How to Land Your Next Work From Home Gig
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Whether you’re a remote workforce veteran or new to the game due to the pandemic, remote and flexible work arrangements have become commonplace within the modern corporate landscape.
Not only are there opportunities in traditionally more flexible industries (think innovative tech start-ups, advertising agencies, digital media firms…foosball in the breakroom, anyone?), it’s become increasingly more common to see work-from-home opportunities cross into organizations less inclined to onboard remote workers pre-pandemic.
From fostering a healthier work-life balance to enabling access to better opportunities without the limitation of physical location, there are many benefits to engaging in a work-from-home lifestyle.
If you’re exploring remote or flexible schedule opportunities, there are few things you’ll want to consider.
Know Your Job Boards
LinkedIn is one of the world’s leading platforms for professional networking and job seeking. The basic package of this platform is free to use once an account and profile have been set up. Not only does having an active profile on LinkedIn allow for active job searching, but having an online presence also increases the likelihood of more passive opportunities for connecting with prospective employers.
This platform features a robust Jobs page, where you will have the opportunity to search for opportunities that align with your unique skill sets and preferred job qualifications, including work-from-home and flexible scheduling options.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is a free, user-friendly platform that utilizes AI-powered technology to connect career seekers with prospective employers. This platform even has a separate Remote search page with 300K+ remote jobs currently listed nationwide, from which you can further tailor your searches to align with your backgrounds and target opportunities.
You also have the option to upload your resume, career experience, and job preferences to the ZipRecruiter database, where hiring managers can search for the required skill sets for their posted jobs.
Remote-Specific Job Boards
There are also a variety of online job boards specifically dedicated to all things remote work, including:
We Work Remotely, Virtual Vocations, Remote.co, FlexJobs, and JustRemote
Leverage Key Term Searches
If you’ve ever spent any time on a job board site and instantly felt overwhelmed - you’re not alone. Within highly competitive hiring markets, it’s critical to work smarter (not harder) when you’re on the hunt for your next great opportunity.
One way to simplify your search process is to use appropriate key terms that align with your remote and flexible work schedule goals. When searching for work-from-home opportunities, consider utilizing one or more of these terms:
“Remote Work,” “Work from Home,” “Work-from-Home,” “Work at Home,” “Work-at-Home,” “Flexible Schedule,” “Telecommute” or “Telecommuting,” “Virtual,” “Home-Based,” “Freelance” or “Consultant”
Understand Company Values
Considering alignment with company culture is always critical when exploring opportunities. However, this becomes even more important when entertaining remote-based roles. Throughout the research, application, and interview process with a new company, seek answers to the following questions:
What communication strategies are in place to keep remote team members engaged?
Are there any expectations around set work hours or time zones?
What does remote onboarding for the first week, month, and quarter look like?
What resources and continuing education opportunities are there for remote team members?
Remember: 1) Finding a new remote opportunity doesn't have to be overwhelming, 2) ideal work from home opportunities ARE out there, so there’s no need to settle, and 3) our team is rooting for you!
Claire Webber
Founder / Lead HR & Career Consultant
Founding member of Clarity Career Solutions’ team of rockstars. Leverages a background in HR, Talent Development, Recruiting, and Consulting to help others achieve purpose driven careers.
Considering a career transition? Our team of experts would be happy to be a resource for you! Learn more about the Clarity Career Solutions team here. We’d love to learn more about you and your career goals!