Top considerations when looking for remote work

Remote work has consistently been on the rise for several years. In 2020 in Australia, 64% of employees worked from home, largely due to the pandemic. However, as more business owners and employees alike began to realise the benefits of remote work, the trend of staying at home continued even in a post-pandemic society.

Some of those benefits include greater productivity, a better work-life balance, and more flexibility.

But, before you decide if remote work is right for you, there are some important things to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest things to keep in mind when looking for remote work. The more you prepare yourself for what to expect and the more you understand what employers are looking for, the easier and smoother the process will be.

Which jobs can be done remotely?

Thanks to advancements in technology, many jobs can be done remotely today that required in-person work just a few years ago. You might be surprised to find your field in the remote “industry”, so don’t be afraid to look for different positions that fit your experience and skills. Some of the best remote jobs available today include:

• Developer
• Translator
• Graphic designer
• Journalist/writer
• Career coach
• Customer service representative
• Social media manager

Even jobs in industries you might not expect can be done remotely. For example, if you’ve worked in healthcare your entire life and you’re thinking about making the switch to remote work, there are many jobs that can be done from home, including some counselling or therapy positions, nutritionist jobs, reception work and billing, and even certain nursing positions.

One of the great things about remote positions is that they allow you to work from anywhere. This allows you to consider a location change without giving up a career you love. Make sure to take the time to research employers who might be hiring within your skillset who will allow you to complete the work from home.

How to prepare yourself

When you’re considering remote work, it’s not enough to simply start a job search and apply for everything you’re interested in. It can be a big transition for some people, especially if you’ve been working in an in-person setting your whole life. Before you even land a remote job, it’s important to prepare yourself and your home.

First, it’s essential to make sure you have the right cybersecurity measures in place. The last thing you want is for your home network to be compromised, or you could put your personal information at risk. One of the easiest ways to protect your network is by using a VPN. A VPN serves as an extra “shield” or a wall to protect your important files and work documents, especially if you’re on a public network. It’s not uncommon for remote workers to do their jobs from coffee shops, cafes, libraries, or other public places where the Wi-Fi connection might not be secure. A VPN protects you from those public networks by adding encryption.

In addition to making sure you have a strong security system in place, it’s important to prepare yourself for a remote work lifestyle. Everyone works differently, but some of the following tips can make it easier for you:

• Have a designated office space in your home
• Set designated working hours each day
• Maintain a regular routine
• Take frequent breaks
• Practice self-care

There’s often a learning curve that comes with working from home. Prepare yourself as much as possible ahead of time, but make sure you’re willing to be flexible and learn as you go when you finally start working remotely.

What employers are looking for

So, are you ready to take the plunge and start looking for remote work? Maybe you’ve already been applying for positions but aren’t getting the callbacks you want. Because remote work is becoming so popular, the competition is strong. Knowing what employers are looking for in remote workers can help you maintain an edge and get. Employers want to make sure remote workers are reliable, productive, and strong communicators. Finding ways to highlight those skills in your resume or cover letter could help you get noticed sooner.

Make sure you’re not afraid to be yourself in your resume and if you get an interview. Today’s employers are looking for personality and diversity. So, while professionalism is a priority, this is your chance to highlight your relevant interests and individuality. Avoiding too much jargon in your interviews could help you seem more trustworthy and show a potential employer that you’re easy to get along with and that you’re likely to engage in communication regularly.

Don’t be afraid, however, to turn down a position if you don’t feel like it’s right for you. Remote jobs can come with certain challenges. If you’re not interested or engaged in a particular position, you’re likely to feel unmotivated, lose productivity, and even experience burnout.

Remote work will likely continue to grow in popularity as more people recognise the benefits. If you think it might be right for your career path, keep these considerations in mind and prepare yourself as much as possible.

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash