Applying for a remote job and not being hired can be soul-destroying. The biggest lesson to learn is not to take it personally, do not give up and keep trying.

From my own experience, the worst feeling is when you are not getting interview invites, but there is usually a reason. In this article, we take a look at the challenges of getting a remote job and how to overcome them.

Please subscribe to my free weekly remote work email. All subscribers receive a copy of 10-Steps to Land the Perfect Remote Job. This guide will increase your chances of getting hired with a strategy that worked for me.

Not knowing where to start

It’s likely that you have been working within a specific industry for a while and are not sure of what remote opportunities are available. My first recommended task is to make a note of your skills and experience.

Then, think about the type of work that you’re passionate about.

After all, you have to be motivated to get out of bed and start working from home. Be open-minded, do not feel you have to work in the same industry, or job role. Take this opportunity to make changes.

Once you know the type of roles you’re looking for, the next task is to start searching on remote job boards. To save time, read the listing thoroughly because some companies are looking for employees to work a specific timezone.

Check when the listing was submitted. You do not want to be applying for a role that has already been filled. Some of the job boards are not good at updating the listings.

Tough competitioon

Let’s be realistic here for a moment. Landing a remote job is hard because you are up against people from all over the world. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, millions of people have experienced working from home for the first time, and do not want to go back to the office.

You are going to have to stand out amongst the other applicants. How? This is where you become creative, depending on the role you’re applying for. What can you do that is going to make the recruiter / HR take notice of you?

One of my clients needed help on this – she’s a copywriter. When sending the resume and cover letter, she also sent a document with spelling and grammar mistakes within the copy on the company’s website.

She also sent them a mock-up of how the homepage would be to increase the click-through rate to the products that the company was selling.

It worked a treat. The next day the head of HR invited her for an interview and was hired the same day. Keep it simple but stand out.

Lack of experience

Be honest with yourself before applying for any remote job. While you might lack experience in the role, think about what other skills you have that would benefit the business. This is where planning ahead helps.

Your goal is to escape the office and work remotely.

Think about how your current employer could help you build the skills you will need for the roles you want to apply for in the future.

What courses or training could you go through in your spare time? Could you take some additional work at the weekend, maybe freelance in your spare time to build up your knowledge and experience?

Do not assume that you are not employable because you don’t have a particular skill set. Taking action and learning is essential.

Self doubt

Self-doubt will enter your head, especially, if you are being rejected for jobs or not getting interview invites. Keep a positive mindset and realize that it’s not your abilities, but securing a remote job is more competitive.

Consume positive content and speak with friends who have a mindset that keeps you focused and confident. Avoid negative people because they can bring you down to their level, and no one wants that.

Take each application as it comes. Take your time updating your resume, and write a cover letter that will make the company realize that they need to hire you right now. Be confident in your abilities.

No response from employers

The most soul-destroying aspect of applying for remote jobs is not getting any response from the company.

When speaking with coaching clients in the past, all of them have reservations about contacting the company for feedback. Yes, likely, they will not respond, but any that do will give you feedback on where you need to improve.

How do you know that they received your application?

Maybe the job has been withdrawn due to funding, yet, you have worried yourself thinking you do not have the skills to do the job. Do not be afraid of reaching out for feedback, it’s the only way you can improve.