In the last two years, we have seen an explosion of remote jobs. Still, many companies will expect you to work in a specific timezone. There’s often an expectation that you will be based in the same country where the HQ is located.

There are many legal implications for why companies do not want to hire people who work and travel but do not despair. For the past 7 years, I have worked with fully-remote companies that have hired me while travelling the world.

In this quick guide, you will learn the best ways to find remote companies that hire digital nomads, but let’s first set your expectations.

How much flexibility do you seek?

There’s a big difference between being an employee, contractor and freelancer. As an employee, you will have to work a specific work routine and timezone to meet your employer’s needs.

A contractor will have a little more say in when they will be working, whereas a freelancer will work whenever they want to.

Most digital nomads enjoy exploring the place they are staying in, but it is no fun if you have to spend the daylight hours working. In my opinion, you might as well be back home working in an office.

It’s essential to think about how much flexibility you want in your working routine before you take the first step into searching for remote work.

So, what are the best ways to find remote companies that hire digital nomads?

Remote Job boards

It’s common sense to start off where companies are advertising remote jobs. Weworkremotely.com and nodesk.co list companies that regularly post opportunities for remote workers.

This is where I would start.

Think about your skills, experience and the industry you would like to work in. Create a shortlist of companies and start searching for opportunities that match your skillset.

If you’re unsure what jobs would be best suited, read this guide on running through my remote job skills analysis exercise.

Research remote companies

You mustn’t focus only on applying for remote jobs via listing sites. Spend time researching companies you would like to work for and research if they are the type of companies that fit within your digital nomad lifestyle.

Look for fully-distributed companies. What do I mean by this?

These are companies that do not have a physical office address. The workforce is located all over the world, and they work remotely. Most of these companies will be familiar with employees working in different time zones, and they often have a good work culture where there’s no expectation to work 9-5.

Good remote companies know they get the best out of their workforce by not micromanaging them and giving them the freedom to work when they are the most productive.

Have a read of reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and focus on reading the negative experiences. Read the company “about page” and their blog content. What does it tell you about the company?

Is the founder an active traveller?

Do they have regular team gatherings in interesting locations?

Once you have drawn up a list of companies you would love to work for, firstly check out if they have a careers page with the latest opportunities. Not all companies advertise on remote job boards.

Next, read this guide on approaching companies to find out about available remote jobs.

Social media

Companies that are fully-remote love to create content on social media, promoting that they have a workforce worldwide. It’s a massive benefit for people who want to work for them. Their customers and clients are also interested in knowing that they are a forward-thinking company.

Search hashtags like #remotework on social networks to find companies promoting that they are fully distributed. Then, follow those companies and engage with them. Read this Twitter and LinkedIn guide for more helpful advice on engaging with companies on these platforms.

From my 7+ years of experience seeking remote work, these are the best ways to find remote companies that hire digital nomads.