How to get a remote job in 2023: Land your first remote job

As the benefits of remote work have become clear, learning how to get a remote job has become a sought-after skill. The number of remote jobs has risen, with many companies becoming remote-first organizations. Getting a remote job has become more challenging of late, as the demand for remote positions now exceeds the number of roles available. Recent data show that 50% of applications on LinkedIn are for remote jobs, but only 15% of the postings are remote-eligible, meaning the competition for remote jobs is fierce.

This ultimate guide to get a remote job so you can work from home was developed through years of applying to remote jobs ourselves and helping our colleagues get the best remote jobs. NoCommute also publishes a free daily newsletter with just-posted remote jobs. As thousands of subscribers use the newsletter to find remote positions, they’ve shared tips and tricks that have helped them land remote jobs in accounting, legal, product management, sales, marketing, software engineering, and more.

What are the benefits of getting a remote job in 2023?

Telecommuting, often known as working remotely, has many advantages for job seekers. Here are a few of the main benefits:

• Flexibility: Working remotely gives you more freedom in terms of scheduling. Whether beginning early or staying late suits your lifestyle or personal needs, you are free to do so. As long as you have a strong internet connection, you can also work from anywhere.

• Better work-life balance: thanks to the absence of long commutes and increased time for socializing with loved ones. You don't need to take time out of work to handle personal obligations like running errands or going to appointments.

• Enhanced productivity: According to certain research, remote employees are more productive than their colleagues in offices. They may experience less interruptions, have more control over their job, and have better energy management, all of which may contribute to this.

• Saving money: Working remotely can also help you save money. You may not need to spend money on pricey work clothes and you can save money on transportation expenses like gas or public transportation. You might also be able to work from a place with a reduced cost of living.

Is remote work right for you? See our comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of remote work.

How do I find a remote job in 2023?

Whether you're searching for a customer service representative or developer job, looking in the right places for the right jobs is more important than filling out endless job applications.

• Identify Your Skills: Start by identifying the skills that will make you marketable as a remote job seekers. What are you good at? What experience do you have? This exercise can help you focus on the jobs to look for in your search.

• Search Online: There are plenty of websites that list remote jobs, including NoCommute. Some of the popular ones include FlexJobs, Upwork, and Remote.co, We Work Remotely. You can also search for remote job listings on LinkedIn and other job boards.

• Network: Networking is an important part of finding a remote job. Join online groups, attend virtual events, and connect with people in your industry.

• Create a Stellar Resume: Your resume is your first impression with potential employers. Be sure you're exhibiting your talents and relevant work history and for the job you are applying for.

• Prepare for Interviews: Remote job interviews will most likely be done over the phone or through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Make sure you have a quiet space to take the call, test your internet connection, and dress professionally. It is also critical to research your prospective employer and the specific role. There's no better way to disqualify yourself for a potential remote job than by not being prepared. Here’s a great tutorial on how to nail a remote job interview.

What skills do I need to get a remote job in 2023?

Skills are just as crucial for remote jobs as they are for typical office jobs. Yet, there are some particular abilities that might set you apart from other candidates for remote jobs. To consider are the following abilities:

• Time management: Being able to successfully manage your time is important when working remotely. Without management oversight, you will be in charge of arranging your own schedule and completing deadlines.

• Communication: Since a lot of communication when working remotely takes place online, you should feel at ease using a variety of communication technologies, including email, video conferencing, and messaging apps. Also, you should be able to express yourself verbally and in writing clearly.

• Self-motivation: In the absence of the orderly setting of an office, you must be able to inspire yourself to do your work. Setting priorities and goals should come naturally to you, and you should be proactive in looking for advice.

• Marketable talents: Certain technical talents, like as web development, design, or programming, may be required depending on the type of remote work you're looking for. Be sure you possess the qualifications required for the position you are applying for.

• Collaboration: You'll still need to work with others even though you'll be working remotely. This entails being able to collaborate effectively, being receptive to criticism, and being flexible with regard to working methods.

Although these talents are crucial, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when looking for a remote work. Moreover, those with a strong work ethic, dependability, and a positive outlook are desired by employers. While applying for jobs and in interviews, it's critical to emphasize these qualities. For some, it may also make sense to get career coaching to help find the right role for you.

What type of jobs are available remotely in 2023?

With technological advancements making it simpler for people to work from anywhere in the world, remote work is becoming more prevalent across a wide range of businesses. Administrative assistants, customer service agents, and data entry specialists are just a few examples of classic office tasks that are easily performed remotely. But, remote employment is not just available in these positions. With the growth of e-commerce, there are more and more distant job prospects in industries including graphic design, e-commerce management, and digital marketing. The tech sector also provides a ton of remote employment options in fields like cybersecurity, web design, and software development. Blogging, content production, and freelance writing are other well-liked remote career possibilities. With more and more businesses accepting remote work as a credible substitute for traditional office-based roles, the possibilities are essentially limitless.

Are there any online resources to help me find a remote job?

There are more resources than ever to find a remote job. Here a few of the best:

1. NoCommute

2. JobBoardSearch

3. Glassdoor

4. Virtual Vocations

5. The Muse

6. Pangian

Are there any companies that specialize in remote jobs?

The remote job hunt can be frustrating for a few reasons. First, scammers have begun to prey on remote job seekers. See our guide to learn how to avoid common job scams. Second, recruiters advertise many positions as remote, even when they're fully onsite or hybrid. To combat that, we created a list of remote-only and remote-first companies. These organizations are committed to remote work, so you can be sure the position you're applying for has a remote option.

