you work in at your house. In fact, designate a room (which does not have a bed!) where you will be doing your work. Be cordial with your colleagues, turn on your cameras when you can, and just be yourself. Develop that go-getter attitude and conquer your dreams!

Know where to look

As easy as it may sound, finding your dream remote job is a tedious process. But with the right resources, you can reduce your burden. Other than networking, there are several sites that list remote jobs like Flexjob, Remoters, and We Work Remotely. Take it a step further by personally looking up great remote companies to work for and personally reach out to employees on LinkedIn to learn more about the company and showcase your skills and culture-fit.

Remote communities are also a great way to get to know digital nomads out there and the companies they work for. Join them and build genuine relationships by participating in discussions and meet-ups they host. If there’s an opportunity at a company someone knows you’re a good fit for, well there’s your warm lead to an interview.

Understand what employers look for in remote workers

This applies not only for your remote dream job, but any job you apply for. Before you send in your resume or go for an interview, put yourself in the shoes of the employers. Understand the top qualities a hiring manager would be looking for in a particular job profile. Remote employers, in particular, want someone who is trustworthy, self-starting, a good communicator, and enjoys their work. Be sure to highlight those attributes in your resume and interviews.

So before you apply for your dream remote job, you need to understand what sets you apart as the perfect remote candidate and figure out exactly how to frame those characteristics to potential employers.

Do not give up!

The last and most important step in the journey to your dream job is to persevere and never give up. The truth is, any type of job hunting can be discouraging. But the constant rejections, bad interviews, and ignored emails are all worth it once you finally land your dream remote job!

What you can do to persevere through the tough times is Stay inspired by others who’ve already gone remote. Read up on success stories and follow popular digital nomads on social channels. You can also make friends in the remote community and talk to them about your struggles. 

Achieving your dream remote job is not an easy journey, but with these 10 simple steps, you can be done with most of your work. The only thing that is left is for you to execute these steps and work towards what you want. Happy (remote) job hunting!

If you found this article interesting, check out the following links:

1. Demonstrate your worth remotely with these 10 simple tips!
2. Class of 2020 these job opportunities await you!
3. Let’s grow together! Be a respectful and empathetic remote coworker during Corona crisis
4. The all-time best hacks to make work from home easy and fun
5. Your ultimate guide to nail remote internships