How to Land A Remote Career
Whether you are a newbie or changing careers, check out these tips for landing remote jobs.
3/3/20254 min read
Introduction
The debate over remote work has taken center stage in recent years. On one side, traditionalists argue that in-person interactions foster creativity and collaboration. On the other, remote workers have demonstrated that productivity and engagement can thrive outside the office. In fact, studies show that remote employees often exhibit greater company loyalty and higher output due to fewer in-office distractions.
Despite the clear benefits, many companies remain hesitant. Some enforce return-to-office mandates, while executives continue working remotely themselves. This disconnect has fueled dissatisfaction among employees who feel undervalued. Yet, for companies looking to cut costs and improve work-life balance for their teams, remote work remains a viable and effective option.
The statistics speak for themselves:
In the U.S., 46% of job applications went to just 10% of fully remote job postings.
In the U.K., 18% of applicants applied to 9% of fully remote jobs.
Yes, you read that right! Only 10% of jobs in the U.S. were remote, yet nearly half of all applications targeted those roles. The numbers highlight the growing demand for flexible work arrangements.
Preferences for Remote Work:
54% of workers want to be fully remote; 41% prefer a hybrid schedule.
63% say that having remote work is the most important aspect of a job.
77% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials would look for a new job if forced to return to the office full-time.
With return-to-office policies on the rise, many workers are dusting off their resumes, searching for opportunities that align with their values. One remote employee put it bluntly: “They think we sit at home in pajamas watching Netflix, but the reality is I work harder at home than I ever did in an office.” Another worker noted, “Remote work allows me to survive on one job. If I had to return to the office, I’d need a second job just to make ends meet.”
Maybe your company is forcing a return-to-office, or perhaps you’ve never worked remotely before but believe it could enhance your work-life balance. If you’ve been asking yourself, How can I get a remote job?—you’re in the right place. The good news is that even without direct experience, you can land a remote job with the right strategy. Let’s explore how.
1. Are You a Newbie? Start Here
Now is a great time to transition into a new career or try freelancing. Entry-level remote jobs that frequently hire include:
Virtual Assistant – Administrative support, email management, scheduling.
Customer Support Representative – Assisting customers via phone, email, or chat.
Social Media Manager – Managing and creating content for social platforms.
Data Entry Clerk – Inputting and organizing information in databases.
Content Writer – Writing blog posts, website content, and marketing materials.
Transcriptionist – Converting audio into written text.
Pro tip: Search for jobs using the keyword “remote” on job boards to filter relevant opportunities.
Where to Find Remote Jobs:
Workersonboard – Includes job listings and articles.
Rat Race Rebellion – Curated, screened remote jobs.
The Work From Home Woman – Regularly updated job postings.
2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
Even without prior remote experience, you likely have skills that apply. Employers value:
Communication – Strong written and verbal skills for emails and virtual meetings.
Organization & Time Management – Ability to manage tasks independently.
Tech Proficiency – Familiarity with tools like Google Docs, Zoom, Trello, and Slack.
Customer Service – If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality, or client-facing roles, emphasize this experience.
On your resume and cover letter, highlight these skills and how they apply to remote work.
3. Gain Experience Without a Job
If you lack direct experience, try these options:
Freelance or Gig Work – Start small with Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
Volunteer Work – Sites like Catchafire.org and Idealist.org offer remote volunteer projects.
Create a Portfolio – Showcase your work on Google Sites, Notion, or Medium.
4. Learn Remote Work Skills Fast
You don’t need a degree—just the right skills! Check out these free or affordable courses:
Google Digital Garage – Free courses on marketing, analytics, and business.
Coursera & Udemy – Affordable courses on tech, writing, and administration.
HubSpot Academy – Free certifications in customer service, marketing, and CRM tools.
YouTube Tutorials – Practical lessons on nearly every remote skill.
5. Optimize Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile
Resume Tips:
Use keywords from job descriptions to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Highlight freelance, volunteer, or self-taught projects as experience.
List technical skills relevant to remote work (Zoom, Google Drive, Trello).
Networking Tips:
Send personalized messages to hiring managers on LinkedIn.
Join Facebook groups & Slack communities for remote job seekers.
Attend virtual job fairs & webinars to connect with employers.
6. Apply Smart & Avoid Scams
Best Platforms for Remote Jobs:
LinkedIn Jobs – Apply directly and message hiring managers.
AngelList – Great for startup jobs.
Worst Platforms for Remote Jobs:
Indeed & CareerBuilder – High number of scams and spam listings.
Craigslist – Legit jobs exist but are often buried under scam postings.
7. Prepare for the Remote Job Interview
Common Questions:
“How do you stay organized while working remotely?”
“What tools have you used for remote work?”
“How do you handle communication in a remote setting?”
Interview Tips:
Set up a professional video call space.
Test your tech setup (Zoom, Google Meet) beforehand.
Showcase your communication & problem-solving skills with examples.
Conclusion
Landing a remote job without experience is possible with the right strategy:
Develop transferable skills and gain experience through freelance or volunteer work.
Optimize your resume & LinkedIn to stand out.
Apply smartly & network strategically.
Prepare for remote job interviews to impress employers.
Take action today! Apply for three remote jobs or enroll in a free online course to boost your skills. With persistence, your first remote job is within reach!