With labour shortages steering today’s job market, it’s candidates who have the upper hand. And with more positions to choose from, job seekers are looking for the flexibility that has found its way into the workplace, triggered by the pandemic.
If that sounds like you right now, you may be asking what companies are hiring remote workers and how you can find them if they’re outside your local market. Also, how can you be assured you’ll be able to work from home for the long term?
Keep reading for some practical advice on how to find remote jobs, with five tips that encourage you to take a multipronged approach.
1. Look for remote job postings online
To kick off your search, you can look at the listings on job search websites or go straight to the top companies in your industry to see what open positions they have. That can be overwhelming, however, especially with sites that don’t use filters for users to find their remote jobs.
Robert Half has a site where you can search remote jobs and filter them by job type (contract, contract-to-permanent or permanent placement) and specialization. The specializations include jobs in administrative and customer support, finance and accounting, legal, marketing and creative, and technology.
You can also create a job alert where you’ll be emailed when new remote jobs are listed.
2. Connect with specialized recruiters
Recruiters with talent solutions firms like Robert Half often have knowledge of new job opportunities before they’re advertised. We have seen a surge in demand from employers around the world willing to hire candidates from anywhere, so when you work with us, you’re not limited to those jobs in your immediate area. We can help you identify the right opportunity and make it easy for you to work from home, no matter your setup or equipment.
Moreover, when you register with Robert Half, you’ll have a recruiter to advocate for you in the job market. Our talent specialists are experts at unearthing opportunities, and we can make the case to employers about why you’re the best person for a particular remote job. Best of all? There’s no cost to job seekers for our services.
Submit your resume to be considered for remote jobs.
3. Tap your online network
With so many people working from home and spending hours on digital devices, there’s a tremendous amount of online networking taking place. Keep up with the competition by using this time to make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and in sterling shape. (The same goes for your resume, cover letter and digital portfolio, if you have one.) Reconnect with previous colleagues, check in with former managers and try to expand your network by joining online alumni communities.
Put simply, don’t be shy about letting people know you’re looking to find a remote job.
4. Look far and wide
There are many benefits to working from home. One of the advantages is that you don’t have to worry about a daily commute. When looking for a remote job, cast a wide net and don’t limit yourself to pursuing career opportunities within your city or even your province.
Some jobs are marketed as “work-from-anywhere” openings, which means you’d have the flexibility to take your career anywhere without any location requirements. Keep in mind, however, that some companies will ask you to attend occasional in-person meetings or to collaborate across time zones — which can mean working outside a 9-to-5 schedule.
5. Recognize things can change
We’re living in a fluid situation. Some companies that allow employees to work remotely for the time being may not extend that arrangement indefinitely. If you do land a job offer, be sure to seek clarification during the negotiation. You’ll want to walk into the role with a clear understanding of the policies around working remotely at that company.
A successful job search has always required determination, diligence and attention to detail. The key to knowing how to find remote jobs in the current market is to use a combination of elements from a traditional job search, intertwined with new tools and procedures.
The Robert Half app can help you manage your job search in one place — on your mobile phone. You can find remote job listings and instantly apply for jobs from the app.
