About the author
Great question. You are smart to ask, why? Knowing what you will be up against will increase your chances of being hired into a remote job and escaping the office permanently.
When entering the unknown, it’s good to discover the challenges and find solutions to reach the finish line.
This is especially true if you are new to searching for remote jobs and are unsure where to start. What challenges will I face in finding a remote job?
The Stress of Finding a Remote Job
They say finding a job is one of the most stressful things you will do in your life, alongside moving home and getting married. If you have recently lost your job and are desperate to find a new one quickly, this comes with additional pressure.
It’s easier said than done but keep calm. Take it a step at a time as you go through the remote job process. Stay positive and realize your value to a company and what you can offer them.
Not Sure Where to Start
The recommended reading below will give you all the steps you need to get started, but consider your skills, experience, and passions. Is there a remote job that fits all three areas? You can search remote job boards, identify roles that you would be suited to, and start from there.
Recommended read: 10-Steps to Landing Your Perfect Remote Job
You will find many tips for working remotely in our library of articles.
Getting Noticed
Not getting a remote job interview can be a frustrating experience and lead to a lack of confidence. Landing a Remote job is very competitive, and you have to stand out to get noticed.
Part of my work with clients is helping them stand out because 98% of people will do the bare minimum to land a remote job. Depending on the role you’re applying for, you only need a little creativity.
Here’s an example: If you’re applying for a design role, you could redesign the company logo, mock up an improved user interface for their product, or create improved social media designs. Then, upload your work to a site like Dribbble and send them a link in your cover letter.
Lack of Support
Searching and applying for remote jobs can be a lonely experience, but it doesn’t need to be. You could chat with friends about their experiences applying for jobs. Or subscribe to the Hive, my free remote work email, and get monthly support in your email inbox.
I aim to make this website a comprehensive resource for remote workers, so there’s a lot of support here. If you have any questions, email me or watch my YouTube videos and comment.
Fear of Failure
Fear of failure during remote job interviews can prevent you from performing well and reduce your hiring chances. Please visualize any adverse outcomes when applying for a remote job and write them down.
These will be your fears. You can think about how to tackle them and move forward when they are written down. Sometimes, it’ll be a mindset shift, or just taking action can result in squashing your fears.
Please listen to this remote work podcast episode, where I discuss my fear of failure. You will hear about my fear of failure when I quit my employer of 24 years to work remotely and travel around the world.
Struggling to Receive Interviews
You might not be invited to an interview for many reasons, some of which are out of your control. You mustn’t let this affect your positivity, so continue to take action and apply for remote jobs.
After all, it is their loss if they do not see the value you can add to the company, right?
But, you might be making one or more of the common mistakes that applicants make, so this article will help you identify any areas for improvement.
Lack of Experience
The simple truth is that many companies want applicants who can immediately start the role and require little onboarding.
That said, more innovative companies are thinking long-term and are searching for someone with less experience but who will grow into the role. Within your resume, include your work experience, but also think about other skills you have that could add value to the business. This will help you stand out.
Mindset Challenges
Our mindset plays a massive role in landing a remote job. Doubting your abilities, fearing change, and making the wrong decisions will fail. The only way to move forward is to take action.
Going with my gut instinct is one strategy that has never let me down.
If, during the interview process, you feel that the company and/or role is not for you, then could you identify why that is, and if you feel the same after, remove yourself from the process? It’s important not to make any rash decisions.
In future articles, the mindset challenges will be covered in more detail. Please subscribe to my free remote work email and receive notifications when new content is published on the website. Hopefully, this article has helped you answer my challenges in finding a remote job.
