It is a known fact that even before the pandemic forced many companies to embrace working from home, the gig economy was already in full swing. Thanks to the evolution of technology, individuals have already adapted to going remote, working from the comforts of their own homes.

These days, however, finding a job can be tough. With an economic slowdown due to the pandemic, there are days when you might be wondering if all your effort will actually pay off. The short answer? It is. It is important to remember that while it can be frustrating from time to time, remote job hunting during this time is not impossible—with the right strategy and mindset, you can find a job that perfectly suits the career you envision for yourself.

If you’re wondering how exactly to do this, we have 7 tips that you can use to make remote job hunting a lot easier:

1.Use the right keywords

When searching for remote jobs, make sure to use keywords that will get you the right results. When on job search engines, try words like “remote,“ “virtual,” or “work from home” to get more specific results. By automatically filtering out jobs that don’t fit your search, you will be doing yourself a favor. Preventing yourself from becoming drained in the long run will be a huge help when it comes to job hunting.

2.Look into your local market

One thing to keep in mind is that there are instances where companies are more willing to hire remote employees if they know that they are physically accessible if absolutely necessary. They might prefer working with someone from the same city, country, or time zone. While this is not the case for every company, it would be good to check with them first to set expectations.

3.Give remote-only job boards a try

While it is certainly possible to make use of mainstream engines by using keywords such as “remote” or “work from home,” a quick Google search will show you that there are websites dedicated specifically to looking for remote jobs. This can make your search a lot easier. In addition to this, there are even websites for more niche careers, focusing on more specific fields.

4.Start building your own network

A job opportunity can stem from everywhere, not just online search engines. This is why it is important for young professionals to build their own network and nurture these relationships. One thing you already can do is to look into your own network and see if they have connections to companies that want to hire remote employees. They could even put in a good word for you if they have experienced working with you or at least have some knowledge of how you work.

5.Convey your ability to work independently

Standing out from a crowd is everything when it comes to job hunting—it is a competitive market, after all. To do this, make sure that your resume and cover letter highlights things such as independence, being driven, and being able to take the initiative. It is also helpful to highlight whether you’ve already had experience working remotely or as a freelancer in the past. Seeing the word “remote” or “remote-ready” displayed on your profile will instantly catch the attention of an employer.

6.Prepare yourself for phone and video interviews

One benefit of the world shifting to the work from home set up is that there is no need to commute to the office of the company you’re applying to for an interview. At first glance, phone and video interviews sound a lot easier, but keep in mind that it comes with its own unique set of challenges. These include the following: making sure you are in a quiet place to avoid interruptions, checking your audio, and having sufficient lighting. Whether in person or online, you should always come to an interview prepared. When the opportunity comes up, be sure to ask your own questions as well to express interest.

7.Set realistic expectations

In addition to the new nature and environment of working, recruiting and hiring processes have also changed. This can lead to more waiting time, and as a result, more frustration on your end. If you have come to this point, patience is key! Rather than giving in to your frustration, show understanding and follow up if it has been a few weeks to express your interest in the role. Afterwards, simply keep applying to other jobs to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. You should open yourself up to as much opportunities as possible.

 

Good luck with remote job hunting!