Remote work is here to stay
Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve heard more and more about remote work in Canada and elsewhere. And as workplaces move towards what can only be called a new normal, it’s clear that many Canadians want to continue working remotely, even if it’s just from home. But if you can work remotely, why do that within your same four walls? The greater acceptance of remote work means that many people aren’t just working from home—instead, they are becoming the new digital nomads, and are choosing to work anywhere. It sounds exciting, and for many people, it’s the way to go.
But is it for you? And how do you find a good remote job, anyways?
Does remote working work for you?
Doing the thing you love in any part of the world can seem like a dream come true. But it’s not for everyone. For many people, it’s not easy being efficient when you’re home in your pajamas, let alone on a beach in an exotic locale. The fact is that for many people, the regular office and the 9 to 5 work schedule is a great fit. Maybe instead of working remotely, you can change things up by relocating to another city. If you do, make sure to contact pro movers right away, since winter may be the best time of year for moving.
It’s important to ask yourself some fundamental questions before you look for online jobs, to better understand if remote work fits the way you work. For example: how self-motivated are you? Are you able to ignore distractions? Do you have a place in your home—or elsewhere—where you actually can work? Can you manage the tax implications?
If your answers to these questions are making it look like remote work could work for you, then let’s skip ahead to find out how to get a great remote job.
Don’t just recycle. Re-do!
If remote work is something fundamentally different from the regular office environment, then you need to re-tool your approach to your job search. And that starts with creating a resume and a cover letter that’s different from the ones you currently have on your desktop. You’ll probably spend far less time looking for work if you put in the extra effort required to tailor your cover letter and CV to each position.
You want to emphasize any and all remote work that you’ve already done, and you need to convince employers that you have the skills and the mindset—let alone the actual workspace—where you can fulfill the job requirements. Essentially, you’ll want to adapt your previous successes to the current opportunity.
Here are some other great tips for writing that standout resume for the remote work position of your dreams!
Be different, and build connection
So if remote work is different, you have to be different, too. Sometimes that’s as simple as learning how to use business communication software like Teams or Slack, which may not be something you’ve used in an office environment in the past. Other times, it means making connections warmly and professionally, and here’s the thing: remotely.
When you’ve gotten into the swing of submitting great applications, you need to take it to the next level. Your college degree won’t do all the talking for you, and simply submitting a resume probably won’t cut it. Show that you know how to navigate the remote work environment by using tools like email and LinkedIn to actually introduce yourself to recruiting managers advertising for remote positions.
Make connections and acquaintances with people around you who are already working remotely in advance of your job search. Let’s say this again, but differently: don’t just network. Build connection instead. Call your contacts, and ask how they are doing. Not only is this acceptable business etiquette, it gives you a chance to let people know that you are motivated to find remote work. And when you’ve put yourself out there, the friends you’ve made along the way will likely hire you when the time comes.
Ask your boss!
Wait a minute. Have you thought about asking your current boss if you can work remotely? Even if it’s just for one or two days of the week? The fact is, after considering both the pros and cons of remote work, many employers are open to introducing greater flexibility for employees. Maybe what’s needed is someone—say you—to initiate that conversation. Do your research, and make sure you communicate to your employer how they can benefit from remote work. Don’t just talk about how good it might be for you.
Always learn and improve
The last, and most essential piece of advice we can give you is to always learn and improve, and be ready to talk about your learning journey. The remote job market is less stable, and more unpredictable than the conventional one. You need to keep up and prove your worth over and over again, and you need to use digital tools to do this.
Take advantage of remote training opportunities, and consider enrolling in an upskilling bootcamp, like the ones offered by Palette Skills. The SalesCamp program, for example, gets you ready for an exciting career in B2B tech sales, and more often than not, these positions are a great way to break into remote work!
