6 steps to find the perfect remote job
“Work remotely – this is what I want to do!” That’s what I said to my family and friends when I decided to go forward in my life and career. To be honest, at this point I had no idea how broad this area was and what I actually needed to look for when searching for a remote job. Now that I'm older, wiser and – guess what –I’ve found a remote job, I want to let you know how you can find a telecommuting job.
Step 1: Think about what you want
First things first! Before you start looking for the perfect remote job, take a deep breath, step back and think about the most important point: What do you want? This sounds pretty easy, but actually it’s not! There are differences in remote jobs: Some companies are office-based but offer remote positions, others are fully remote companies and some are hybrid.
If you answered all of the questions below you are ready to take the next step and start your remote journey:
Do you want to work for a fully remote company or would you also like to be part of an office-based company with some remote positions?
How many hours do you want to work per week?
What is the salary you want and need to get?
Do you prefer to work as a freelancer or be permanently employed?
Which job positions are a good fit for you and what are you burning for?
What career steps do you want to take next? Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Do you want to work for an established, older company or a small start-up?
What time zones do you want to work in?
What values do you want the company to have?
Is there a particular industry you would love to work in?
There are probably way more questions, but these are the most important ones. Take your time – even if it’s days or even weeks – but try to be as clear as possible with what you want and not want in your future career and job.
Step 2: Plan time slots
So, now that it’s absolutely clear what you’re looking for, you are ready to start finding your remote job. Speaking for myself: I was so hyped about finding this one job and company I wanted to work for, that I put all my free time and energy into finding it. I couldn’t switch off my mind and not think about it. This is neither healthy nor effective! Don’t stress yourself, plan weekly time slots where you are actively looking for open job positions.
Step 3: Pimp your Linkedin, XING & Co.
Companies that work fully remote or offer telecommuting jobs are usually fans of technology – this is no surprise as this allows us all to be connected from all over the world. This is why lots of them check their candidates for first impressions on job platforms. Before you send any applications to companies, update your profile on Linkedin, XING or whatever you use. First impression in this case, often do matter.
Step 4: Become active!
You’re clear about what you want, you planned your time slots and pimped your job profiles? What are you waiting for? Start combing through all the job platforms, read job descriptions, actively search for companies that offer remote work and – very important – subscribe to job alerts!
Find your remote job here:
Working Nomads
We Work Remotely
Remote.Co
Remote.ok
GetRemote
DNX Jobs
NoDesk
Search Remotely
These are some remote job platforms I regularly had a look at and there are many more. Just pick the ones that are best for you and the position you’re aiming for. You should not only focus on dedicated remote job platforms – on the regular ones you can often filter to just show home-office or telework jobs.
And don’t forget to regularly check your favorite remote company’s careers pages!
Step 5: Do a better job than Tinder and find the best match!
Filtering out the right company and position is the linchpin of finding a remote job. For this, take time to really research an organization and its values when you find a suitable open position. Could you imagine working for this company? Can you relate to its culture (as far as you’re able to gain insights from the “outside”)? Is the time zone they are working in suitable for you? Research them and what people say about working with them, the internet is full of useful insight.
Step 6: Get the job!
Whoop whoop, you found a perfect match? Now it’s time to really get the job!
Make sure you know as much as you can about the company.
Write your application letter as individually as possible.
Let them invite you to an interview (I’m sure they do ;))
Rock the interview and start your remote work journey!
Finding a remote job can be very easy, but it can also take weeks or months. Don’t get frustrated and don’t stress yourself. Looking for a new job – no matter if it’s a remote or office-based one – requires patience. Making clear what you want is the first step in the right direction. Do it now!
