INSIDE: Learn where to find a remote part-time job, see what skills you need, and get tips on applying for a remote job.

Whether you’ve been out of a job for a while or are just looking for a change of scenery, remote work may be the answer you’re looking for. As a job seeker, you’ll find that remote work opportunities offer a wide variety in both scope of work and scheduling. Maybe you’ll finally get the work-life balance you’ve been looking for!

With that being said, finding a part-time remote job can be a struggle for many. You probably have a lot of questions before you even start your job search. In today’s post, we’ll try to answer some of those questions so you can better prepare yourself as a new remote job seeker.

What skills do you need to work remotely?

In addition to needing a reliable internet connection and an up-to-date computer, there are some common personality traits and Working skills necessary to successfully work from home.

Basic computer skills. Most companies will want to make sure that you know how to use a computer. Your resume should include even those simple skills like Microsoft Office, email, Google Docs, etc.

typing skills. Write speed requirements range from 35 WPM or over 65 WPM depending on the job. Luckily there are plenty of free online typing tests and practice resources available online.

Good communication. Being able to convey information quickly and easily is key when working from home. You may not only need to communicate with your supervisor and co-workers, but you may also need to communicate with clients or customers.

Problem resolution. You can’t just get up from your desk and walk a few steps to ask a coworker or supervisor for help when you’re working from home. It is imperative that you have some confidence in your critical thinking and ability to solve problems that may arise.

Time management. There can be a lot of distractions when you work remotely. You may be tempted to do a load of laundry, run to the store, take a quick nap. It is very important that you learn to manage your time and meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently. Likewise, you won’t have coworkers around to keep you motivated.

willingness to learn. Technology is constantly changing. Not only do you need to be open to learning new things, but you also shouldn’t be afraid to pursue learning opportunities on your own. There are so many online resources available to strengthen your skill set.

What challenges may you face as a remote worker?

Working remotely isn’t all sunshine and roses. There are some struggles that you are likely to face.

Isolation. Working from home can be lonely at times. This is especially a problem for the social butterflies among us. Make it a priority to get out in public regularly. Stop using text messages for all your communications and reach out to family and friends by phone if you can’t meet in person. Ask your remote company if there are any opportunities available to connect with other remote workers. local volunteer. Join a social organization in your community.

technological problems. You are your own IT department when you work remotely. You may not know how to fix everything, but you should know how to start by turning your computer off/on and clearing its cache as the first step. If that doesn’t work, Google or YouTube. If it’s really a problem with your company’s software, learn how to submit a support ticket or contact a supervisor.

Where to find remote work opportunities

Your next obvious question is where to find a part-time remote job. There are a ton of great remote job boards and resources available.

Indeed – This is a job board you are probably familiar with as it includes both local and remote jobs. You will want to use keywords like “work from home” or “home based” in your search terms.

craigslist – You can find legitimate remote jobs on Craigslist, but you have to be careful. The site is also riddled with scams and trading opportunities. As always, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If they don’t mention the company name, don’t provide a website or contact information, or use a free email service like Gmail to send your remote work application, be careful. You should also watch out for grammatical errors and the use of websites with terms like “profit” or “wealth.” Those are big red flags.

FlexJobs – If you are looking for job opportunities that have been thoroughly vetted and researched for you, FlexJobs is the place for you. This site requires a paid membership, but it is very affordable for the services and benefits it provides.

Remote.co – This remote work site was founded by Sara Sutton, the same person who founded FlexJobs. You will also find remote jobs listed on this site. No membership required, but don’t expect as many job postings, search features, or perks for job seekers as FlexJobs.

Glass door – This is a great site for researching companies. Allow current and former remote workers to leave feedback. Be careful not to use these reviews as an excuse not to continue your job search. Everyone’s experience is different. What doesn’t work for one person may be what works for you. What you really want to look for are red flags like non-payment or no one having anything nice to say.

Tips for Applying for a Remote Job

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when applying for a remote position.

1. Do your research. What does the job entail? Also research the company you are applying to. Where they are located. What do current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed have to say about them?
2. Customize each app. You probably have a general resume and cover letter, but take a few minutes to tailor them to each job you submit. A specific verbiage is almost always mentioned in remote job listings. If it applies to your skill set, make sure verbatim verbatim in your resume or cover letter. Ex. If the qualifications listed by the employer include calendar management and Google Docs and you don’t currently have them on your resume, you may want to add them. As long as they’re part of your skill set, of course.
3. read the instructions. Many remote companies use a few tricks to quickly narrow down their candidate pool. One of those ways is to include some directives in your worklists. For example, an employer may say to use a specific subject line when sending an email. Or ask you to include specific words or fonts in your cover letter. Failing to do one of these things can mean automatic disqualification no matter how perfect you think you would be for the job. If you can’t follow directions or pay attention to detail in your eyes, you won’t get the job.

How do you answer “Why do you want to work remotely?”

This is a common question during the remote interview process and one that confuses many people. You have to tread carefully, especially if your main reason for wanting to work from home is something that could also be misconstrued, as you may not take your remote work seriously.

Examples:

• You don’t get along with your current employer.
• You no longer want to pay for babysitting.
• You are looking for an easy job.
• You want more free time.

Construct answers that emphasize your strengths and benefit the potential employer.

Now that you have a general idea of ​​what to expect when you arrive at the remote job board and a potential remote company, don’t forget your patience. The process of searching, applying and hiring work at home can be long. Keep connecting and make the app a priority. Eventually, the perfect remote work opportunity will appear.