Consider becoming a freelancer

Utilizing your specific skillset for freelance jobs is an excellent way to break into the world of remote work.. You'll be able to negotiate rates on a per-job basis, which gives you the chance to give yourself a frequent raise! But even more importantly, you'll start building a portfolio. This portfolio will not only be useful to help you land more clients, you'll have work you can demonstrate to full-time remote employers as well. Consider sites like Fiverr, Dribbble, and Upwork to start freelancing. This YouTube video does a great job explaining the ups and downs of freelancing on a site like Upwork.

What qualifications do I need for remote job opportunities in 2023?

It's a question we hear most commonly at NoCommute - what qualifications do I need for a remote job? It totally depends on the job you're applying for! That said, there are some general skills and qualities you'll need to get yourself to the top of the list as a candidate for a remote job.

Being a strong communicator is one of the most important soft skills you can have. You'll be communicating virtually, so being an excellent writer is a very important skill. You're also going to be on a lot of video meetings and phone calls, so it's important to be able to communicate effectively and detect meaning through tone of voice - even when you may not be able to see the other person.

The ability to manage your time well and work independently are also critical skills. You are going to be on the hook for managing your own workload and deadlines, and you won't be in sight of your manager. You'll be required to prioritize your work and hit your goals without constant supervision.

The hardest roles to break into are the ones that require technical skills, software development or graphic design. Having experience with specific software programs and tools can make you a more competitive candidate.

It's also worth noting that many employers value soft skills such as flexibility and creative problem-solving. You also shouldn't discount how far just having a positive attitude will go! These qualities can make you a strong asset to any remote team, so don't hesitate to highlight them in your application.

How do I market myself for a remote job in 2023?

Looking for a remote job can feel like a tall task, but it can be broken into small steps. A critical part of that task is marketing yourself as the best candidate for each job you're applying to. You know you've got the all of the skills and experience they're looking for, but what's the best way to show them to potential employers? In this guide, we will explore some tips on how to market yourself for a remote job.

• Highlight Your Remote Work Experience: If you have previous remote work experience, make sure to highlight it on your resume and cover letter. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate a past of working independently. There are challenges that come with working remotely, and it's important to show you can handle them. If you've worked a remote job in the past, make it crystal clear on your resume and talk about it in your cover letter.

• Showcase Your Skills: When applying for a remote job, it is essential to showcase your skills. Consider creating a skills-focused resume that highlights your most relevant skills for the job you are applying for.

• Focus on Your Communication Skills: Strong communication skills are crucial when working remotely. Make sure to highlight your communication skills on your resume and cover letter. You can also provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with clients, team members or stakeholders in your previous roles. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you can communicate effectively in a remote work environment.

• Network: Networking is essential when looking for any job, and this is no different for remote jobs. Consider joining online communities for remote workers, attending virtual networking events, and connecting with professionals in your field on LinkedIn. By building a strong network, you increase your chances of hearing about job opportunities that may not be advertised online.

• Customize Your Application: Congratulations, you've decided to apply for a remote job! Just be sure not to use the same one for every remote job. It's really important to edit the application for the specific job and company. Align your resume with the job description, using specific keywords to help get past the bot resume screeners used by employes. You should also do some research on the company and sprinkle what you learned into the application. This personalized approach will show employers that you are serious about the job and have taken the time to understand their needs.

• Have a Strong Online Presence: Having a strong online presence is critical as you do your remote job search. Update your LinkedIn profile and interact with other LinkedIn members in your field as a way to demonstrate your expertise. You could also think about starting a blog or website where you can showcase your work.

• Be Proactive: Competition for remote jobs is fierce, so you can't wait for job opportunities to fall in your lap. Take a proactive approach, and initiate conversations with companies you're interested in, even if they are not currently hiring. You can also consider reaching out to recruiters who specialize in remote job placements.

Are there any ways to stand out from the competition when applying for a remote job in 2023?

Making a name for yourself in the competitive remote work market has become essential. In 2023, use the following techniques to stand out when submitting an application for a remote position:

• Describe your experience working remotely: Emphasize any prior remote job experience you may have or show that you can succeed there. Display your capacity for adaptation, drive, and effective communication.

• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate remotely: Remote work frequently requires working with people in different time zones and locations. Showcase your expertise with collaboration technologies, building trusting connections with distant coworkers, and working productively in virtual teams.

• Show off your IT knowledge: Technology plays a big part in remote employment. Showcase your expertise in any other relevant technologies that are necessary for the success of remote work, such as project management software and remote communication tools.

• Show off your time management and self-discipline: Working from home needs discipline and good time management skills. Give instances from previous independent or remote projects where you successfully managed your time, fulfilled deadlines, and maintained productivity.

• Highlight your communication skills: Effective communication is paramount in remote work environments. Emphasize your ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and promptly through various channels such as email, video conferencing, and instant messaging.

• Demonstrate your autonomy and problem-solving abilities: Remote work often requires independent decision-making and problem-solving. Showcase instances where you took initiative, resolved challenges independently, and contributed innovative solutions to previous projects or roles.

• Show your passion for continuous learning: Remote work environments thrive on individuals who are proactive and adaptable. Highlight your commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and staying up-to-date with industry trends and advancements.

• Customize your application materials: Tailor your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to highlight relevant remote work skills and experiences specific to the job you're applying for. Make sure to address the company's remote work culture and values in your application.

Remember, in a competitive remote job market, it's essential to demonstrate your unique value proposition, adaptability, and strong remote work skills to stand out and increase your chances of securing the remote job you desire.

Summary

The arc of the remote job search can be a long and challenging. Just remember - stay positive and keep pushing forward! Celebrate small wins, such as landing an interview, and use any rejections as opportunities for growth and improvement. Remember that the right remote job is out there, and with dedication and perseverance, you will find it.