(and you should definitely mention in your application)
As promised, the follow up to how
you can get your new remote job, and start working from home, a co-working or
anywhere you would like. Let´s say you did your proper search and found some
openings you would like to apply for, it´s good to take into account that
applying for a remote job is somewhat different than applying for a ´standard´
job. So what are the things you should definitely mention:
Trust
There is really only one word: trust. And this is the whole reason most companies are still rather hesitant to offer remote working possibilities. No one can track whether you are behind your computer watching Facebook, or working properly. Whether your coffee break was 2 or 20 minutes.
So you need to show that your employer can trust you. And for this, you need to show you are a self-motivator, a self-starter, a great communicator, are passionate about the job you are applying for and fit nicely in the company culture. Not that different from applying for a normal job in a way, but these skills are especially important to mention in your remote working application.
For me, remote employers seem to like that I have managed to start my own company remotely, as well as the fact that I have worked and travelled. It shows that I can dedicate and commit, without getting (too) distracted. That I have experience with this, and have already learned what does and does not work for me, and therefore the remote employer feels it´s less risky to hire me.
Absolutely mention why you think remote working will make you more productive and/or motivated (do nót mention that you want to work remotely because you want to sit on a beach in Indonesia, spend more time with your cats, be able to work in your bathing suit, though they are all very valid reasons, believe me. But might not be too interesting for your future employer)
Think about how you being remote could fit in with the company culture (do some research on their websites and social media and mention two or three things that especially speak to you about their profile).
Show your online communication skills.
Since probably all of your internal communication will happen online, make sure you show that you have experience in this. Not only using Skype, but also online management platforms, such as Slack, Trello, etc. Give examples of how you have used these tools before and think that they add something valuable to your work style.
This ties to your organizational skills, how you can motivate people to do their best without you being there, how you are able to make things happen without somebody having to tell you or looking over your shoulder.
Show that you are able to prioritize
Time management is key when
working remotely: a deadline is a deadline and there is no way you can escape
from that. Even if the surf looks amazing, everyone is out on a bbq or any
other fairly valid reason for which you think you should not be working right
now, it´s very important that you always stick to deadlines and appointments
made. It basically ties to the trust mentioned above, once a deadline failed,
the trust will start breaking down. And that might be the last thing you want
to happen.
Show that you are reachable
Related to this, make sure that you are reachable, respond to emails or other forms of communication in a timely manner and always make your messages concrete and transparent. It is harder to explain your messages in person and words, this email is all you have.
That said, when having your first contact with your potential new employer, show that you are aware of time zones. When setting a date and a time, always mention the time-zone you are talking about.
Ensure that you have proper equipment and good Wi-Fi connection
Sure, anything can happen with any equipment or Wi-Fi, but having your potential job interview over a stammering Wi-Fi connection in a bar is not the best way to convince your future employer that you (and your surroundings) have what it takes to become a remote worker. This doesn´t mean that you will never be able to work from noisy café´s, but maybe not right from the beginning.
Show that you are a team player
This one goes for any job, but is especially important when working remotely and thus not in the daily company of your colleagues. Give examples of how you have worked in teams before, what your colleagues like in you (and especially those things that could be useful when working remotely, for example that you are really good at summarizing meetings, not so much that you always bring everyone coffee in the morning).
So, what do you think? You got what it takes?
Let me know who has been searching/landing/applying for remote jobs!!!
