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The remote job game plan

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Within the tech industry, remote work is increasingly becoming the new normal. According to a 2019 Zapier report, 95% of U.S. knowledge workers want to work remotely and 74% would be willing to quit a job to do so.

The question used to be “Is remote right for you?”. COVID-19 answered that question on our behalf. Now, the question isn’t so much whether remote work is right for you, but what flavor is right.

Remote jobs aren’t all created equal

Remote jobs aren’t all the same, so it’s important to assess different opportunities to determine which might be the perfect fit for you.

Consider how much stability you’re seeking:

There are a lot of different ways to work remotely. Looking for stability and opportunities for growth? Then a full-time position might be your best bet. But if you’re looking for flexibility and freedom (beyond location), a contract or freelance position might be a better option.

Think about when you want to be working:

You can look for companies that keep traditional work hours in your time zone if that’s what works best for you. You can also find a company that’s super flexible and will let you work anytime, anywhere.

Think about what kind of remote culture you want:

Every company does it differently. Some companies have a mostly in-person team with a few remote employees. Others are 100 percent remote. Some companies have you work remotely not too far from the office and show up in person several days a month. Others may have you thousands of miles away, never setting foot in an office.

Understand what remote employers are looking for

When you’re applying for a remote job, you need to understand what sets you apart as the perfect remote candidate and figure out exactly how to frame those characteristics to potential employers. Some in-demand qualifications:

You’re tech-savvy:

Employers with remote staff rely heavily on the latest tools and software to get the job done, such as video conferencing apps. Some companies will pay to get you set up with the gear you need, but others won’t. In any case, be prepared to gain experience with new tools.

You’re an efficient communicator:

You’ll primarily communicate via messaging apps, email, and texts, so it is essential to be able to get your point across clearly and quickly.

You’re independent and trustworthy:

As a remote worker, you’ll probably have the least amount of supervision you’ve experienced in your career. You’ll have to take ownership of your tasks and be proactive and self-motivated in getting them completed on time. If you have previous experience freelancing or running your own business, you’ve got a leg up on the competition.

You’re a great fit for that particular role and the company values: In addition to a high value fit, you should also have skill and experience in the role as well as an understanding and love for the product. Before you apply for a remote job, make sure you’re familiar with the company.

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